In The Spotlight

Licia Chery – “Peace Of Mind”

Born in Switzerland, this passionate singer and songwriter learned to play piano aged 6 and discovered soul music from her heroes Otis Redding, Billie Holiday and Etta James a few years later. She’s been composing, writing and performing live ever since. She released her debut album “Blue Your Mind” in 2011 and was a finalist for the Swiss entry to the Eurovision Songcontest in 2015.

Harken back to the golden age of soul, this fresh taste of her upcoming EP, expected on May 3rd, is a 60s-soaked tribute to the Motown sounds of The Supremes and Aretha Franklin. With an energetic rhythm, harmonious backing vocals and a vintage-dipped instrumentation blending classic soul with a touch of gospel, this is a virulent vessel for her sweet, compelling vocals to tease your eardrums.

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In The Spotlight

Krispy & The Pooch – “Better”

Born in New Zealand, Kriston Batistic and Simon Townsend met in a decaying student house in Auckland five years ago and initially made old-skool hiphop together, which earned them radio play. When Kriston moved to Germany to further his career, Simon soon followed. In their new home they blend their varied musical influences, like neo-soul, funk and electro, into a dance music inspired sound.

Serving as a scrumptious taster of their upcoming debut three-track EP “Something Strange For Change” – to be released on March 27th – this is a buttery smooth Neo-Soul groove. Driven by a sprightly rhythm and shimmering synths, the track is highlighted by mellow, ear-tingling saxophone. Lyrically tackling mental illness, this is a jazzy, soulful slice of infectious auditory artistry.

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In The Spotlight

Vivie Ann – “Cold Water”

This inspirational German singer and songwriter’s journey went from sleeping in her father’s keyboard case as a child, while her musician parents were on stage, via some challenging health issues, to founding her own independent record label. With a rejuvenated passion for life, she creates skillful alt-pop music with honest lyrics and released her debut album “Flowers & Tigers” in 2016.

Taken from her upcoming sophomore album “When The Harbour Becomes The Sea”, to be released on March 15th, her latest single touches all corners on the musical spectrum. Starting with a soft, wistful vibe, she slowly adds intricate melodious elements, until truly erupting with an infectious exuberance in the anthemic chorus, giving her intense, voluminous vocals a sparkling quality.

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In The Spotlight

Michael Donaby – “Real Good Love”

Born and raised in Chicago, the career of this multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer and musician started in 1997 when he landed a record production deal. Influenced by the likes of Bobby Womack, Freddie Jackson and Tyrone Davis, his multi-genre sound ranges from R&B and blues via soulful ballads to contemporary gospel. He released his debut single “When The Music Stops” in 2017.

With a delicious smooth groove that would melt even the coldest of hearts, his new single douses some suave, soul-infused vibes with rose petal covered romanticism. The rousing rhythm, velvety strings and mild, 70s-style wah wah guitars shape a mellow, yet frisky atmosphere in which his seductive, soulful vocals and the vintage-dipped backing harmonies create some real good melodious love.

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In The Spotlight

Hooked Like Helen – “No Turning Back”

Created in a house in the woods near Cleveland, husband and wife duo Nikki and Jonathan Stipp’s experimental home recordings developed into their own unique alt-pop brainchild. With organic, electronic production, their melodic retro groove is offset by sad and dark lyrics. They’ve also had their songs featured on MTV’s “Unlocking The Truth” and the movie “High Strung, Free Dance” in 2018.

Touched by both the tunes of the 80s, as the grooves from the noughties, this delicious taster of their upcoming EP “Tragedy Of Physics” – which is due to be released on May 17th – is a soaring slice of bouncy alt-pop. The multi-colored musical hues of the pulsating melody merge effortlessly with the breezy tremble of the vocals, making this an infectious, uplifting jam that will make you smile.

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In The Spotlight

K!ng – “More Than You & Me”

This Los Angeles-based producer and songwriter duo consists of Cedric Ivory and Ian Rivera. New Orleans-born Cedric started writing and producing music as a teenager. Influenced by the rich cultural heritage of his hometown, he brings a style laced with bayou rhythms and uplifting drums. L.A-native Ian adds smooth, Marvin Gaye-inspired, R&B vocals, blending old skool vibes with modern sounds.

Their sleek, tertiary single is overflowing with sizzling, synth-driven Nu-Disco swagger. Coasting on an intricate, vitalizing beat, the shimmering keys are accentuated with rousing electric guitar solo’s, frisky hand-claps, fresh, effulgent harmonies and Ian‘s slick, soul-dripping vocals, dipping this easygoing dancefloor filler in equal measures of retro glitter-ball glitz and contemporary sonic chic.

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