In The Spotlight

Satellītes – “Love & Disaster”

Born as Jasmine Bleile in rural Ontario, this Canadian songbird and musician has lived a colorful life. Musically she got her start playing saxophone in a jazz band. She graduated from the police academy, but never walked a beat. Instead she joined a folk-rock band, toured the world and went on hiatus to raise her son. Now she’s returned with a new sound of a blue-eyed soul/R&B meld.

Taken from her triumphant comeback album by the same name, her new single started life as a poem, which musician and producer Paul Cargnello put to music. It’s a sassy blend of vintage soul, 80s funk and a contemporary production. With a frisky beat, sprightly synths and her evocative, retro-dipped vocal mélange, this vivacious jam is a funky, soulful and refreshingly genuine tour de force.

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In The Spotlight

Whale City – “There She Goes”

Consisting of Andy, Michael and Juri, this Munich-based German indie-pop trio formed in 2018. They forged an energetic pop sound which blends analog and futuristic instrumentation. Their debut single “Echo Of Joy” was released last year and hit the German Dance chart in the Stereoact remix, while their second single “Daylight” reached over 100,000 views on YouTube in two months.

Their third single release from their upcoming debut album, slated for a release in the Fall, is a scintillating and infectious pop/rock track, wrapped in shimmering 80s vibes. With perky drums, sizzling synths and a neon-soaked saxophone solo, this highly danceable jam celebrates the pastel colored tunes of the glorious 80s with Andy’s charismatic vocals completing this retro gem.

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In The Spotlight

Diplomats Of Solid Sound – “Fool”

Formed over 18 years ago in Iowa City, this five-piece funk and soul band is a skilled recording and songwriting powerhouse. Since debuting with their single “Bullfrog Boogaloo” in 2001, they have released three albums as an instrumental outfit and in 2006 added vocalist trio The Diplomettes. They’ve had their music featured in a slew of TV shows, as well as earning 22 million streams on Spotify.

With the The Diplomettes sounding like a legendary 60s female soul group, their latest single is dipped in classic Motown tones. Its retro beat, groovy guitars and vintage brass conjure up an image of sitting around a portable record player in your childhood room, spinning 45s. Taken from their upcoming album “A Higher Place”, due to drop on June 21, this is a sumptuous source of sanguine soul.

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In The Spotlight

The Rubinoos – “Honey From The Honeycombs”

Formed way back in 1970 in Berkeley, this Californian power-pop quartet has been a feature of the music scene for decades. Their eponymous self-titled debut album was released in 1977, scoring their first chart hit “I Think We’re Alone Now”. After recording the theme for “Revenge Of The Nerds”, the band took a sabbatical in 1985, but in 1998 returned with their acclaimed album “Paleophonic”.

Written as a tribute to the late female drummer Honey Lantree of the UK group The Honeycombs, their new single is a celebration of peppy 70s beat pop. Taken from their upcoming album “From Home”, due to drop on August 23, it’s their time-honored sound of lively drums, cheery guitars, vintage harmonies and fun Beach Boys-like vibes, that makes this groovy and infectious jam sound timeless.

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In The Spotlight

Laney Lynx – “Nothing Sounds The Same”

Hailing from Rhode Island, this vitalizing singer and songwriter is a Berklee College Of Music graduate who forged an exhilarating fusion of R&B, funk and electro-pop. Based in New York City, in pursuit of her childhood dreams, she draws inspiration from Aaliyah, HAIM and Stevie Wonder. Infused with quirky and playful nostalgia, she released her punchy debut single “Love Sick” in 2015.

Painting a gorgeous soundscape with some colorful vintage brush strokes, her new single is an ear-tingling portrait, blending classic tones with modern pop hues. With a catchy rhythm, a splash of synths and a lively electric guitar solo creating an 80s-tinted canvas and her mellifluous vocals and euphonic harmonies adding a melodious artistry, this composition is a true work of art.

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In The Spotlight

Nikko Gray – “Feathers”

Daughter to the late singer and songwriter Maureen Gray, aka GIRL, it’s no surprise that this vocalist was trained in music from a young age. Born in England, she was raised in London and The Netherlands before moving to Los Angeles aged 15. With her newly formed band, she’s held a residency at Santa Barbara’s Velvet Jones and opened for high school friend Shwayze on his Feel Good tour in 2014.

With sensuous, R&B plumage, her alluring new single is a mellow groove. The shiny rhythm and enchanting synths give it both an old-school feel as a modern touch, while her sexy and bewitching vocals slowly put your ears under their unbreakable spell. With an added Summery vibe and a captivating delivery, this feathery light potion is a magical brew full of sumptuous and seductive tones.

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