In The Spotlight

RHONDA – “Couldn’t Say Yes”

This German quintet has been on the music scene since their debut album “Raw Love” hit the German album charts back in 2014 and enamored both soul as pop lovers alike. While the band is based in Hamburg, singer Milo Milone is living in Los Angeles and records all vocals in her garage. Their second album “Wire” followed in 2017, showing off their eclectic mix of soul, punk and pop.

Taken from their third album “You Could Be Home Now”, their latest single merges vintage soul with a touch of 60s psychedelia and wraps it in a grandiose cinematic sound. They first put a spell on you with a haunting 60s soul groove, before hooking your ears with a rousing chorus, while being enchanted by the intense, sumptuous vocals, conjuring an intoxicating tune you can only say yes to.

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In The Spotlight

The Motet – “Highly Compatible”

This seven-piece band from Denver, Colorado wants to unlock another world with their music and have been playing their innovative vigorous funk and sparkling soul fusion since 1998. In that time they released eight full-length albums and played a myriad of sold-out shows and festivals, including All Good Music Festival, as well as The Filmore in San Francisco and Brooklyn Bowl in New York.

Their deliciously funky new single is an tantalizing teaser of their upcoming album “Death Or Devotion”, which is due to drop on January 25th. Influenced by the disco grooves of the late 70s, it’s got a rousing rhythm, shimmering string section and red-hot blazing brass and with the spirited, soul-soaked vocals of lead-singer Lyle Divinsky, this is a highly compatible discolicious retro-funk party.

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In The Spotlight

Mighty Oaks – “Driftwood Seat”

Based in Berlin, Germany, this is a multinational indie-folk trio of multi-instrumentalists and vocalists consisting of American Ian Hooper, Italian Claudio Donzelli and British Craig Saunders. Formed in 2010, they’re known for their acoustic-driven folk melodies and tight harmonies and extensively toured around North-America and Europe. In 2013 they released their debut studio EP “Just One Day”.

Their tasty new single is the title-track of their upcoming EP, which is due to drop on February 1st, 2019. It is a re-recording of their never-released first EP, which they only ever played in their live shows. Fueled by an intricate folk-driven melody of playful guitars, buoyant banjo and a vivacious beat, it’s their lustrous, multi-harmonic vocals making this an organic-sounding, indie-folk ear-catcher.

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In The Spotlight

CARDS & SITA – “Shouldn’t Be Sorry”

After years of focusing on working with other artists, both in the studio and on stage, Los Angeles-based producer and songwriter Mike O. created a solo project in 2017 under the CARDS moniker, in order to write and release his own eclectic styled music. Not genre specific, his sound is always evolving and exploring new musical influences to add to a commercial indie-pop foundation.

Enlisting the vocal talents of songstress SITA, his latest single is a delicious smooth groove. The jazzy laidback vibe from the acoustic guitar strums and the suave rhythm give it a polished luster, while the electro guitar solo adds a bit of a bite. The silky, 60s-dipped, harmonious vocals stroke your eardrums, while the mellow melody daydreams about the warmth of a radiant Summer day.

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In The Spotlight

Isle Of You – “Change Of Heart”

Swedish duo Ida Johansson and Elina Danielsson met while taking guitar lessons in their hometown of Öland aged 10. They formed in 2008 and played local venues until they were signed by RamPac Recordings in 2015. They debuted with their single “50+1” a year later. In 2017 they performed in a prison in Columbia and in 2018 moved to Stockholm to develop their 80s-dipped, energetic sound.

Their new single takes quintessential 80s synthpop, soaked in some early Madonna vibes and adds some modern R&B effects to bring this groove right up-to-date. Singing about heart-break, the sad lyrical topic is supplemented by the electronic hues of the shimmering retro synths, the punchy beat and their smooth, harmonious vocals, giving it neon-sprinkled pop pizzazz.

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In The Spotlight

Patrick Storedahl – “Family Tree (Hi Dee Ho)”

This Olympia, Washington-based singer, songwriter and musician discovered the guitar as a kid and starting writing songs at 14. Despite still maintaining a regular day job, he released 6 CD’s and 2 EP’s with local rockers Just Plain Bill and is a member of several others. Famed for his well-crafted melodies and poetic lyricism, his Kinks-like debut solo project “Ink Block Fingerprint” dropped in 2004.

Taken from his 2018 EP “Garage Sessions Vol. 1: Her”, his latest single blends rock and pop with a predominantly folky blues vibe, creating an irresistibly unique sound. The organic feel of the acoustic instrumentation of plucky guitar, drums and organ, all played by himself, is as refreshing as it is energizing and with his gritty, yet cheeky story-telling vocals, this is a euphonious earworm.

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