In The Spotlight

Rachel Mazer – “Open Heart”

This Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has worked with artists like The Suffers and Vulfpeck playing sax, bass and guitar, as well as singing backing vocals on Joey Dosik’s latest album “Inside Voice”. She’s launched her solo career with a Soul, Jazz and Pop infused hybrid and will be releasing her Kickstarter funded debut album “How Do We Get By” in February 2019.

Her sophomore solo single is an inspired amalgamation of invigorating beats, pounding bass and a dash of funk. A touch of jazz gets a pop make-over and mixed with some rock guitars and funkalicious horns it creates a catchy, foot-stompin’ chorus and with her soul-dripping, powerhouse vocals effortlessly surfing the rockin’ melodic flow, this is an imposing piece of groovy grandeur.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Tamzene – “Last Song”

Hailing from Cromarty in the Scottish Highlands, this singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist learned to play the violin aged 8 and guitar aged 14. Her early influences included legends like Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin, later adding contemporaries such as Paloma Faith and Alicia Keys. Last year she went from busking to playing worldwide festivals and her debut single “Lullaby”.

Skillfully blending the cream of classic soul and R&B with a modern pop melody, her latest single is an uplifting and refreshing musical feast. Initially teasing with a mellow acoustic piano, the chorus is an exhilarating eruption of pure euphonic bliss. With a bracing beat, multi-vocal harmonies and her sensuous, yet commanding voice, this is a stunning, soul-doused piece of potent, pulsating pop.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Anteros – “Fool Moon”

Named after the God of requited love, this four-piece indie pop band got started in 2014 when lead singer Laura Hayden traded Barcelona for London and started writing songs with Joshua Rumble. With Jackson Couzens and Harry Balazs completing the line-up, they’ve released three EP’s since 2015, toured with Two Door Cinema Club and played both Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds festivals.

The third taster of their upcoming debut full-length album “When We Land”, expected to drop on March 22, 2019, is a retro-tinged, indie-pop banger in which the influence of bands like Blondie and The Cure can be felt. With a passionate energy, shimmering 80s synths and a smidgen of glittery disco added to a modern indie-pop core, this is a red-hot, vintage-soaked, auditory explosion.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Cruel Youth – “Portrait Of A Female”

Formally known by the stage name Natalia Kills, British-born front woman Teddy Sinclair reinvented herself and in 2015 introduced the love-infused dreampop sound with a psychedelic 60s vibe of her new three-piece all-girl band.  Under her new moniker she adopted an uncensored songwriting style, resulting in a hallucinatory 60s groove and the release of their debut single “Mr. Watson” in 2016.

Their latest single is the result of Teddy’s fascination with the music of The Ronettes and The Supremes. The Motown-like melody, dipped in a Phil Spector coating and some Beach Boys spice, creates a dreamy, 60s-styled love song and with a retro rhythm, catchy handclaps and the dynamic and sultry power of her vintage-soaked vocals, it is a heartfelt ballad that captures the essence of true love.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Felix Hagan & The Family – “Gene Kelly”

This London-based septet is an eruption of glamorous Pop and classic Rock. Formed in 2013, they debuted with the EP “String Up The Entertainer”, followed by the EP “Kiss The Misfits” in 2015. Fusing a plethora of genres, their energetic, glittery stagecraft is a zealous sight to behold. This year they’ve supported Frank Turner and The Arkells and have been exciting audiences on the festival circuit.

The last single to be taken from their 2017 full-length album “Attention Seeker” is a flamboyant rock anthem. The soaring exuberance of the theatrical melody, which sounds like a blend of 80s rock and early 00s high school movie musicals, has a tantalizingly addictive quality. Written about the madness of a life as an artist, this feel-good rocker induces a sense of sheer musical euphoria.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

ISA – “After You”

Born as Isa Tengblad in Stockholm, this 20 year young, Swedish singer and songwriter debuted on the music scene back in 2012 with the single “BOMB”. Inspired by Ariana Grande and Beyoncé, she created a Pop/R&B blend which challenges norms and ideals. As well as writing her own music, she’s a sought after songwriter and started her own independent record label, Licious Music, in 2017.

Taking music back to the bare essentials, her gorgeous new single is a moving, emotional gem. Built on a delicate melody of stunning acoustic piano and stylish strings, her soul-wrenching, passionate vocals show a authentic vulnerability while retaining a vigorous tenacity. Singing about longing, either for someone or for a dream, this is an inspirational marvel of outstanding auditory beauty.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Wikipedia | iTunes