In The Spotlight

Caroline Grace – “Leave My Heart Alone”

Based in Los Angeles, this young singer and songwriter has already made quite a mark on the music scene. She started writing songs aged 14 and studied writing at the University Of Southern California. Joining forces with Grammy-nominated artist Poo Bear, she released her debut single “Show Me” in 2017. She’s now began her own independent record label, called Illuminate Creative Group.

Her brand new single is a tribute to the pop and dance tracks from the late 80s and early 90s. Kicking the song off with a groovy piano and silky violins instantly sets the mood, while the bouncy 90s dance beat gives it an electrifying rhythm. With sensuous R&B-infused vocals, singing about a lover who keeps popping back into your life, this is a rejuvenating, retro-flavored dance-floor filler.

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In The Spotlight

State Of Salazar – “Hold On Tonight”

This Swedish quintet was started by students from the Malmö Acadamy Of Music in 2010, based on a concept of lead singer and songwriter Marcus Nygren a year earlier, in order to play bombastic Rock music meant for big arenas. Spending time honing their vintage-styled Melodic-Rock sound first, it wasn’t until 2012 that their debut EP “Lost My Way” was released, earning them a tsunami of praise.

Taken from their upcoming album “Superhero”, to be released on December 7th, their latest single has an epic, cinematic, West-Coast AOR sound, time-traveled straight from the 80s. True to the sounds of bands like Survivor, Journey and Toto, they’ve wrapped their howling guitars and invigorating percussion in a neon-lit Rock coat, while the melodic power of the vocals make it pure rockalicious.

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In The Spotlight

Abakan – “The People”

Born near Paris, the musical virtuosity of this French singer, songwriter and musician found its origins in listening to Earth, Wind & Fire‘s funk and George Benson‘s vocal acrobatics. He immersed himself in the music of soul and funk legends and ultimately created his own funkadelic sound. In 2014 he released his debut album “A New Man” and in 2016 he took his music on an Asian tour.

Soaked in classic soul sensibilities and a dash of funk, his latest single is a deliciously velvety smooth groove. While lyrically expressing a desire to find a little bit more human interaction in the digital age of electronic communication, musically it’s a gorgeously mellow soul ballad with a laid-back rhythm and lustrous organ tones. With an added Al Green-like suaveness, this is sweet and soulful ear-candy.

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In The Spotlight

Dominique Pruitt – “High In The Valley”

Born as daughter of Larry Brown of The Association fame and singer Anne-Marie Brown, this Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by music, but worked in hair salons from the age of 16, only doing some singing on the side. Since 2010 she’s created an unique Country music style with some retro inspiration from the 50s and 60s, releasing her EP “To Win Your Love” in 2013.

Wrapping her country-pop stylings in a vintage 50s veil with a touch of the iconic spaghetti western sound, her first single in 5 years is a boot-stompin’ amalgamation of influences. Lyrically recounting graduation evenings spent getting high with her sister, her lustrous voice sounds sexy and fresh. With a coltish beat and plenty of twang from the steel guitar, this is a rousing musical trip.

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In The Spotlight

Down North – “Eventually”

With an one-of-a-kind sound, which has been described as Soul Punk, this Seattle foursome are known for their ferociously wild live performances, in which lead-singer Anthony Briscoe flaunts his Prince-like vocals and his ballet-training dancing. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Sam Cooke and James Brown, they forged an eclectic fusion of genres, ranging from Motown, via Classic Funk, to Rock.

Their latest single has an exhilarating, funkalicious vibe and shows off the bands insane talent for blending the old with the new. Taken from their EP “No Retreat, Vol.1”, it has a vintage funky rhythm, but chaperoned by singing electric guitar strums. With passionate and powerful vocals and Nick Quiller’s vigorous, howling rock-guitar solo, this tune will drag you onto the dancefloor to party!

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In The Spotlight

Chess Galea – “Ain’t No Better Love”

Born with the sound of classical piano in her ears, this Maltese singer/songwriter began learning to play herself. The discovery of a Queen album however revealed her true ambition of being a singer and dancer. In 2010 she moved to the UK to attend the Academy of Contemporary Arts. She’s performed from Abu Dhabi to London with her Freddie Mercury and Alicia Keys-inspired R&B/Pop sound.

Her latest single is a honeyed, laidback R&B groove. The intricate, 90s-reminiscent, instrumentation of multi-layered synths, smooth beats and suave fingersnaps radiates a mellow warmth and wraps its euphonious arms around her silky, sophisticated vocals. With lustrous harmonies adding to the polished, ear-stroking sound, this breezy tune is full of infatuating auditory indulgence.

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