In The Spotlight

Flevans ft. Laura Vane – “Who’s Got Me”

This British multi-instrumentalist, DJ and producer found himself in Brighton in the early noughties with nothing but a demo and a dream. He wanted to create an eclectic mix of classic funk and soul sounds with contemporary DJ beats. He got his shot with independent label Tru Thoughts in 2004, released 4 studio albums since, toured the world as a DJ and had his tracks used in ads for Nokia and ESPN.

Enlisting the soul-infused vocals of fellow Brightonian Laura Vane, his latest single truly is a 70s Saturday night at the discotheque in melodic form. With a very infectious funky bass line, bouncy rhythm, vivacious violins and Laura’s powerful voice boogieing over the discolicious groove, this taster of his 5th album “Part-Time Millionaire”, dropping in 2019 on Jalapeno Records, is a disco sparkler.

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In The Spotlight

Souls In Rhythm – “Electric Lover”

The sound of this Canadian quartet from Calgary pays tribute to the 80s, by blending everything that’s good about the neon decade. You can find Funk, Soul, Pop and HipHop, all topped with their unique, modern take. With their commanding live show, they’ve toured across Canada and opened for Common and Boyz II Men. They released their debut album “Can’t Fake The Funk” in 2007.

Their first single in four years is a funkalicious fusion of vintage variance. A bangin’ Rick James-like beat and fiery guitar chords blend with Roger & Zapp-style robotic sounds, buoyant 80s Pop vocals and a neon Rock howling electric guitar solo. The electronic wizardry, exuberant rhythm and retro record scratching fills this pastel-dipped groove with vivacious vibes of pure energetic panache.

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In The Spotlight

Sonal Jogia – “Alive”

Born and raised in Calgary, Canada, this Spain-based singer and songwriter’s career had a late start. Due to insecurity, she was in her early thirties when she wrote and released her debut EP “Lovely Day”, which got nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award. That her initial insecurity was unnecessary becomes apparent as she wows audiences with her vigorous and soulful voice.

The first taster of her upcoming EP, which is scheduled for release at the end of the year, sees her taking a more acoustic approach to her 90s R&B-infused style and adding a drop of gentle jazz to create a heart-wrenching love song. Setting the scene with a serene guitar and mild keys, her lavishly silky, dynamic vocals stroke all the senses and make this organic smooth groove come alive.

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In The Spotlight

Ana Popovic – “Lasting Kind Of Love”

Born in Belgrade, Serbia, this globetrotting baroness of Blues lived in Amsterdam, The Netherlands to study at the Conservatory of Jazz and World-Music, but her love for American Blues took her to Memphis and ultimately to Los Angeles. She debuted with “Hush” in 2001, has toured tirelessly around the globe and performed with many Soul/Blues legends, like Solomon Burke and BB King.

Taken from her latest album “Like It On Top” and featuring the vocals of GRAMMY award winning producer Keb’ Mo’, this song serenades the no strings attached kind of love in a jovial, laid-back way. Smooth drums, sleek keys and a shiny hint of horns give it a suave, carefree vibe, while their soul-dipped, blues-weathered voices meld together into a polished and playful jam with a spirited warmth.

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In The Spotlight

Wafia – “I’m Good”

Although born in The Netherlands, this singer and songwriter is based in Brisbane, Australia. She’s studied biomedicine at University but, finding it somewhat monotonous, she started writing songs. In 2014 she uploaded a cover of Mario’s “Let Me Love You”, which went viral. In 2015 her single “Heartburn”, from her debut EP “XXIX”, received praise from producer Pharrell Williams.

With a buoyant beat and a brazen bass line, her latest single radiates spicy confidence and tenacity, while still maintaining a cheery, upbeat side in its dynamic chorus. Blending touches of contemporary EDM with a generous layer of 80s-style retro vibes, this breakup song covers all ends of the emotional spectrum, with her sugared, euphonic vocals completing the catchy, poptastic sound.

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In The Spotlight

Acantha Lang – “SugarWoman”

Born and raised in the musical hotspot of New Orleans, this songstress grew up surrounded by Blues and Soul. Carrying her melodic heritage, she moved to New York and performed at iconic venues like The Harlem Grill. Next she moved to London, UK, to hone her charismatic tonality. Inspired by legends like Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone, she developed a distinctive Blues and Soul sound.

The silky-smooth groove which is her latest single gently strokes your eardrums straight from the first note. The laid-back beat and mellow guitar plucks give an easygoing vibe, while some vintage-touched, breezy brass adds an uplifting aesthetic to this gorgeous sip of saturated Soul. With her intimate and lavishly sparkling vocals fondling the senses, this honeyed jam feels like a warm embrace.

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