In The Spotlight

Bianca Blanc – “Step Right Up”

Hailing from Pretoria in South-Africa, this talented and passionate singer/songwriter and vocal coach has already made an impression on the local live music scene, playing festivals such as KKNK and Aardklop and opening for South-African acts Jesse Clegg and Wonderboom. Building her vibrant and catchy tunes on a guitar or an ukulele, she released her refreshing debut single “Butterflies” in 2017.

Her latest single is like a vitalizing musical puppy; adorable, happiness-inducing and cute, but with an occasional friendly bite. It starts with her chirpy ukulele and an airy beat, but soon the song comes alive with an incredibly addictive hook, rolling drums and blazing brass. FusingĀ  her sugary-sweet, yet powerful vocals with the invigorating melody, this is a jubilantly joyous earworm.

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In The Spotlight

Donnell Isaac – “Table”

This award-winning Neo-soul singer, songwriter and actor got his initial musical experience aged 9, while singing in a church choir and developed a passion for it. He took those gospel sounds and the experience of a rough childhood dipped in poverty and chiseled it into a silky, melodic soul/R&B blend of his own, leading to his solo debut in 2008 and performances at music festivals.

Taken from his EP “Love Changes”, his latest single seems to reach deep down into your soul and touch your heart. The velvety violins, mild percussion and laid-back piano give the song a classic, analog soul sound, while the vintage hues in the harmonies and his sultry, soothing vocals flirt amorously with the sensual melody and serves up this spread of steamy and seductive smooth grooves.

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In The Spotlight

Rina Sawayama – “Cherry”

Although born in Japan, this British singer, songwriter and model has been living in the UK since she was five. Despite studying politics, psychology and sociology, she opted for a career in music and modeling. As a model she’s featured in Dazed and in the Versus x Versace campaign. As an acclaimed artist she released her debut single “Sleeping In Waking” in 2013 and her inaugral EP “RINA” late 2017.

Her latest single is an upbeat, happiness-inducing piece of R&B/pop with nostalgic influences. With a buoyant 90s-reminiscent beat and early-noughties cheerful synths, all finished with a contemporary glaze, it has a definite Indian Summer feel. Singing about a pansexual romance, her sugary, shimmering vocals are glistening on the musical waves and put the cherry on this tasty pop cake.

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In The Spotlight

Ruby Velle – “Fighter”

This Atlanta-based powerhouse soulstress has been performing her vintage-tinted soul sound for over a decade. Born in Canada, she was raised in Gainesville, Florida, where she formed her critically acclaimed band Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics in 2006. Centered around her versatile vocals, ranging from sultry soulful to vigorous funk, they’re known for their electrifying shows.

Taking her dynamic funky, southern soul and Motown-inspired style on a solo outing, her new single packs quite a punch. Although wrapped in a more contemporary coat, the fiery vein of retro soul, doused in a bit of blues, still pervades. A powerful beat, peppy piano and a touch of lively horns accompany her commanding vocals and make this a truly exhilarating groove full of attitude and moxie.

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In The Spotlight

Neon Valley – “Valley Girl”

Hailing from Quebec, Canada, this Montreal-based funkadelic duo emerged from a fictitious musical realm, filled with a cross-genre fusion of titillating funk and sizzling synth-pop. Adding relatable lyrical artfulness and unbridled fun to their warmhearted musical style, they hatched a glittering, glam-funk sound, perfectly tailored to hitting that neon-lit dancefloor for all night boogieing.

Spawning from that brightly-colored, melodious world are the funkalicious vibes of their infectious debut single. Telling the story of a man who’s trying to get the woman of his dreams to choose him over luxury and abundance, the silky vocals flirt with the invigorating rhythm, 80s-dipped synths and bouncy hooks and with an unexpected talkbox bridge, this Nu-Funk jam is utterly groovelicious.

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In The Spotlight

Sahara Beck – “Here We Go Again”

This Australian singer and songwriter from Brisbane started working on developing her career in music when she was a mere 11 years old . A year later she had written her first song, which was followed by her debut album “Volume One” at 14. Honing her unique, art-pop sound and electrifying, alluringĀ  voice, she played festivals like The Falls and Bluefest and is a Queensland Music Award winner.

The tranquil choral harmony at the start of her latest single is a mere tease, as this song soon turns out to have quite a kick. A pulsating rhythm, which you can feel resonating in your stomach, punchy piano and slick strings form an imposing soundscape, while her raw vocal acrobatics, which still maintain a seductive quality, add a rugged punchiness to this pounding piece of pop power.

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