In The Spotlight

Kandace Springs – “Don’t Need The Real Thing”

This Nashville-native singer, songwriter and keyboardist grew up as the daughter of soul singer Scat Springs. Initially fascinated by cars (which she still is), it was the arrival of a piano when she was 10 that changed the course of her life. Now signed with Blue Note Records, she released her debut in 2014. Inspired by Billie Holiday and Lauryn Hill, she blends classic soul/jazz with modern R&B.

The first taster of her upcoming album “Indigo”, which will drop on September 7th, is a moorish morsel indeed. The guitar has a mellow, summery vibe with a slightly retro feel. A tribalistic rhythm adds another layer to this multi-faceted track, as do her enchanting, soulful vocals with a contemporary R&B edge. This song delivers on every level and shows that this songstress truly is the real thing.

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In The Spotlight

Breakbot ft. Ruckazoid – “Another You”

After graduating from art school with a degree in 3D Animation, French producer Thibaut Berland used his spare time to create some remixes, like “Let There Be Light” by Justice, which made it to the duo’s album. He signed his own deal in 2009 and released his debut single “Baby I’m Yours” in 2010. Blending analogue and digital instruments, he makes retro disco and funk sound neoteric and fresh.

Joining forces with Ruckazoid on his latest single, they apparently merge into Breakazoid, a cosmic pimp who spreads love by taking humans across the galaxy. Musically, however, this is a funkadelic gem of galactic proportions. With a catchy retro rhythm, soaring synths and smooth, vintage-dipped vocals creating a discolicious groove, this jam is the final frontier of pure futuristic funk.

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In The Spotlight

Iyamah – “Silver Over Gold”

This British singer and songwriter grew up in Brighton as Sophie Bond, surrounded by the sounds of reggae music and African drumming. At 13 she began playing piano, writing her first songs and taking singing lessons to widen her impressive range. Since moving to London she’s performed on several festivals such as Glastonbury. Her debut single “Cryptic Love” was released in February 2018.

Her blend of Neo-soul and Hiphop flavors brews an enchanting and intoxicating cup of musical java. With the laid-back taste of an acoustic guitar, enriched with soft percussion, releasing a heady scent of soul-infused beans, it’s her silky, yet zealous vocals which add a jazzy feel and some moxie into the mix. Produced by Mullally, this song sounds like a generous splash of a gentle, soulful melange.

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In The Spotlight

Sharaya Summers – “Prodigal”

This Portland-native wandering songbird found her voice singing in church. Having moved to Nashville, she started honing her craft by performing in venues across the city. Now residing in Los Angeles, she spawned a Folk sound dipped in Country sensibilities. Her inspiriting lyricism shows her storytelling artistry, rooted in her Christian upbringing, but delivering universal tales full of positivity.

The latest taster from her soon to drop EP “Bend Before We Break” takes her Country-tinted Folk style and douses it in delightfully vintage hues. With a slightly 60s vibe, the instrumentation of a mild beat, twangy guitar and silky harmonies creates a comforting buzz, while her sleek, passionate vocals tell a loving story based on the biblical prodigal son, making the song sound like a warm embrace.

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In The Spotlight

Beck Pete – “Gently Break It”

This L.A.-based singer and songwriter paints musical masterpieces by taking unorthodox Pop melodies and blending them with Rock and an intimate lyricism, based on her own personal experiences. She’s spent the last two years exposing those vulnerabilities by playing historic venues like The Hotel Café and the iconic Troubadour and by releasing her debut single “Lonely” back in March 2018.

By infusing her unique pop/rock sound with soul, she’s taking the listener on a sonic journey through the emotionally-laden world of a person feeling undeserving of love on her latest single. Driven by a stomping bassline, buoyant drums and zingy guitars, it’s her authentic vocals with some added soul and a touch of blues, which truly stand out and make this song sound veraciously defiant.

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In The Spotlight

Nick Black – “One Night Love”

Hailing from Memphis, this soul brother graduated from the University Of Memphis in 2011 with a music business degree and completed his education on the road touring with Victor Wainwright & The WildRoots, winning a score of awards along the way. Blending the old with the new, he creates a refreshing sound by taking Soul and Funk and infusing it with Rhythm and Blues and a dash of Hip-Hop.

His latest single is a neon explosion of old-school 80s disco flavors. A lively funkalicious rhythm, soaring synth action, electronic handclaps and retro-style harmonies form a lively, vintage-tinged dance groove, while his soulful vocals glide over the music as if they were on brightly colored roller-skates. The surprise serving of rap at the end puts the cherry on top of this high-spirited jam.

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