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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In The Spotlight

Drew Cole – “Sour Love”

Born in Seattle, but now Los Angeles-based, this multi-talented artist is a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. His father introduced him to the guitar at age 11 and he’s been in love with music ever since. He finds inspiration in the music of The Beatles, Gregg Allman and John Mayer. In 2016, he released his debut single “Don’t Follow” and appeared on The Voice earlier this year.

His distinctive soul-infused Pop style truly shines on this impassioned, retro-dipped slice of sweet, satiny soul. The choral handclaps, borrowed from a gospel-like sound and the lustrous rhythm, radiant guitars and charismatic violins add a vintage tinge to this smooth groove and with his lavish, emotive vocals stroking your ears and tugging on your heartstrings, you will love this soulful Shangri-La.

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In The Spotlight

Smoke Season – “Hot Damn”

Living by the rule that normal is boring, this Los Angeles-based duo has adopted a distinctly individual style. With Gabby Wortman fiddling with all things analog and digital and Jason Rosen exploring his abnormality through fashion, as well as music, they found the perfect balance. Their live-shows are a multi-sensory experience, bringing their unique sound of electro-soul with a shot of whiskey.

Written in less than an hour, their latest single is a sweltering summer sun put to music. Dripping with lustful tones, it takes 60s-soaked sensuous verses and a lively rock chorus, uniting them in a passionate musical fever. The catchy beat, retro organ sounds and heavy horns turn up the orchestral heat, while the wide-ranging vocals give it a soulful strength, putting you in a sexy, sanguine mood.

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