In The Spotlight

FLARA K – “Me And You”

Consisting of Sam Martell and Collin Steinz, this dynamic duo has been touring their native Canada for over five years. Recently they’ve played a headlining show at the renowned international music festival POP Montreal and they got nominated for a 2018 Independent Music Award. Giving their own unique twist to a Pop/R&B mixture, they released their debut single “Offline” in September 2018.

Their sophomore single starts with sultry, soul-touched smooth grooves, which lead to a mighty, high-voltage chorus. Being the title-track of their upcoming EP, it bridges the polished, retro-soaked vibes and the modern synths to reach an original glistening fusion. With bewitching vocals, ranging from soothing R&B to heart-wrenching power, this is a vigorous piece of punchy Pop.

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In The Spotlight

Pete Morgan – “Let’s Get Together”

Born in Cardiff, but now Manchester based, this British singer, songwriter and guitarist is currently studying at the Royal Northern College Of Music for a degree in Popular Music. Inspired by the likes of Michael Jackson, Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake, he’s developed a grandiose, feel-good pop sound with whiffs of classic soul and disco. His debut single “I Want It All Back” was released in 2017.

Showcasing his impressive guitar skills, his latest single kicks off with an infectious funky riff. It then erupts into an Earth, Wind & Fire-reminiscent disco spectacular, with a catchy rhythm and exhilarating full-bodied horns. With the added 70s-flavored harmonies, soulful vocals and vintage organ solo giving it a groovy retro discotheque feel, it’s time to get together, party and have a good time!

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In The Spotlight

Lauren Rocket – “Electric City”

Born and raised in Los Angeles as Lauren White, this sparkly singer, songwriter and musician grew up playing and composing classical piano music. At 16 she took her music in a different direction, namely the all-girl pop band ROCKET. She’s also worked with Junkie XL and Fitz & The Tantrums and played numerous music festivals. Her debut solo single “Diamond Nights” dropped in October 2018.

Standing in the glow of the technicolored neon lights of the 80s, her latest single gives a contemporary twist to the retro-dipped synth-pop tunes of the decade. With bouncy beats carrying the electronic melody, a touch of rock guitars and a sizzling sax solo, it timetravels back to the upbeat glamour of the 80s with ease and with her mesmerizing vocals, it’s an electrifying synth-pop gem.

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In The Spotlight

Goldsmoke – “Someone Like You”

Consisting of London-based brothers Tom and Nick Shirm, this rousing future-soul duo draws their inspiration from growing up with the sounds of Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson and Steely Dan. With songs ranging from electro-soul, via jazz fusion, to heavy funk, they’ve taken those vintage influences and enriched them with their own funky vibe. They debuted with “Cold Call Lover” in 2016.

Bursting out with a funkalicious rhythm, multi-harmonic vocals and a multitude of smokin’ soul, their latest single is filled to the brim with red-hot, retro-dipped pizzazz. With the addition of some Zapp & Roger-styled talkbox sounds to the polished production stacking yet another influence onto this exhilarating funk feast, it creates a groovy and energetic floor-filler packed with vintage fun.

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In The Spotlight

The Strumbellas – “Salvation”

Formed back in 2008, this Toronto-based Canadian sextet concocted a lively fusion of folk, pop and indie-rock, which they refer to as Folk Popgrass. They dropped their debut EP in 2009. In 2011, their inaugral full-length album “My Father And The Hunter” earned them a Juno nomination, ultimately winning Album Of The Year for their next album “We Still Move On Dance Floors” in 2014.

Pouring a sense of positivity into a musical cauldron filled with equal measures of folk, country, pop and a generous dollop of infectious joie de vivre, their latest single brews a rejuvenating, thirst-quenching tonic. With a boisterous, foot-stompin’ beat, acoustic guitar strums and multi-layered vocals, it’s the sheer optimism and lively folk-pop melody which makes this a tasty treat of pure joyous fun.

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In The Spotlight

Deidre & The Dark – “Bad Day”

Fueled by a love for all things 50s and 60s, Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Deidre Muro started this mid-century infused, technicolored project. Fusing 60s Pop, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul with a contemporary production, she debuted in 2011 with the EP “Curious Parcel”. She’s also a partner in record label YouTooCanWoo and composes for varied musical projects.

With the invigorating, flower-powerful intro of her latest single, she dives into the brightly lit swinging sixties with style. Decked out with a bouncy rhythm, sprightly flute and vivacious organ, which blend the groovy Pop sound with a touch of Jazz into a far out auditory experience, the addition of her hip, vintage-dipped vocals add a jumpin’ cinematic flamboyancy to Shimmy and Boogie to.

From her upcoming album “Variety Hour”, to be released on 5 February 2019:

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