In The Spotlight

Abakan – “The People”

Born near Paris, the musical virtuosity of this French singer, songwriter and musician found its origins in listening to Earth, Wind & Fire‘s funk and George Benson‘s vocal acrobatics. He immersed himself in the music of soul and funk legends and ultimately created his own funkadelic sound. In 2014 he released his debut album “A New Man” and in 2016 he took his music on an Asian tour.

Soaked in classic soul sensibilities and a dash of funk, his latest single is a deliciously velvety smooth groove. While lyrically expressing a desire to find a little bit more human interaction in the digital age of electronic communication, musically it’s a gorgeously mellow soul ballad with a laid-back rhythm and lustrous organ tones. With an added Al Green-like suaveness, this is sweet and soulful ear-candy.

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In The Spotlight

Dominique Pruitt – “High In The Valley”

Born as daughter of Larry Brown of The Association fame and singer Anne-Marie Brown, this Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by music, but worked in hair salons from the age of 16, only doing some singing on the side. Since 2010 she’s created an unique Country music style with some retro inspiration from the 50s and 60s, releasing her EP “To Win Your Love” in 2013.

Wrapping her country-pop stylings in a vintage 50s veil with a touch of the iconic spaghetti western sound, her first single in 5 years is a boot-stompin’ amalgamation of influences. Lyrically recounting graduation evenings spent getting high with her sister, her lustrous voice sounds sexy and fresh. With a coltish beat and plenty of twang from the steel guitar, this is a rousing musical trip.

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In The Spotlight

Down North – “Eventually”

With an one-of-a-kind sound, which has been described as Soul Punk, this Seattle foursome are known for their ferociously wild live performances, in which lead-singer Anthony Briscoe flaunts his Prince-like vocals and his ballet-training dancing. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Sam Cooke and James Brown, they forged an eclectic fusion of genres, ranging from Motown, via Classic Funk, to Rock.

Their latest single has an exhilarating, funkalicious vibe and shows off the bands insane talent for blending the old with the new. Taken from their EP “No Retreat, Vol.1”, it has a vintage funky rhythm, but chaperoned by singing electric guitar strums. With passionate and powerful vocals and Nick Quiller’s vigorous, howling rock-guitar solo, this tune will drag you onto the dancefloor to party!

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In The Spotlight

Chess Galea – “Ain’t No Better Love”

Born with the sound of classical piano in her ears, this Maltese singer/songwriter began learning to play herself. The discovery of a Queen album however revealed her true ambition of being a singer and dancer. In 2010 she moved to the UK to attend the Academy of Contemporary Arts. She’s performed from Abu Dhabi to London with her Freddie Mercury and Alicia Keys-inspired R&B/Pop sound.

Her latest single is a honeyed, laidback R&B groove. The intricate, 90s-reminiscent, instrumentation of multi-layered synths, smooth beats and suave fingersnaps radiates a mellow warmth and wraps its euphonious arms around her silky, sophisticated vocals. With lustrous harmonies adding to the polished, ear-stroking sound, this breezy tune is full of infatuating auditory indulgence.

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In The Spotlight

Oliver Heimach – “Golden Hour”

This Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and producer has waded through many corners of the musical world already. He started songwriting at 18, with an initial interest in Musical Theater. Luckily his passion for pop took him to joining several bands, but started molding his own sound after a West-Coast move in 2015. His debut single “Saturday Morning Cartoons” was released in 2018.

Infected by some groovy Saturday Night Fever vibes, his latest single is a Bee Gees-influenced disco extravaganza. With some glistening synths woven through the fabric of the 70s instrumentation of a sprightly beat, plucky bass and vintage violins spawning images of brightly lit, multi-colored dance-floors, his flawless, retro-dipped, falsetto vocals put the finishing touch on this sweet disco banger.

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In The Spotlight

New Position – “That Juice”

Formed in 2016, the nine members of this Leeds-based funk collective started putting their own stamp on songs by Prince and have since applied that stamp on sizzling original tracks. Brainchild of Irish guitarist and songwriter Conall Mulvenna, aka KONL, accompanied by lead singers Alice Kim and Pariss Elektra, they take listeners on an epic funkadelic trip, stopping at R&B and Pop along the way.

On their latest funkalicious single, they journey back to the neon decade with some scorching 80s funk, touched by the sound of His Purple Highness. With bouncy bass slaps and feverous horns setting the sweltering melody ablaze and their blistering harmonies dancing around the steaming, red-hot sax solo, this is a scintillating and succulent recipe, dripping with deliciously tasting juice.

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