In The Spotlight

Chris Rob – “No Doubt”

Born and raised in Chicago, this singer, songwriter and producer is also a multi-instrumentalist, playing piano, drums, guitar and bass. Since 2003 he’s performed with greats such as Kanye West and Stevie Wonder and was musical director for a John Legend tour. He’s also opened for Prince, Ashford & Simpson and Alicia Keys amongst countless others and released four studio albums to date.

Soaked in soulful seventies tones, his latest single radiates a suave, Motown-reminiscent vibe. The organic sounding orchestration of an oscillating beat, airy guitar and breezy brass give this song a nostalgic, debonair feel, while his polished and soul-infused vocals, serenading that someone special, add a vintage smoothness, making this a swinging earworm with a buoyantly funky flavor.

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In The Spotlight

EMM – “Freedom”

This inspirational, multi-talented songbird has overcome many troublesome challenges and moved from her home-town of Traverse City, Michigan to New York City at the tender age of 16. As a singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and women’s advocate, she has a hand in all aspects of her music, while giving a voice to girls with similar backgrounds. Her debut album released in 2016.

Her passion and conviction shines through the invigorating melodic artistry and empowering lyrical flair of her latest single. Touching on a precarious subject of how children of addicts often have to be the adult, she envelops her message in a synth-heavy ambience, while letting her sensitive, silky vocals and lustrous harmonies complete this valorous, honest and rousing pop groove.

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In The Spotlight

Caper Clowns – “Paper Trail”

In 2010 Rick Kingo, Peter Højgaard, Christian Højgaard, Henrik Krogh and Søren Daugaard Jensen formed this band in Ferritslev, Denmark. Honing their powerpop and indie-rock blend with a retro tinge, they extensively played live shows and festivals, including opening for UK bands The Crookes and Level 42. They released their debut album “The Buca Bus” in 2016 to  a global score of rave reviews.

The third single from their upcoming “A Salty Taste To The Lake” album, which is to be released on October 5th, is a perky indie-rock song, wrapped in a vivacious vintage coating. With bouncy electric guitar strums, lively percussion and Electric Light Orchestra-dipped harmonies, it fuses 60s, 70s and 00s influences into a contemporary composite of rejuvenating and lively guitar-driven rock.

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In The Spotlight

Walk Off The Earth – “Fifth Avenue”

This cheerful Canadian quintet first formed in 2006 making cover versions of songs in their own distinct style. In 2012 a cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” went viral and got them noticed worldwide. They’ve toured extensively across the globe, had their songs featured in several TV-shows, won a Juno award in 2016 and performed during the NFL half-time show this year.

With their ode to New York City, they’ve created a gleeful, upbeat piece of pop paradise on their latest single. Some joyous whistles and a playful rhythm kick off the feelgood vibe, which flourishes as the song gains pace. A cheery piano, exuberant vocal harmonies and authentic city sounds, make this jovial arrangement a blissful, euphoric pop anthem with an infectious melodic energy.

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In The Spotlight

Flevans ft. Laura Vane – “Who’s Got Me”

This British multi-instrumentalist, DJ and producer found himself in Brighton in the early noughties with nothing but a demo and a dream. He wanted to create an eclectic mix of classic funk and soul sounds with contemporary DJ beats. He got his shot with independent label Tru Thoughts in 2004, released 4 studio albums since, toured the world as a DJ and had his tracks used in ads for Nokia and ESPN.

Enlisting the soul-infused vocals of fellow Brightonian Laura Vane, his latest single truly is a 70s Saturday night at the discotheque in melodic form. With a very infectious funky bass line, bouncy rhythm, vivacious violins and Laura’s powerful voice boogieing over the discolicious groove, this taster of his 5th album “Part-Time Millionaire”, dropping in 2019 on Jalapeno Records, is a disco sparkler.

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In The Spotlight

Souls In Rhythm – “Electric Lover”

The sound of this Canadian quartet from Calgary pays tribute to the 80s, by blending everything that’s good about the neon decade. You can find Funk, Soul, Pop and HipHop, all topped with their unique, modern take. With their commanding live show, they’ve toured across Canada and opened for Common and Boyz II Men. They released their debut album “Can’t Fake The Funk” in 2007.

Their first single in four years is a funkalicious fusion of vintage variance. A bangin’ Rick James-like beat and fiery guitar chords blend with Roger & Zapp-style robotic sounds, buoyant 80s Pop vocals and a neon Rock howling electric guitar solo. The electronic wizardry, exuberant rhythm and retro record scratching fills this pastel-dipped groove with vivacious vibes of pure energetic panache.

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