In The Spotlight

Cecily – “Pisces”

This Washington DC native songbird and songwriter has been honing her luscious soprano voice for most of her life. Her exquisite sound is a carefully constructed blend of soul, jazz and 90s R&B, which earned her comparisons to Deniece Williams and Corinne Bailey-Rae. She’s opened for soul/jazz greats Gregory Porter and Kenny Lattimore on their tours and released her self-titled debut EP in 2015.

Her latest single is as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot, summers day. Singing about finding inner-strength and self-acceptance, her soothing, emotive vocals with a Minnie Riperton-like quality gently float on a sensuous, 70s-inspired river of mild percussion, soft violins and a cheeky flute. Its a seductively enchanting waterfall of mellow soundwaves, which calmly washes over you.

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In The Spotlight

Fingazz – “Gangsta Girl”

Although his name might not be instantly familiar, this L.A.-based producer and artist has been on the music scene for many years. He opened for legends such as The Gap Band, The Commodores and talkbox vocals pioneers Zapp & Roger and produced music for MC’s like Snoop Dogg and Kurupt. He’s also mastered the art of talkbox singing, which is still a staple of his own funkadelic sound.

It is no surprise then that his latest single is a celebration of that time-honored talkbox tradition. It’s a fiesta of funk, with a splash of soul and a dollop of disco. The combination of snazzy state-of-the-art production with the retro 80s-inspired funky flavors from the sweltering synths and a bracing beat makes this a deliciously sparkling, energetic jam which is just finger-lickin’ good.

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In The Spotlight

K.Avett – “Feelin’ Good”

With a phenomenal blend of soul, R&B and jazz and sophisticated lyricism, this Texan singer and songwriter has created a fresh, standout sound. In 2014 she released her debut album “Revelations”, which was received with a torrent of well-deserved accolades and lead to several award nominations. She also opened for Corinne Bailey Rae on her 2016 “The Heart Speaks In Whispers” tour.

Her new single certainly lives up to its cheerful title. It’s a buttery smooth, feel-good song with a sunny, laid-back vibe. A gentle jazzy beat, mild percussion and sleek keys paint a tranquil picture which, accentuated by her soul-infused vocals and luscious harmonies, radiates warm sunbeams. Singing about celebrating life and choosing joy, its positivity is very addictive and can brighten up any day.

From her upcoming album “Lioness”, to be released in May 2018:

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In The Spotlight

Dree Mon – “No Chill”

Although always bitten by the music bug, Dree Paterson dreamed about being a dancer, when a car accident changed her life. She discovered a knack for refined songwriting, which steered her onto a new path. Inspired by the music of Stevie Wonder, Gwen Stefani and Jamiroquai, she developed a fresh blend of modern pop and retro funk and had her music used on TV and in films.

The sophomore single of her latest musical endeavor certainly makes this L.A.-based singer/songwriter shine. A lively beat, sunny electric guitar chords and sleek strings merge into a breezy, summery pop tune with delicious retro funk flair. Her soulful vocals are charismatic with a velvety glaze and give this bubbly dance groove a sunny, chillastic essence to which you just can’t sit still.

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In The Spotlight

Big Sam’s Funky Nation – “Buzzin'”

Over a decade ago Big Sam, a New Orleans-native singer and trombonist, formed his band to indulge in the wide-ranging world of music. Mixing funk, rock ‘n’ roll, hiphop and jazz with the brassy influence of their hometown, they created an invigorating powerfunk sound. They love to tour with their energetic stage show, engaging with their exhilarated audience from festivals to rock clubs.

The first taster of their forthcoming album is a high-powered funk fest with lots of pep. It’s instantly thrilling with bouncy bass slaps and their Zapp-like talkbox vocals, but it soon bursts to life with some fiery, full-bodied brass, sweeping guitar riffs and contagious keys. Singing about hot, intoxicating love on the dance floor, its electrifying, funkalicious vibe will have you buzzin’ all night long.

From their upcoming album “Songs In The Key Of Funk”, to be released on 4 May 2018:

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In The Spotlight

Kara Marni – “Curve”

This London-based songstress has had a lifelong love affair with music. She grew up immersed in the sounds of classic soul legends such as Minnie Riperton, Roberta Flack and Anita Baker. Her astonishing vocal prowess allowed her to develop an impressive soul-with-a-sprinkling-of-pop style of her own. She debuted in February 2017 with the single “Nothing Even Matters”, featuring XamVolo.

Her love of classic soul is evident when her new single sets off with a sampling of Dusty Spingfield’s “Spooky”, but it soon emerges as a sensual, contemporary taste of R&B. With a mellow rhythm and a sleek bassline tickling the senses, her seductive, polished vocals gently stroke your eardrums. By blending classic soul and modern R&B into a fresh, new sound, it’s a stirring, evocative smooth groove.

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