In The Spotlight

Claire Vandiver – “Summer Me Up”

Born in Nashville, this singer and songwriter grew up around music, as her dad is a guitar player and songwriter as well. They co-wrote and produced her songs together, as well as playing live venues, since she was 16. With her stunning, wide-ranging vocal chops, she feels comfortable singing both catchy, upbeat pop as a smooth, subdued, jazzy edge. In 2014 she released her debut single “Craze”.

Sunscreen and shades are essential for listening to her latest sun-drenched single. She took Summer, wrapped it up in a radiant rhythm, bright bass line and sunlit guitar chords and dipped it in a sea of cheerful harmonies and luminous, peppy vocals. Under a parasol of incandescent pop sensibilities, the heat of this bouncy, beach-ready jam will Summer you up for the whole of the sunshiny season.

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In The Spotlight

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression – “Honey, Be”

Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, this seven-piece soul-funk outfit blends vintage inspirations of funk, soul, R&B and Rock ‘n’ Roll into an exceptional groovy auditory experience. Lead singer Joslyn Hampton was raised on a steady diet of music, ranging from church choirs to opera, but the influence of Chaka Khan, Jill Scott and Whitney Houston lead to the discovery of her intense soulful voice.

As part of a series of single releases throughout 2018, their latest musical treat is a well-crafted piece of slick, funkalicious grooviness. The buoyant bass line, sunny guitar plucks and airy piano set the mood, while the bubbly brass and her stellar, soul-drenched and sprightly vocals elevate this multifaceted track to new heights of spine-tingling soulful elegance with a bit of funky vitality.

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In The Spotlight

Jonah Nilsson – “Coffee Break”

This Swedish funk-pop vocalist and pianist was born for music. He started singing in a church choir at the age of one and went on to study at the Royal Academy Of Music in Stockholm. Initially, he and two friends were discovered by award-winning producer David Foster, who signed them as Dirty Loops. Taking his extraordinary talent to the next level, he’s currently working on his debut solo album.

Produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, his solo debut single is an explosion of funkalicious genius. His stunning, soul-dripping vocals have a touch of Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, while still maintaining an unique sound. Fusing effortlessly with the complex instrumentation of a bouncy bass line, exuberant horns and masterful keys, it shows him to be the future of soul and funk inspired pop.

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In The Spotlight

Johanna Klingfors – “All The Same”

Born and raised in Stockholm, this Swedish singer, songwriter and pianist grew up listening to the legends of 60s/70s jazz, blues and R&B music. She combined getting a masters from the Royal College Of Music with performing live both in her home country as in Spain. Giving a modern twist to that vintage sound, her musical virtuosity and impressive lyricism make her a force to be reckoned with.

By joining her retro-tinted, musical craftsmanship with a social statement about racism and discrimination, her debut single is a sumptuous sounding throwback with a modern message. The ear-tingling, blazing brass, an energizing rhythm and choral backing vocals give it a rejuvenating vibe,  while her vintage-dipped, powerhouse pipes complete this empowering slice of soulful vivacity.

From her upcoming EP “My Soul, The Blues & Other Stories”, to be released in October 2018:

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In The Spotlight

Joey Dosik – “Inside Voice”

Benched after a serious injury, this Los Angeles-based former basketball player turned to his love of music as a new career. He performed with Vulfpeck, Nikka Costa and Lake Street Dive and, combining his love for the sport with music, he created the EP “Game Winner” in 2016, which was inspired by the language and lore of the game. That debut was re-released early 2018 with four bonus tracks.

The title-track of his upcoming full-length album is suave 70s-style soul and shows off his exceptional songwriting skills. The intimate instrumentation of a mellow rhythm, gentle violins and serene keys lights the candle on a romantic, almost erotic, sonic setting. His creamy, blue-eyed soul vocals sound emotional and mellifluous and caresses this euphonic piece of retro-tinged modern soul.

From his upcoming album “Inside Voice”, to be released on 24 August 2018:

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In The Spotlight

Wé McDonald – “Head Up High”

Hailing from Paterson, this young American songstress and author had a rough time in school, due to a high-pitched voice and thick-rimmed glasses. Proving the bullies wrong, she went on to be a contestant on Season 11 of The Voice, in which she ultimately came third. She tells her story in a children’s book “The Little Girl With The Big Voice”, teaching kids to embrace their unique qualities.

That anti-bullying message is also woven through the lyrical fabric of her new empowering single. A buoyant bass line, captivating rhythm and punchy electric guitar chords musically represent the roughness of life, while her emotional, commanding vocals with a bit of a bite depict the strength to hold your head up high and not to be a victim, making it an impressive and slightly dark gem.

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