In The Spotlight

Barei – “You Number One”

This Spanish singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist was born as Bárbara Reyzábal González-Aller in Madrid. She released her debut album “Billete Para No Volver” in 2011 but, influenced by British and American pop, switched to singing in English on her second album “Throw The Dice”. She went on to open for Lenny Kravitz and representing Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016.

The title-track of her recently released third album is a cheerful and uplifting single radiating confidence and self-belief. It’s contemporary pop with a Mediterranean edge, supplied by airy, playful guitar plucks and cheeky finger snaps. A modern rhythm accompanies her unique talk-sing style vocals and the choral harmonies, making it a catchy and encouraging song with summer-hit potential.

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In The Spotlight

Barbudo – “Secret Admirer”

Hailing from Portsmouth, this British funk trio, consisting of brothers Ben and Harry Stanworth and Elliot Salter, created an unique amalgamation of old-school funk, rock and R&B. Inspired by the sounds of the 70s and legends such as Steely Dan and The Isley Brothers, they blend that vintage charm with contemporary tones, leading to the release of their invigorating debut EP “Pleasures” in 2017.

Sounding like the musical love child of Michael Jackson and Santana, they soaked the 70s-inspired funky melody of their new single in summery Latin vibes. With lively basslines, sun-kissed guitars and hot percussion laying down the summertime groove, a smokin’ electric guitar solo and the shimmering vocals tie all the elements together into a retro-dipped jam of pure sonic sunshine.

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In The Spotlight

Kelsy Karter ft. Hudson Thames – “Easy Tiger”

Growing up as a rather mischievous teenager in Australia, this blue eyed soul singer considered herself an old soul with a young heart. She immersed herself in 50s and 60s soul of legends such as James Brown, Sam Cooke and The Ronettes and clothed herself accordingly. Now based in Los Angeles, she blends those nostalgic soul vibes with modern pop to create an unique, decade-spanning sound.

Dipped in the recalcitrant streak of the 1960s, her latest single shows her to be a true rebel with a voice. With a bracing beat, infectious guitars and catchy keys, it’s dripping with sexy 60s soul sensibilities. The powerful, seductive vocals of Kelsy and Hudson are a dueling duet of sensuous new lovers and add a playful, charismatic charm to an invigorating musical romance with vintage vitality.

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In The Spotlight

Black Pumas – “Black Moon Rising”

Austin-based musician and producer Adrian Quasada utilized his spare time in 2017 to write some soul-inspired instrumentals and started looking for a vocalist and lyricist. A mutual friend introduced him to Eric Burton, who impressed while busking in the streets and playing local venues. Now a sextet, the newly-formed band is gearing up to release their debut album in Summer 2018.

Sounding like they just blew the dust off a long lost Stax record, their latest single embraces us with their rich 70s psychedelic soulfulness. It’s a captivating and buttery-smooth throwback with a cinematic sound of sleek drums, mellow violins and slick guitars. And with Eric’s passionate, soul-dripping vocals adding to the vintage vibe, it takes the spirit of 70s soul and rises far above it.

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In The Spotlight

Tami Neilson – “Stay Outta My Business”

Born in Canada, where she toured as a young girl with The Neilsons family band and opening for Johnny Cash, this red-hot rockabilly powerhouse moved to New Zealand, where she established a formidable career in her own right. With a vintage-styled sound of country, honky-tonk and soul, she debuted with her album “Red Dirt Angel” in 2008 and earned a multitude of country music awards.

On her latest single she’s parked her country stylings in favor of diving into the swinging 60s with groovelicious gusto. This invigorating belter of scintillating soul and dynamic honky-tonk takes a brazen rhythm, playful guitar strums and blasting brass to allow her thrilling and sassy, tour de force vocals to take center-stage and make it an exhilarating, sparkling, retro-dipped jam full of 60s charm.

From her upcoming album “Sassafrass!”, to be released on 1 June 2018:

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In The Spotlight

Philippa Hanna – “The Hero”

Hailing from Sheffield, this acclaimed British singer and songwriter was born into a musical family. Her lyrics are heavily influenced by her Christian faith, which are poetically blended with her country and folk-style music. She opened for the likes of Wet Wet Wet, Anastacia and Lionel Richie on their tour, released several albums, an EP and two autobiographical books since her debut in 2007.

Her latest single, taken from her 2017 album “Come Back Fighting”, is brimming with powerful, Nashville-inspired, contemporary country/pop twang. With deeply personal, inspiriting lyrics, meant to destigmatize mental health issues, the finely-tuned instrumentation of classic country guitars and lively percussion blend with her passionate vocals, proving her to be a hero of the genre.

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