In The Spotlight

Gene Evaro Jr. – “Like It’s 1965”

Dipped in the musical magic of his hometown Joshua Tree, California, known for being a fountain of inspiration for musicians as well as U2‘s eponymous album, this multi-talented artist’s blended sound bounces from 60s folk, via 70s funk/soul, to contemporary electro. Having played festivals and supportingĀ Elle King and Blues Traveler on their tours, he’s gearing up to release his third album.

A spellbinding 70s funky bassline and his slick soulful voice make the title track of his album instantly captivating before bursting to life in the chorus with an invigorating beat and blazing brass. With a modern production emphasizing the vintage sound of the instrumentation and the 60s soul quality of his vocals, this mesmerizing track will have you party like it’s 1965.

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In The Spotlight

Sananda – “Only You”

Although born in Venezuela, this Mediterranean singer and songwriter grew up in Spain. Her parents were musicians as well and decided to settle down in Madrid after a Spanish tour when she was 6. Always being surrounded by musical creativity, she started singing at the age of 7 and taught herself to play guitar at 11. She’s about to release her debut album “Cruel” in April 2018.

The first taster of her forthcoming album creates a warm, summery feel with its laid-back grooves of an acoustic guitar and plush rhythm, before the contemporary pop layer awakens in the spirited chorus. Her R&B-ladened vocals, which effortlessly range from smooth and silky to vigorously energetic, seamlessly blend into the sweeping instrumentation, creating a catchy and sunny pop jam.

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In The Spotlight

Honeycraft – “Crystal Ball”

Born in the San Francisco Bay Area and now residing in Los Angeles, Catherine Rose Smith aka Honeycraft drew inspiration from disco diva’s such as Diana Ross and Donna Summer. She enveloped herself in the colorful hues of 70s funk and disco and 90s indie pop to create a fresh, atmospheric dream-disco sound. Her debut single “Shelter” introduced her world of ethereal disco in 2017.

Through a cosmic and ambient veil of tranquil synths you enter her realm of smooth, rhythmic tones which is the title track of her debut EP. While always holding on to that airy, laid-back feel, she injects some effervesant 70s disco vibes from a soft bass and sleek percussion into the mix. Add a glitter ball and a fog machine and it’s a polished nu-disco tune to dream away and slow-dance to.

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In The Spotlight

Ina Reni – “Down To Mars”

This London-based singer/songwriter of half-German, half-Bulgarian descent caught the attention of L.A.-based entertainment mogul Ted Chung, while she was busking on the streets of London. Apart from her musical ventures, she owns a popular lifestyleĀ YouTube channel. Her debut single “I Thought You Were Gay”Ā was released in 2016 and launched her fresh, fusion pop sound and quirky lyricism.

The title-track of her debut EP is like a virtual club, where she serves cocktails of vintage funk, sassy soul and edgy pop with a tiny hiphop umbrella. With a more-bounce-to-the-ounce beat and copious sprightly horns creating the intoxicating kick and her R&B-infused vocals with a soulful vibe putting a contemporary melodic cherry on top, this infectious tune will tug at your feet to get movin’.

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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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