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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In The Spotlight

JTOTHEC – “Stop The Time”

Born as Jonas Casier, this Belgian funk soul brother started dipping himself in all-emcompassing music at a young age. He started out as a hiphop DJ, which taught him his scratching skills. Always experimenting in his home-studio filled with vintage gear, he’s created a sublime fusion of retro soul, funky beats and a smidgen of his hiphop heritage, which shines on his debut album.

The second single from the album is an intense smooth soul song, which sounds like it was recently discovered in the crevices of the Motown vaults. The laid-back percussion, soft Hammond tones and the suave horns of the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra set the scene for his silky, soulful vocal chops to create a gorgeously nostalgic soul trip with an impressive Marvin Gaye-like vibe.

From his album “Somebody Had To Make This Record” (2018):

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In The Spotlight

Cantaloop – “Slip It Back”

Based in Worcester, this British funk outfit has been making sweet hiphop-infused funk and soul since 2001, which saw the release of their debut album “Groove Operators”. They tirelessly tour the UK and Europe with an exhilarating live show, impressing audiences with their volcanic funk/soul sound and have shared the stage with the likes of Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Roy Ayers and De La Soul.

Their new single is a funkalicious fusion of a swanky smooth groove with extravagant horns, a hiphop-style chorus and Dannie Dee’s soul-dripping vocals, creating an auditory tapestry of both retro and modern sounding funkiness. With an added hallelujah from Reverend Cleve’s funky preachings and the blazing brass of The Haggis Horns, it’s a vibrant nu-funk jam with all the swagger.

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