In The Spotlight

You, Me & The Other Folks – “I Won’t Cry”

This brand spanking new Dutch duo consists of singer/songwriter Sandy Dane and producer/multi-instrumentalist GabriĆ«l Peeters, making up the You, Me part of their name. The Other Folks are constantly changing songwriters, vocalists and musicians. They describe their style as melancholic folk with pop and rock influences. Starting this month they’re going to release a new song every first of the month.

Their debut single is a beautiful ballad, delivering fully on their melancholic folk sound. It’s a very polished and accomplished production with tranquil instrumentation, from an acoustic piano and gentle percussion to sleek, orchestral violins. The emotionally laden, serene vocals complete this impressive debut, which will tug at your heartstrings while gently stroking your eardrums.

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In The Spotlight

Flights Over Phoenix – “Middle Of The World”

Singer/songwriter Keith Longo started performing in cover bands in Boston, but had higher aspirations. He packed up his car and headed west hoping to find like-minded musicians and form a band. First he found guitarist Chris Santillo, with whom he started writing and recording music. With the addition of drummer Jordan Nuanez the line up was complete and Flights Over Phoenix was born.

Their versatile sound is an organic blend of rock and contemporary pop, bound together with an 90s alternative vibe. Their latest single is high-energy ear-candy, brimming with catchy pop hooks, grandiose production and a universal message of self-empowerment. Add to that exceptional, creamy vocals and you get an anthemic gem that is highly memorable.

From their EP “Where I Comedown” (2017):

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In The Spotlight

Island Club – “Irresistible”

Based in Brighton, UK, this five-piece band graduated from BIMM music school, following artists like George Ezra, Tom Odell and The Kooks. The band was founded in 2015 and found their first three singles already highly acclaimed. Their 2016 single “Let Go” even managed to hit over 1 million listens on Spotify. Their style mixes psychedelia, dance and rock and wraps it in a multi-layered pop coat.

On their latest single they show off the infectious indie pop side of their musical stylings. It’s a contemporary sounding track, but with an underlay of 80s pop with a rock twist. With addictive hooks, buoyant percussion, sweltering synth action, glitzy electric guitar riffs and spellbinding vocals, it’s an exuberantly upbeat pop/rock song, which will make the sun shine on a rainy day.

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In The Spotlight

Fox In Oil – “Rise And Fall”

Although the band name sounds like it was taken from a medieval cook book, their music is definitely a recipe for success. Based in Saint Petersburg, this Russian quartet released their debut EP “Flowers Bloom In Atacama Desert” in 2016 and showcases their amazing amalgamation of neo-soul, jazz and R&B, all drizzled with pure 80s reminiscent pop.

Their latest single has an atmospheric, slightly haunting melody, which carries the lush voice of teenage lead-singer Daria Manakova like it’s floating on waves. With polished piano, lustrous percussion and fluid guitar riffs it sets a hypnotizing soundscape for her masterful, alluring vocals, all gelling together in an enchanting tour de force.

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In The Spotlight

Soul Messengers – “Whiplash”

This Sidney-based Australian soul band is formed around singer Rich Aljinovic, aka Chich, who is a blues/soul revivalist. Following in the footsteps of his influences like Bill Withers, Otis Redding and Donny Hathaway, he went back to basics and let songs develop organically. They love to play live and are intent on spreading their soul manifesto.

Their latest single is a wonderful, laid-back, soul drenched masterpiece, which is blended seamlessly with impassioned blues guitar. With a lively rhythm section, exhilarating horns and gutsy, gripping and dynamic vocals, this song is a riveting piece of modern soul with plenty of 70s grooviness, which gives you a warm feeling all over.

From their album “Vision & Faith” (2017):

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In The Spotlight

Sarah Ragsdale – “Next Time”

Hailing from New Jersey, this songstress is the definition of multi-talented, being a singer, pianist, songwriter and composer. Drawing inspiration from a mixture of genres, like pop, jazz, folk and even a touch of ragtime, she’s created a unique sound she calls “Ragstime”. Her album is a musical journey through her life, telling the story of the ups and downs of love and romance.

Her latest single is a whimsical and very infectious delight, which shows off her exquisite piano playing skills. Although it’s a song about heartbreak, it has an uptempo, perky melody, buoyant percussion and her sumptuous and yet powerful voice, which shows her to be an accomplished story-teller too. Impossible not to bob along, this song captivates and sparkles throughout.

From her album “Whimsical Romance” (2017):

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