In The Spotlight

FAUX – “Take Back Time”

This London-based collective is a collaborative project centered around producer and songwriter Josef Page. He has worked with artists such as Raye, Dua Lipa and Mullally and still managed to find time to form FAUX in between sessions. His distinctive sound is both reminiscent of the glory days of 80s pop/funk as it is contemporary.

His debut single marks the first of three singles to drop over the coming months. It features vocals by Sherri Davis, who also lends her voice to projects from Netsky. With an addictive beat, alluring synths and a delicious 80s pop feel, you truly can take back time for three minutes. It’s a fabulous reminder of the golden era of the 80s, while still remaining current.

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In The Spotlight

The Blemish – “California”

This Los Angeles-based duo consists of Bo Haan and Emin Karimi. Both are accomplished singers, songwriters and producers in their own right. Karimi is a child prodigy, who started working as a professional songwriter and producer at the tender age of 10. Haan used to be a lawyer, but found his calling in music. Together they create an auditory amalgamation of old-school funk, soul and contemporary electro grooves.

Their latest single is brimming with that vintage, 80s style funk and very danceable disco tones. The instrumentation is phenomenal with a highly addictive beat, snazzy funk guitar, sweltering synths and fierce, hot horns. The choral-style vocals fuse fluently with the sparkly, glitterball feel of the music. It is a very current take on the funk revivalism of late and embraces that glitzy dance-floor filler vibe.

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In The Spotlight

Jacob Lee – “So Wrong”

At a mere 22 years of age, this Australian singer/songwriter has supported Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) and Jamie Lawson and has toured all over the world several times and yet he once started out as a street busker. He consciously chose to work as an independent artist, without a label, management or booking agent, embracing the role of entrepreneur as well as artist in order to give his music the artistic freedom it deserves.

His latest single is a powerful, full-bodied pop ballad, with eloquent, poignant lyrics and a riveting production, which effortlessly takes you from a charming acoustic guitar to a spellbinding pop chorus. It’s an enthralling tune, which grabs the listener from the first note and showcases not only his penchant for songwriting, but also his sumptuous and rich vocals.

From his EP “Clarity” (2017):

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In The Spotlight

Joon Moon – “Tiger”

Started in the arts centre of the world – Monmartre in Paris – this Franco-American band is a meeting of different musical styles and cultures. Consisting of house producer Julien Decoret, drummer Raphael Chassin and singer/songwriter Krystle Warren, they set out to combine retro aesthetics and politically conscious songwriting into something new and exciting, which merges trip-hop, jazz, soul and electronic music.

Despite the rather odd, slightly film-noire-esque video, their latest single is a delightful dreamscape, which echoes on your eardrums. It has a retro vibe to it and a neo-soul feel. Starting with a haunting beat, it leads to a more upbeat chorus and the introduction of some slick saxophone. The organic sounding, fluid vocals tie the song together and their use of vintage instruments gives it a hue of authenticity.

From their upcoming album “Moonshine Corner”, to be released on 29 September 2017:

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In The Spotlight

TQ – “Oldie Love”

TQ is an artist from Compton, California. He is a singer, songwriter and producer who discovered his voice singing in church and started writing songs as a child. Growing up in a neighborhood where most children didn’t have much of a future to look forward to, he found that great music can have a lasting effect on people and songwriting and performing showed him the true power of music. He has written songs for artists including R. Kelly, Lil Wayne and Dru Hill.

His latest single is a smooth, laid-back gem, which mixes an old-school Motown sound with contemporary R&B and a touch of 90s funk. With an addictive beat, catchy hooks, sparkling brass and creamy, velvety vocals, he definitely proves his love for oldies, but also shows his formidable song-writing skills and his impressive ability for making old-school sound modern and fresh.

From his album “Coming Home” (2017):

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In The Spotlight

Lauren Waller – “What If”

Hailing from Los Angeles, this multi-talented singer/songwriter recently graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Theater Arts Production and Design, so you could say that entertainment is in her blood. Her debut EP “Perhaps” from 2016 received rave reviews and airplay around the world. The power of her music comes from the emotional story-telling in her lyrics, combined with an unique sound of 80s piano pop, smoldering R&B and a touch of soul all rolled into one

Her latest offering is an impassioned and captivating look at relationships, questioning loyalty, love and trust. The gentle piano and rhythmic handclap beat are the perfect frame for her powerful, expressive vocals. The arrangement is enchanting, with mild, hypnotizing violins added to create a full and satisfying sound. It’s a charming, almost bewitching, song with poignant, passionate lyrics, from which you just can’t walk away.

From her EP “No Names Here” (2017):

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