In The Spotlight

Jenn Connor – “Like I Did”

Born in a small town just outside Toronto, this Canadian songbird started singing and performing at a young age. She began posting original songs, which were noticed by LA-based producer Tomas Constanza. Apart from being a singer and songwriter, she is also a model and plays piano, clarinet and guitar. She uses her refreshing, danceable pop songs to encourage young teenagers to believe in themselves.

This is the third single from her upcoming EP “Come Alive”. Produced by award-winning producer Rob Wells, it’s an innovative twist on traditional pop music. The dynamic bass line is instantly catchy and leads to a multi-layered instrumentation, which accommodates her luscious, sultry vocals like a glove. Despite singing about a breakup, it’s a fun and lively taste of the future of pop music.

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In The Spotlight

DANSU – “Run”

This Dutch electro-pop trio, based in Tokyo, Japan, consists of frontman Bas van Nienes, Jeroen van de Werken and bassist Eljakim Okkerse. Their goal is to make highly danceable, happiness-inducing tracks with colorful, upbeat tunes. With their previous single “Do Do Do” they scored a minor hit in Israel and they have toured extensively across Canada, Sweden, Germany and The Netherlands.

Introducing their honorary fourth member in the video clip – a green bucket – their latest single is a refreshing indie-pop song with a very summery feel. With an infectious rhythm, scintillating synths, lively guitar and joyful, rousing vocals, it’s an uplifting pop track with a touch of soul. This catchy, feel-good groove is a sure-fire way to chase away those winter blues.

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In The Spotlight

Audra Bryant – “Scars”

Multi-talented doesn’t even begin to describe this songstress’ creativity. Born in Detroit and now residing in Los Angeles, she is a TV-producer, choreographer, playwright, songwriter and performer. She uses the arts to encourage others to follow their dreams. Her first love is music and she’s been featured on several jazz projects, leading up to her debut solo EP “The Introduction” in 2009.

The first single from her latest EP “Through The Dark” is an inspirational R&B gem, which she wanted to write since she was burned as a child. Smooth percussion and airy guitar riffs give it a delightful laid-back vibe and with her jazzy vocals singing the relatable and personal lyrics, emphasizing that true beauty cannot be measured by looks alone, it sounds both vulnerable and powerful.

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In The Spotlight

Mamas Gun – “London Girls”

Celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year, this British five-piece band took soul, Motown and funk and brought it into the 21st century. Consisting of Andy Platts (singer), Dave Oliver (keys), Terry Lewis (guitar), Chris Boot (drums) and Cameron Dawson (bass), they have been impressing audiences with their bubbly and infectious sound since the release of their debut album “Routes To Riches” in 2009.

The first single from their forthcoming album is a soulful tribute to girls from the UK’s capital. Captivating from the first drum beats and stylish horns, which are reminiscent of soul music of yesteryear, it is an invigorating melody which includes an acoustic piano and an unexpected rock guitar solo paving the way for Andy’s enthralling vocals. It’s a delicious slice of modern succulent soul.

From their upcoming album “Golden Days”, to be released on 23 February 2018:

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In The Spotlight

Tall Children – “Song For You”

Hidden behind the moniker Tall Children is British guitarist Ben Hughes from Liverpool. After being encouraged by his dad, he picked up his first guitar aged 5. He studied at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and had his first gig when he was 13. When he branched out into songwriting, his own sound started to form, which is organic, back-to-basics pop with poignantly personal lyrics.

Like all of his songs, his latest single started off with an idea and a guitar, but it evolved way beyond that. It has a fun, upbeat pop melody, but the addition of electronic beats and sizzling synths gave it a very funky flavor. With relatable lyrics about the need for validation in life and his captivating vocals, it’s a wonderfully infectious pop song in a delectable funkalicious wrapper.

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In The Spotlight

James Blonde – “Not This Time”

This Canadian trio, comprising of Neil Carson, Phil Taylor and Steph Mercier, were previously known as Xprime, but they changed their identity, because they felt the band was more a singular entity. Their new sound is alternative pop/rock, which they describe as “navigating the sweet spot between scorch and swoon”. Mostly a live band, they’ve toured extensively playing to exhilarated audiences.

Taken from their self-titled debut album, which was released in 2017, this catchy song is a modern alternative pop/rock track, but slightly reminiscent of the power-pop tunes of the 80s. The smooth harmonies from their melodic vocals and a driving beat, crisp hooks and sweeping electric guitar riffs give it a very distinct full-bodied flavor. It’s a lively piece of sonic bliss.

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