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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In The Spotlight

Blinkie – “Halfway”

This London-based DJ/producer has been making music since he was 15 years old. Not limiting himself to a specific genre, he is influenced by greats, such as Quincy Jones and Kanye West. His passion for music is deeply infused in all his work, which is innovative and fresh. He established himself firmly on to the dance scene with his last single “Don’t Give Up (On Love)” back in 2015.

Released on his own label Edendale Road his new single is a catchy amalgamation of his varied musical influences. Joyous finger snaps set the tone for an impressive, anthemic powerhouse. Build on a slight house beat, it has full-bodied pop orchestration and soulful R&B vocals, creating an exceptional energetic atmosphere, which is bound to surpass all previous successes.

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In The Spotlight

Tyne – “I’m Down”

At only 19 years of age, Cambridgeshire-based chill-pop songstress Grace Shelley aka Tyne is well on her way to making her unique mark on the music scene. Her music is a multi-faceted blend of atmospheric orchestration and meaningful lyrics. Previous singles “Crawl” and “Girly” were very well received, the latter even having been supported on BBC Radio 1 as their ‘Track Of The Week’.

Her new single delivers on her trademark ambient sound, with a laid-back feel, smooth guitar riffs and captivating electronic hooks, but what sets this song apart are her incredible serene and polished vocals. It’s a sleek, rhythmic and refined gem, which breathes tranquility while enthralling the listener throughout with a bewitching melody and empowering lyrics.

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In The Spotlight

Sunset Neon – “Tonight”

Sunset Neon is a side-project by Detroit-based eclectic producer/instrumentalist Bret Autrey, better known as Blue Stahli, to explore all the different musical styles of the 80s. He has used tidbits of 80s vibes in his previous releases, but decided to explore them more in a new project, which he describes as “80s VHS music and glitchy nostalgic pop”.

His new single is brimming with pure 80s rock which would not look out of place on a movie soundtrack. It has anthemic electric guitar throughout, glorious sweltering synths and invigorating beats, giving this track a heroic quality as well as an uncontrollable urge to put on sweat bands on long permed hair and shamelessly play air-guitar.

From his upcoming debut album “Starlight”, to be released on 1 December 2017:

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In The Spotlight

Minor Majority – “Napkin Poetry”

Formed by Pål Angelskår and Andreas Berczelly in the year 2000, this now five-piece Norwegian pop/rock/folk band rose to stardom in their country, having scored gold records and spending 24 weeks on the Norwegian albums chart with their album “Up For You & I” in 2003. In 2010 they put their professional careers on pause, but they returned triumphantly in 2016 with the aptly named song “I’ve Been Here Before”.

Their latest single is a tribute to the music you grew up with as well as to the people in your life who introduce you to good music. Reminiscent of The Eagles, America and Boston, the song feels familiar, yet fresh. With 70s style jangling rock guitar, wonderful laid-back piano, infectious rhythm and smooth-as-butter harmonized vocals, this song has all the ingredients to become an instant classic.

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In The Spotlight

Royaume – “If We”

Consisting of singer Yumi Aoki and producer/instrumentalist Moon Boy, this Paris-based duo met at an after-party and discovered they musically clicked. They set to work on creating their own distinctive dream-pop sound, combining Yumi’s extraordinarily dynamic voice and Moon Boy’s digital synth mastery. Their music has earned them rave reviews from the blogosphere as well as over 500,000 online streams.

Their new single is themed around feminism and empowerment, denouncing a society that gives pride of place to stereotypes. With infectious hand claps, gripping and upbeat percussion, soaring synths and compelling, blissful vocals, it’s an anthemic musical journey which captivates and mesmerizes, while conveying their message of positivity and acceptance for all.

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