In The Spotlight

James Wyatt Crosby – “Lightning”

This Toronto-based Canadian multi-genre musician, producer and recording artist left his band Garbagio earlier this year to pursue his aspirations of making a full-length album. He is a collector of musical instruments, which include the more exotic theremin, autoharp and even toy pianos and took lessons in guitar, piano and drums.

His latest single is a lo-fi dreampop track, with two distinct halfs. The first half being a more lively and catchy pop tune with a slight jazzy touch. It has a soft driving beat, organic sounding guitar and smooth vocals. The second half starts off with the sound of falling rain and is more orchestral and melodic. It’s a luscious treat, which takes the listener on a magnificent musical expedition.

From his debut album “Twins” (2017):

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In The Spotlight

Gigi Rowe – “Got That”

This Miami-based emerging pop singer calls herself a “glamorous runaway”, due to her bold style and adventurous attitude. Inspired by early Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and Annie lennox, her music is a glittery throwback to the infectious pop tunes of the 80s. She has had her debut single “Run The Night” included in Ubisoft’s Just Dance 2017.

Her latest single will give you that neon-infused 80s feeling in spades. It’s an upbeat, happy-go-lucky disco dance track, with vintage synth action, addictive rhythm and a glorious saxophone bridge, which sounds both familiar and fresh. Chosen to be featured on Just Dance 2018, it’s also the first single of her upcoming EP, to be released later in the year.

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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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