In The Spotlight

Johnny Murrell – “Not That Bad, Yet”

Originally from Kansas City, this talented singer, songwriter, musician and teacher made Tulsa his home. Raised in a house where music was always playing, he started piano lessons at a young age. After studying Music and Spanish in college, he moved to New York City, where he founded the band Robbing Johnny. Years later he moved back to Tulsa and did a residency at the Mercury Lounge. Inspired by Elton John, Frank Sinatra and Jimi Hendrix, he debuted with “Finally The Rain” in 2018.

Encouraging people dealing with mental health problems to embrace hope and not to give up, his new single is built around meaningful lyrics exuding positivity and strength. Framed by a delightfully rich sound, comprised of several musical elements, the melody is a soothing sonic ebb and flow. With a gentle rhythm, full-bodied guitars and a slight 80s pop feel, the song sounds like a warm embrace. And with the honeyed charm of his vocals, this ear-pleasing smooth groove is not bad at all.

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In The Spotlight

Chubby Cat – “Oh Honey!”

Born in Cork as Cat Doran, this Irish singer and songwriter has been making a name for herself as an exciting live artist. The BIMM Dublin graduate has been honing her RnB-infused sound and showcased it at festivals such as The Great Escape and Indiependence, creating an ever growing fan base. Now based in Belfast, the alt-pop artist continues with her genre-blending, experimental approach to music. Inspired by Barbra Streisand and Lady Gaga, she debuted with “Slipping” in 2021.

Trying to capture the chaos her head becomes when overthinking relationships, her new single shares her fear of being hurt and the difficulty getting to trust someone as a result. Doused in vintage sunbeams, the song is an infectious, summery earworm. With almost tribal drums you can feel resonating in your guts, refreshing guitars and multi-layered harmonies filling the afro-pop-like melody, it’s her cheery, soulful vocals that make this groove radiate from every note.

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In The Spotlight

Ay Wing – “Sugar Rush”

Born as Alexandra Landtwing in Switzerland and now based in Berlin, Germany, this singer, songwriter and producer wrote her first songs at the age of 18. She also spent a year attending a music school in London. Since then she’s toured throughout Europe and the US, opened for acts like Selah Sue and Sofi Tukker and played festivals such as Twin Lakes as well as Sofar Sounds. Inspired by Lauryn Hill, Father John Misty and The Beatles, she debuted with her self-titled EP in 2015.

Putting into words and melody the intoxicated high you get from falling and being in love, her new single celebrates the unmistakable thrill an all-encompassing feeling of infatuation can bring. The refreshing sound of the tune blends R&B and neo-soul with an addictive funkiness. Enticing you in with playful electric guitar, smooth string section and retro-touched synths, it’s the cheeky bells and the sultry quality of her vocals, that make this an ode to newfound love.

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In The Spotlight

Benny Trokan – “It’s Time”

Born and raised in New York City, this singer, songwriter and musician grew up immersed by the music from his mother’s eclectic 60s record collection. Influenced by Ringo Starr, he became infatuated with the drums at an early age. At college he expanded his horizons with bands of his own generation. Since then he’s played in various groups, most notably as the bassist for Spoon. Inspired by The Beatles, Sam & Dave and A Tribe Called Quest, he debuted solo with “Hey Lovers” in 2022.

Deeply dipped in the glorious sounds of the swinging 60s, his new single guides you through all the best the era had to offer. Taken from his upcoming album “Do You Still Think Of Me”, to be released on August 23rd, the song blends vintage elements of pop and rock into a track that sounds like a long lost treasure of the time. Starting with cheeky castanets and a guitar, the song evolves to a lively beat, electric guitars and violins, becoming a passionate trip back to the golden age of rock.

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In The Spotlight

Carly Pearl – “Over The Influence”

Based in New York City, this eclectic singer and songwriter grew up listening to a lot of jazz, soul and musical theatre. She’s been making her own mark in theatre, as an actress and in music. As part of the national touring act Scruffy Pearls, she played various festivals and opened for other artists. Recently she also guest starred on the CBS TV show FBI: Most Wanted. Inspired by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill, she released her solo debut “Play Me” in 2021.

Trying to empower everyone to realize what influence is trapping your actions and thinking, her new single is a call to be aware and usher in a positive change in your life. Drenched in a honeyed soulful veil, the song gets going with a laidback acoustic guitar. Soon an easygoing rhythm joins the melodic sweetness, blending neo-soul, R&B and jazz into an unique, ear-pleasing sound. And with her Macy Gray-touched vocal warmth, she’s certainly captured the summer sun in every note.

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In The Spotlight

The Heavy Heavy – “Happiness”

Based in Brighton, this band fronted by Will Turner and Georgie Fuller is so nice, they had to name it twice. Both having grown up with genre-bending music from the 60s and early 70s has influenced their retro sound that ranges from rock ‘n roll to blues and from pop to soul. First touring around the UK and Europe, they’ve now expanded to the USA with a tour and TV appearances. Inspired by The Rolling Stones and The Mamas And The Papas, they debuted with “Life And Life Only” in 2022.

Capturing the need to break free from loneliness and boredom, their new single is a sun-drenched, summer-ready celebration of the 60s. Taken from their upcoming album “One Of A Kind”, expected on September 6th, they follow in the footsteps of bands like The Beatles with an uplifting blend of rock and pop. With a monochrome rhythm, vivid electric guitars and layered harmonies, they’ve created a high-spirited vintage journey, gathering sheer happiness along the way.

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