In The Spotlight

Stefan Mahendra – “Keep On Movin'”

Raised in South-East London and with Sri Lankan and German roots, this singer, songwriter and musician blends the influence from his varied cultural heritage with the gospel music he discovered in church. Since then he’s toured the world opening for artists like Sting, Melanie C and Olly Murs. In 2019 he reached the quarter finals on The Voice UK. Inspired by Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder and John Legend, he debuted his soulful R&B sound on his single “Lovin’ You Is Easy” in 2020.

Singing about celebrating the glory of life itself and reminding the listeners to grab whatever life throws at you with both hands, his new single tries to open your eyes to the good change can bring. Wrapped in an intricate melodic blend of a funky rhythm, warm bass line and crisp, jazzy keys, it’s his velveteen vocals and smooth harmonies that gently stroke your ears. And with the added easy-going horns, this is a soul-infused sonic potpourri of infectious optimism and a silken sound.

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In The Spotlight

MAGNETS – “Speak”

Based in Melbourne/Naarm, Australian singer and songwriter Siobhan McGinnity is a multi-disciplinary artist and advocate. She was trained as a pianist from the age of 7 and grew up moving from town to town. Her musical passion started to bloom after settling in Melbourne. Disabled from Ménière’s disease and Fibromyalgia, she advocates for feminism, hearing disabilities and ecology. Inspired by the dulcet tones of Enya and the rawness of Hole, she released her debut “Fight” in 2016.

Fueled by the climate crisis and the effect fast fashion has on the environment in particular, her new single is actually a call to arms for listeners to take a stand and make the right choices for the planet. She balances the inspirational lyrics with a sparkling late 80s/early 90s pop melody. With a cheery, sun-filled vibe from the sprightly guitars and playful, retro-dipped rhythm, it’s her glistening and heartfelt vocals that add a mesmerizing layer to this authentic and magical delight.

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In The Spotlight

Rosa Mack – “Love You Always”

Based in Brisbane, this Australian powerhouse vocalist and songwriter has been delivering her old-school funk, soul and blues blend since 2020. Backed by a seven-piece blues collective, she’s been captivating audiences wherever they perform. They’ve played local venues, as well as various South-East Queensland festivals and the Woodford Folk Festival. Inspired by Amy Winehouse, Brittany Howard and Nina Simone, she debuted her invigorating retro sound on “When I’m Alone” in 2023.

Capturing the human urge to flee in fearful situations, instead of embracing the fleeting nature of life and chasing a life without regret, her new single is an introspective journey. Written by the band’s guitarist James Pryce-Davies, the song starts with a funky rhythm and a sparkling pop guitar. Enriched with soulful vibes from the horns and futuristic synths, the track blends a plethora of elements. And with her velvety vocals, this mellow groove is filled with lush neo-soul magic.

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In The Spotlight

Duke Keats – “Heavy Heartbreak”

Born and raised in Coventry, this British singer and songwriter grew up in a musical household where he was always surrounded by the varying tastes of his parents, ranging from prog rock to R&B and pop. Since the start of his career he’s supported acts like Her’s and Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab, as well as perform at Godiva Festival and with Sofar Sounds. Inspired by legendary artists such as David Bowie, Prince and Jimi Hendrix, he released his debut single “When You Smile” in 2019.

Both fittingly and ironically released on Valentines Day, his new single focuses on the themes of love and heartbreak. Taken from his upcoming EP “Bornstar”, expected later in the year, this shimmering track is an accomplished amalgam of various musical elements, from rock to pop and electronic to funk. Following a bouncy beat and warm bass plucks, glistening vintage synths fill the bright melody. And with his dreamy vocals, this rich, retro-dipped tune envelops your soul.

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In The Spotlight

Helena May – “Lifetime Supply”

With one foot in London and the other in Vienna, this funkalicious British singer has been taking Europe by storm. Recognizing a love for funk and disco in the 90s, it was discovering Jamiroquai’s “A Funk Odyssey” when she was 12 that ignited the dream of becoming a singer. Now she’s a vocalist with UK soul legends Kokomo, as well as jazz-funk group Redtenbacker’s Funkestra. Inspired by Incognito, The Brand New Heavies and Joss Stone, she debuted her solo sound on “Dance” in 2020.

Trying to uncover the hidden truths beneath a seemingly perfect life, her new single searches for a lifetime supply of the genuine you. This track explores every sonic crevice it can find, from a smooth, soulful start, to an insatiable funky vibe. With an infectious bass line, dynamic guitar riffs and a lively rhythm, this sprightly track is a celebration of the 90s/00s funk revival. And with the vivacious power of her fiery vocals, this energetic funk-pop feast is a catchy treat for your ears.

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In The Spotlight

Royel Otis – “Foam”

Hailing from Byron Bay and based in Sydney, this Australian duo got together after Otis Pavlovic sent some rough demos to Royel Maddell in 2019. Since then they’ve been a welcome act at festivals across the world, from Reading & Leeds Festival to Splendour In The Grass. Recently they went viral with a cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder On The Dancefloor” for Triple J’s Like A Version. Inspired by Jamiroquai, Modjo and Kylie Minogue, they released their debut single “Only One” in 2021.

Following the emotional exploration of a stressed relationship where one person is under the influence of ketamine and the other wants to help but doesn’t know how, their new single carries a heavy theme. Taken from their debut album “Pratts & Pain” and driven by a pounding beat, the melody grows with a misty guitar and an imposing bass. Ascending to a lightness from the luminescent keys and the ethereal vocals, this tune shows the shadowy side as well as sunlit possibilities.

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