In The Spotlight

CVC – “Sophie”

Named after their town of origin Church Village and now based in Cardiff, this British six-piece collective forged a sound akin to the pop/rock of the 60s and 70s. Founded in 2020, they’ve been a staple of festivals such as The Great Escape and Reading & Leeds since. Inspired by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and The Beatles, they released their debut single “Docking The Pay” in 2022.

Written as a love letter to band member Daniel Jones’ girlfriend, who apparently is an amazing singer, but won’t sing in front of the band, their new single is a 60s-inspired psych-pop groove. Taken from their upcoming album “Get Real”, expected on January 13th, it’s the rich, countrified guitar, vitalizing percussion and emotive retro vocals, that douse this vintage-dipped tune in a psychedelic haze.

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In The Spotlight

Ava Heatley – “Disillusionland”

Based in Brooklyn, New York City, this captivating singer and songwriter has been writing songs and performing since she was 13 years young. She’s taken piano and voice lessons and acted in musicals. She also attended the State University Of New York and studied music composition. Inspired by artists like Elton John, Carole King and Alanis Morissette, she debuted with “Grin And Bear It” in 2017.

Filled with an overwhelming authenticity and showing off her expert storytelling skills, her new single is a multi-layered gem. Putting her crisp piano and her passionate vocals center-stage, she tackles the topic of growing up and having to adjust the expectations of your youth. Joined by a rousing rhythm and an electric guitar, it’s the honest harmonic vocals that make you feel every word.

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In The Spotlight

The Soul Immigrants – “Blame It On The End Game”

Founded in 1992 by singer/guitarist Emrys Baird of Funk Ambassadors fame, this funk quartet from South London have been the purveyors of soul, jazz and funk ever since. Further consisting of David Bouet, Al Gibson and Ian Bailey, they’ve opened for Fred Wesley & The New JB’s and Steve Cropper from Booker T. & The MG’s. They debuted on their album “A Healthy Vibe For A Mood Worldwide” in 1995.

Harking back to the jazz-funk sound from Emrys’ time with The Funk Ambassadors, their red-hot new single is an infectious, funk-laden retro groove. With an insatiable rhythm, fiery slap bass and searing guitars laying down a melody that sounds like a mix of 70s funk and Jamiroquai-like 90s acid-jazz revival, it’s the blistering flute and the soulful vocals that make this tune a treat for your ears.

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In The Spotlight

Kami Kehoe – “Break My Heart”

Based in Las Vegas, this singer, songwriter and drummer was introduced to music by her parents. She started playing drums at the tender age of 3 and fell in love with the instrument. During her teens she performed in a band with her siblings. Her drumming hero is Sheila E., but she draws inspiration for her songs from the world around her. She debuted her R&B sound on “Lovesick” in 2021.

Dealing with the emotions of still wanting an ex-lover who broke your heart, her latest single is doused in a reflective sentimentality. Creating an ear-stroking blend of 90s R&B and a sugary soul, this is a wistful, nostalgic melody. And with her heart-wrenching, soulful vocals making you feel her romantic pain, this is a touching tale, put to a poignant piece of pure majestic R&B excellence.

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In The Spotlight

Shantaia – “Know You”

Originally from Canada, but now based in Nashville, this rising country singer/songwriter began singing lessons aged 3, added piano and guitar aged 6 and wrote her first song aged 9. She went on to play festivals like North By North East and opening for artists such as Kane Brown and Emerson Drive. She debuted with “Crave You” in 2016 and returned after a hiatus with “I Wish You Would” in 2020.

Filled with authentic country passion, enriched with a dash of sprightly pop, her new single dances over your eardrums, while touching your heart. Showing off her impressive storytelling skills, she narrates the tale of still knowing everything about a lost lover, except for the person they’ve become. With a laid-back rhythm, fiery guitars and her mighty vocals, this is an exhilarating tune.

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In The Spotlight

Sidders – “Paper Kisses”

Growing up in Kilburn, North-West London, this British singer, songwriter and rapper started his musical journey aged 8. Already writing lyrics with his friends, he began performing at youth programs such as The Roundhouse. Injecting an infectious energy and positivity, he cultivated a blend of hiphop and indie. Inspired by Sampha, Loyle Carner and Tom Misch, he debuted with “Ameroux” in 2018.

Written to remind us to trust in ourselves and not get lost in the peer pressure of always chasing money, his new single puts what really matters in life over materialistic things. Padding his unique sound with luxuriant textures of sunlit soul, the tune start with summery brass and bouncy beat, before he joins in with a refreshing rap. And with a cheerful, upbeat chorus, this is a slice of sonic gold.

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