In The Spotlight

Tha Exchange – “Same Page”

Hailed as Northern Nevada’s Supergroup, this Reno-based 8-piece funk explosion takes you on an invigorating journey through music. Formed by vocalist, trumpeter and songwriter Brandon Dolph in 2016, they bring together funk, soul, jazz and hip-hop into a sound they call ‘funk hop’. Influenced by Parliament Funkadelic, Tower Of Power and Lupe Fiasco, they’re ready to take on the world.

Making quite an entrance with a delicious recipe for a funkalicious dance party, their debut single is a fast-paced slice of their funk-hop pie. Singing about living peacefully while still having honest conversations about life’s trials, they kick off with a vintage-dipped funk sound of bass, rhythm and organ, before switching to 80s rap. And with blazing horns and soulful vocals, this is a tasty retro gem.

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In The Spotlight

Hunter Moreau – “Be Alright”

Born in Mattapoisett, near Cape Cod, this rising singer and songwriter started taking singing lessons aged 8. At 12 she joined Showstoppers, a local community singing troupe and was performing from festivals to nursing homes for 6 years. Drawing influence from artists such as Stevie Nicks, Harry Styles and Frank Ocean, she debuted her authentic indie pop and soul blend on “Drive In” in 2019.

Written as a reminder that, no matter what difficulties life throws at you, things are going to be alright, her new single oozes a sense of encouragement and optimism. Immediately gripping with a The Police-like guitar riff, the added beat and her fresh, uplifting vocals create a joyous vibe. While truly coming to life in the cheerful, vivacious chorus, this spirited indie-pop bop is more than alright.

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In The Spotlight

Sharon Watkins – “Stranded”

Although this gifted Manchester-born British singer and songwriter spent her whole life creating songs, she’s spent 20 years in global marketing. After deciding to enter and win the UK Northern Songwriters Competition, she moved to the US to work on her sound. Now back in the UK and influenced by artists from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young to Joni Mitchell, she debuted with “Proud” in 2022.

Using the metaphor of boats stuck in the mud, waiting until the tide takes them out again, her new single shines a light on the urge to let loose after hard times. Guided by a feel-good and infectious tune, her joyous, slightly husky vocals tell the uplifting tale. Dipped in a classic soul vibe and feeling cheerful and anthemic, this passionate sunlit jam is filled with summery positivity and rich vibrant fun.

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In The Spotlight

Motenko – “Better Way”

Based in Austin, Texas and formed in 2018, this groovy quartet consists of Cat Clemons III, Josh Flowers, James Gwyn and front man and primary songwriter Micah Motenko. The latter grew up with a love for the soul of Motown, later with added 70s R&B and funk. Inspired by classic artists such as The Meters and Booker T. & The MG’s, they released their debut single “On Your Level” in 2020.

Celebrating the velvety vintage soul vibes of yesteryear, their new single is a laidback auditory delight. Instantly enchanting with a mellow electric piano, soon the song fills up with a smooth rhythm and warm 60s-styled horns, which is slightly reminiscent of “Midnight Train To Georgia”. And with Micah’s honey-dipped vocals, this captivating smooth groove is as ear-stroking as it is heartwarming.

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In The Spotlight

Julia Cannon – “These Dreams”

Raised in Alaska, this genre-bending singer, songwriter and music producer has a Filipino-Panamanian heritage. While money was tight when she was growing up, she learned to survive adversities. Encouraged by someone to pursue her dreams, she attended Berklee College of Music. Inspired by artists like Paul McCartney, Ella Fitzgerald and Stevie Wonder, she debuted on “My Name Is Julia” in 2015.

Meant to bring comfort to those who are struggling with abandoment issues and anxiety dreams, her new single sounds like a warm and soothing hug. With a mellow acoustic piano, gentle rhythm and smooth guitar plucks creating an easygoing, jazz-infused soundscape, it’s the tranquil and calming timbre of her voice that make this welcoming jazzy jam sound like a delightful sonic dream.

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In The Spotlight

Rebel Kicks – “Hamartia”

Based in New York City, brothers Anthony and Steven Babino were born into music, thanks to a professional singer/songwriter dad. They grew up listening to legends like Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin, as well as Deep Purple and YES. Although they’ve always performed together, their current project was formed in 2018. They released their debut “Fall Of The American Dream” in that same year.

Named after a term from Greek tragedy meaning a fatal flaw that leads to the downfall of a hero, their new single tells the story of people who are their own worst enemy. Taken from their same-titled EP and wrapped in an infectiously upbeat pop-rock melody, it’s the rousing rhythm, crisp guitar riffs and their fresh, soulful vocals that give this vintage-dipped tune a neon-fuelled sparkle.

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