In The Spotlight

Two Year Vacation – “Highlight Of My Night”

Based in Gothenburg, this Swedish quintet of radiant musicians create a tropical pop sound by blending Italo-Disco, rock and some Caribbean sun. They took their name from Jules Verne’s 1888 novel “Two Years’ Vacation”. Inspired by a broad spectrum of artists, ranging from ABBA to Fatboy Slim and from Daft Punk to Arcade Fire, they released their debut single “Canned Heat” in 2014.

Kicking off with a Prince-like funky electric guitar and an infectious beat, their new single is bursting with sparkling summery sonic vibes. Taken from their upcoming EP “High Hopes/Low Expectations”, expected on May 20th, it’s the joyous melody and colorful, indie-pop vocals that meld together into a sunlit, feel-good jam. Filled with auditory flavor, this groove certainly is a highlight for your ears.

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In The Spotlight

Jada O’Neill – “Bygones”

Born on Barbados and raised under the Caribbean sun in Antigua and Barbuda, this tropical artist found her love for singing and songwriting aged 7. Ten years later she moved to the UK, where she combined her multi-cultural upbringing with the local R&B scene. Inspired by vocalists like Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone and Adele, she debuted her critically acclaimed sound on “Waves” earlier this year.

Creating a magical mellow vibe, which fuses elements of soft jazz and R&B, her new single is filled with melodious elegance. With smooth guitars, mellifluent keys and a silken rhythm drawing you into an exquisite soundscape awash with sonic sweetness, it’s her honey-dipped, dulcet vocal tone, singing about self-reflection, honesty and letting go, that makes this flavorful jam sound irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

SYTË – “Where Did The Love Go”

Having started as a duo, this New York-based quartet formed when singer Nita Kaja met future partner Drin Tashi during a visit to her family in Kosovo. They added drummer Granit Havolli and bassist Fatlind Ferati to complete the lineup. They’ve played various festivals like Sunny Hill and opened for Dua Lipa and Martin Garrix. They debuted their genre-spanning sound on their EP in 2018.

Written after reconnecting with a friend after months of isolation, their new single draws on their emotions during lockdown. Starting with a pulsating beat, groovy bassline and mellow synths, the rich melody forges a dreamy, ear-stroking soundscape. And with her lush, ethereal vocals transporting you to another world, this tune blends smooth jazz, lively pop and silky soul into a striking fusion.

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Max Kaplan & The Magics – “Loving I’m Leaving”

Born and raised in New York, this captivating singer and songwriter grew up on the blues of his father, who taught him to play the guitar. Now Memphis-based, he studied music and English at Rhodes College, which opened him up to jazz. Influenced by greats like B.B. King, James Brown and Al Green, he reinvented the rich Memphis Soul sound and debuted with his band on “Mind On My Heart” in 2021.

Sonically traveling back in time to the vivid glory days of Motown and Stax, his new single could’ve been a forgotten soul gem of the 60s or 70s. Infused with emotive lyrics, highlighting the feeling of fleeting love, it’s the gentle vibe from the smooth percussion and mellow guitar chords bobbing along, that allows the thrilling horns and his heart-rending vocal power to reach deep into your soul.

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Lenora – “Homebody”

Hailing from Houston, this sultry singer and songwriter wanted to be a singer all her life. She got her start in the school choir, but turned to classical music aged 13. After graduation from the High School for the Performing Arts, she moved to New Orleans and fell in love with jazz. Inspired by wide-ranging influences from Mariah Carey to Cherelle, she debuted her R&B sound on “H2o” in 2018.

Singing about resetting herself and her stressed life after the strange feeling of having outgrown herself and having social media anxiety, her new single is as reflective as it is sonically delicious. With a soul-infused smoothness from the laidback keys, mellow guitar and breezy rhythm, it’s her honey-dipped, velveteen vocals gently stroking your eardrums, that will clear out the clutter from your mind.

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In The Spotlight

Alfie Templeman – “Colour Me Blue”

Growing up around his father’s guitar collection and a piano and saxophone playing sister, this gifted British singer and songwriter began playing drums aged 7 and guitar aged 8. From the age of 13, he taught himself 10 more instruments. Since then he’s played various festivals and supported Sundara Karma. Inspired by Todd Rundgren and Leon Bridges, he debuted with “Orange Juice” in 2018.

Filled with summery vibes and a sunlit indie-pop twinkle, his new single is a love song about the wave of excitement felt when you fall in love. Taken from his upcoming debut album “Mellow Moon”, expected to drop on May 27th, it’s the jangly guitar, flavorful percussion and his airy vocals that makes the sun shine in your soul. Doused in catchy technicolor hues, this vivid tune sounds carefree and fun.

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