In The Spotlight

Cindy Zhang – “Wednesday”

Based in San Francisco, this Asian-American singer and songwriter entered the world of music aged 7 playing classical violin. She went to study under Grammy-winning producer Kamau Kenyatta, developing her love for jazz. Influenced by the likes of Lianne La Havas, Tom Misch and Mac Ayres, she created an eclectic R&B/neo-soul blended style. She released her debut single “Moon River” in 2020.

Counting down to that magical moment when she can see her special someone again, her new single is a flawless amalgamation of vintage and contemporary sounds. With a distinctive 70s and 80s soulful sway from the sinuous rhythm, funky guitar and retro synths taking you back to the good ‘ol days, it’s the catchy hooks and her enchanting vocals, that make this groove sound delightfully nostalgic.

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In The Spotlight

Otis Kane – “Wanna Love You”

Born as Anthony Vasquez and raised in Los Angeles, this singer, songwriter and musician began singing Brian McKnight and Boyz II Men songs in school. After a year as a music major, he went to work with music legend Nellee Hooper and Lolene. He’s opened his own studio named STRZ Enterprises and worked with many musical super-stars. He debuted with “Dreams Of Letting Go” in 2019.

Sounding like he dug through a vault filled with dust-covered soul which time erroneously forgot, his new single is an ear-stroking, buttery smooth groove. From the mellow guitars, bouncy rhythm and glowing synths to his vintage-touched and honey-dipped vocals, the sonic elements meld together into a velvety soul ballad, with a wealth of added oomph, that you just can’t help but love.

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In The Spotlight

BEKA – “Don’t Call Me A Friend”

Born and raised in Nottingham, this rising British singer and songwriter grew up immersed in the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones and Chaka Khan, as well as the lush lyrical artistry of Lauryn Hill. Having met HONNE at university, she began collaborating with them and lending her voice to their tracks. Written for her husband, she debuted her genuine solo sound on “I’ll Be There” in 2020.

Addressing people who need empathy and emotional maturity in relationships and know they’re better off single than to settle for anything less, her new single is inspired by the authentic back story of her grandparents. With an upbeat, retro-pop feel from the bouncy rhythm and sparkling synths speeding along the melody, it’s her fresh vocals that make this cheery jam sound invigorating.

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In The Spotlight

Lydia Persaud – “Good For Us”

Hailing from Toronto, this enthralling Canadian vocalist and songwriter was exposed to music from a young age, starting with singing in church. She later attended the Humber School Of Music, met long-time collaborators The O’Pears and supported legends Gordon Lightfoot and David Crosby. Inspired by diva’s like Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, she debuted with “Let Me Show You” in 2019.

Known for pushing the bounderies of soul by including rich folk and jazz flavors, her new single is a delightfully smooth example of her unique sound. Taken from her upcoming album “Moody31”, expected on April 29th, this mellow tune elevates classic soul with a soft rhythm and sweet acoustic guitars. And with her expressive, Roberta Flack-touched vocals, this laidback jam is very good for us.

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In The Spotlight

Apollo Lovely – “Halfway”

Born as Kim Ho in Montreal, this Canadian singer and songwriter grew up loving the sounds of old-school soul and R&B. In 2012 he toured all around the world fronting his alt-dance pop band Creature. After the band broke up, he continued playing back up guitar for Socalled and Radio Radio. Returning to the vintage influences of his youth, he debuted his first solo project on “Let Me Bleed” in 2020.

Singing about ending a relationship where the partner is only halfway in, his new single sonically celebrates life, despite the hard times. Taken from his upcoming, self-titled debut album, expected to drop in June, it’s the play-ful keys, invigorating rhythm and sizzling horns that make this a bubbly tune. And with his soul-infused vocals and classic Hammond organ tones, this is one jumping groove.

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In The Spotlight

Sol Arctica – “Dancing Here Always”

Brainchild of Melbourne-based Australian musician and producer Chris Lugton, this project fuses together various musical styles, ranging from retro synth to rock. Initially from a hard rock/metal background, he was a touring musician and songwriter for projects like Grandhour, who won Best Rock Artist at the Australian Independent Music Awards in 2016. He debuted with “Shadow Safari” in 2019.

Enlisting the powerful vocals of jazz/soul singer Caterina Branca, his new single explores the best that 70s disco has to offer and drizzles it with a touch of vintage funk. Telling the lyrical story of a love that went nowhere, this joyful tune conveys the excitement of new experiences. Analog recorded with a buoyant bass, zealous strings and sexy brass tickling your dancing feet, this is a thrilling groove.

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