In The Spotlight

Shirley Jones – “Soul Steppin'”

Born in Detroit, this legendary songstress began singing gospel as a child with her sisters Brenda and Valorie. Together they formed The Jones Girls and signed their first record deal in 1970, debuting with “My Own Special Way”. They were also background singers for Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin. After the group disbanded, she continued as a solo artist releasing “Do You Get Enough Love” in 1986.

Designed to provide a little sonic respite from the many challenges of the past couple of years, her new single sparkles with elegant classic soul vibes. Taken from her upcoming album “In Loving Tribute”, which she dedicated to her late sisters and is expected next year, it’s the laid-back rhythm, flavorful keys and her enchanting voice that makes this a luscious tune to step back into the light with.

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In The Spotlight

Taylor Roche – “Sucker For A Lonely Heart”

Based in Auckland, this New Zealand singer/songwriter discovered his dream to be a pop artist aged 7. He started taken lessons playing drums aged 9 and spent his teens playing in rock and jazz bands. He has since performed across the world fronting a 9-piece band on a cruise liner. Inspired by Prince and INXS as well as The Weeknd and The 1975, he debuted with the single “This Love Song” in 2018.

Encapsulating a blend of 80s and 90s nostalgia with a fusion of pop and R&B, his new single is a neon explosion of auditory goodness. Starting with smooth, shimmering synths, representing the no-man’s land between love and loss, he adds an euphoric sparkle with resonating drums and an catchy melody. And with his soaring vocals and vivid hooks, you’ll soon be a sucker for this lively groove.

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In The Spotlight

Emily Henry – “Stoplight”

Based in Washington DC, this elegant indie-pop singer and songwriter grew up listening to her dad playing guitar and her mom singing. She started writing songs at a young age, putting melodies to poems recited by her favorite literary characters. Inspired by artists such as Taylor Swift, Ellie Goulding and Marina, she merges indie-pop with folk flourishes and debuted with her EP “Matchsticks” in 2016.

Dipped in a melancholic nostalgia and atmospheric hues, this track is an accomplished amalgamation of rich retro flavors. Taken from her new album “The New World”, it blends vibrant electro-pop with resonant electric guitars and a virulent rhythm. And with an overall Fleetwood Mac vibe and her emotive Stevie Nicks-touched vocal grit, this pastel-infused folk-pop groove is a delectable sonic snack.

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In The Spotlight

Tertia May – “Love On My Own”

Hailing from London, this British soulstress grew up in a household with a jukebox, playing anything from Martha & The Vandellas to The Sex Pistols. Initially wanting to be an actress, she decided at the age of 15 she’d rather be a singer. Inspired by the legendary voices of Aretha Franklin, Erykah Badu and Etta James, she debuted her standout soul, jazz and hiphop blend on “Chocolate Cosmo” in 2017.

Playful, easygoing and filled with bubbly fun, her new single effortlessly balances elements of diverse genres. Taken from her upcoming EP “TM Radio”, expected to drop on November 12th, it’s the whimsical rhythm, jaunty R&B guitar plucks and jazzy horns that carry her smoldering, soul-infused vocals over the frivolous melody. With both retro flavors and a modern aroma, this is pure sonic love.

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In The Spotlight

Micah Edwards – “Girl From The Valley”

Coined as Mr. Texas Soul, this Houston-based singer and songwriter had a rocky upbringing in a large, mixed-race family, mainly due to being let down by his father. Gaining strength from faith and love, he infuses life into his music. He developed his own sound by embellishing retro soul with country tones. Inspired by George Strait, Leon Bridges and Curtis Mayfield, he debuted with “Getaway” in 2019.

Paying loving tribute to his wife Chelsea, his new single is a velvety smooth, soulful exploration of sonic nostalgia. Taken from his upcoming debut album “Jean Leon”, to be released in Spring 2022, this mellow tune borrows from 60s soul and 70s folk ballads. With a cheerful flute, laid-back rhythm and mild horns creating a sunlit vibe, it’s his vocal warmth that make this track a charming love letter.

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In The Spotlight

Brooke Simpson – “You Only Had One Job”

A proud member of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe and born in Hollister, this Native-American singer and songwriter grew up in an evangelical family. Discovering her voice aged 7, she sung with her parents in various churches while traveling with them. She finished third on talent show The Voice in 2017, fourth on America’s Got Talent in 2021 and debuted her first original song “2AM” in 2018.

Making your eardrums tingle with some beguiling R&B vibes, her new single is a musical treasure. Starting with mild synth chords and fingersnaps truly makes her vocals sparkle. Picking up tempo by adding a bubbly beat and dulcet harmonies, this opulent smooth groove manages to make 90s R&B sound fresh. And with her sensuous voice stroking the melody, this is an extraordinary tune.

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