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.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

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.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

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.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

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.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | iTunes

In The Spotlight

St. Lucia – “Rocket On My Feet”

This musical project is formed by South-African singer, songwriter and musician Jean-Philip Grobler, who started making music aged 12. He studied music in Liverpool, UK and then moved to New York. The project got started in 2012 and includes his wife Patti Beranek. Quoting mainly 80s influences such as Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac and Phil Collins, he released his self-titled debut EP in 2012.

Returning to the music scene after a few years hiatus, their feel-good new single is created to shine a joyous light in the darkness of the world. Forged from equal parts of colorful disco, 70s funk and 80s pop, this groove dazzles with a luminescent glow. With the electro synths, spirited rhythm and his multi-voiced vocals, this meteoric jam will make those hot rockets take off to the dancefloor.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Savine – “What A Life”

Based in Amsterdam, this intoxicating Dutch singer and songwriter started playing violin aged 7, but traded it in for piano at the age of 13. She grew up listening to the jazz and soul of Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin and later Norah Jones and Amy Winehouse. After first getting her BA Law degree in Amsterdam, she went to London to study at BIMM. She released her debut “Makes Me Feel” in 2019.

Chronicling the various different and exciting stages of a relationship, her new single carries a feel-good message. Starting with a mellow piano and a touch of smooth organ, this invigorating track is a delicious amalgam of classic soul, vintage jazz and retro R&B. Soon it bursts to life with a feast of peppy rhythms, full-bodied horns and her mighty vocal power, that makes us say: What a tune!

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes