In The Spotlight

Anna Straker – “More Like You”

Based in London, this versatile vocalist, songwriter and producer got inspired to play piano as a young girl, but it was discovering Alicia Keys that turned her onto singing. She’s sung backing vocals for the likes of Rudimental and John Newman and left school aged 17 to move to London and pursue her solo career. She debuted her electropop amd triphop blend with “Late Night Swimming” in 2016.

Lyrically exploring depression and the longing to escape it, her new single is combining emotive words with an imposing melody. Taken from her EP “Growing Pains”, she fuses contemporary production with vintage synths to create a timeless pop tune. With a majestic rhythm and her commanding vocals weaving together, this groove is an extraordinary mix of genuine sincerity and lavish pop.

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In The Spotlight

Laura Rain & The Caesars – “If I Can’t Have You”

Hailing from the motor city itself, Detroit, this silver-tongued songstress harnesses the soul of a bygone era. Together with her husband George Friend, they debuted their love for Memphis soul, juke-joint blues and Detroit funk & R&B on their 2013 album “Electrified”. Performing live all over the US and Canada, they played festivals and clubs like Edmonton Blues and the legendary Blues Cruise.

Starting with a slick 70s funky vibe turns out to be one of the many surprises their new single has in store. Soon her expressive vocals hug the tune, honeyed with immaculate vintage soul, while the rhythm changes to a mild driving drum and the electronic keys add another touch of flared jeans into the mix. It’s a remarkable blend of 70s funk and 60s soul, generously soaked in their own creative juices.

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In The Spotlight

Tibi & The Otters – “I Don’t Know”

Based in Budapest, this Hungarian threesome of soulful funkateers was born from the local Open Mic scene, bringing together Tibi Vesselényi, Jeff Joyner and Lancelot du Lac in 2018. Influenced by the likes of Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder and Jacob Collier, they’ve created their own rocket ship of otteriffic auditory adventures. Often joined by other artists, they’re ready for their next sonic phase.

Although their debut single sounds simple at first glance, it’s anything but. Starting with a mild, gospel organ, smooth soul-dripping vocals and chirpy birds, it skillfully builds layer upon layer of musical magic. Adding some world music touches and dulcet African chants makes this a delectable melting-pot of sounds and styles, weaving them together in an alluring amalgam of audible delights.

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In The Spotlight

Sue Moreno – “My Angel Watches Over Me”

This sultry and bewitching songbird is no stranger to the music scene. At 15 she was already singing in her first band Memphis, but it was as singer of the rock ‘n roll band Sue Moreno & The Flaming Stars that she first had a taste of success. Inspired by legends like Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald and Dean Martin, she embarked on a solo career in 2002 and debuted with her album “All I Can Do Is Dream You”.

Featuring the legendary Hi Rhythm and Stax musicians, The Memphis Horns and The Barnes Brothers and recorded in an analog studio, her new single is pure musical silk. Taken from her upcoming album “The Memphis Soul Sessions”, it’s the smooth percussion, stylish horns and her enchanting, honey-sweet vocals that takes you back to the soulful 60s and shows her to be a genuine aural angel.

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In The Spotlight

Palace – “Cold Ones”

Diving in an infinite pool of vividly colored 80s AOR/Rock nostalgia, Swedish vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Michael Palace  knows just how to take his listeners on a trip down memory lane. Upon joining his label Frontiers, he’s featured on several releases of other artists, such as Creye, Kryptonite and Toby Hitchcock. He debuted with his album “Master Of The Universe” in 2016.

His new single conjures up images of driving down a neon-lit street in a Cadillac convertible with the top down and the radio blaring. Taken from his album “Rock And Roll Radio”, it kicks off with a powerful rock beat and howling guitars soaring above the synths, making way for the retro-touched grit of his voltaic vocal vitality. And with a surprise sax solo, this is red-hot melodic rock at its best.

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In The Spotlight

The Freedom Affair – “Give A Little Love”

Hailing from Kansas City, this 9-piece soul collective was formed in 2017, after Chris Hazelton and Dave Brick met and found a shared vision to write original soul music. Fronted by three female powerhouse vocalists and with an explosive band forging sonic fireworks, they recreate classic 60s soul, but with an added dollop of funk and an afrobeat. They debuted with the single “Rise Up” in 2019.

Driven by sweet percussion and filled with luscious brass, their new single is a true musical marvel. Taken from their album “Freedom Is Love” and breathing their politically-charge message of positivity for the future through every note, it’s the laidback vibe of the 60s soul sound and the perfect harmonies encouraging us to love each other, that make this tune an early, soul-infused Christmas present.

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