In The Spotlight

JJ Bloom – “Always You”

Born as Conor McQuaid, this multi-talented Irish singer and songwriter took his first steps on the music scene with the group Dúlamán, who reached the final of Gemany’s Got Talent, got a record deal and toured across Germany. He’s also written songs for Jake Carter. Inspired by The Style Council, Hall & Oates and Tom Misch, he developed a solo sound, which blends soul, funk and pop.

Forged around a solid foundation of an infectious funky electric guitar riff, his debut single feels like a seventies throwback, while the contemporary production keeps the track current. With a touch of upbeat soul, a glittering Nu-Disco vibe and his effervescent, energetic vocal range dancing over the melody, this sprightly and invigorating debut is a sweltering, funkalicious summertime groove.

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In The Spotlight

Amy Peters – “Preoccupied”

Born in Chesapeake, this talented singer, songwriter and musician recorded her first self-penned song aged 7. While still in high school she self-released her debut EP “Based On A True Story”. She picked up her sassy pop sound in 2014 and moved to Nashville, where she studied at The Blackbird Academy. She’s released 3 more EPs since and gained worldwide acclaim with her 2019 single “Salt”.

Radiating a luscious warmth from the neon-dipped aural sweetness, this track combines West-Coast luminosity with 80s synth delights. Taken from her album “Fever Dream”, it’s the crisp synths and bouncy rhythm creating a retro pastel soundscape that makes this an ear-stroking tune. And with her silky, shimmering vocals caressing the notes, this jam feels like a fresh breeze on a sunshiny day.

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In The Spotlight

Megan Black – “Hang Out Dry”

This young Scottish musician and vocalist has been at the forefront of the local music scene with her innovative take on blues, pop and rock. Likened to legends such as Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks, she’s performed her unique sound at famous venues like King Tut’s and La Belle Angele. She debuted her single “Fur Coat Queen” in 2019, earning her a top 10 spot for the new BBC Singer/Songwriter award.

Tackling the challenges of addiction and the strain it has on relationships, her new single blends a vintage-touched melody with a powerful lyrical message. With a steady drum driving the tune, it’s the sanguine sound of the electric guitars that adds a touch of country to the retro rock foundation. And with her rich and compelling vocals on top, this phenomenal jam is an absolute sonic stunner.

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In The Spotlight

RJ Thompson – “So Right”

Hailing from a village on the outskirts of Newcastle, this British singer and songwriter spent his childhood learning as many instruments as he could. He debuted with his album “Illogical Life” in 2006 and went on to play famous venues worldwide, supporting artists such as Midge Ure, Gabriella Cilmi and Jools Holland on tour. More recently he launched an independent label called Codename Records.

Coloring in from an 80s sonic palette, his new single is an exuberant slice of retro synthpop. With an infectious electronic beat and a fresh piano easing the listener into his colorful auditory world, they are soon greeted by the vibrancy of the upbeat chorus. Lyrically warning about the danger of losing our childlike excitement to social media, every single part of this joyous tune is just so right.

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In The Spotlight

Hazel English – “Five And Dime”

Born in Australia, this singer and songwriter initially studied creative writing in Melbourne. She moved to San Francisco in 2013 on a student exchange program, before settling in Los Angeles. Drawing inspiration from the music of the swinging sixties like The Beatles, The Mamas & The Papas and Jefferson Airplane, she debuted her sun-kissed vintage pop sound on “Never Going Home” in 2017.

Wrapping striking 60s psychedelia in a coating of dreamy pop, her new single takes you back in time, while keeping a foothold in the present. Taken from her upcoming full-length debut album “Wake UP!”, expected on April 24, it’s the sleek bass, mellow beat and a touch of steel guitar that forges the nostalgic melody, while her warm, angelic vocals give a shimmering retro shine to this luscious tune.

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In The Spotlight

Charming Liars – “Blame”

When a teenage Karnig Manoukian and Mike Kruger met in London’s West End, they decided to merge their eclectic musical tastes and began playing in a series of bands touring all over the UK. After a bold move to Los Angeles in 2013 they found chemistry with vocalist Kiliyan Maguire. They debuted with their 2013 EP “New Disorder” and recently toured with The Faim and Angels & Airwaves.

Giving refreshing contemporary indie-rock an anthemic chorus and sprinkling it with some neon flavors, their new single shines bright like the summer sun. Driven by a bouncy bass, gleaming guitars and a relentless rhythm, it blends modern sounds with some cool 80s rock vibes and with the slick and energetic vocals adding a sunlit sparkle, this spirited jam is a rockin’ good way to treat your ears.

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