In The Spotlight

Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts – “Can I Get An Amen”

Based near Fort Worth, Texas, this rocking singer and songwriter first found success with the band Smile Smile, before releasing his solo album “Hell Of A Day” in 2015. In 2017, joined by two UK-based band members called The Traitors, they released “The Devil’s In The Detail”. Now signed to Steven Van Zandt’s label Wicked Cool and under a new moniker, they dropped “This Is The Sound” in 2019.

Co-written by Stevie Van Zandt, their new single takes some 80s-touched roots-rock and dips it into a splash of gospel. Slightly reminiscent of the sound of Tom Petty, the potent beat bounces on the guitar-heavy melody, while his raw, passionate vocals tackle the struggles of being raised in church, but not following that path. Giving retro rock a spiritual edge, this gets an amen and a hallelujah.

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In The Spotlight

Ron Velvet – “Do You Want To?”

Born as Ron Nery Jr., this multi-talented Filipino-American singer and songwriter is an actor and dancer, as well as a musician. In the limelight since childhood, he danced competitively for UC Riverside’s 909 Hip-Hop Dance Troupe and was able to open for the likes of Busta Rhymes and E-40. Influenced by neo-funk artists like Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars, he released his debut EP “Velvet” in 2019.

Weaving a retro funk thread through a contemporary sonic tapestry, his new single is a vitalizing fusion of classic and modern. Instantly enticing with its catchy rhythm and playful keys, it bursts to life in the groovy chorus. While singing about choosing reconciliation over meaningless games, it’s his fresh vocals that make this an upbeat funkalicious dancefloor filler you definitely want.

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In The Spotlight

Calyco – “Flo”

Reintroducing the legacy of the famous 90s all-girl groups, this quintet of pop/R&B vocalists from the UK take it to new heights. They got together in 2019 and created their name from the letters in the names of the five members CAt, CaroLe, tYger, Chloe and rOni. They write their own material, as well as perform their favorite covers, mixing modern pop music with old school classics.

Debuting their first, self-penned single, they took the girl power from yore, gave it a modern twist and then dipped it in a sweet and suave funky vibe. With a smooth retro rhythm and playful keys creating oscillating soundwaves, it’s their perfectly matched velveteen harmonies that gentle bob along on the delectable melodic ocean, giving this ear-stroking debut an enchanting aural ebb and flow.

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In The Spotlight

Ghost Caravan – “Live Out Loud”

Centered around the multi-talented Canadian singer and songwriter Shaina Silver-Baird, this group of female collaborators creates an one-of-a-kind sound they call orchestral soultronica. The “ghosts” are experiences she’s encountered in her life. With their cinematic blend of soul and pop, they collaborated with The Weeknd and Martha & The Muffins and released their debut “Shine On” in 2018.

Glistening with delightful vintage electro-pop, their new single shines pure neon rays from every beat. Taking an invigorating retro pop groove from the sweltering synths and a pounding rhythm and sousing it in contemporary elements, this track sounds both exultantly 80s and club-ready modern. And with her powerful and empowering vocals, this is an anthemic dance-party in vibrant pastels.

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In The Spotlight

VLADA – “Should Have Known”

Raised in Switzerland in a Serbian family, this soul brother was captivated by the inspiring grooves of soulful legends such as Stevie Wonder, James Brown and Aretha Franklin. Developing his vocal prowess, he’s lived in Germany, UK and the US, touring extensively, before returning home. Writing his own material fusing soul, funk, gospel and pop, he released his debut album “All About You” in 2010.

Blending bountiful jazzy vibes with infectious soul, his new single certainly is an ear-pleaser from the first note. Kicking the song off with a vibrant rhythm, rich bassline and joyous skatting instantly shapes a melodious footing, while he sings about love and thankfulness. Creatively balancing the jubilant jazz with his heartwarming soulful timbre, this is a cool, sophisticated gem you want to know.

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In The Spotlight

Casii Stephan – “Trapeze Artist”

Although she grew up shy, this Tulsa-based singer and songwriter found her fierce voice when she began writing songs on the family piano aged 16. Having created an unique blend of soulful pop/rock, her vocal acrobatics have been hailed by critics worldwide. Compared to Florence Welch and Carole King and inspired by The White Stripes and H.E.R., she released her debut “Yo-Yo” in 2014.

Highlighting her exquisite songwriting skills and glowing with a colorful passion, her new single is anthemic and empowering. Starting with a sweet acoustic piano and her luscious silky voice, the song soon ascends to a cinematic orchestral extravagance. Showing the rich vibrancy of her lavish vocal skills, singing about how life’s highs and lows are visible on social media, this is a multilayered treasure.

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