In The Spotlight

Kate Vogel – “The Cycle”

Falling in love with storytelling lyrics, this empowering singer and songwriter grew up on showtunes and genre-spanning music from Dolly Parton’s country to Whitney Houston’s pop. At 16 she moved to Nashville to work on her first album, but fell victim to a predator and stopped singing for 9 years. Now channeling her past through her lyricism, she released her debut “Reasons To Stay” in 2019.

Showing a valiant vulnerability and an inspiring honesty, her new single blends sheer auditory charm with her true, heart-wrenching story. On a warm bed of an acoustic guitar she chronicles her past, filled with inconceivable childhood abuse, using her nectarous vocals. Making her stand stating that the cycle of abuse stops with her, she’s created something truly authentic and utterly beautiful.

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In The Spotlight

Francesco Yates – “I Got You”

Inspired by the movie “School Of Rock”, this Canadian vocalist, songwriter and musician has been making music since the age of 11. By 16 he had scored a record deal with Atlantic Records. Endorsed by the likes of Pharrell Williams and influenced by the music of artists such as Prince, Queen and Michael Jackson, he showed his skillful musicality and lyricism on his debut single “Call” in 2014.

Now releasing his music independently, his new single is a swoony, soulful stroll through a vintage forest of smooth and seductive beauty. The organic sound of the natural instrumentation, forged by the gentle percussion, mellow keys and crisp guitars, lays down a flirtatious vibe, while his irresistible, soul-dripping vocals add a sexy allure to this amorous soundscape that will enchant any eardrum.

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In The Spotlight

Georgia Simone – “Shut It Down”

This Brisbane-based Australian singer and songwriter has built her young life around an unbridled passion for music. Inspired by the music of artists like Asha Jeffries, Emma Louise and Missy Higgins, she wrote her first song at the tender age of 9. In 2018, she released her debut single “Bittersweet Love” at the youthful age of 16, which reached a mouthwatering 70,000 streams in only three months.

With an innocent arrangement and a teasingly infectious vibe, her new single exposes her auditory playful side. With a bouncy beat, a simply smooth synth and childlike backing vocalists adding a taunting edge, the track still manages to emit a delightful sparkle, while remaining fun and unpretentious. And with her refreshing vocals telling the lyrical story, you don’t want to shut this tune down.

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In The Spotlight

KAYE – “Closer Than This”

Born as Charlene Kaye, this songstress and musician spent her childhood all over the world, from Hawaii to Hong Kong, from Singapore to America. She surrounded herself with the old soul records of her parents and 90s grunge on the radio. Having played bass and guitar in several cover bands, she joined San Fermin as lead vocalist in 2014. She released her solo debut EP “Honey” in 2016.

Returning after a two year solo hiatus, her new single is a powerful mix of R&B and indie-pop. Kicking off with a rich resounding bass line, this musical present unwraps itself with a bouncy rhythm, glistening synths and an infectious R&B vibe. And with her charismatic powerhouse vocals, with a flirtatious edge, putting the bow on top, this is a potent slice of modern musicality you want to keep close.

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In The Spotlight

Alma Cook – “So Close”

Born in Wisconsin, this stirring singer and songwriter honed her craft at Chicago’s Columbia College. Lyrically telling stories about the human condition and its vulnerabilities, she shows a passion for poignant themes. Influenced by the likes of Amel Larrieux and Lauryn Hill, she blends touches of pop, jazz, and neo-soul. Now New York-based, she debuted with her EP “Pass It On” in 2012.

Dipping a jazzy vibe into a refreshing bath of 90s R&B, her new single is as soothing as it is captivating. The multi-layered virtuosity of a mellow beat, silky guitars and sweet synths creates an ear-stroking dreamscape in which it is easy to get lost, while the smooth harmonies and her velveteen vocals envelop every tasty note with a seductive warmth, a natural closeness and pure charisma.

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In The Spotlight

Paco Versailles – “Libertine”

This funky duo, consisting of songwriter and producer Ryan Merchant of Capital Cities fame and guitarist and composer Vahagni, mixes flamenco guitar rhythms and disco-esque electronic production into a refreshing sound. Named after their influences like Spanish guitarist Paco De Lucia and Versailles-based French electro-funk duo Daft Punk, they debuted with “Unwind” early this year.

Reaching across time and space, their new single is a groovelicious journey with stops at 70s disco, 80s funk and neo-electro soul. Instantly infectious, the tune kicks off with a retro bassline, wah-wah guitars and a cheeky flute, but soon the blazing brass is set free to elevate it to the dance floor banger it truly is. And with its virulent vitality, you’ll definitely keep this lush earworm on repeat.

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