In The Spotlight

Sydney Ranee’ – “Drink With You”

Born with a passion for music and a desire to perform, this Los Angeles-native singer, songwriter and producer got to work with Josh Groban while still attending high school and got to feature in the clip for “You Raise Me Up”. Known as The Sultry Songstress, she’s influenced by Prince, Stevie Wonder and Jill Scott. She debuted her delicious soul, R&B and funk blend on her EP “Born To Run” in 2015.

Her latest single is a perfectly balanced mix of 80s suave soul and 90s slick R&B. Taken from her EP “Drop My Guard”, it’s the crisp electric guitar and the invigorating funky rhythm that lay down some ear-stroking vintage vibes. Her incredible vocals, ranging from sassy to sultry, sound refreshingly modern, while maintaining that retro edge and making this a sophisticated R&B showstopper.

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In The Spotlight

Micah Willis – “Next 2 Me”

Hailing from Salt Lake City, this singer and songwriter was born with music in his genes. At a young age he was playing harmonic with his blues musician dad Kenny Neal and joined a children’s choir aged 8. He’s worked with the likes of Neon Trees and Maroon 5 and appeared as an actor on Disney’s “Andi Mack”. Seamlessly blending pop, funk and hip-hop, he debuted with his single “Walls” in 2017.

With a funkalicious beat and bright electronic sparkles, his new single is a sensuous sample of rousing retro R&B. With a vigorous bass line, infectious handclaps and the addition of contemporary synths marrying vintage with modern touches, it’s the entrancing quality of his luscious vocals that add an enticing sexiness to this passionate jam and makes it radiate pure dynamic musical infatuation.

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In The Spotlight

Scruffy Pearls – “Sit Back”

Back in 2014 two New York couples decided to turn their regular Sunday night jams into a heart-felt soul-pop band. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Randy Newman and Fleetwood Mac, they sew romance and dream chasing into their old meets new school sound. With the addition of two musicians, they’ve opened for artists like Lawrence and Parsonsfield and debuted with “Good Things” in 2016.

With an infectious funky rhythm and spirited vintage vibes, their new single is a rousing, foot-tappin’ groove. With perky percussion and a touch of brass setting the melody up for the addition of contemporary electronic elements, the retro blends effortlessly with the modern. And with the sparkling, Duffy-like vocals, dipped in Amy Winehouse splendor, all you need is to sit back and enjoy.

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In The Spotlight

Lilly Ahlberg – “Moonlight”

Born in Sweden, but now based in London, this globetrotting singer and songwriter first picked up a guitar aged 14, when her brother taught her to play Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car”. Soon she was uploading covers to YouTube and, with the growth of her confidence, also original songs. Inspired by artists ranging from Fleetwood Mac to Tove Styrke, she debuted with “Bad Boys” in 2018.

Showing off a colorful spectrum of luscious tones, her new single is a resplendent portion of delightful pop. Highlighting the intimate lyrics about the difficult search for an identity, it’s the glossy acoustic guitar and her crisp, alluring voice that entices you in and lead you by the ear to the enchanting chorus. With an organic sweetness and refreshing finesse, this tune is filled with auditory charm.

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In The Spotlight

Half Moon Run – “Favourite Boy”

Formed in 2009 in Montreal, students Conner Molander, Dylan Phillips and Devon Portielje took their classical training and omnivorous musical influences and created an one-of-a-kind sound. With Isaac Symonds completing their multi-instrumentalist quartet in 2012, they released their debut album “Dark Eyes”. They toured worldwide, opened for Mumford & Sons and played major festivals.

Taken from their third album “A Blemish In The Great Light”, their new single is an euphonic masterpiece, reminiscent of the great soft-rock and AOR bands of the 70s & 80s, such as Survivor and America. With a skillfully layered arrangement of the sleek synths, gentle guitars and a refreshing piano, it’s their harmonious vocals adding a dreamy edge that make this retro-dipped jam irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

Bedhead – “Fight No More”

Born just outside of Toronto as Veronica Racanelli, this Canadian singer and songwriting grew up in an artistic household, sparking her journey into her own creativity. She’s studied painting and photography, as well as music, explaining the vivid imagery of her lyrics, which cover topics like mental health and heartbreak. With her lush, eclectic sound, she debuted with “Bitter” earlier this year.

Lyrically making a statement of the desire to move from a negative, depressing time in your life to a more positive future, her sophomore single is a perfectly produced pop banger. Rich in swanky synths and a rousing rhythm, the crisp melody forges a shimmering soundscape, in which her empowering, purposeful vocals give it a bit of a bite and emanate an auspicious hope for a renewed destiny.

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