In The Spotlight

James Aaron – “Feeling”

Previously known as James Francis, this British singer and songwriter is no stranger to the performing arts. As a child he’s won a multitude of talent shows and singing competitions. As vocalist with the Kingdom Choir, he sang at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding and as a solo artist he toured with JP Cooper. Blending soul, house and gospel elements, he debuted with “Want It All” in 2017.

Beaming with an inspirational positivity, his first single after his solo rebrand finds the perfect balance between classic soul, 90s R&B and contemporary pop. With a mellow piano easing you in, followed by a tribal beat, soul-infused, velveteen vocals and electronic facets, it’s the union of a multitude of melodious influences and his honest lyrics that generates a high-spirited loving feeling.

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In The Spotlight

Cassidy King – “Professional Smiler”

Raised in a single parent household in a small town in Ohio, this singer and songwriter uses her multi-faceted vocals to shine a light on love, life and the strong women she’s inspired by. Skipping going to college to pursue a career in music turned out to be the right choice, as she garners thousands of monthly Spotify listeners since the release of her aptly named 2017 debut “Something New”.

Covering deeply personal lyrics about her struggle with her sexuality with an upbeat, almost euphoric melody, her new single is an impressive auditory amalgamation. With a funky vibe of the bright electric guitar and bouncy beat laying down the perky tune and her luminous vocals adding a touch of vulnerability, this is a scintillating slice of funk and pop, which will give you plenty to smile about.

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In The Spotlight

The Muffinz – “You’re The One”

Hailing from Johannesburg, this South-African, multi-instrumentalist quintet was founded in 2012. In that same year they released their debut album “Have You Heard?” and got nominated for Best Newcomer and won Best Group at the Metro FM Music Awards. Inspired by performing their unique afro-soul sound live, they play national festivals as well as a sold-out show in New York.

Smooth, suave and enchanting, their new single finds the perfect fusion of classic, Motown-touched soul and the invigorating rhythm of the traditional influences. Starting with a jaunty guitar and a punchy beat accompanying the sleek, Jackson 5-like vocals, they change it up with a more contemporary R&B vibe and a vitalizing afro-pop bridge, merging into an ear-stroking piece of afro-soul artistry.

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In The Spotlight

Kat Cunning – “For The Love”

Born as Katrina Cunningham in Oregon, this multi-talented entertainer found success as an actress of stage and screen and a model, as well as a musician. On TV she starred in HBO’s “The Deuce” and Netflix show “Trinkets”. On stage she performed in “Dangerous Liaisons” and Cirque Du Soleil’s “Paramour”. As a musician she crafts her songs by blending pop and soul with anthemic arrangements.

Building a rousing auditory spectacle, her new single is a stupendous slice of musical mastery. Layering classic pop with a touch of ascending soulfulness, it starts off with a punchy piano and a solitary beat, before reaching the dizzying heights of the invigorating chorus. With a catchy rolling drum and her bewitching vocals with a delightful raw edge, this is a phenomenal tune you just have to love.

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In The Spotlight

Odette Peters – “What A Lovely Day”

Having grown up on a steady diet of legends like Nina Simone and Diana Ross, this British singer and songwriter discovered her own soulful side from a young age. Initially aspiring to become a poet, she found the symmetry of putting those poetic words to music aged 13. Now based in London, she adds lyrical social commentary to a stirring neo-soul and jazz blend, creating an awe-inspiring sound.

Encouraging people to have an honest and open conversation about mental health and general wellbeing, her first single oozes a buttery-smooth wave of soulful jazz. The spoken intro over gentle electric piano gives the track a contemporary feel, while the mild rhythm and her sugarcoated, Macy Gray-reminiscent vocals add a more vintage jazz layer, making this an absolutely lovely debut.

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In The Spotlight

Ryan Innes – “You Are Gold”

Raised in a traditional musical environment of classical piano training and singing in a boys choir, this soul brother discovered his R&B calling after listening to a Boyz II Men album. He applied to the media music program at Brigham Young University and, inspired by the likes of Ray Charles and Ray Lamontagne, started penning his own songs. He debuted with a self-titled EP in 2010.

With an infectious, vintage beat, funky bass line and rip-roaring, soul-dripping vocals, his new single is an auditory tour-de-force. Soaked in scrumptious sixties vibes, the melody picks up some groovy guitar and rousing retro organ along the way. Completed by the extraordinary power of his classic sounding vocal acrobatics, this soulful trip to yesteryear adds a golden hue to the sonic sunset.

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