In The Spotlight

Júníus Meyvant – “Ain’t Gonna Let You Drown”

Born as Unnar Gísli Sigurmundsson, this Icelandic singer and songwriter spent his childhood skateboarding and painting. It wasn’t until his early twenties that finding an old guitar brought out his musical muses. Inspired by the sounds of Sam Cooke, Charles Bradley and even The Rolling Stones, he created a vibrant folk-pop pallet. He released his acclaimed, award winning debut “Color Decay” in 2014.

Harking back to his religious upbringing, as well as the golden era of Stax’s Southern Soul, this first taster of his upcoming EP “Rearview Paradise” – expected to drop on August 9th – is a skillful blend of soul, folk and gospel. His soul-infused vocals float on the blissful melody of organic piano, divine organ, heavenly violins and exalted horns and make this a glorious tune filled with celestial beauty.

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In The Spotlight

Stella Santana – “Yayaya”

As the daughther of legendary guitarist Carlos Santana and author Deborah Santana, this singer, songwriter and producer grew up in California, surrounded by a wide range of musical styles. Influenced by R&B, hiphop, reggae and pop, she formulated a tasty sound of her own. Now residing in New York City, she simultaneously self-released two debut singles, “Friends” and “Switch”, in 2015.

Giving her alluring R&B sound a hypnotic chill factor, she turns the tempo down for her mesmerizing new single. A punchy beat and satiny bass line set the intimate scene for a dreamy synth and her silky, sensuous vocals, which add an inherently mystical veil to the smoky atmosphere. With a message about moving on from a bad relationship, this creamy tune combines rhythmic vigor with lush vibes.

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In The Spotlight

Mélat – “After All”

This Austin-native singer and songwriter of Ethiopian descent grew up in a very strict, though music loving family, who listened to Donna Summer and Kool & The Gang. She studied advertising and turned doing marketing for local artists into releasing her own debut EP “Canon Aphaea” in 2012. Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald’s jazz and Mariah Carey’s music, she devised a fresh new R&B blend.

Her new single first strokes your eardrums with some buttery smooth R&B vibes, before revealing its true, upbeat identity. The infectious driving rhythm is the backbone of this rather buoyant groove, joined by some glimmering synths and her glowing, sleek and creamy vocals. Fusing a contemporary R&B production with retro glimpses of pop and disco, it’s jammed with velvety fun.

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In The Spotlight

Emily Chambers – “Real Talk”

This Canadian songbird has been singing since she was 3 years old. She trained with Jazz singer Joani Taylor for 10 years and attended Berklee College Of Music. After running soul-pop-funk band Champagne Republic for 5 years, she released her solo debut EP “Magnolia” in 2016. Having moved into her 1983 Dodge 250B, she’s completed 2 US tours and opened for Andy Allo, Delta Rae and Lawrence.

Her new single effortlessly marries modern production with a brightly lit neon eighties vibe. The retro-touched shimmering synths and the punchy percussion create an intricate melodic world, in which her stunningly soulful and rich vocals are the majestic ruler. Chronicling her personal experience with a relationship that should never have happened, this tune is filled with conviction and zeal.

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In The Spotlight

Rollin Rosatti – “Surrender”

With his roots firmly planted in the Southern Delta, this Memphis-native singer and songwriter found his passion in a blend of blues, soul and folk-rock. He grew up immersed in music, after famed songwriter Joe Leathers gave him an electric guitar aged 5 and would continue to mentor him. Inspired by Memphis’ history and rustic grit, he released his debut single “Don’t Stop” earlier this year.

His sophomore single adds a touch of gospel to his signature, vintage-tinted sound. Starting with an exalted, easygoing organ and mild percussion, it’s his divine vocals with a rapturous roughness, which give this melody a glorious edge. And with the addition of electric and acoustic guitars, completing the aural unity, it transcends the ordinary, rising to an extraordinary harmonic heaven.

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In The Spotlight

Monti – “Shadow”

Having grown up in an abusive home, surrounded by drugs and alcoholism, Lauren Silva ran away and lived on the streets in an attempt to dodge foster care, gangs and substance abuse. Based in Los Angeles, she turned her life around and started to create empowering music with thought provoking lyricism about overcoming a life of hardships. She released her debut single “Echo” in 2017.

The last taster of her upcoming debut EP “This Is For You”, which is due to drop on May 9th, is engrossing from the first acoustic piano run. Fusing a plethora of influences into a punchy, harmonious feast, the buoyant pop rhythm, rousing funky horns and jazzy keys create a spectacular musical fireworks. And with her mighty, soulful vocals as focal point, this groove basks proudly in a sea of limelight.

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