In The Spotlight

Declan Carrier – “Bubble”

Born under the Australian sun, this singer, songwriter and actor studied theatre and music in high school and plays guitar, bass, percussion and ukulele. He moved to London in 2013, which he now calls home and played dive bars from Paris to Berlin with his charismatic flamboyance to hone his catchy vintage pop and disco-reminiscent sound. He released his debut single “Saving All My Love” in 2018.

His third single is funky, discolicious and poptastic, all rolled into one decadent musical treat. He first teases the senses with a smooth intro of synths, guitars and 90s-styled silky voice, before the true nature of this buoyant groove becomes apparent. Cheerful drums, fresh piano and retro wah-wah guitars make this tune a melodious feast, while his jovial vocals truly make this bubble float.

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In The Spotlight

Miki Rose – “By My Side”

This globetrotting singer and songwriter was born in Brighton, UK, but grew up in Paris, Kuala Lumpur and Dallas. She graduated Chicago’s Berklee College Of Music early, moved to Los Angeles and started putting vocals to beats on Soundcloud, which introduced her to Brighton-based producer El. Train. They started working together, leading to the release of her 2015 debut EP “Over & Over”.

Starting with a smooth, atmospheric shimmer, her new single soon turns it up a notch with a sun-soaked R&B melody. Taken from her new EP “Nomad Diaries, Vol. 1”, her sultry and soulful vocals surf the ebb and flow of the melodic soundwaves with finesse, while blending classic soul, R&B and electronic elements creates a chilled-out tune with a summery vibe you always want by your side.

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In The Spotlight

Emma Lamontagne – “Love Games”

This award-winning Canadian singer, songwriter and musician started her musical endeavors as a child by learning to play classical piano. Influenced by the artistry of Billy Joel and Elton John, she developed a keen interest in pop songwriting at 14. Having won the She’s The One competition aged 16 at the 2016  RBC Bluesfest, she went on to release her debut single “I Don’t Sleep” a year later.

Throwing the rulebook to love out the window, her new single fuses the punchy pop melody, earnest lyrics and sexy vocals with a pinch of attitude. Starting with a smooth vibe and sleek fingersnaps, the tune ascends to an infectious melodic surge in the chorus. With sizzling synths, electronic horns and a gripping hook carrying her polished voice, this is a vibrant, refreshingly honest jam.

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In The Spotlight

Kelly Finnigan – “Trouble”

This multi-talented soul singer, songwriter, engineer and producer takes the essence of the noughties soul music revival of the likes of Lee Fields, Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley and takes it several musical leaps further. Basking in the Californian sunshine, he single-handedly conceived his 2019 debut album “The Tales People Tell” – from writing to recording – with a breathtaking, emotive authenticity.

Initially released as the B-side to the 45 wax version of his single “Catch Me I’m Falling”, this track now gets its own limelight as his new single. Resembling a lost treasure from the Stax vaults, the stirring sixties soul sounds of the organic percussion, vintage guitars and full-bodied violins are reminiscent of those exciting glory days, with his ardent vocal grit making this a bit of pure symphonic soul.

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In The Spotlight

Chloé Caroline – “Messy”

Born in the sunshine of Manhattan Beach, California, this fresh singer and songwriter grew up in a house filled with sounds of Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton and Frank Sinatra. A student of human behavior, she writes intricate, personal lyrics. Since 2015 she’s been writing songs for movies, as well as independently releasing an EP and several singles, such as the Ben Harper produced “Indian Summer” in 2016.

Celebrating the strength it takes to keep moving forward, despite life’s struggles, her new single blends old-school touches with a catchy pop layer and a bit of a country twang. Lyrically hard-hitting, she delivers the words with a melancholic honesty and a hint of attitude. With an addictive beat and gripping guitar riffs laying down the melodic mood, this sassy gem is steeped in uplifting vibes.

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In The Spotlight

Quinn Devlin & The Bridge Street Kings – “Right Here At Home”

Formed at Columbia University in 2014, this soul outfit has been on a wild journey of discovery. Assembled around singer and songwriter Quinn Devlin, who had a notebook full of songs and a dream, they initially started as a folk group, but with the addition of fresh horns and a Fender Rhodes piano, they created a soul, funk and blues blend. They released their debut EP “An Extended Play” in 2017.

With a Van Morrison-like bluesy intensity and a Randy Newman-style vocal artistry, their new single is a shining beacon of classic soul. The easy-going melodic virtuosity of the mild rhythm, soft guitars, mellow piano and glossy brass feels like a warm and loving arm around you, while his distinctive and soulful voice, sounding like it was born several decades too late, makes you feel right at home.

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