In The Spotlight

Charlie Belle – “Few Minutes Off”

Based in Austin, Texas, sibling duo Jendayi and Gyasi Bonds have been taking their fresh take on British alt-pop and US college music of the 90s to many legendary Austin live stages such as Antone’s and The Mohawk, as well as festivals like SXSW since 2009, but it was the release of their debut EP’s “Get To Know” and “I Don’t Want To Be Alone” in 2015, which really got the global press buzzing.

On their latest single they’re adding new exciting auditory layers to their refreshing indie-pop blend. Taken from their recently released EP “Like I Love This”, a quickening beat allows for the cheery retro-styled guitar strums to trickle a smidgen of 60s-dipped folk over a laidback pop ballad and with velvety vocals stroking your eardrums, it is as smooth as it is infectiously invigorating.

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In The Spotlight

Jen Awad – “Basic Bitch”

There are two distinct facets to this multi-talented half Egyptian, half Peruvian powerhouse. Self-taught on vocals, piano, guitar and bass, she’s a Los-Angeles-based singer and songwriter with a dynamic and combustible vocal prowess, which blends the sass and insensity of Etta James and Tina Turner. She is also an accomplished fashion designer, dressing stars such as Bebe Rexha and Kali Uchis.

Her latest single is like a flavorsome bowl of fiery, aromatic blues with a piquant edge. Backed by an eight-piece band with a blistering horn section, she’s taken vintage-style rhythm and blues and sauteed it in a hot peppery sauce, to give it even more zing. Her impassioned dynamite vocals, soaked in retro-soul spice, set the zesty melody alight and cook up an appetizing dish full of fire.

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In The Spotlight

Ben Rector – “Drive”

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1986, this singer, songwriter and musician started writing his own songs when he was a teen and released his debut EP while he was a freshman at University. Now based in Nashville, he’s released six studio albums, with his 2015 album “Brand New” reaching the Billboard 200. The title track yielded a radio hit and ended up being used in scores of Film and TV placements.

Taken from his latest album “Magic”, his new single takes a cinematic journey through delectable neon nostalgia. Reminiscent of the iconic movie tracks from the 80s, while still remaining current, it has an energetic beat, joyous synths and an incredibly infectious, anthemic chorus. With an effervescent bounce and an exuberant vintage flair, it is filled with an euphonic flamboyant zeal.

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In The Spotlight

Louise Golbey – “A Good Life”

This British singer, songwriter and musician was born into a musical family with a violin-playing grandfather, a guitarist uncle and a mother who sings. She released her debut album “Novel” in 2015. As a live performer she played renowned venues like the London Hippodrome and The Jazz Cafe, as well as countless festivals and supported legends George Benson and The Stylistics on their UK tour.

Her latest single is an uplifting amalgamation of musical styles, all soaked in sultry, summery sunbeams. The laidback disco beat and velvety violins provide a smooth, yet peppy basis, while her mellow, jazzy vocals glide over the melody, stroking all the senses along the way. She then dipped the auditory mixture in a thin pop layer, creating a breezy, sunlit jam of sanguine, sparkling charm.

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In The Spotlight

Party Nails – “With Time (I Will Come 2 U)”

Elena Belle Carroll, aka Party Nails, is a Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, producer and guitarist who has been journeying across genres since she was 11 years young. From Americana, via Country and Dark Electro, to a more Haim and Robyn inspired Indie-Pop sound. She released her debut single “Break” in 2015 and currently teaches music production with the non-profit outfit Beats By Girlz.

This yummy taster of her upcoming album “Past Lives And Paychecks”, to be released on October 19th, takes modern Indie-Pop on a voyage back to the 80s. By soaking the modern synths and electronic effects in a pastel-colored, neon bath, this feel-good pop jam has just the right amount of retro quirkiness. Singing about loving yourself before loving someone else, it’s a vivifying, anthemic gem.

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In The Spotlight

Sarah Close – “Crazy Kind”

Born on the Isle Of Wight to an English Mother and a Danish Father, this young singer and songwriter moved to London aged 18 to study music and songwriting at The Institute Of Contemporary Music Performance. In 2009 she began her career by posting covers on YouTube. She released her debut single “Call Me Out” in 2017 and went on to start her own record label called The Kodiak Club.

Inspired by an impulsive trip to Barcelona, her latest single is a sprightly slice of delectable alternative-pop goodness. The rhythmic bounce of the driving beat is vigorous and intoxicating, while her perky, cheerful vocals paint the story she wishes to convey with a summery, colorful palette of sheer fun, giving the track a soaring, artistic wealth, as well as a sun-drenched holiday vibe.

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