In The Spotlight

Half.Alive – “Still Feel.”

This Long Beach-based trio seemed to splash onto the music scene out of nowhere, when they released their debut EP “3” in 2017. In reality the band developed from a 50 song project front-man Josh Taylor had challenged himself to in 2015, hoping to improve his songwriting skills. Joined by Brett Kramer and James Krausse, they embelllished an Indie-Pop sound with contrasting genres.

Their latest single was number 11 of the 50 song challenge and thus had three years to ripen. Giving the 70s an indie-pop make-over, it has a lively discolicious rhythm delivering a rising, energetic bounce. It evolves effortlessly into an electro-heavy drum ‘n’ bass style chorus with multi-layered vocals, making it  both a retro as a modern groove which will surely make you feel alive.

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In The Spotlight

Nesmith. – “Reach”

Jason Nesmith is a young R&B/soul singer and songwriter, who still doubles up his time studying English at George Mason University. He kicked off his musical endeavors co-founding indie-pop duo The Local Pyramid in 2015, which performed a mixed bag of genres, but it was the voice of Sammy Davis Jr. and the lyrical ingenuity of Al Jarreau which lit the way to his own musical poetry and passion.

He certainly knows how to make an entrance with a debut single which is a mesmerizing and buttery smooth groove. The mellow beat and mild guitar strums give it a contemporary, summery R&B vibe, while his suave, soul-dripping vocals and some slick horns add a jazzy touch to the romantic, dreamlike ambiance, which makes you want to curl up with your loved one and just reach for the stars.

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In The Spotlight

Kandace Springs – “Don’t Need The Real Thing”

This Nashville-native singer, songwriter and keyboardist grew up as the daughter of soul singer Scat Springs. Initially fascinated by cars (which she still is), it was the arrival of a piano when she was 10 that changed the course of her life. Now signed with Blue Note Records, she released her debut in 2014. Inspired by Billie Holiday and Lauryn Hill, she blends classic soul/jazz with modern R&B.

The first taster of her upcoming album “Indigo”, which will drop on September 7th, is a moorish morsel indeed. The guitar has a mellow, summery vibe with a slightly retro feel. A tribalistic rhythm adds another layer to this multi-faceted track, as do her enchanting, soulful vocals with a contemporary R&B edge. This song delivers on every level and shows that this songstress truly is the real thing.

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In The Spotlight

Breakbot ft. Ruckazoid – “Another You”

After graduating from art school with a degree in 3D Animation, French producer Thibaut Berland used his spare time to create some remixes, like “Let There Be Light” by Justice, which made it to the duo’s album. He signed his own deal in 2009 and released his debut single “Baby I’m Yours” in 2010. Blending analogue and digital instruments, he makes retro disco and funk sound neoteric and fresh.

Joining forces with Ruckazoid on his latest single, they apparently merge into Breakazoid, a cosmic pimp who spreads love by taking humans across the galaxy. Musically, however, this is a funkadelic gem of galactic proportions. With a catchy retro rhythm, soaring synths and smooth, vintage-dipped vocals creating a discolicious groove, this jam is the final frontier of pure futuristic funk.

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In The Spotlight

Iyamah – “Silver Over Gold”

This British singer and songwriter grew up in Brighton as Sophie Bond, surrounded by the sounds of reggae music and African drumming. At 13 she began playing piano, writing her first songs and taking singing lessons to widen her impressive range. Since moving to London she’s performed on several festivals such as Glastonbury. Her debut single “Cryptic Love” was released in February 2018.

Her blend of Neo-soul and Hiphop flavors brews an enchanting and intoxicating cup of musical java. With the laid-back taste of an acoustic guitar, enriched with soft percussion, releasing a heady scent of soul-infused beans, it’s her silky, yet zealous vocals which add a jazzy feel and some moxie into the mix. Produced by Mullally, this song sounds like a generous splash of a gentle, soulful melange.

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In The Spotlight

Sharaya Summers – “Prodigal”

This Portland-native wandering songbird found her voice singing in church. Having moved to Nashville, she started honing her craft by performing in venues across the city. Now residing in Los Angeles, she spawned a Folk sound dipped in Country sensibilities. Her inspiriting lyricism shows her storytelling artistry, rooted in her Christian upbringing, but delivering universal tales full of positivity.

The latest taster from her soon to drop EP “Bend Before We Break” takes her Country-tinted Folk style and douses it in delightfully vintage hues. With a slightly 60s vibe, the instrumentation of a mild beat, twangy guitar and silky harmonies creates a comforting buzz, while her sleek, passionate vocals tell a loving story based on the biblical prodigal son, making the song sound like a warm embrace.

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