In The Spotlight

Kelsy Karter ft. Hudson Thames – “Easy Tiger”

Growing up as a rather mischievous teenager in Australia, this blue eyed soul singer considered herself an old soul with a young heart. She immersed herself in 50s and 60s soul of legends such as James Brown, Sam Cooke and The Ronettes and clothed herself accordingly. Now based in Los Angeles, she blends those nostalgic soul vibes with modern pop to create an unique, decade-spanning sound.

Dipped in the recalcitrant streak of the 1960s, her latest single shows her to be a true rebel with a voice. With a bracing beat, infectious guitars and catchy keys, it’s dripping with sexy 60s soul sensibilities. The powerful, seductive vocals of Kelsy and Hudson are a dueling duet of sensuous new lovers and add a playful, charismatic charm to an invigorating musical romance with vintage vitality.

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In The Spotlight

Black Pumas – “Black Moon Rising”

Austin-based musician and producer Adrian Quasada utilized his spare time in 2017 to write some soul-inspired instrumentals and started looking for a vocalist and lyricist. A mutual friend introduced him to Eric Burton, who impressed while busking in the streets and playing local venues. Now a sextet, the newly-formed band is gearing up to release their debut album in Summer 2018.

Sounding like they just blew the dust off a long lost Stax record, their latest single embraces us with their rich 70s psychedelic soulfulness. It’s a captivating and buttery-smooth throwback with a cinematic sound of sleek drums, mellow violins and slick guitars. And with Eric’s passionate, soul-dripping vocals adding to the vintage vibe, it takes the spirit of 70s soul and rises far above it.

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In The Spotlight

Tami Neilson – “Stay Outta My Business”

Born in Canada, where she toured as a young girl with The Neilsons family band and opening for Johnny Cash, this red-hot rockabilly powerhouse moved to New Zealand, where she established a formidable career in her own right. With a vintage-styled sound of country, honky-tonk and soul, she debuted with her album “Red Dirt Angel” in 2008 and earned a multitude of country music awards.

On her latest single she’s parked her country stylings in favor of diving into the swinging 60s with groovelicious gusto. This invigorating belter of scintillating soul and dynamic honky-tonk takes a brazen rhythm, playful guitar strums and blasting brass to allow her thrilling and sassy, tour de force vocals to take center-stage and make it an exhilarating, sparkling, retro-dipped jam full of 60s charm.

From her upcoming album “Sassafrass!”, to be released on 1 June 2018:

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In The Spotlight

Philippa Hanna – “The Hero”

Hailing from Sheffield, this acclaimed British singer and songwriter was born into a musical family. Her lyrics are heavily influenced by her Christian faith, which are poetically blended with her country and folk-style music. She opened for the likes of Wet Wet Wet, Anastacia and Lionel Richie on their tour, released several albums, an EP and two autobiographical books since her debut in 2007.

Her latest single, taken from her 2017 album “Come Back Fighting”, is brimming with powerful, Nashville-inspired, contemporary country/pop twang. With deeply personal, inspiriting lyrics, meant to destigmatize mental health issues, the finely-tuned instrumentation of classic country guitars and lively percussion blend with her passionate vocals, proving her to be a hero of the genre.

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In The Spotlight

Sheila & The Kit – “Time Again”

Bo Koek and Suzanne Kipping wanted to create a live act with music that they themselves would dance to. With the added musicality of Ralf Pouw and Chris Doyle this infectious Dutch synthpop band from Amsterdam was born. They created a nostalgia-dipped, synth-driven sound, soaked in the colorful 80s and introduced it on their debut single “Homeschool Sweethearts” back in 2017.

Their latest single takes the listener on a neon-laced journey without the need for a Delorean. Dipping their signature synths in more poppy 80s hues, it’s a high-energy, musical pastiche of the neon decade. Reminiscent of the feelgood pop of Madonna or Whitney Houston, it also has a slight italo-disco vibe, making it a catchy retro dancefloor filler you want to hear time and time again.

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In The Spotlight

Marie Naffah – “Let Me Wilt”

When she uploaded a YouTube video back in 2014, this London-based singer and songwriter could not possibly have imagined what would follow. Within weeks she was named MTV’s Unsigned Artist Of The Year and a star was born. Now, after creating a project focussing on disability in the music industry and selling out London’s The Lexington, she’s ready to officially release her debut single.

This masterful debut kicks off with a smooth, acoustic piano and a soft cymbal accompanying her impassioned, soulful vocal flair. It’s followed by the swelling sounds of perky percussion and stylish violins, laying the foundation for her enchanting, yet booming voice to sing the poetically crafted, encouraging lyrics, making this an extraordinary neo-soul trip, which won’t wilt, but bloom!

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