In The Spotlight

Honeycraft – “Crystal Ball”

Born in the San Francisco Bay Area and now residing in Los Angeles, Catherine Rose Smith aka Honeycraft drew inspiration from disco diva’s such as Diana Ross and Donna Summer. She enveloped herself in the colorful hues of 70s funk and disco and 90s indie pop to create a fresh, atmospheric dream-disco sound. Her debut single “Shelter” introduced her world of ethereal disco in 2017.

Through a cosmic and ambient veil of tranquil synths you enter her realm of smooth, rhythmic tones which is the title track of her debut EP. While always holding on to that airy, laid-back feel, she injects some effervesant 70s disco vibes from a soft bass and sleek percussion into the mix. Add a glitter ball and a fog machine and it’s a polished nu-disco tune to dream away and slow-dance to.

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In The Spotlight

Ina Reni – “Down To Mars”

This London-based singer/songwriter of half-German, half-Bulgarian descent caught the attention of L.A.-based entertainment mogul Ted Chung, while she was busking on the streets of London. Apart from her musical ventures, she owns a popular lifestyle YouTube channel. Her debut single “I Thought You Were Gay” was released in 2016 and launched her fresh, fusion pop sound and quirky lyricism.

The title-track of her debut EP is like a virtual club, where she serves cocktails of vintage funk, sassy soul and edgy pop with a tiny hiphop umbrella. With a more-bounce-to-the-ounce beat and copious sprightly horns creating the intoxicating kick and her R&B-infused vocals with a soulful vibe putting a contemporary melodic cherry on top, this infectious tune will tug at your feet to get movin’.

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In The Spotlight

Cecily – “Pisces”

This Washington DC native songbird and songwriter has been honing her luscious soprano voice for most of her life. Her exquisite sound is a carefully constructed blend of soul, jazz and 90s R&B, which earned her comparisons to Deniece Williams and Corinne Bailey-Rae. She’s opened for soul/jazz greats Gregory Porter and Kenny Lattimore on their tours and released her self-titled debut EP in 2015.

Her latest single is as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot, summers day. Singing about finding inner-strength and self-acceptance, her soothing, emotive vocals with a Minnie Riperton-like quality gently float on a sensuous, 70s-inspired river of mild percussion, soft violins and a cheeky flute. Its a seductively enchanting waterfall of mellow soundwaves, which calmly washes over you.

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In The Spotlight

Fingazz – “Gangsta Girl”

Although his name might not be instantly familiar, this L.A.-based producer and artist has been on the music scene for many years. He opened for legends such as The Gap Band, The Commodores and talkbox vocals pioneers Zapp & Roger and produced music for MC’s like Snoop Dogg and Kurupt. He’s also mastered the art of talkbox singing, which is still a staple of his own funkadelic sound.

It is no surprise then that his latest single is a celebration of that time-honored talkbox tradition. It’s a fiesta of funk, with a splash of soul and a dollop of disco. The combination of snazzy state-of-the-art production with the retro 80s-inspired funky flavors from the sweltering synths and a bracing beat makes this a deliciously sparkling, energetic jam which is just finger-lickin’ good.

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In The Spotlight

K.Avett – “Feelin’ Good”

With a phenomenal blend of soul, R&B and jazz and sophisticated lyricism, this Texan singer and songwriter has created a fresh, standout sound. In 2014 she released her debut album “Revelations”, which was received with a torrent of well-deserved accolades and lead to several award nominations. She also opened for Corinne Bailey Rae on her 2016 “The Heart Speaks In Whispers” tour.

Her new single certainly lives up to its cheerful title. It’s a buttery smooth, feel-good song with a sunny, laid-back vibe. A gentle jazzy beat, mild percussion and sleek keys paint a tranquil picture which, accentuated by her soul-infused vocals and luscious harmonies, radiates warm sunbeams. Singing about celebrating life and choosing joy, its positivity is very addictive and can brighten up any day.

From her upcoming album “Lioness”, to be released in May 2018:

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In The Spotlight

Dree Mon – “No Chill”

Although always bitten by the music bug, Dree Paterson dreamed about being a dancer, when a car accident changed her life. She discovered a knack for refined songwriting, which steered her onto a new path. Inspired by the music of Stevie Wonder, Gwen Stefani and Jamiroquai, she developed a fresh blend of modern pop and retro funk and had her music used on TV and in films.

The sophomore single of her latest musical endeavor certainly makes this L.A.-based singer/songwriter shine. A lively beat, sunny electric guitar chords and sleek strings merge into a breezy, summery pop tune with delicious retro funk flair. Her soulful vocals are charismatic with a velvety glaze and give this bubbly dance groove a sunny, chillastic essence to which you just can’t sit still.

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