In The Spotlight

Big Sam’s Funky Nation – “Buzzin'”

Over a decade ago Big Sam, a New Orleans-native singer and trombonist, formed his band to indulge in the wide-ranging world of music. Mixing funk, rock ‘n’ roll, hiphop and jazz with the brassy influence of their hometown, they created an invigorating powerfunk sound. They love to tour with their energetic stage show, engaging with their exhilarated audience from festivals to rock clubs.

The first taster of their forthcoming album is a high-powered funk fest with lots of pep. It’s instantly thrilling with bouncy bass slaps and their Zapp-like talkbox vocals, but it soon bursts to life with some fiery, full-bodied brass, sweeping guitar riffs and contagious keys. Singing about hot, intoxicating love on the dance floor, its electrifying, funkalicious vibe will have you buzzin’ all night long.

From their upcoming album “Songs In The Key Of Funk”, to be released on 4 May 2018:

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In The Spotlight

Kara Marni – “Curve”

This London-based songstress has had a lifelong love affair with music. She grew up immersed in the sounds of classic soul legends such as Minnie Riperton, Roberta Flack and Anita Baker. Her astonishing vocal prowess allowed her to develop an impressive soul-with-a-sprinkling-of-pop style of her own. She debuted in February 2017 with the single “Nothing Even Matters”, featuring XamVolo.

Her love of classic soul is evident when her new single sets off with a sampling of Dusty Spingfield’s “Spooky”, but it soon emerges as a sensual, contemporary taste of R&B. With a mellow rhythm and a sleek bassline tickling the senses, her seductive, polished vocals gently stroke your eardrums. By blending classic soul and modern R&B into a fresh, new sound, it’s a stirring, evocative smooth groove.

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In The Spotlight

JTOTHEC – “Stop The Time”

Born as Jonas Casier, this Belgian funk soul brother started dipping himself in all-emcompassing music at a young age. He started out as a hiphop DJ, which taught him his scratching skills. Always experimenting in his home-studio filled with vintage gear, he’s created a sublime fusion of retro soul, funky beats and a smidgen of his hiphop heritage, which shines on his debut album.

The second single from the album is an intense smooth soul song, which sounds like it was recently discovered in the crevices of the Motown vaults. The laid-back percussion, soft Hammond tones and the suave horns of the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra set the scene for his silky, soulful vocal chops to create a gorgeously nostalgic soul trip with an impressive Marvin Gaye-like vibe.

From his album “Somebody Had To Make This Record” (2018):

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Cantaloop – “Slip It Back”

Based in Worcester, this British funk outfit has been making sweet hiphop-infused funk and soul since 2001, which saw the release of their debut album “Groove Operators”. They tirelessly tour the UK and Europe with an exhilarating live show, impressing audiences with their volcanic funk/soul sound and have shared the stage with the likes of Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Roy Ayers and De La Soul.

Their new single is a funkalicious fusion of a swanky smooth groove with extravagant horns, a hiphop-style chorus and Dannie Dee’s soul-dripping vocals, creating an auditory tapestry of both retro and modern sounding funkiness. With an added hallelujah from Reverend Cleve’s funky preachings and the blazing brass of The Haggis Horns, it’s a vibrant nu-funk jam with all the swagger.

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In The Spotlight

Megan Vice – “Nobody Freakin'”

This New York born and raised songstress grew up dipped in the music of her heroes, like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Prince. With an urge to sing and perform ingrained in her DNA, she was soon writing her own unique material. Her fusion signature sound of disco, rock, R&B and contemporary pop first saw the light on her aptly named debut EP “Step On The Scene” from 2013.

Take a lyrical narrative about a bad boyfriend and a love affair gone sour, immerse it in a magical mixture of pop, R&B and disco, lace it with some pure 80s flavors and you have the recipe for the lustrous and sassy groove that is her latest single. A funky bass, sweet harmonies and sultry, euphonic vocals, make this glittery musical gem both funkaliciously vintage and infectiously modern.

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In The Spotlight

Nuela Charles – “Do It Right”

Born in Kenya and raised in Canada, this Edmonton-based singer/songwriter debuted with her album “Aware” in 2012 and impressed with her natural, soul-filled vocals and mesmerizing live performances, like at the Edmonton Jazz Festival and supporting Ziggy Marley. Her 2016 single “Crumbling Down” from her Juno award nominated album “The Grand Hustle” has been used in various TV-series.

Her new single is a sumptuous slice of her spirited signature cinematic soul sound. Instantly captivating with a buoyant bass line and lively finger snaps, it bursts into an invigorating soul-dripping pop song with a bit of a bite. The perky percussion, bubbly brass and her dazzling, vivacious vocals give it a seductively energetic bounce, which will have your head bopping along in no time.

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