In The Spotlight

Animal Feelings – “Pain Au Chocolat”

Don’t worry, no animals were harmed in the creation of this musical experiment. The man behind the music is New York-based artist Oli Chang, who is known for pushing the boundaries of everything the musical world has to offer, ranging from the ambient dream-pop of High Highs and the electronic tones of Theatre Of Disco to the mixed bag of disco, rock and soul of his latest incarnation.

This seductively bouncy groove is as sweet as chocolate, as a sexy, sugary stew of pop and disco sounds saturate his latest single. With a sprightly, funky beat and plucky guitar chords creating a delicious retro sounding snack, the crisp contemporary production and vibrant electronic keys rejuvenate the addictive dance-floor tones, giving it both vintage discotheque glitz as current club glamour.

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In The Spotlight

Next To Neon – “Looking At You”

Rasmus Viberg is a Swedish singer and songwriter who has been present on the music scene for many years, both as a member of several bands and as a solo-artist. Currently he’s still a member of the band MOMENT, which plays an electro-pop blend of contemporary indie shrouded in 80s inspired pop/rock. He has now taken on the moniker Next To Neon to explore the diverse synth-pop side of the 80s.

The first single of his new solo-project is an obviously synth-heavy pop song, but with added glitterball glam from a late 80s disco vibe. The scintillating synths build up in a cinematic crescendo of pastel colored chords and erupts into a high-octane chorus in which his incredible falsetto vocals take pride of place. Paying tribute to the neon decade, this dazzling debut oozes retro-pop appeal.

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In The Spotlight

Jean Castel – “What Happened To Us”

Originally from Bordeaux in France, this Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter was born with a love of music. He started learning the violin and guitar at a young age. While attending the National Conservatory in Bordeaux he discovered a passion for songwriting, which he developed further at Berklee College Of Music in Boston. His debut single “In The Late Night” was first released late 2017.

His second single is a delightful, upbeat pop song, with touches of R&B. Despite singing about a dwindling love affair, the song has a very positive vibe. A catchy rhythmic beat, slick harmonies, gentle guitar plucks and his smooth, emotive and slightly falsetto vocals gel together into an infectious pop tune with light reggae undertones, which will definitely keep your head bobbing along throughout.

From his upcoming debut EP “Orange & Yellow”, to be released Spring 2018:

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In The Spotlight

Superwalkers – “Don’t Wanna Leave”

Swedish duo A & J were acclaimed producers in their own right, when they met in Stockholms underground club scene in 2010. They took their different musical backgrounds, their mutual love for vintage synths and, with the addition of observational, meaningful lyrics, mixed it into a retro-fitted electronic pop sound. This lead to the release of their debut single “Not Like Us” in 2015.

Their new single is oozing with deliciously mellow 80s throwback flair, created by the use of authentic synthesizers of the decade. They wrap their lyrical story about personal insecurities in serene and tranquil 80s tones, which they slightly dipped in modern indie gloss. With a catchy electro-beat and velvety, soothing vocals, it’s a polished slice of their signature futuretro sound.

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In The Spotlight

Kristen – “Therapy”

Hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, this indie-rock band was formed back in 2012 around the vocal diversity of front-woman Kristen Bales. She has her roots in jazz, but added blues, folk and soul to her sound, which ranges from smooth and pristine to raw and soul-filled. A short stint in Nashville added yet another layer of roaring rock into the mix, making her sound truly unequaled.

A laid-back funky beat and plucky guitar start her new single off with a groovy, vintage vibe, but it soon leads to an energetic chorus, in which the rock influences can be felt. Her varied vocal spectrum is gloriously showcased, as it effortlessly takes it from sweet and jazzy to rough and rocky. Being both retro-sounding as contemporary and fresh, it’s a song you won’t get out of your head.

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In The Spotlight

Joel Sarakula – “In Trouble”

Born in Sydney, Australia, this singer and songwriter submerged himself in the extensive 60s and 70s pop/rock vinyl collection of his parents. He traveled the world in search of his own muse, which he found in the multi-cultural musical potpourri of London. He writes his own blend of music, seen through his large, 70s-tinged glasses; it’s Northern Soul, Motown, pop and so much more.

Launching into the song with rambunctious brass, his latest single serves as a time-capsule from the 70s, while keeping a foothold in the present thanks to a sleek modern production. Touches of Northern Soul, Motown horns, singing guitars and an infectious funky beat converge into a flamboyant groove for his soul-dipped vocals to weave through, creating a rousing retro tune.

From his upcoming album “Love Club”, to be released on 20 April 2018:

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