In The Spotlight

Sulpacio Jones – “Better Way”

Born and raised in California, this artist, songwriter and producer has been impressing the music scene worldwide with her vibrant and unique funky sound, since the release of her self-titled debut EP back in 2013. Influenced by Chaka Khan, Prince and Rick James, she’s created an eclectic mix of R&B, soul and funk, woven through some old-school hip hop.

With lyrics about coping with modern life, she takes her usual fiery delivery down a notch as her new single has a delicious laid-back feel. It’s retro R&B infused with pure soul. It has an intoxicating slow beat, sleek synths and gloriously smooth horns in the second half of the song and with her passionate, enthralling vocals, it’s the best kind of melodic ear-candy.

From her upcoming EP “Funky Love”, to be released on 22 December 2017:

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In The Spotlight

Darren Criss – “The Day That The Dance Is Over”

Mostly known as an actor in TV series such as “Glee”, on Broadway in “Hedwig & The Angry Inch” and in movies such as “Girl Most Likely”, this 30-year old multi-talent is also an accomplished singer/songwriter, who has been releasing solo work on and off since 2010 when he independently released his debut EP “Human”. Now, after 7 years, he’s released his new EP “Homework”.

Although his work as a singer/actor took him to singing other genres, on his new EP he returns to his own soul/folk stylings. His velvety, soulful voice sparkles on this song, which is produced with real live instruments. It starts off with an acoustic piano, which is joined by some polished brass, silky violins and a gospel choir, creating an uplifting and breathtaking musical masterpiece.

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In The Spotlight

Diane Coffee – “Poor Man Dan”

Previously the drummer for Foxygen, Shaun Fleming adopted the moniker Diane Coffee for his solo endeavors. Influenced by 60s psychedelic pop, he created an unique style which took the 60s and blended it with a contemporary indie sound. Although it’s been quiet around this pop-rocker since his second album “Everybody’s A Good Dog” from 2015, he has returned with a 2-track EP called “Peel”.

Although the single has elements of his signature 60s-style psych-pop, he added catchy Motown-influenced brass creating a very infectious, happy feeling, even though the lyrical story tells about a sad and dark urban myth. It’s an accomplished amalgamation of 60s pop, soulful horns and an unexpected retro rock-guitar bridge which brings the 60s sound into the 21st century.

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In The Spotlight

Mimoza – “Big Girls Cry”

This singer/songwriter has traveled the world. She was born in Kosovo, spent her childhood in Sweden, then moved to Germany for 11 years and is now based in Los Angeles. She is fluent in four languages and writes and sings in all of them. Her songwriting debut “I Heart U”  by Bad Paris was featured in the ad campaign for Smart Car Germany and she’s written songs for the soundtrack of successful German movies.

Her new single has a rather anthemic start, leading into a catchy contemporary R&B song. Singing about broken relationships and heartache with her spellbinding voice, she manages to blend the emotionally-laden lyrics with an infatuating tune and a highly infectious chorus. Currently working on her debut EP, this song definitely promises great things for this globetrotting songstress.

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In The Spotlight

Anna Burch – “Tea-Soaked Letter”

This Detroit-based singer/songwriter is no stranger to the music scene. First as a member of folk-rock band Frontier Ruckus and later with the indie group Failed Flowers. Now getting noticed as a solo artist, she based her style on a lo-fi approach with 90s pop influences, but her main strength comes from her unique story-telling skills, which are vividly realistic and down-to-earth.

This is very noticeable on her latest single. With her dreamy and soothing vocals she sings the poignant lyrics in which she asks a love-interest to improve their communication. Build upon an 90s drum and bass line and embellished with nostalgic guitar riffs and infectious hooks, it’s a well-structured pop song which sounds honest and relatable.

From her upcoming debut album “Quit The Curse”, to be released on 2 February 2018:

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In The Spotlight

ROBOTIKUS – “Continental Lovers”

Consisting of Adam Kleist and Scott Targett, this Australian electronic duo finds their influences in the disco, funk and house of the 70s and 80s. They write their songs mostly by email, where Scott creates the music and sends it to Adam who then adds the lyrics and vocals. Their fresh sound is made up from synth-pop and layered with retro 70s and 80s grooves.

Their new single has a wonderful summery groove, which is both buoyant and laid-back. It has infectious funky guitar riffs, elegant violins and a vintage rhythm, which effortlessly carry Adam‘s soul-infused vocals over the Nu-Disco musical waves. Being a love song about distance and desire, it’s a discolicious throwback to the 70s/80s which still remains fresh and up-to-date.

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