In The Spotlight

Katie Steel – “Rain”

When this songstress’ age was only just in double-digits, she made her first public performance singing an Ella Fitzgerald song. Now she has graced stages all over the US. Music clearly runs through her veins, because when she’s not singing, she’s writing music or playing the guitar. Her passion was ignited by listening to the amazing Etta James, R&B music and the vocal artistry of gospel and her style certainly incorporates all of those influences and so much more.

Her powerful, soulful vocals take center stage on her latest single. It’s an amalgamation of modern R&B, soul and gospel, all drizzled with the vintage charm of 20s swing. An infectious beat, cheerful horns and engaging hand-claps set the stage for her astounding, dynamic and fiercely powerful voice. Her vocal aerobatics will give your eardrums a complete musical work-out in this jaw-dropping, toe-tapping, powerhouse performance.

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In The Spotlight

Cookin’ On 3 Burners – “Real Life Baby”

Formed in 1997, Cookin’ On 3 Burners are an Australian funk trio, consisting of Jake Mason on Hammond organ, guitarist Dan West and drummer Ivan Khatchoyan. They describe their style as “joining the dots between Deep Funk, Raw Soul, Organ Jazz and Boogaloo”. Their current single is featuring the vocal talents of Emmi, a London-based artist, who has worked as a dancer, an actress, composer, songwriter and singer, but sees herself more as a story-teller.

They joined forces to create a magnificent soulful buffet of musical yumminess. It’s got a smooth old-school vibe, with lustrous brass, sleek Hammond tones and a slick beat, all framing the sparkling and powerful vocals of Emmi, which have a raw, deeply soul-infused quality. When brought together it’s got funkiness by the plateful and becomes the perfect dish for any music lover.

From their album “Lab Experiments Vol. 1: Mixin'” (2017):

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In The Spotlight

Terra Lightfoot – “Paradise”

When this singer/songwriter from Hamilton, Canada was only 8 years old, her grandparents took her to see country-rockers Blue Rodeo and when she saw them, she just wanted to get on stage with them. At age 12 she traded her piano lessons in for an electric guitar which would be the basis for her signature sound she would develop in later years.  In 2016 she achieved her childhood goal, having opened for Blue Rodeo on their tour.

Her latest single is an energetic and electrifying teaser of her soon to be released album. It fully delivers on the blues-rock you’d expect, but with just a hint of country thrown in for good measure. With a ferocious beat, intense lyrics, masterful six-string flair and soul-tinged, powerful vocals, this song will sweep you of your boot-stompin’ feet.

From her album “New Mistakes”, due to be released on 13 October 2017:

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In The Spotlight

Magdalena Bay – “Move Slow”

Singer/songwriter Mica Tenenbaum and songwriter/producer Matthew Lewin met in high school. They were friends, lovers and members of a prog rock band. Going to different colleges parted their ways for a few years, but they reunited to form Magdalena Bay. Their goal is to make smart and creative pop music and describe their style as “future 90s-throwback space pop”, but it is so much more.

Take their latest single for instance. It definitely has that 90s-throwback vibe, but with an 80s-inspired disco groove. With a catchy rhythm, scintillating synths, copious infectious hooks and smooth, flirtatious vocals, it is an enticing, bouncy dance-floor filler, which will have you dancing till dawn.

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In The Spotlight

UPSAHL – “Can You Hear Me Now”

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Taylor Upsahl is a singer/songwriter who, at the tender age of 18, has already released 3 albums. She started to write her own music when she was only 13. A year later she released her first, self-titled EP and her career snowballed since then. She put together a band and released her first full-length album “Viscerotonic” in 2015, which was received with rave reviews.

Her latest single showcases her mesmerizing voice and her gift for songwriting. It’s a sweet, bouncy pop song, with a slight dreamscape vibe created by the smooth, multi-layered harmonies. With playful instrumentation, catchy percussion and her lush, seductive and captivating vocals, it’s a finger-clicking, fresh-sounding delight.

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In The Spotlight

Klez – “Ain’t Nobody’s Fool”

John Klezmer, better known as Klez, is a singer/songwriter from San Francisco and was raised playing multiple instruments and emerging himself in his family’s record collection, which included Motown and Stax legends such as Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Bill Withers. He started developing his own take on the classic soul sound at an early age, honing his skills as a lyricist, composer and performer, ultimately leading to the release of his debut EP “Here Right Now” in 2016.

His latest musical morsel drips of old-school soul, but with a modern edge. The lively drums are infectious, the plentiful brass uplifting and his soul-infused voice is channeling his Motown influences, but made unique by his flawless falsettos. It’s a rhythmic, feel-good, soul adventure, which sounds authentic and timeless.

From his upcoming EP “Old Soul, New World”, to be released on 6 October 2017:

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