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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In The Spotlight

Cat Lundy – “Triggerman”

This Irish singer/songwriter started music lessons at a young age and was writing music and teaching herself to play guitar at the age of 11. She is a classically trained vocalist from the Royal Academy Of Music. Influenced by her parent’s record collection of Nina Simone, Bob Dylan and Otis Redding, her music is a beautiful mixture of 60s blues and soul.

Her single takes you up and down the spectrum of emotionally charged blues. It starts off slow, with delicate acoustic guitar and sultry vocals, but then the true nature of the song is revealed with an invigorating beat and bouncy brass, making it truly come alive without losing the seductive quality of her alluring voice.

From her upcoming debut album, to be released later in 2017:

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In The Spotlight

Jackie Venson – “Flying”

She was born in Austin, Texas as the youngest of 9 siblings. With music in her genes, as her dad Andrew was a prominent musician in the 80s, this singer/songwriter attended the Berklee College of Music, learning classical piano and guitar. Having released two EP’s in 2013 and an album “The Light In Me” in 2016 and having toured the US and Europe recently, things are looking up for this songbird.

Her new single is a song about universal love. It has a laid-back feel and a distinctly funky beat. The orchestration is delicate, with smooth guitar and mellow drums, yet it sounds full and rich. Her slightly smoky, melodious, soul-infused vocals are mesmerizing and make you feel like you’re floating through her musical world.

From her upcoming EP “Transcends”, to be released on 30 September 2017:

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In The Spotlight

Decosta Boyce – “Place I’ve Made”

This Hertfordshire-born UK singer is no stranger to the soul scene. He’s performed as background singer with the likes of Adele and Beverly Knight, but also supported Jazmin Sullivan, Alexander O’Neal and Leela James. Currently he’s on tour with 70s funkateers Heatwave. So it was high time that he released his own soul stylings to the musical world.

His latest single is about finding places that make you happy or where you feel most peaceful. It has a classic Motown feel, with a contemporary twist. With a funky beat, delicate soul guitar, rich brass bridge and his skillful, vintage-sounding vocals, this single feels like an instant classic.

From his album “Electrick Soul” (2017):

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In The Spotlight

D/Troit – “Soul Sound System”

Hailing from Copenhagen, this five-piece Danish soul band has a retro 70s soul sound, which merges the sounds of Motown and Stax with raw garage rock and a contemporary vibe. When they play live, they turn into a synergetic soul spectacular, which makes you feel like you’re wearing flares and grooving it on the dance floor like you’ve traveled back in time.

Their latest single has everything you would expect. It’s dripping with vintage soul, with just enough rock ‘n’ roll grit to give you that retro feel, yet keeping a foot in the here and now. With dynamic drums, beautifully layered harmonies, soul-infused sweltering horns and the authentic vocals of lead-singer Toke Bo, this single is a funky force to be reckoned with.

From their upcoming debut album “Soul Sound System”, to be released on 15 September 2017:

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