In The Spotlight

Laura Rizzotto – “Cherry On Top”

This Brazilian songstress was born in Rio de Janeiro and started playing piano at the age of 9. By the age of 11 she had written her first song and has started to teach herself how to play guitar and ukulele. She was performing her own songs at the age of 15 and a year later she had landed her first record deal. She worked together with legend Eumir Deodato and opened for Demi Lovato, when she performed in Brazil. Now based in New York, she’s working on an EP series, the first being released soon.

Her new single is full to the brim with unbridled fun. She took a vibrant pop song, added a sprinkling of funky beats, some witty lyrics and radiated it with pure summer sunshine. This happy, upbeat song will have you bobbing along and reaching for your bathing suit in no time.

From her upcoming EP “Ruby”, to be released in the summer of 2017:

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In The Spotlight

Zolita – “Fight Like A Girl”

Born in California, this feminist and singer/songwriter grew up playing bluegrass and flat pick guitar, after her father inspired her to start making music. Now at 22, she is part singer, part revolutionary. As a lesbian herself, she is a supporter of the LGBT movement and started a community platform called “Cult Of Girls” to coincide with the video for her single “Holy“, which quickly went viral. Combining her interests – music, film and politics – she writes and directs her own videos, which do not just showcase her music, but also her message – both lyrically and visually.

Her latest single is another example of her sterling storytelling skills. She describes it as a “super bossy femme power song”. It’s a contemporary pop song, but with a 90s R&B feel and bouncy beats, sultry synths and her engaging, refreshing vocals.

From her EP “Fight Like A Girl”, to be released in October 2017:

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In The Spotlight

Jordan Okrend – “Dance By The Riverside”

This Asheville, North Carolina-based singer/songwriter has been named as a soul revival troubadour, who mixes traditional soul with contemporary techniques. He released his first two EP’s between 2010 and 2012 and was performing all over the east-coast, while he was attending the Berklee College Of Music in Boston. His signature sound blends vintage pop, classic soul and socially aware lyrics.

His latest single is a sparkling sampling of his unique style. It merges peppy percussion, old-school guitar, an energetic sax solo, addictive rhythms and silky, dynamic, compelling vocals into a musical amalgamation of vintage soul with jazzy touches and a perky modern pop beat.

From his album “Dance By The Riverside” (2017):

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In The Spotlight

Jae Jin – “Heart Smiles”

This soulful singer/songwriter started off playing his music on the street and in subways. He had just taken a leap of faith, changing careers from medicine to music. It was when he made an acoustic version of “Nothing Can Change” by Sam Cooke, that the world looked up and took notice. Since then he has toured the world and even set aside time for acting, having had a part on “House Of Cards“. He released his debut album “KAIROS” independently in 2015.

His latest single drips of vintage Motown charm, but with a contemporary touch. It’s the silky smooth melody, the sleek strings, elegant piano, delicate percussion and his polished, velvety, soul-filled voice, which makes this song a sumptuous and delightful love song, fit for any era.

 

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In The Spotlight

Zach Alwin – “Music Tonight”

This Long Beach-based funk/pop singer, songwriter, producer and band leader’s music is influenced by classic R&B and funk, but his greatest musical influence is his dad, who showed him how alive music can truly make you feel. His songs have a personal touch as he mixes confessions from the heart with a cartoonish sense of humor and a brand of retro party music.

His latest single is a discolicious dance-floor filler, with buoyant bouncy beats, retro-sounding hand claps, a touch of 70s strings and his catchy, funky vocals, which makes this a contagious, feel-good groove, made to get your feet movin’!

From his EP “Duck Funk” (2017):

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In The Spotlight

Bette Smith – “Man Child”

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, this impressive songstress grew up with the gospel she sang in church and the soul music she heard on the streets. She recorded her album in Mississippi, which brought her to the roots of her musical influences. Driven by the promise she made to her brother Junior on his deathbed not to give up on her career as a singer, she performs everywhere she can and always wears yellow on stage to honor him.

Her first single takes those gospel and soul influences and adds some raw rock into the mix. The result is a funky, raucaus jam, full of lively drum fills, exhuberant horns, roaring electric guitars and her astonishing, razor-sharp, scouring vocals, cleansing your eardrums, while tickling all your senses.

From her upcoming debut album “Jetlagger” (Release Date: 29 September 2017):

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