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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In The Spotlight

Jordan Rakei – “Nerve”

Born in New Zealand, but raised in Australia, this multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer has an eclectic sound, driven by soul, jazz and hip-hop. His EP “Groove Curse” took him to live in London where he collaborated with Tom Misch and lending his vocals to Disclosure‘s album “Caracal”. He made the leap into showcasing his own talent, when he self-released his debut album “Cloak” back in 2016.

His new single is a smooth pop tune, with R&B influences. It has beautifully soothing strings, a funky riff and velvety, fluid vocals, making this a captivating song which finds your soul and snuggles up to it.

From his upcoming album “Wallflower” (Release Date: 22 September 2017):

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