In The Spotlight

Harry Linacre – “Freak”

Based in London, this British soul singer and songwriter grew up with music coursing through his veins, due to his dad being a professional singer. He graduated from the renowned BRIT School and honed his performance craft at various open mic nights and performing on cruise ships. Since then he’s played venues such as The Jazz CafĂ© and The Blues Kitchen, as well as Sofar Sounds. Inspired by Michael Jackson, D’angelo and Justin Timberlake, he released his debut single “Waiting” in 2022.

Written about someone’s love for – as he calls it – ‘bedroom activities’, his new single blends smooth 70s funk and silky disco with a soft contemporary R&B vibe. Brimming with sensual soul, the lustful melody is formed by a mellow percussion, sexy bass line and steamy keys. And with ear-stroking, luscious harmonies and his honey-dipped falsetto vocals adding a layer of pure aphrodisia, this sugarcoated slice of passionate soul will definitely require a cold shower to cool down.

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In The Spotlight

Taylor Moss – “Dream Baby”

Born in Ulladulla NSW and now based in Melbourne, this Australian country-pop singer and songwriter always wanted to play music. She started taking guitar and piano lessons at the age of 6. Since she got a diploma in music and music business, as well as a Bachelor of Music. Although being independent, she’s scored the number one spot on the Country Radio Top 50 twice. Inspired by Keith Urban, Hayley Williams and Ingrid Andress, she released her debut “Stuck In My Head” in 2013.

Telling the story about having found a love you’ve always dreamed of and wanting to go slow to savour every second of the wild ride, her new single adds an addictive rocky layer to her country-pop sound. Allowing the listener to kick their heels up, the song is driven by a poppy beat and is joined by some fierce electric guitars in the chorus. And with a touch of country twang in her imposing vocals, this highly infectious groove is filled with unbridled passion and sonic potency.

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In The Spotlight

Alla Igityan – “Games”

Born and raised in Armenia and now based in Berlin, Germany, this multi-talented artist is both a software engineer as well as a singer and songwriter. As a child she learned to play violin and later taught herself to play guitar. Besides going to university, she also took vocal lessons. She began performing in bars in Armenia, but moved to Germany in 2019 to pursue her musical career. Inspired by Kacey Musgraves and Bob Dylan, she debuted with the Armenian song “Du Uzecir” in 2017.

Filled with an emotional intensity and an intricate melody, her new single explores the challenges of human relationships. Forging a warm and inviting aural world with a tender and heartfelt acoustic guitar, the instrumentation is both minimal and everything that is needed. And with her bewitchingly beautiful vocals narrating the story of peoples uniqueness, this highly accomplished song shows off her intrinsic song-writing talent and turns this soothing ballad into a 24-carat gem.

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In The Spotlight

Fond Of Rudy – “Infatuation”

The seed of what was to become Fond Of Rudy was planted in Brighton, when Matt Ahwal and Ross Lower started creating demo’s in a garage. Completing the line-up of this British band are Otto Metaxas and Si Davies. Since their formation in 2016 they’ve toured across the UK, supporting artists like Abbie Ozard and Clean Cut Kid, as well as playing a slot at Canadian Music Week. Drawing inspiration from Fleetwood Mac, John Mayer and Toto, they released their debut EP “One” in 2016.

Telling a heartfelt love story about a long distance relationship that developed into something real, their new single is poetic and sincere. Kicking the track of with a virulent beat and a wallowing guitar, the soundscape expands into a neon-lit, 80s-infused pop-rock melody. With infectious drums and sweeping guitars making it hard to sit still, it’s the story-telling vocals celebrating the feeling of being swept away by love, that makes this retro-dipped groove an absolute sonic delight.

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In The Spotlight

Maina Doe – “Lucid Dreams”

Born and raised in Bandung, Indonesia, this emerging R&B singer and songwriter is now based in Sydney, Australia. Originally performing and collaborating under her given name Maina Nasra, she adopted her new moniker to introduce her creativity to the world. Immersed in the local jazz, soul and R&B scene, she blends all those elements together with the vivid imagery of her rich heritage. Inspired by AndrĂ© 3000, Solange and Nina Simone, she released her debut “Delusion” in 2019.

Lyrically talking to her own vanity, which drives a need to always be better, her new single tells it that she doesn’t need to be the best version of herself all the time. With a hypnotically mellow R&B vibe and enriched with soulful touches, this mesmerizing groove is a true sonic experience. Forging a magical soundscape with a funky beat, ethereal synths and warm bass, it’s her astonishing vocals blending with the elegant harmonies, that turns this tune into a true work of art.

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In The Spotlight

Strange Hotels – “Let The Music”

Based in Los Angeles, cousins Ben Braden and Nick Sadler have been playing music together since high school. Initially part of various west-coast bands, most notably The Lower 48 from Portland, they decided to form their own duo in 2018. Within weeks of that decision, they got to open for Billie Eilish and Finneas. Since then they’ve had their songs featured on several TV shows such as Shameless and King Of The Road. They released their unique sound on their debut EP “Mixtape” in 2018.

Doing exactly what it says on the sleeve, their new single definitively lets the music do all the talking. Forming a highly danceable groove from the first note, it’s a funky amalgamation of elements from various genres. With a distinct retro vibe from the 70s-infused rhythm and disco violins, they’re blending it with a touch of R&B, dance and soul. Taken from their upcoming album “Hideout In The District”, expected later this year, this insatiable tune makes you want to move your body.

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