In The Spotlight

John Orpheus – “U Funkin’ Right”

Hailing from Trinidad, this singer, songwriter and author has travelled the world with his music. From the Caribbean to Canada and the US, he’s known for his electrifying live shows. As a frontman for the band Hippie Mafia, he opened for Liam Gallagher on his UK tour. As an author he wrote his memoir “Saga Boy”, two children’s books and an upcoming debut novel “Black Cherokee”. Influenced by early Prince, Rick James and Parliament-Funkadelic, he debuted with “John Orpheus Is Dead” in 2014.

Singing about falling in love at the mere sight of a lover, dressed to the nines, looking fly, only to realize your soulmate is yourself, his new single captures the feeling you get when loving who you are. Taken from his EP “Get Right”, the song is a delectable amalgamation of funk, pop and hip-hop. Starting with a sweltering melody and rapping vocals, the song opens up to a classic soul tune with funky tones. Filled with a luscious swagger and his seductive voice, this is an irresistible groove.

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In The Spotlight

Becca Hannah – “Breaking Away”

Born in Boston and based in Los Angeles, this eclectic singer and songwriter started her musical journey at a young age. Her passion for singing was fed by voice lessons and school performances. Evolving her ever growing skill set, she added playing piano and guitar to her repertoire. Since then she’s been crafting an unique sound, blending elements of jazz, R&B and soul. Inspired by Amy Winehouse and Norah Jones, she debuted with her version of “Fly Me To The Moon” in 2017.

Singing about the unsettling uncertainty felt when you realize you’re growing apart from loved ones, her new single highlights that change can also be a positive force. Taken from her EP with the same title, she dipped the melody in smooth nostalgia. With a pulsating beat, crisp guitars and mellow keys, the song embraces the best parts of 90s R&B and 00s neo-soul. And with her delicious, sugarcoated vocals gently stroking your ears, this tune is a mesmerizing, soul-infused journey.

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In The Spotlight

Johnny Murrell – “Not That Bad, Yet”

Originally from Kansas City, this talented singer, songwriter, musician and teacher made Tulsa his home. Raised in a house where music was always playing, he started piano lessons at a young age. After studying Music and Spanish in college, he moved to New York City, where he founded the band Robbing Johnny. Years later he moved back to Tulsa and did a residency at the Mercury Lounge. Inspired by Elton John, Frank Sinatra and Jimi Hendrix, he debuted with “Finally The Rain” in 2018.

Encouraging people dealing with mental health problems to embrace hope and not to give up, his new single is built around meaningful lyrics exuding positivity and strength. Framed by a delightfully rich sound, comprised of several musical elements, the melody is a soothing sonic ebb and flow. With a gentle rhythm, full-bodied guitars and a slight 80s pop feel, the song sounds like a warm embrace. And with the honeyed charm of his vocals, this ear-pleasing smooth groove is not bad at all.

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In The Spotlight

Chubby Cat – “Oh Honey!”

Born in Cork as Cat Doran, this Irish singer and songwriter has been making a name for herself as an exciting live artist. The BIMM Dublin graduate has been honing her RnB-infused sound and showcased it at festivals such as The Great Escape and Indiependence, creating an ever growing fan base. Now based in Belfast, the alt-pop artist continues with her genre-blending, experimental approach to music. Inspired by Barbra Streisand and Lady Gaga, she debuted with “Slipping” in 2021.

Trying to capture the chaos her head becomes when overthinking relationships, her new single shares her fear of being hurt and the difficulty getting to trust someone as a result. Doused in vintage sunbeams, the song is an infectious, summery earworm. With almost tribal drums you can feel resonating in your guts, refreshing guitars and multi-layered harmonies filling the afro-pop-like melody, it’s her cheery, soulful vocals that make this groove radiate from every note.

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In The Spotlight

Ay Wing – “Sugar Rush”

Born as Alexandra Landtwing in Switzerland and now based in Berlin, Germany, this singer, songwriter and producer wrote her first songs at the age of 18. She also spent a year attending a music school in London. Since then she’s toured throughout Europe and the US, opened for acts like Selah Sue and Sofi Tukker and played festivals such as Twin Lakes as well as Sofar Sounds. Inspired by Lauryn Hill, Father John Misty and The Beatles, she debuted with her self-titled EP in 2015.

Putting into words and melody the intoxicated high you get from falling and being in love, her new single celebrates the unmistakable thrill an all-encompassing feeling of infatuation can bring. The refreshing sound of the tune blends R&B and neo-soul with an addictive funkiness. Enticing you in with playful electric guitar, smooth string section and retro-touched synths, it’s the cheeky bells and the sultry quality of her vocals, that make this an ode to newfound love.

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In The Spotlight

Benny Trokan – “It’s Time”

Born and raised in New York City, this singer, songwriter and musician grew up immersed by the music from his mother’s eclectic 60s record collection. Influenced by Ringo Starr, he became infatuated with the drums at an early age. At college he expanded his horizons with bands of his own generation. Since then he’s played in various groups, most notably as the bassist for Spoon. Inspired by The Beatles, Sam & Dave and A Tribe Called Quest, he debuted solo with “Hey Lovers” in 2022.

Deeply dipped in the glorious sounds of the swinging 60s, his new single guides you through all the best the era had to offer. Taken from his upcoming album “Do You Still Think Of Me”, to be released on August 23rd, the song blends vintage elements of pop and rock into a track that sounds like a long lost treasure of the time. Starting with cheeky castanets and a guitar, the song evolves to a lively beat, electric guitars and violins, becoming a passionate trip back to the golden age of rock.

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