New music! Check out track "Bring It Back" released today from R&B producer/singer Floria! Based in Brisbane, Australia, Floria wrote and recorded the track in his home studio. Inspired by
Ariana Grande, Shlohmo, and The Weeknd, 'Bring it Back' "displays an infectious barrage of modern R&B grooves, powerful synth and Floria’s tender vocal croons." It tells the age-old story of losing love and wanting it back.  I heard the song some days ago, and it drew me in right away! I LOVE the beat and Floria's vocals on the song! Check out "Bring It Back" below!


You can connect with Floria on Facebook and Twitter, and hear more of his music on SoundCloud!
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Another spotlight for y'all! As always, if you are or know of an upcoming musical artist, designer, producer, etc., that should be featured on the blog, please email me at BrittanyShawnte@ gmail.com (allow time for response).

I want you all to check out singer Alexis Hightower! Combining classic jazz, soul, and a tiny bit of hip hop, this unique, talented singer is definitely one to look out for!

Born in Nashville but raised in Oakland, CA and then L.A., Alexis’ parents got her started in music. Though they weren’t musicians themselves, they constantly listened and played music, which Alexis loved. “My parents loved to entertain, and music was always a big part of that,” she said. “I felt very early on, probably from the time I was four or five, that music would be an important part of my life.”

While her parents were huge fan of classic soul artists like Marvin Gaye, Roberta Flack, James Brown and more, Alexis’ cousins and sister introduced her to other artists as well like Led Zeppelin, Sinead O’Connor, and N.W.A. Growing up around these eclectic sounds inspired Alexis’ own music and creativity. “I think you can hear the laid back, layered California thing in there,” Alexis said of her own sound. “I like for my music to be tight and focused, but I also need a sense of space in my music, and that's definitely the Cali in me.”

Alexis’ upcoming album, Girl Next Door, is set for release on November 25 (I plan to have a review up for you all on Friday!), and will be sure to reflect a diverse amount of sounds! “One day I realized that I had this collection of songs and that they were kind of a complete thought, or more like a journey,” she said of the album. “I finally felt like I had ten songs that were good enough to see the light of day. Also, they had a shape when you put them together in a certain order.” Working with artists like trumpet player Duane Eubanks and Gerry Leonard, Alexis wrote most of the songs herself, as well as arranged parts and played on them as well. Her hope for listeners with this album? “I guess what I really want is for the listener to be able to press play and leave the album going until it's over. Otherwise, why make an album?”


Currently, the singer is working on some remixes from the album, and collaborating with some producers to create new material. She is also working on a film project that should be released in spring 2015!

As far as what separates her from other artists, Alexis feels that it’s her unique way of telling a story that makes her stand out.” I really love great lyrics and putting feeling into every word. I think autotune is fine, but sometimes I wish I could understand the lyrics more,” she said. “Also, I am very hands-on. I have no idea what it's like for other artists, but I like knowing my way around a mixing board, a drum kit, a keyboard, whatever it takes. That's fun for me.” Alexis joked that “world domination” is her goal for the future but really just wants to be able to grow her audience, and travel the world creating and playing music. “Making music, making money, being with people you love, and having a good time-that's pretty much my definition of a sweet life,” she said. Sounds good to me!

You can hear more from Alexis on her official website and SoundCloud, as well as connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! 
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Looking forward to getting a couple of features on some great artists up for you all this week! Right now, we have alternative/folk singer Michael Schulte! Based in Germany, Michael started singing around the age of six.“I just simply loved to sing the songs I heard on the radio and the CDs my mom and dad used to play,” he remembered. “I would sing the whole day and bother my family, event hough I think it was quite good already!” The singer never had any guitar or singing lessons, just learning by actually doing. He was able to develop amazing vocal and playing skills, and wrote many of his own songs!



At 17, the singer discovered YouTube, and began to upload some of his own videos. “I thought it could be a great idea [because] I was really too insecure to go out and play on stages,” Michael said. “So I did that and, all of a sudden, I had thousands of people following me, listening to my stuff. That was a great feeling!” After doing YouTube videos for a few yea!” After doing YouTube videos for a few years, and growing a dedicated fanbase, Michael began to realize that he could do this for a living, and set out to do just that!

His parents definitely had an influence on his sound by offering him Irish folk, Celtic, and acoustic music to listen to. He was also inspired by Ben Howard, London Grammar, Alt-J, James Blake, and Muse, especially for his latest album The Arising, which was released back in October. “I worked two years on the album and really had the chance to find out for myself, what I want to do,” Michael said. “What style, what sound it should have, and with whom I want to work.” The singer, still new in the industry, listened to different styles of music and played over 100 concerts which helped him harness his sound for this new album. He worked with producer Rob Stephenson to create tracks for this sophomore project. “We tried out many different things on every song and I think you can hear how much love we put in and how rich in details the album is,” Michael said. “I wanted it to not be flat and normal, but edgy and special.” He hopes that listeners really feel the music and the messages behind each song, and that they are able to relate. Check out his official video for track “The Maze” below!


Currently, Michael is writing for a few other artists, but mostly focuses on his own music. In the future, Michael’s plans for his career are rather simple. “I would be super happy if I can just carry on with what I do at the moment and just do what I love, playing gigs and record new music.”

You can learn more about Michael on his official website, as well as connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
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Russian-born/LA-based soul singer Cooper Phillip is a true talent to behold! I want you all to check out her beautiful debut music video, "Silence," the first single from her Walk A Mile EP!

Released on October 6 and directed by Scott Nathan, the music video has a simple and classic black and white look, allowing viewers to focus more on Cooper's amazing vocals. She has serious soul and passion, and you hear it from the second she opens her mouth to sing! It's definitely a standout ballad, and I'm purchasing my copy right after I publish this!

Check out the video below!


Be on the lookout for a feature with Cooper on the blog soon! You can purchase "Silence" on iTunes now, as well as check out more from Cooper on her official website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
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In honor of Veterans Day tomorrow, rock and soul artist Cody ChesnuTT has joined forces with Gary Clark, Jr. for "Gunpowder on the Letter." The song pays respects to American veterans and troops for their courage in their service. When asked about his inspiration behind "Gunpowder on the Letter," Cody stated, "This song was inspired by a documentary I saw on veterans that had been traumatized by the act of war. The broken spirit and disillusionment expressed by these veterans, granted me access to both the spirit and voice needed to communicate the narrative."


 Check out the performance video below!


Keep Up With Cody ChesnuTT & Gary Clark Jr.!


A salute to all of our veterans and current troops! We thank you and honor you for your continued service.
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My inbox is FLOODED with requests for interviews and music features! I stay swamped, but I love sharing the artists that I receive information on to you all! As always, if you are or know of an upcoming artist, fashion designer, producer, etc., and are interested in being featured on The Spotlight, email me at BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com (please allow time for response).

Today, we have young singer Anthony Lewis! Back in September, I featured his music video for "Looks Like Me,” a powerful tribute to Michael Brown and other fallen black people, killed untimely and unjustly. I got the opportunity to chat with the singer about his upbringing, passion for music, and why it was important to him to create a song like “Looks Like Me.”

Check out more about Anthony below!

Hailing from Los Angeles, Anthony was engulfed in music at a young age. Both of his parents performed on the stage as singers and actors, and Anthony's own vocal ability shined at the tender age of 6. Though he stuck to mostly singing in church, he realized that he might be able to make music a career at the age of 13. In middle school, he got in trouble one day in class, and his punishment was to perform in the school talent show! "I did Chris Brown's 'I Can Transform Ya.' I'll never forget," he laughed. "But I got great feedback. I was like, "This is probably what I want to do for a living." He and his sister took their talents to YouTube, which sparked a lot of interest from viewers and getting thousands of views. Anthony eventually got the opportunity to sing for producer Donnie Scantz and music executive Garnett March, and was soon signed to The Chemists!

Looking to contemporary R&B artists like Usher and Chris Brown, and even the greats like James Brown and Sam Cooke, Anthony is inspired to use his own experiences in his music.  "I talk about real life things that's going on with people, about what I go through in life," the singer said. That's clear with his track "Looks Like Me," "The reason why I came up with a song like this was to let people know that they're not alone, and that they need love," the singer said. The track is definitely powerful and inspirational, and can reach across color lines as well. Anthony strives to reach his age group in particular, and is doing an amazing job so far.

Currently, the singer is working on his debut project, on which he said that listeners can expect to hear great music. "I'm taking my time, dissecting different songs [to see] what we're going to put on the album," Anthony said. The singer is working with a multitude of songwriters and producers, including songwriter LaShawn Daniels (Michael Jackson, Tamar Braxton, etc.). Though Anthony couldn't give an exact date for the release, he let me know that it's coming soon and very soon. "January 2015, it's going to blast off!" he stated.


The singer did admit that he works a lot and struggles to balance work and just being a kid and enjoying life. "Sometimes, I do just want to go be with my friends, and I can't because I have to work," he acknowledged. "But I make time, just a one day break, to go chill with my friends." That's important for him, I think, to still make time to enjoy his youth, even though he's working.

When asked where he wants his career to be in the future, Anthony said, "I want to sell millions!" (what singer doesn't want to blow up?!). "But my main goal, my second dream is to perform at the Super Bowl." His inspirations Usher, Michael Jackson, and Justin Timberlake did it, so why can't he?! Honestly, Anthony is a great singer and truly seems to have his head on straight, knowing what he wants for his career and life at a young age. He's talented, has vision, and the work ethic to match. That combination is a deadly force! Definitely be on the lookout for more from this young singer!

Be sure to check out Anthony's official website, and connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
4:55:00 PM
More features on the way over the next few days! Right now, check out blues-rock band The Blue Van! The group’s members include Steffen Westmark (vocals and guitar), Søren Christensen (keyboard, vocals and guitar), Allan Villadsen (bass) and Per Jørgensen (drums and vocals). The quartet grew up in the same area of Northern Jutlan in Denmark, meeting in kindergarten! While other kids in their school were interested in soccer and dance music, the group wanted to do something different, and started playing music together. “We discovered early on after playing local talent shows and youth clubs that this was a dream we wanted to pursue,” they said. Their parents insisted that they finish high school first, but after they did, the guys moved to Copenhagen to focus on their music.

The Blue Van is more inspired by British and American bands, than music from Denmark. “When we first started out we were very much into mid-sixties british invasion bands. Kinks, Small Faces, The Who etc,” they said. “Since then, with all the traveling and touring, we have broadened our horizons immensely.”

The Blue Van’s music has been featured on numerous films, shows and commercials, including Royal Pains, NCIS, 90210, CSI, and Magic Mike, as well as an ad for iPads shown worldwide! Their strong, edgy sound definitely stands out. “Where mainstream radio today seems to be moving in a much more commercial direction, the music supervisors buying music for tv shows, etc. are looking for more edge, attitude and cool productions,” the band said. Together the group also has five albums under their belt and is consistently recording and touring together. However, now, instead of doing a regular sixth studio album the band has said, “We will be providing our fans with ongoing great tracks and videos. It's all about thinking in new directions and doing things differently because the world is different now."

One of those tracks is their song “Illusion,” which features production from Dan Hougesen and Mark Wills. Check out the video below!

It’s clear that The Blue Van ain’t stopping any time soon! Clearly, they have passion for music and a dedicated, global fanbase to support them. You can check out more from them on their official website, as well as connect with them on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
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