“I don’t know much at all about the Portland Soul scene, but if it sounds anything like this, it is time I booked a plane ticket for Oregon.
Bridge City Revival, in conjunction with Arietta Ward, drops this easy groove titles ‘Lucky Me.’ The track comes with that timeless Soul you never know you need to feel, until it is filling your ears prompting the question ... where has this sound been?”
“Hilary Watson has the kind of timeless vocals that fits most any time period or genre. Stepping away from her normal vocal duo in this solo effort, Watson offers up a bluesy roots sound that comes with a bit of a wry twist, lyrically. ”
“Hailing from the Bay Area, Kai Straw has the kind of voice that refuses to let you turn away. Raw and vulnerable, while still holding a dark edge, this track unfurls a mesmerizing story. If the movie Sin City was smashed together with The Weeknd along with some kind of dark-side Flume, they’d sound something like this. This is the kind of song that will stick in your mind long after the last note has faded.”
“If you are a sucker for that timeless smooth groove of a soulful crooner, then Kristopher James is an artist you want to know. ‘Feelings’ takes you for a ride that feels like a drive on warm Sunday afternoon down a wide open stretch of road. It is the musical equivalent to the warm scent of sugar cookies fresh from the oven. It is comfort music in every sense of the word. ”
“Kate Eaton delivers a Bluesy ode of salute to a slower pace, in ‘Slow It Down.’ With vocals that offer energy, but also an aching brand of hope, Eaton unfurls a vocal arrangement that wraps the listener up in a soft blanket and allows the words to warm the soul. ”
“ Listening to the string of the guitar takes you away. As the tempo moves into the song more “Letting Go” is the musical tone of a neo-soul night. The Naked Eye presents feelings through music.”
“The house is burning, the toilet flooding, the cops are coming and we are all out of money but I can’t help but care. SunKiss gives a dramatic yet interesting song. A solo comes in around the 2 mark but this is sure a song you will find yourself singing along with. It’s one of those songs that really doesn’t make sense but sounds so damn good. ”
“The soft and smooth vocal build kept me on the hook early on as Yoji built into the emotion of this soulful ballad. The gift of hindsight would be nice, and sometimes all we can do is trust that good things are coming, but this track offers a sweet refrain for those thankful of where they are now. ”
“With a hint of Blues and a whole lot of soul, Dominique Fils-Aimé definitely has her ‘Mind Made Up,’ and after you listen to this talented vocalists your mind will be made up as well.
This affirmative build and progression simply sweeps up the musical soul and carries it forward along with the track making it impossible not to close your eyes and lose yourself in the music for a few minutes.”
“Labeled as so-called nasty women in certain political circles, the strong and fiercely independent ladies of this world have something to say and damn it, they refuse to be silenced. CHEL is among the proud, the brave, the bold — and on this Soulful Pop track, she makes her ‘Nasty Woman’ proclamations in loud, talented tones that draw a line in the sand for anyone looking for a fight.”
“London songwriter and producer Stark, teams up with Soul singer Kestra on this track which jumps right in and grabs hold with both fists.
If Adele and Amy Winehouse were fused into one explosive performance, ‘Darken My Door’ is what I imagine that track would sound like. Big and bold and so full of talent, this is a track that demands your attention.”
“It’s never wise to tick of a songwriter, or writer of any kind for that matter. This track is a songwriter speaking his mind after being mistreated and to explain here is the description from the artist himself ....
’Called You King,’ is written about an aging ‘local hero’ band that did everything it could to keep myself and other musicians from having the spotlight at any given time. They kept me close, but made sure to sabotage my life at every step. Lies, stealing, and adultery. All of the good stuff. They’ve been called king of their hometown for too long, without bearing any fruit. Midas minus the golden touch. Enjoy! ~ Derek Luttrell”
“Rock and Roll Soul Funk. That’s the vibe Quinn DeVeaux brings in this track, which fans of Nathanial Rateliff and Leon Bridges are certain to enjoy.
’All I Need’ captures that all-encompassing euphoria of finding that person that makes the entire world feel world. Simply put, with them at your side you don’t need anything else to feel joyous and right.”
“Imagine tip toeing in a room as you past by you touch things; thinking of a situation but also thinking of someone you desire. Ida Laurberg new single ‘Love Me Right’ is about desire. She tries to explain to someone their mistakes and how it can be fixed if only they loved her right. Her emotional in dept vocals will have you wanting and demanding to be loved the right way.”
“The Slim Kings might be skinny in stature, but the band is clearly thick on talent.
’Raw’ is soul-filled Indie Rock track that carries hints of Billy Joel melodically, and Springsteen vocally, all with a bluesy Retro Soul groove that conjures vibes of a long smoke-filled night on the Boulevard.”
“Sy Sylvers has an alluring vocal tone that simply invites you in at the first note, and here that comes with a melodic groove and rhythm that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a cold night. This combination has blissful affect that draws you in close and keeps you there in the tranquil bosom of her vocal embrace.”
“Sean O’Kelly provides the swing on that sax, and Olivia Kuper-Harris ups the retro vibe with her energetic vocals.
This is a track to grab the one that matters to you and ‘Just Give Love’ to that dance floor no matter if it is your kitchen tile, or a true dance hall. This is a track to cut loose with and if you are alone then you can simply open that mouth and belt it out to take part in the fun.”
“The smooth laid back flow that no one else does quite like Snoop does, kicks off this track. Add in JoJo Hailey delivering a chorus that feels a bit like a throwback without feeling overtly retro, and the track just delivers a vibe that works to create a mood.This is one to dedicate to the one that is ‘Special’ to you. ”
“Sweet, smooth Soul. Musically, vocally, and lyrically this track simply is salve for a chapped and scraped world.
I believe in this message, and I believe in the talent unfurling it here. Grab the one you love and slow dance, or hug your neighbor (Metaphorically since maintaining social distance is key right now) and sing along. ‘As Far As We Know’ offers the best of humanity in sound and message. ”
“LU KALA is coming with some fire on this track, so when she tells you — you don’t want ‘No Smoke,’ you better believe it. Because the attitude she brings, is as persuasive as the talent.
This single has energy and passion and delivers punch lyrically while also coming with an undeniable groove musically. It’s not easy to draw an apt comparison, because the vocal chops feel unique and fresh.”