Category #RETRO-SOUL

elijah woods Delivers His Electrifying Debut Album “Can We Talk “

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Photos by Austin Calvello

We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the debut album, “Can We Talk”, from pop singer, songwriter, and producer elijah woods. You can listen to “Can We Talk” Here

With more than 1 billion streams, sold-out headline tours across Canada and Asia, performances at major international festivals, and a coveted opening slot for Niall Horan, elijah woods has established himself as a global pop phenomenon.

Having already built a worldwide following entirely as an independent artist, he now delivers a record that captures both the emotional intimacy and magnetic pop craftsmanship that have defined his meteoric rise. Across the 11 songs, Can We Talk? blends raw vulnerability with irresistible hooks, affirming elijah as an artist who thrives in the space where honesty and undeniable pop energy meet.

“‘Can We Talk?’ is the most personal project I’ve ever made,” says elijah. “It’s a collection of late night thoughts and real conversations—things I’ve said, things I wish I’d said, and things I’ll probably never say out loud. For me, it’s about the messy, beautiful parts of trying to connect with people and how easy it is to get lost in miscommunication. At the same time, I was chasing a sense of sonic maturity—finding comfort in letting songs breathe emotionally while still pulling listeners in with production that feels big, bold, and alive. This album feels like finally letting people sit in the room with me while I figure it all out.”

Photos by Austin Calvello

Alongside the release, elijah unveils the official music video for the album’s opening track and focus single, “So Good.” A soaring, singalong-ready pop anthem, the track captures the rush of new love and its transformative glow. “‘So Good’ is about that feeling when someone walks into your life and suddenly everything feels lighter, easier, and better than you expected–the craving for something you just can’t get over,” elijah explains.

There is a both a burst of limitless energy and authenticity that flows beautifully through out “Can We Talk” , from elijah woods and we simply can’t get enough of it

Originally from Ottawa and now based in Los Angeles, elijah woods has carved out a reputation as both a compelling solo artist and a sought-after collaborator. Known for his vivid storytelling, irresistible hooks, and a signature crisp production style, he crafts music that radiates raw emotion and draws listeners into a captivating spectrum of heartache, hope, and everything in between.

With four JUNO Award nominations, multiple platinum and gold certifications, and five EPs released in just the past three years, elijah’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. He’s graced the cover of Esquire Singapore and been spotlighted in VMAN SEA, 1883 Magazine, and Vogue Hong Kong. Now, with Can We Talk?, elijah isn’t just marking a milestone—he’s stepping fully into his moment, cementing himself as one of the defining voices in pop music today.

You owe it to your music loving heart and soul to check out “Can We Talk”, from elijah woods

Upcoming Tour Dates:
December 2 – Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right
December 9 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo

Tickets are on-sale now: 
elijahwoods.com

Jonathan Plevyak Releases Red Hot New Single, “Disco Dolly”

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We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out rising Nashville soul singer, Jonathan Plevyak, and his scorching new single, “Disco Dolly” You can listen to “Disco Dolly” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here

Jonathan Plevyak, has a one of a kind vintage sound , that we are absolutely positively over the moon about . Right from the first note on “Disco Dolly”, we had literal goosebumps. Jonathan Plevyak, sings like his soul is on fire . “Disco Dolly “ is a well crafted and written song that makes us love music even more.

Jonathan was inspired by artists like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Sam Cooke and Billie Holiday to develop his own retro style, which he ran with. Jonathan’s successful debut EP, “Made In The Shade,” was released last year and sounds just like a vinyl record pulled off the shelf in the ‘50s.

Jonathan will be offering The Jukebox Jam 2 on July 12th at The Basement East in Nashville , tickets and info Here

Silk perfect vocals with melodies that are straight fire . Jonathan Plevyak is an artist with a song , “Disco Dolly” that simply can’t be ignored.

Tomás Doncker Releases An Absolute Masterpiece With A Brilliantly Soulful Reworking Of Motörhead’s “Ace Of Spades”

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Tomás Doncker is pleased to reveal that his upcoming EP ‘Hard Is Hard’ is set for release July 4th 2025 

We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the stunningly perfect and soulful cover of “Ace Of Spades” from NYC-based alternative-R&B producer, singer, songwriter and indie label CEO Tomás Doncker. You can listen to “Ace Of Spades” on Spotify Here , Apple Music Here

Tomás Doncker has long been a prime mover on the New York music, arts and culture scenes. From the early 1980s, as a member of groundbreaking No Wave and Punk Funk bands The Contortions and Defunkt, international touring, recording and songwriting collaborations with luminaries such as Bootsy Collins, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ivan Neville, The Specials and the legendary Ms. Patti Smith, to helming his own band, The True Groove All-Stars, Tomás has established himself as a cross-genre innovator without peer.

Discussing his decision to cover the single he explains, “Motörhead… Lemmy…Ace of Spades. Who doesn’t love this song? I have since I first heard it many lifetimes ago. A few years back, I was in a car and it came on the radio – and it spoke to me in a very different way than it ever had before. This was the moment when the idea of covering it popped into my head. When I read the lyrics, it became clear to me what it was that was tugging at me…The Blues. I realised that Motörhead had changed the spirit of Son House, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and the Delta Blues storytelling tradition and sped it up to create one of the quintessential rock and roll anthems of all time. It became obvious that I had to sing this song. I saw myself in it.”

We blissfully basked in the absolute soulful perfection of the phenomenal version of “Ace Of Spades”, from Tomás Doncker

The upcoming EP ‘Hard Is Hard’ was produced with James Dellatacoma (Bill Laswell, Herbie Hancock) and mastered by Michael Fossenkemper (Paul Weller, LL Cool J, Miles Davis) and includes guest instrumentation from Frank Benbini (UB40, Fun Lovin’ Criminals), Adriano Rossetti-Bonell (UB40) and The Specials Horns. With elements of soul, blues, funk, rock and some jazz thrown in for good measure, ‘Hard Is Hard’ is a five-track masterclass in Doncker’s innate knack for genre fluidity. The EP lyrically explores themes of racial inequality, social injustice and keeping a positive mental attitude through hard times.

Doncker was recently invited to support Fun Lovin’ Criminals on their extensive tour throughout the UK and Europe alongside his band, The True Groove All-Stars, which include members of The Specials Horns.

On the tour, he says, “I’m so honoured, and excited to have been invited to be a part of the upcoming Fun Lovin’ Criminals fall UK/EU tour. They’ve really made me feel welcome as a member of the international / UK music community, and I am forever grateful for this opportunity. It’s gonna be a lot of fun for sure!“

You can check out tour dates, below

We absolutely can’t wait for the release of “Hard Is Hard” , from Tomás Doncker. In the meantime we will groove out to “Ace Of Spades”

LIVE DATES:
 

July 12th 2025 – Cosmopolitan Arts Festival, Leicester
July 12th 2025 – Cumberland Hotel, London (British Summer Time Festival After Party)
July 25th 2025 – Barefoot Festival, Leicester
July 27th 2025 – High Tide Festival, Twickenham
August 1st 2025 – Le Pub, Newport
August 6th 2025 – Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham 

September 4th 2025 – Sub 89, Reading (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
September 5th 2025 – Waterfront, Norwich (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
September 6th 2025 – The Garage, London (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
September 7th 2025 – Concorde 2, Brighton (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
September 18th 2025 – Arena, Torquay (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
September 19th 2025 – Thekla, Bristol (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
September 28th 2025 – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
October 2nd – La Madeleine, Brussels (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
October 5th 2025 – Werk2, Leipzig (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
October 6th 2025 – Hole44, Berlin (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
October 7th 2025 – Hirsch, Nurnberg (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
October 8th 2025 – Backstage Halle, Munchen (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
October 10th 2025 – Das Rind, Russelsheim (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
October 11th 2025 – Opderschmeltz, Dudelange (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
October 12th 2025 – Patronaat, Haarlem (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
October 14th 2025 – La Salle des Fêtes, Bordeaux (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)
October 30th 2025 – Lucerna Music Bar, Prague (Supporting Fun Lovin’ Criminals)

Sydney Jo Jackson Weaves An Authentic Truth With New Single, “Stone Cold”

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We recently had the distinct honor to check out the new single, “Stone Cold”, from London-born, Bali-based soul artist Sydney Jo Jackson. You can listen to “Stone Cold”, on Spotify Here, Apple Music, Here

It is nearly impossible, not to be completely mesmerized by Sydney Jo Jackson, and her absolutely stunning vocal ability. “Stone Cold”, is Sydney Jo Jackson, at her absolute best.


Photographer: Bryan Michael Ham

 “Stone Cold.” A deeply personal ballad born from pain, self-reflection, and ultimately, healing, “Stone Cold” marks a pivotal moment in Jackson’s journey — both musically and emotionally.

Written in her bedroom in Bali, the song emerged in a late-night haze, the melody coming to life while she was, in her own words, “drunk and overwhelmed with feelings I had buried for years.” Originally laced with expletives, the track evolved into something more nuanced — a powerful, articulate reckoning with the past.

Stone Cold is about the marriage I had to walk away from — one where I experienced domestic abuse and completely lost myself trying to save someone who didn’t want to be saved,” Jackson shares. “It’s been five years since my divorce, and this is the first time I’ve truly unpacked what happened. Music gave me the space to confront the trauma head-on.”

The single explores the heartbreaking truth that love alone isn’t always enough — especially when only one person is fighting to keep the relationship alive. “No matter how much I wanted it to work, it was never meant to be,” she says. “This song helped me understand why I allowed someone to treat me that way — and why I’ll never allow it again.”

 With her signature husky, soulful vocals and unflinching honesty, Sydney Jo Jackson delivers a song that will resonate with anyone who’s had to choose themselves over a love that hurt them. “Stone Cold” is more than a breakup song — it’s an anthem of survival.

“Stone Cold”, from Sydney Jo Jackson, is a powerful and important song that needs to be heard.

Noshows Delivers Phenomenal New EP, “Tightrope”

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We recently had the breathtaking opportunity to check out the dazzling new EP, “Tightrope” from NYC , indie outfit, NOSHOWS . You can listen to “Tightrope” Here

Full disclosure: up until today we were unfamiliar with the absolutely stunning artistry that is NOSHOWS . ( We are truly sorry it took us this long to come to the party)

NYC’s Max Satow, professionally known as NOSHOWS, is finding a fascinating niche as a singer-songwriter and frontman by fusing explorations of the inner workings of the mind with a wildly eclectic blend of alt-rock, hip-hop, and funk. 

From the moment we heard the opening melody on “Use To It” we were immediately captivated. The vocals and melodic tones are so perfect that they are a work of art worthy to be displayed at the finest museums .

NOSHOWS has gained a loyal fan base from its electrifying shows at NYC’s Gramercy Theatre, Mercury Lounge, Sofar Sounds residency, UK’s Great Escape Festival, and most recently, a run of Northeast tour dates with Brass Against. 

The EP, artfully makes you not only move your feet but it also makes think, which goes along with Satow’s lifelong fascination with the chaos and psyche of the human mind, and his advocacy of such issues, has its roots in his family’s founding of The Jed Foundation, a non-profit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive. It was inspired by and named after the singer’s uncle, who took his own life. 

Satow has created a mental health hub of his own with Magnify the Mind, a community whose mission is to educate and advocate for those who need emotional support. NOSHOWS Tightrope EP, co-produced/co-written with two-time Grammy winner Marc Swersky (Joe Cocker, Little Stranger) and mixed by Seth Von Paulus (Smashing Pumpkins, Linda Perry)

We found ourselves, especially drawn to the track, “Let Me Sleep” , flawless vocals coupled with a memorable melody , “Let Me Sleep” is an absolute smash hit.

The title track, “Tightrope” has a real dance/ disco feel . We have a feeling that “Tightrope” could be a future dance club staple.

The new EP, “Tightrope” from NOSHOWS, is an absolute musical triumph that you have to experience immediately.

Luke Marzec Delivers Powerful New Single “I Can’t Get You Out Of Mind”

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Photo credit: Natalia-Bjerke 

We recently had the remarkable opportunity to check out the new single , “I Can’t Get You Out Of Your Mind” , from British multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter Luke Marzec. You can listen to “I Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind “ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

We were absolutely blown away by the big beautiful sound of “I Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind “ from Luke Marzec . The big beautiful soulful sound on the track is absolutely breathtaking.

When asked to describe the sound , Luke shares “It’s a retro sound. It’s a vintage sound but with a twist,” 

Taken from his debut album, Something Good Out Of Nothing which will be released in two parts – Side A (release date: March 28) and Side B (to be released in Summer 2025), the single seamlessly balances the spiky, angular verses – that hearken the jazzy R&B vibe of Amy Winehouse – with Marzec’s warm gruff vocals alongside dreamy, reflective choruses and is his most refined and confident work yet. It marks the first release from Swift Half Records, the newly established London-based label that has signed Marzec.

Written during a summer retreat in the woods, “I Can’t Get You Out of My Mind” explores the emotional turbulence of a breakup, opening with a captivating blend of swirling synth arpeggios, before dropping into a captivating groove that fuses funk, soul, and jazz. “We set up a makeshift studio in the woods—a marquee with speakers, a drum machine, and a fire pit. It was raw, intimate, and incredibly inspiring,” recalls Marzec. Inspired by standout tracks from Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black and Arctic Monkeys’ AM, Marzec’s gravelly vocals and sharp songwriting touch on the emotional complexities of loss and regret, guiding listeners through a soundscape of indecision and longing. 

If you are looking for your next favorite song , look no further than “I Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind “ from Luke Marzec. It is absolutely amazingly brilliant.

sullvn Absolutely Shines Bright With Brilliant Debut EP “Love and Lies”

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We were beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to check out the debut EP “Love And Lies” from 10 piece retro-soul band , sullvn. You can listen to “Love And Lies” Here

sullvn, has a big and electrifying sound and vibe that we absolutely love . The band’s one of kind retro-soul goodness is highlighted proudly on their debut EP “Love and Lies”

When asked about their debut EP, the band shares” Love and Lies explores the complexities of relationships, particularly the tension between honesty and deception, but as per usual, love wins out in the end.”

From the first note on the opening track “Liars” , you can help but fall hopelessly in love with sullvn. There is definitely no shortage of energy on “Love and Lies”

We absolutely love the groove on “Oh California” We have been grooving to this retro-soul gem since it was released in September.

“Namaste” is a cleverly written tune with an addictive melody coupled with pristine vocals. We without a doubt hit repeat on this one a couple hundred times. .

The track that really stood out to us on “Love And Lies” is the closing track, “All About You” We love the tempo and speed on “All About You” sullvn are most definitely firing on all cylinders with this one ! The band recently shared “This song is about the  love that prioritizes the well-being and happiness of your partner, capturing the idea that love transcends personal gain.”

We love everything about “Love And Lies” from sullvn,it is an absolute masterpiece that needs to be shared and heard by the universe- Bravo

sullvn Delivers Absolutely Devine New Single “Namaste”

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We had the absolute privilege to check out the new single “Namaste” from 10 member band sullvn. You can listen to “Namaste” Here

We are absolutely enthralled with sullvn and we are super psyched that they will be releasing their debut EP “Love and Lies” on November 8th . But wait There’s More…..

As a preview the band has released the 3rd single from the EP “Namaste” that is out now on all streaming platforms.

The EP will include the 3 previously released tracks and a new track “All About You.”

Namaste”  captures the tumultuous nature of a relationship that keeps drawing two people back together, reflecting the raw emotions and irresistible pull that can’t be ignored. It’s a powerful exploration of love’s chaos that resonates deeply and reminds us of the complexities we all face in our connections. It taps into the universal struggle of love and heartbreak. The song’s portrayal of a chaotic relationship speaks to anyone who has ever felt torn between desire and conflict. Its emotional depth and relatable themes can offer solace, understanding, and even catharsis, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of love.

“Namaste” from sullvn is a beautifully vibrant and authentic song that is absolute music to our ears. Do your music loving heart a favor and check out “Namaste” from sullvn.

Mystic Fridge Delivers Magnificent New Single “Confetti”

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We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single “Confetti” from San Luis Obispo,California based indie pop rock band Mystic Fridge. You can listen to “Confetti” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

As soon as we heard the first notes of the vibrant new single “Confetti” from Mystic Fridge, we couldn’t help but smile and move our feet. Mystic Fridge (Cooper Morrell, Tony Ross, Liz Chamberlin and Sterling Hirsh) is a group of highly skilled musicians that have a refreshing and welcoming approach to music .

A Flawless vocal performance combined with a mind bending melody were front and center throughout the track. We especially enjoyed the horns in “Confetti”. It really gives the track another dimension.

Courtesy Of The Band

“Confetti” from Mystic Fridge is a master class in expert song writing . We have a feeling that Mystic Fridge is just getting warmed up

So go and find your favorite listening spot and get lost in the musical goodness of “Confetti” from Mystic Fridge.

Jonathan Plevyak’s Unique Style And Sound Shines Brightly On Latest Single “Electric Eyes”

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You can listen to “Electric Eyes” Here

We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single “Electric Eyes”, from singer-songwriter Jonathan Plevyak.

Pardon the expression but, there is something positively electric about Jonathan Plevyak’s latest single “Electric Eyes”

Jonathan Plevyak has a sound and vibe that unexpectedly grabs hold of your music loving soul and leaves you wanting more . Jonathan Plevyak has sound that while is familiar, it is also fresh and new .

Jonathan Plevyak works like a skilled painter on his latest “Electric Eyes”, artfully delivering an absolute gem.

This is the second chapter of “Loverboy,” Jonathan’s upcoming EP which contains an overarching narrative throughout the whole record. Each song will be a different chapter / theme of love.  Jonathan is collaborating with Universal’s East Iris Studios for a full-length music video as well. This release is just ahead of Jonathan’s headline show at The Basement East in Nashville on September 1st.

We can not wait for more from Jonathan Plevyak. We have a feel it is going to be simply amazing.

Sullvn Deliver Big Beautiful Debut Single “Liars”

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We recently had the phenomenal opportunity to check out the stunning debut single “Liars” from 10 piece band sullvn. We are not going to hide our feelings on this one …. sullvn offers up the freshest take on retro-soul that we have ever heard . “Liars is the kinda of song that never leaves your soul and will you have dancing for days.

You can listen to “Liars” Here

In a musical landscape that can be mundane at times, sullvn, burst into the room with a style and vibe that is almost impossible to ignore.

You can count the Whole Kameese as officially over the moon about sullvn and.. we have a feeling we are not going to be alone .