What’s New & Hot in Music?… Basia Bulat

Genre: Indie folk / Pop-soul / Singer-songwriter
Origin: Montreal > Quebec > Canada
Website: basiabulat.com

Good Advice – Basia Bulat (US release: 12 FEB 2016)

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Lake Street Dive

Genre: Indie / Jazz / Pop-soul
Origin: Brooklyn > New York > US
Website: lakestreetdive.com

Bad Self Portraits – Lake Street Dive (US release: 18 FEB 2014)

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Candice Glover

Genre: Pop-soul / R&B
Origin: Beaufort > South Carolina > US
Website: candiceglover-official.com

Music Speaks – Candice Glover (US release: 18 FEB 2014)

Whatever Happened To… The Emotions?

Best of my Love – The Emotions (1977)
This American singing trio, consisting of the Hutchinson sisters, began recording in the late 60’s, but found their greatest success with the rise of disco in the late 70’s. They were later featured on Earth Wind & Fire’s Boogie Wonderland in 1979 and faded from the national limelight shortly thereafter. They continued to regularly release records well into the 80’s. Their latest studio effort came out in 1999, which demonstrates their turn towards gospel. But they still draw upon their R&B and disco roots when they continue to perform internationally.

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Connor Garvey

Genre: Acoustic / Folk rock / Indie / Pop-soul
Origin: Portland > Maine > US
Website: connorgarveysongs.com

Meteors & Beating Hearts – Connor Garvey (US release: 26 NOV 2013)

What’s New & Hot in Music?… PJ Morton

Genre: Soul / Pop / Alternative
Origin: New Orleans > Louisiana > US
Website: pjmortononline.com

New Orleans – PJ Morton (US release: 14 MAY 2013)

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Jamie Lidell

Genre: Electro / Pop / Soul
Origin: Huntingdon > England > UK
Website: jamielidell.com

Jamie Lidell – Jamie Lidell (US release: 18 FEB 2013)

Whatever Happened To… Rick Astley?

It Would Take a Strong Strong Man – Rick Astley (1988)
This English singer-songwriter started out singing in church choir and playing drums in a band before he made his breakthrough as a solo artist. After only four studio albums, Astley retired from the music industry in 1993 in order to focus on raising a family. But Astley continued to work at his home studio, and he returned with a come-back album in 2002, followed by a well-received tour in 2004. His latest studio album came out in 2005, and Astley headlined a tour of 80’s acts before the internet phenomenon “Rick-rolling” made him a household name for another generation. Astley has since become a radio personality in the UK, but has also continued to record and perform music. His latest single, released on his own label, came out in October.

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Dawn Richard

Genre: R&B / Soul / Pop
Origin: New Orleans > Louisiana > US
Website: dawnrichardblog.com

Goldenheart – Dawn Richard (US release: 15 JAN 2013)

Whatever Happened To… Deniece Williams?

Let’s Hear it for the Boy – Deniece Williams (1984)
Born June Chandler, this American singer-songwriter started out as back-up singer for Stevie Wonder in the early 70’s before launching her own career. This hit saw her reach her commercial peak, at least in popular music. Later in the 80’s, Williams began focusing on gospel music, which earned her both commercial & critical success, resulting in four Grammys to-date. She’s also branched out into being an actress, record producer, and entrepreneur (starting her own promotions business). Her latest record, a collection of covers, came out in 2007, and Williams continues to perform and make appearances.