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Roxiny
Roxiny is a singer and activist born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Spain. Activism is in her blood, as her mother protested against Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo. Surviving an abusive relationship inspired her to be a voice to combat violence against women. This is her first Spanish-language single, and it’s powerful. The percussion is great too!
FEATURED TRACK: "Ni Santas, Ni Putas"
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Torres
Multi-instrumentalist Mackenzie Scott, aka Torres, serves up a lot of synths and guitars and a bit of rage on “Collect,” the first single from What an Enormous Room. “This song is about justice being served. The rage song I’ve been trying to write for years!” she explained. Critics have compared her to PJ Harvey. The comparison is appropriate.
FEATURED TRACK: "Climate"
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Nicotine Dolls
The members of the NYC-based Nicotine Dolls come from different musical backgrounds and have fused rock, pop, soul, and jazz to form their sound. The band name was inspired by lead singer Sam Cieri’s observation of patrons smoking outside of clubs and bars. The group has released several singles since its 2019 inception and an EP, How Do You Love Me, came out this year.
FEATURED TRACK: "Slip"
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Hex
Hex hails from Nottingham in the U.K., and Rosie G. was drawn to his smooth and laid-back flow. Citing inspiration from American R&B, rap, and Afrobeats, he was exposed to music early on from his musician father and producer uncle. He began creating beats as a teenager and developing his style. He’s released several singles since 2022, and we’re waiting to hear news of his debut album.
FEATURED TRACK: "Mugshot (Rockstar)"
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Jungle
Jungle is a project from producers Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland. Childhood friends and neighbors from Shepherds Bush, London, they finally worked together in 2014 when they released their eponymous debut album. Combining electronica and other genres, the duo employs a revolving door of singers and rappers on their songs that get you movin’ and groovin’. Their latest release is Volcano.
FEATURED TRACK: "Back on 74"
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Bakar
Abubakar Baker Shariff, known professionally as Bakar, is a musical chameleon. He thrives on experimentation and bridging the gap among genres. The Guardian has noted, “ He certainly has the songwriting chops and charm to be a star,” and Clash raves, “has perfected a gorgeous blend of rap, pop, R&B, and synth electronics across new album ‘Halo’.” He’s an exciting one to watch.
FEATURED TRACK: "Alive"
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October London
October London was born Jared Samuel Erskine in South Bend, IN. You’d be forgiven for thinking he’s an obscure soul artist from the 70s as his smooth vocals conjure up Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke. Without formal training of any kind, he began recording on a boom box. When a friend played one of his tracks for Snoop Dogg, that changed the course of his career in an instant with Snoop signing him to Death Row Records and featuring him on the finale of his opus, Coolaid. He released The Rebirth of Marvin, an homage to the legend, this year. You’ll be hearing more from this one.
FEATURED TRACK: "Mulholland Drive"
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Lido Pimienta
playMYmusic.FM first featured Colombian singer Lido Pimienta a few years ago. She pays homage to her Afro-Colombian/Wayuu heritage in her music, as well as cumbia, porro, electronica, and synthpop. The title of her latest record, Miss Columbia, was inspired by the Miss Universe host Steve Harvey’s mishap (Miss Philippines was the actual winner). She’s got a wry sense of humor too.
FEATURED TRACK: “Te Queria”
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Alba Musik
Albert Alabedra is a native of Barcelona and a guitarist and composer. He joined forces with flamenco dancer/singer Barbara Martinez from NYC to form Alba Musik. The duo has augmented its traditional flamenco with elements of jazz, funk, World Music, and Latin rhythms. Their debut album, Dawn, was released this year.
FEATURED TRACK: “Sin Fronteras”
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Another Sky
Revisiting another band we showcased early on, Another Sky’s star has been in ascendance since the band’s debut album in 2018. Catrin Vincent’s vocals are often cited for their uniqueness, and she’s backed by a powerhouse group of musicians (Jack Gilbert, Max Doohan, and Naomi Le Dune) all of whom were music students in London who combined their varied musical tastes to create something truly fascinating.
FEATURED TRACK: "Psychopath"
