Artist Spotlight

Shoketta gives jazz a new voice on latest release “Summer time”

Shoketta kicks off “Summertime” by reimagining it with a deep, jazz-filled bass line built on Richie Goods’ acoustic bass. The arrangement announces its character right away, with Clarence Penn’s drums opening up the musical space and Andy Ezrin’s Rhodes adding bright, scattered color. And then percussion from Daniel Sadownick adds another layer of rhythm in the lower registers, before Shoketta’s vocals finally come in.

Shoketta makes the standard her own, taking a familiar composition and treating it like a modern jazz vocalist, with her own phrasing and expression. The performance doesn’t rely on the song’s pre-existing identity; instead, the singer’s interpretation becomes an integral part of the experience. But the musicians around her leave enough space for the track to breathe, keeping it jazz-centered.

The biggest surprise comes when Nozomi Yamaguchi’s electric guitar takes the arrangement in a more unexpected, adventurous direction. That change adds a discovery element to “Summertime,” pulling the performance out of its original jazz context. Shoketta’s voice remains at the heart of the piece, and the musicians continue exploring possibilities around it. The result is a thoughtful interpretation that stays true to tradition while still pushing the music in a new direction.

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Artist Spotlight

François Marius & Bérénice hit the big stage with latest release “Chasing Dreams”

“Chasing Dreams,” by François Marius & Bérénice, is an ode to ambition, to movement, to the need to leave the known for something bigger. This song is about leaving the country life behind and heading to the city with the dream of making it to the big stage and showing the world what they can do. It’s very much about, you know, seizing an opportunity, not waiting for an opportunity.

A smart suit, a smart look, the latest trend, all of this helps to paint the picture of someone ready to step out into a bigger world. The song has a clear goal in mind: success, recognition, and the chance to shine bright, with the idea of seeing their name up on a billboard.

“Chasing Dreams” is effective because its message is simple. It’s about being afraid of what’s to come, taking a chance, wanting more. François Marius & Bérénice, from the yard to the city and to the big stage, make personal ambition the heart of the song. The result is an inspiring story of believing in a bigger future and having the courage to go for it.

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Artist Spotlight

The Charities offer strength in times of heartache with latest release “Movin’ On”

The Charities are back with “Movin’ On,” a soulful meditation on heartbreak, resilience, and the hard work of moving on. Long time collaborator and producer Anthony Masino wrote the single, which was recorded and mixed at Penrose Recorders in Riverside, California. From the subject to the presentation and everything in between, the song is true to the emotional truth of letting go and having the strength to take a different course.

“Movin’ On” is really a break-up song, but it’s not a sad song. There is sadness in leaving behind, but it is outweighed by the exhilaration of finding a new way. That dichotomy is what makes the record so emotional; the vulnerability and the triumph can coexist instead of having to choose one or the other.

The Charities add a rich fabric of vocal harmonies and old-school soul warmth to the recording. These qualities root the song in the tradition of heartfelt R&B while keeping the message urgent. “Movin’ On” is a song about letting go of what’s done and having the strength to start over. The Charities do this with emotional directness, warmth, and a sense of possibility as they move forward.

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