Higher Education – ‘Gift Called Life’

Higher Education are a fun-loving trio comprising brothers Petey and Danny Devaney on guitars, bass, and vocals, with Bradley Wilson on drums. The three has independently released three studio albums since 2010 – ‘Chasing Highs’, ‘Would You Like Fries With That’, and ‘The Ballad Of Alexander Henry’. Their feel-good single, ‘Gift Called Life’, is from their forthcoming fourth album, and serves as the perfect introduction to Higher Education’s fusion of classic reggae and psych rock.

Dwight & Nicole – ‘Hi-Lo’

Roots artists Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson are now based in Burlington, Vermont, but they had a lifetime of music apart before finding each other a few years back. Originally from New Jersey, Dwight had played in a variety of bands throughout the past decade, and found himself in New York and Boston; Nicole was originally from Brooklyn, New York, writing and performing for many years, before also gravitating to Boston. The pair met and the rest, as they say, is history. Dwight & Nicole joined forces and with the help of crowdfunding released two albums, in a fresh mix of blues, garage rock, and American soul. They’ve recently brought in drummer Ezra Oklan, who brings with him a stabilising element, and allows the music to flow at a steady pace.

JES – ‘Get Me Through The Night’

For the past decade Grammy nominated New York artist JES has been one of the most exciting forces in dance music. She has a distinctive sound and bold and unique fashion sense, and is a singer, writer, producer, and DJ, with the knack of cutting straight through to the emotional core of a song. JES’s latest track, ‘Get Me Through The Night’ follows in similar vein to her previous recordings – it’s wonderfully danceable, it’s beautifully sung, and it offers the same message of hope and comfort in hard times that have become her signature.

Pilot Touhill – ‘Fever’

Born in White Plains, New York. but now living in Southern California, Pilot Touhill is on a mission to spread the good vibes. A singer/songwriter and animal rights activist, he volunteers at local animal shelters and rescues, as well as with his favourite non-profit organisation, Mercy For Animals, which focuses on protecting farm animals. 100% of the CD sales from his newest album, ‘Quiet Now’ will go to the charity. His latest track, ‘Fever’, is a catchy pop song with a hint of reggae, that’s guaranteed to hook his listeners in.