Leavell’s ‘Spotlight’ Turned Funk-Licked Indie Pop into a Mirror for Digital Exposure –

Leavell held a groove-locked indie-pop mirror to the modern malaise of living in a digital panopticon; a world which views our every move as we increasingly see the value of keeping slivers of reality for ourselves. The Kentucky-based singer, songwriter and rapper traded his usual hip-hop weight to animate a summer-ready indie-pop earworm on Spotlight, one of three singles released in a single-day showcase of his range.

The single stands as definitive proof that he’s up there as one of the greatest thematic contemporary lyricists. “She don’t want the spotlight, her flaws will show” is a flooringly ingenious lyrical hook in the context of the feel-good, radio-ready release. Held against warm, mellifluous, guitar-led melodies and conveyed through a honeyed-with-charisma vocal range, it is all too efficacious in exhibiting how we are held hostage to the expectation of being seen. It’s the kind of funk-licked indie-pop hit you can imagine coming out of Daft Punk’s arsenal, but there is no replicating the temperate glow of Leavell’s soul.

Leavell’s own description of popularity as a job of hiding flaws gives the single its cultural bite. He understands that curated glamour often becomes its own cage, where the fear of judgement is dressed up as aspiration. But, sonically, Spotlight is a far cry from a dystopian flare gun; the production carries enough funk-slick lift to make the track feel playlist-ready, while the lyric keeps it grounded in the exhaustion of being perceived. Regardless of how much we want the heart reacts, I’m pretty sure we can all agree.

After building an independent catalogue across relationships, perseverance, accountability and everyday life, Leavell is more than ready to step far beyond “Kentucky’s Best Kept Secret”.

Spotlight is now available to stream on all major platforms. Find your preferred way of listening via this link. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast