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Though this summer has been dominated by high-budget releases from some of music’s most prominent acts, many of the songs that have commanded my weekly rotations have come from smaller artists with an undeniable thirst to push culture forward. From spinning Alé Araya’s in visions in June to HVN’s Heaven Can’t Save You in July, my past few months have been soundtracked by people with a pure creative spirit and sharp artistic vision, and August is no exception.

Enter Diamond Ray, a young Kentucky native who released her debut single “Dizzy” last week to her already-ravenous fans. Though it may not technically be her first release, the single marks an important inflection point in her artistic career, synthesizing a perfectly curated blend of 2000’s and contemporary pop and R&B. Raised by her grandmother, a gospel singer, Ray moves with both a careful reverence for the culture that has preceded her and a refreshing willingness to break the mold.

It’s not difficult to see the appeal of a track like “Dizzy.” Matt Miggz’s production is slick and seductive, serving as the perfect foundation for Ray to flex her vocal affinity with effortless precision. Somehow both high-energy and hypnotic, I feel like I am being spun around by my hair with every cleverly-written line or moment of lush vocal harmony. Painstakingly polished and borderline infectious, “Dizzy” is a track whose charm is just as palpable as it is understated.

With more music likely slated for release over the coming months, few artists are as deserving of your eyes and ears as KY’s very own Diamond Ray. If “Dizzy” is in any way a harbinger of things to come, then you’d be wise to tap in now and claim your ‘early fan’ badge before it’s too late.

Listen to "Dizzy" below: