Inspired by Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder, British singer Bryn Christopher fuses classic soul with modern R&B. He spent a year recording with Australian co-writer/producer Jarrad Rogers and production outfit Midi Mafia, who managed to secure the rights to sample songs from the Stax catalog. After a sold-out residency at London's Soho Revue Bar and support slots on tours with Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Mary J. Blige, he released his first single, "The Quest." Though it received airplay from Radio 2, it failed to reach the Top 40. His second single, "Smilin'," and his debut album, My World, followed shortly thereafter. ~ Jon O'Brien