In The Spotlight

JoJo Mason – “Need To Know”

Based in Vancouver, this Canadian singer and songwriter grew up dreaming of a professional ice hockey career and spent most of his time at the ice rink. Unfortunately a herniated disc put an end to those dreams. He pivoted to music after a chance meeting with producer Dan Swinimer at a party. Now he’s a staple of country festivals such as Boots & Hearts and Penticton Peach. Inspired by Alan JacksonBoys II Men and Brad Paisley, he released his debut “It’s All Good” in 2015.

Capturing the excitement and curiosity of a fresh new relationship, his new single is about being so infatuated by someone you want to know everything about them. Effortlessly blending lively country with a touch of soul and R&B, this song is layered to perfection. With flowing guitars, driving rhythm and luscious R&B bass creating some feel-good vibes, it’s the choral background singers and his velveteen, soul-touched vocals that make this country-soul groove a treat for our ears.

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In The Spotlight

Klara Zangerl – “Kinda Funny”

Hailing from Stockholm, this Swedish singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by opera, jazz and choral music. She is classically trained and spent her childhood singing in choirs and playing the violin. In high school she started producing her own music. Since then she’s played festivals like XJAZZ! and Powerpose FM and opened for artists like Jhon Allan and LOWi. She’s also a member of the band Scoobz. Inspired by Erykah Badu and D’angelo, she released her debut single “Yes” in 2018.

Based on an actual occurrence, her new single tells the story of her accidentally meeting Danish producer Mikkel Mohr after arriving in Copenhagen a full month early by mistake. Creating a slightly moody ambiance, this dreamy indie-pop song is a luscious piece of electronic ear candy. Starting with a mellow beat and soft keys, it evolves into a punchy pop tune with a driving percussion and lustrous synths. And with her melancholic vocals, this retro-dipped tune is a polished gem.

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In The Spotlight

Hollie Rogers – “Bad Woman”

Born in Penzance, this British singer and songwriter grew up listening to her mother’s The Best Of Blondie on vinyl aged 4. She attributes her rural upbringing to her starting to write songs and began learning the guitar at 15. Initially she worked as a primary school teacher, before pursuing music full-time. She’s played festivals such as Glastonbury and opened for Suzanne Vega and KT Tunstall. Inspired by Joan Armatrading and Joni Mitchell, she debuted with her EP “Body To Ground” in 2017.

Singing about the moment things begin to unravel despite everything looking fine and stable on the surface, her new single searches for a silver lining when situations turn bad. Taken from her upcoming album “Everything’s Fine”, expected on June 5th, this blues-rock groove packs a sonic punch. With a full-bodied sound from the punchy percussion, Hammond-touched keys and vivid electric guitars, it’s the imposing might of her vocals that give this potent tune pure auditory intensity.

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In The Spotlight

John-Robert – “Where Do You Wanna Go?”

Hailing from Edinburg as John-Robert Rimel, this singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by Appalachian folk and country music. Initially he was discovered by Ellen DeGeneres and invited to perform on her TV show aged 13. Although he got a full scholarship for Berklee College of Music, he moved to Los Angeles instead. He played various festivals and supported Liam Gallagher and Leon Bridges. Inspired by Sufjan Stevens, Chicago and Jon Bellion, he released his debut “Adeline” in 2019.

Inspired by the moment he was dropped by his record label, the title track of his latest EP is a pivot of his earlier folk roots and champions his freedom to choose rather than being forced to follow industry expectations. Discovering a new jazzy sound, he creates a balmy and silky-smooth atmosphere that gently strokes our ear drums. With the magical sounds of a mellow rhythm, soft guitars and the sultry sax of OGI, it’s his lush vocals that make this velvety tune truly unforgettable.

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In The Spotlight

Jackie Evans – “Leave You”

Based in New York City, this singer, songwriter and pianist grew up involved in music. She studied theatre at SUNY New Paltz where she performed in productions like Avenue Q and Into The Woods. Honing her craft, she worked as a pianist on cruise ships and as a singer in theme parks. Since focusing on her original material she’s played venues like The Moroccan Lounge and Sofar Sounds. Inspired by Billy Joel, Carole King and Sara Bareilles, she debuted with “Growing Old” in 2024.

Originally written as a poem, her new single is a tribute to friendship and the meaningful relationships that she has built. Apart from her authentic and soulful voice, she lets her acoustic piano tell the story. Joined by a dynamic percussion and a swelling organ, it’s the melodic flair of the spellbinding keys that sonically narrate the personal tale. And with the soothing quality of her enchanting vocals, this magical, 70s-inspired groove is a polished morsel of genuine auditory warmth.

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In The Spotlight

Isaac Stuart – “Champagne”

Hailing from Banbury, this British singer and songwriter spent his childhood sitting on the living room floor surrounded by his parents’ extensive 70s soul record collection. He’s self-taught on guitar and piano and plays by ear. Since starting his career, he’s performed at festivals like Valley Fest and Future Echoes and opened for Tom Walker and Snow Patrol. Inspired by Carole King, Stevie Wonder and Harry Styles, he released his debut “Do You Like It When We Lay Like This?” in 2020.

Telling a heartbreaking tale of losing someone you hoped to spend the rest of your life with, his new single explores taking the time to grieve the loss instead of moving on too quickly. Led by an emotional acoustic piano, this delicate song delves deep into our souls. Later joined by a warm bass and soft strings, the polished instrumentation ascends to a passionate crescendo. And with his rich and resonant vocals tugging at our heart strings, this intimate tune is filled with a tender nostalgia.

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