In The Spotlight

Niki Kennedy – “Gardenias”

Born in Auckland and now based in Toronto, Canada, this Kiwi singer-songwriter grew up in a vibrant multicultural household. She fell in love with musical theatre and involved herself in acting and singing. At 16 she moved to Canada and enrolled in the Randolph College for the Performing Arts. Since then she’s played festivals like PNE Winter Fair and venues like Guilt & Company. Inspired by Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and OneRepublic, she debuted with “Cheque, Please” in 2018.

Paying tribute to the memory of her late grandmother, her new single focuses on celebrating life with joy instead of grief. Infusing her lyrics with hope, healing and a sense of peace, the song also embodies the little things that make us feel close to those we’ve lost when we need it most. This ballad is beautifully constructed with an acoustic piano and is slowly ascending with a mild rhythm. And with her vocals taking us from fragile to soaring, this tune honors her grandmother with style.

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In The Spotlight

Saint Harison – “Minute”

Born Harrison Fisher in Southampton, this British singer and songwriter grew up in an unstable household due to an abusive father. Hearing Adele’s “Chasing Pavements” while staying in a woman’s shelter ignited his musical passion. Though his initial love was for musical theatre, he pivoted to R&B later. He’s played festivals like The Great Escape and venues like The Roxy Theatre. Inspired by Whitney Houston, Jazmine Sullivan and Beyoncé, he debuted with “Why Didn’t You Call???” in 2022.

Telling the tale of feeling an all-encompassing panic when a casual relationship gets too serious too fast, his latest single is an emotional exploration of feeling overwhelmed by the speed a romance is progressing. Taken from his recently released EP “Ghosted”, the lyrics are captured in a sumptuous, slow-burning R&B melody. With velvety keys, soft rhythm and a warm synth bass, it’s his breathtaking vocals with his angelic falsetto that make this tune something really special.

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In The Spotlight

Madalen Duke – “Wings”

Originally from Calgary and now Los Angeles-based, this Canadian singer-songwriter had a childhood that was filled with music, theatre and songwriting. She wrote her first song aged 15. At 21 she moved to Los Angeles to pursue music full-time. Since then she’s played festivals like SXSW and opened for Post Malone. She’s also a sought-after songwriter, having written for IVE and Fifty Fifty. Inspired by Lana Del Rey, Labrinth and Jessie Reyez, she debuted with “Gucci Store” in 2017.

Singing about letting go of perfectionism and embracing our imperfections, her new single is about self-acceptance and personal healing. Carrying the empowering lyrics is an organic and intimate melody. Keeping the instrumentation minimal and acoustic gives the song a genuine vulnerability. Opening with soaring, cinematic strings and joined by warm piano and a subtle bass, it’s her raw, intense vocals that take centre stage and give this imposing tune pure authenticity.

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In The Spotlight

Lindsey Lomis – “What’s It Gonna Be?”

Hailing from Nashville, this singer-songwriter grew up surrounded by live music. She discovered she had a passion for music aged 9 and started vocal lessons at 10. By the age of 12 she was writing, recording and posting her own songs online. Since the start of her career she’s played festivals like Summerfest, venues such as the Blue Note in L.A. and opening for artists like Bruno Major. Influenced by Amy Winehouse, Tori Kelly and Allen Stone, she debuted with “Our Memories” in 2017.

Lyrically giving a firm ultimatum to a partner to either commit to the relationship or stop wasting her time, her new single demands clarity over mixed signals. Blending Neo-Soul, R&B and contemporary pop, this is a highly sophisticated song. With tight percussion adding a rhythmic bounce, subtle guitars adding a rich warmth and punchy horns adding some retro-soul flair, this lush melody is intoxicating. And with a touch of attitude in her soulful vocals, this is a luxuriant groove.

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In The Spotlight

Matt Hansen – “Unspoken”

Born in San Rafael and based in Los Angeles, this singer-songwriter grew up in a supportive home where music was always playing. He participated in school theatre productions to overcome shyness. At 9 he discovered a passion for singing. He moved to L.A. aged 18 to study ethnomusicology at UCLA. He’s played festivals like Lollapalooza and Pinkpop and opened for artists like Teddy Swims. Inspired by Coldplay, Brian Eno and Bon Iver, he debuted with “Without You With Me” in 2021.

Singing about unwavering devotion, his new single is about being a safe haven for someone in their darkest moments. Lyrically honoring a bond so strong that words are unnecessary, this song is an uplifting, cinematic pop anthem. Starting with ascending synths and acoustic guitar, it leads to the stadium-sized chorus with thunderous drums and shimmering synth-pads. And with his signature rasp in his expressive vocals, this triumphant groove is full of unlimited love and friendship.

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In The Spotlight

Lucy Sugerman – “Friends To Lovers”

Born in Canberra, this Australian singer-songwriter’s musical talent was evident from a young age. Obsessed by the violin, she started classical lessons aged 4. By the age of 9 she was playing live gigs and a year later she started busking. In 2017 she entered The Voice Australia, reaching the Top 4. She’s played festivals such as SXSW and opened for artists like Del Water Gap. Inspired by Carole King, Elton John and Missy Higgins, she debuted with “I Wanna Kiss Boys Cos I’m Bored” in 2020.

Capturing the messiness of a situationship, her new single explores the regret of transitioning from platonic friends to lovers. Despite singing about the emotional toll of a failed romance, this song is a sparling, upbeat country-pop track. With a punchy rhythm, a slide and twelve-string guitar and a mandolin injecting some sonic energy into this spirited tune, it’s her expressive, slightly cheeky vocals that give this bright, playful groove an undeniable and highly danceable vibrancy.

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