In The Spotlight

Jiants – “Real Easy”

Fronted by former pro skateboarder Jesse Landen, this Toronto-based Canadian indie-pop trio was formed in 2016, while Jesse was recovering from serious injuries. Together with Adam Kesek and Michael Tilley, they created a fuzzy, laid-back sound, touched by melancholy and nostalgia. Compared to bands like Keane, Travis and Band Of Horses, they released their self-titled debut EP in 2016.

Singing about learning to be alone and allowing yourself time to heal before embarking on a new chapter in life, their new single has a delicious retro vibe. Taken from their upcoming album “Tall Tales”, expected on November 10th, it’s a mellow percussion and laid-back guitars that create a honey-sweet melody, and with Jesse’s polished vocals, this serene smooth groove is real easy on the ears.

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In The Spotlight

Katie Reid – “Healing”

Hailing from Sydney, this rising Australian singer and songwriter started exploring her love of piano, singing and writing while studying at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Since graduating she’s been singing backing vocals for Guy Sebastian and Christine Anu. Inspired by artists such as Lianne La Havas, Emily King and Maggie Rogers, she debuted with “London Town” in 2021.

Written when the pandemic had just emerged and she had to fly back to Australia from London where she lived at the time, her new single is a mixture of a emotions she felt and the choice to take time to focus on herself. Intricately composed with multi-layered elements, it’s the easy-going keys, jazzy rhythm and her bewitching vocals that give this dynamic smooth groove a velveteen flow.

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In The Spotlight

The Rions – “Take What You Want”

Consisting of the 4 school friends Noah Blockley, Harley Wilson, Asher McClean and Tom Partington, this Australian indie-rock band got together to enter a talent show in high school. In 2021 they won Triple J’s Unearthed High competition. They’ve played festivals like Bluesfest and Grapevine Gathering. Inspired by Arctic Monkeys, Dayglow and The Beatles, they debuted with “Halfway Out” in 2020.

Lyrically capturing the end of a toxic relationship, their new single joins their emotional words with a laid-back rock melody. Taken from their EP “Minivan”, it’s the retro-touched mellow rhythm and gentle electric guitars that first draw you in, before the anthemic chorus injects some added oomph. And with their 90s-sounding vocals, this lush tune takes your ears all over the indie-rock spectrum.

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In The Spotlight

Abby Helms – “Someone So”

Hailing from New York City, this impressive singer and songwriter grew up singing in church. Immersed in various forms of art, she’s studied at the School of Visual Arts and is a gifted painter. As a musician she’s performed at renowned venues such as Rockwood Music Hall and with SoFar Sounds. Inspired by Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Lauryn Hill, she released her debut EP “Neon” in 2020.

Reflecting on her past selves, while realizing how much life changed and how lucky she is to have found the love of her life, her new single combines a touch of melancholy with a buttery-smooth R&B melody. With a mellow beat, honeyed keys and sprinkled with ear-stroking sonic magic, it’s her velvety vocals enchanting every note that makes this silken smooth groove sound like a warm hug.

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In The Spotlight

Jennifer Stewart – “Someone New”

Born in Edinburgh, this rising Scottish singer/songwriter was raised by music-loving parents and started to learn how to sing and play guitar as a teenager. Wanting to bring back the joy of music, with relatable lyrics, she’s found support from BBC Introducing Scotland and several Spotify playlists. Inspired by HAIM, Fleetwood Mac and Harry Styles, she released her debut single “Cool” in 2021.

Filled with a defiant empowerment, her new single tells the tale of seeing an ex-lover with a new partner and, instead of letting it negatively affect her, she celebrates her independence. Wrapping the relatable and heartfelt lyrics in a bouncy pop tune, it’s the vivid rhythm, radiant guitars and her resilient vocals that give this infectious jam both bittersweet sensibilities and a triumphant vibe.

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In The Spotlight

Oscar Blue – “Second Nature”

Hailing from County Clare, this emerging Irish singer and songwriter started developing his interest in music as a young child and took to busking on the streets of Dublin. He also began uploading covers online, catching the ear of the likes of Spotify and other streamers. Inspired by Damien Dempsey and Snow Patrol, he created a folky indie-pop/rock blend and debuted with “Madrugada” in 2018.

Written as an uplifting message about the unexplained feeling of waiting to be with someone you love, his new single captures the warmth and excitement that comes with it. Intricately constructed from the mesmerizing guitar strums to the fiery chorus, the vivacious melody borrows from indie-pop of the early 00’s. And with his flawless vocal runs, this tune is a true ear-pleasing groove.

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