In The Spotlight

Royel Otis – “Foam”

Hailing from Byron Bay and based in Sydney, this Australian duo got together after Otis Pavlovic sent some rough demos to Royel Maddell in 2019. Since then they’ve been a welcome act at festivals across the world, from Reading & Leeds Festival to Splendour In The Grass. Recently they went viral with a cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder On The Dancefloor” for Triple J’s Like A Version. Inspired by Jamiroquai, Modjo and Kylie Minogue, they released their debut single “Only One” in 2021.

Following the emotional exploration of a stressed relationship where one person is under the influence of ketamine and the other wants to help but doesn’t know how, their new single carries a heavy theme. Taken from their debut album “Pratts & Pain” and driven by a pounding beat, the melody grows with a misty guitar and an imposing bass. Ascending to a lightness from the luminescent keys and the ethereal vocals, this tune shows the shadowy side as well as sunlit possibilities.

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In The Spotlight

YAOUNDÉBOXINGCLUB – “Won’t Come Back”

Grown up in Limoges, France and Yaoundé, Cameroon, after which French-Cameroonian singer, songwriter and producer Marjorie ‘MJ’ Bassong named herself, she is now based in London, UK. She started making music at the age of 13 and evolved from making DJ mixes, to learning to play the guitar and recording and mixing her own songs. Drawing inspiration from wide-ranging artist such as Tracy Chapman, Tears For Fears and The 1975, she released her debut “Oceans” in 2019.

Narrating the difficult journey of releasing the shackles of ideologies ingrained in childhood and the serenity and happiness that freedom can bring, her new single celebrates taking control of your own life. Starting the song with a neon-infused 80s synth, it evolves to add a contemporary bouncy beat and a warm guitar. Coasting on the joyous melody, it’s the lustrous glow of her effervescent vocals that combine the retro and modern influences into a glorious slice of sparkling pop.

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In The Spotlight

Alicia Stockman – “Another Breakup Song”

Hailing from Utah, this singer and songwriter grew up in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. Always interested in music, it wasn’t until her high school years that she taught herself to play guitar. Following a stint in a local rock band, she attended the Rocky Mountain Song School. Choosing a solo career, she focused more on storytelling and an Americana/soul sound. Inspired by powerhouse artists like Patty Griffin, Indigo Girls and Jewel, she debuted with her EP “Singles” in 2018.

Emphasizing that she does not want to write another breakup song, her new single actually shines an optimistic glow over love and relationships. Temporarily parking her signature americana sound, she’s dipped this track in honey-smooth, 70s-infused soul. With a mellow vibe from the retro rhythm, warm guitars and soulful keys, this vintage sounding melody captures a 70s summer sun. And with her luscious, authentic vocals, this infectious groove is pure sonic candy.

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In The Spotlight

Jon Muq – “Shake Shake”

Born in Uganda and based in Austin, Texas, this singer and songwriter has been obsessed with music for as long as he can remember. After discovering a recording of “We Are The World”, he immersed himself in western music and started mimicking artists from Michael Jackson to Kenny Rogers. After teaching himself to play guitar, he began busking. Since then he’s worked on a cruise line and toured with Billy Joel, Mavis Staples and Norah Jones. He released his debut “Runaway” in 2023.

Drawing inspiration from his youth in Uganda, his new single celebrates joyous, soulful afropop. Taken from his upcoming debut album “Flying Away”, expected on May 31st, he’s infused this song with endless joy and happiness. From the uplifting guitar runs to the African drum lines, this melody keeps tugging on your dancing feet. And with the homely warmth of his vocal tone, as well as the choral harmonies, this bouncy tune is filled with infectious positivity and cheerful vibes.

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In The Spotlight

Madame Psychosis – “Hopeless”

Hailing from Toronto, this Canadian five-piece band got their start at a wedding in 2014 when a mutual friend of the members suggested a jam session. Consisting of Michelle Mondesir, Brett McCaffrey, Paul Silvestri, Jaina Tharakan and Giovanni Paola, they’ve played iconic local venues such as the Horseshoe Tavern and festivals like Canadian Music Week. Inspired by diverse artists like Whitney Houston, Radiohead and Arctic Monkeys, they released their self-titled debut album in 2017.

Singing about overcoming heartbreak and celebrating a newfound freedom, their new single enriches their alt rock sound with emotive soul and gospel influences. Creating a multi-layered instrumental foundation, the track begins slow and sweet, with a mellow rhythm and smooth guitar, before reaching a sonic crescendo in the intensive, anthemic chorus. And with mesmerizing, soul-stirring vocals, this rich tune effortlessly blends a soulful vulnerability with raw rock power.

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In The Spotlight

Sven Ross – “Gym Membership”

Based in Amsterdam, this Dutch singer and songwriter was encouraged by his parents to take up music. Initially by taking recorder lessons, but that got switched to guitar a year later. And although he did shift gears and pursued a teaching career, he eventually moved to London to focus on his songwriting. Back in The Netherlands he put his learnings to work. Drawing inspiration from Ed Sheeran, Ben Howard and Jason Mraz, he released his debut EP “Filled With Gold” in 2022.

Telling the recognizable tale of the aftermath of a relationship breakup, his new single draws comparisons between his emotional recovery and the workouts he does thanks to the gym membership he got left with after the split. Melodically driven by a pulsating beat, it’s the refreshingly cheerful guitar strums that inject a level of positivity to the tune. And with his heartfelt, storytelling vocals completing the sonic picture, this song takes the listener on a relatable journey.

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