In The Spotlight

Kate Cosentino – “Fighting With Myself”

Born in Kansas City and now based in Nashville, this singer and songwriter has has been performing from a young age. She’s graced stages from The Commodore in Nashville to the Kauffman Center in Kansas City. This year she was a contestant on Season 23 of The Voice, reaching the Knockouts. Inspired by Regina Spektor, Phoebe Bridgers and Norah Jones, she released her debut “Mister J” in 2012.

Highlighting the self-sabotaging inner voice, which revels in criticizing everything you do, her new single shows a rare vulnerability and a truly relatable honesty. Cleverly blending elements of jazz with alternative pop, it’s the imposing keys and haunting vibe that first grabs your attention, before jaunty drums and rousing guitars join her sassy vocals and make this groove sound irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

South Summit – “Sidelines”

Hailing from Perth, this indigenous Australian quintet formed back in 2020 at a winery in Darlington. Consisting of Zaya, Josh, Fynn, Nemo and Nathan, they have been performing at festivals such as Groovin’ The Moo and BIGSOUND, as well as a performance at Rockingham’s Casuarina Prison. Inspired by Ocean Alley, DMA’s and Sticky Fingers, they released their debut EP “Merlin’s” in 2021.

Telling the story about always finding your way back home to reconnect with your roots, no matter how long you’re away, their new single takes indie-rock to anthemic heights. Taken from their EP “Tales Of The Yeti”, they’ve created a melodic mix of 80s and 90s rock. With a driving percussion and mellifluous electric guitars, it’s the gritty vocals, that join everything into a soaring indie-rock jam.

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In The Spotlight

Hana Jane – “About These Boys”

Based just outside Glasgow, this emerging Scottish singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music educator’s life has always been filled with music. She started busking as a teenager, while dreaming about performing her own music. Influenced by legendary artists like Beyoncé, Adele and Amy Winehouse, she’s adopted a retro-touched, 60s-inspired sound and is ready to share it with the world.

Singing about the type of boys she used to date in her early 20s, the type who you should leave behind but can’t seem to quit, her debut single wraps her tales of lovers past in a delicious vintage melody. Infused with the sonic glamour of 60s Motown girl groups, it’s the rolling rhythm, blazing horns and heavenly harmonies that give this buoyant, nostalgic odyssey an ear-stroking golden tone.

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In The Spotlight

Shawnee Kish – “No Evil”

Born in Welland, this Mohawk singer from Canada first graced the stage aged 12 as a Shania Twain impersonator. Growing up she had several hurdles to overcome, but found music as her medicine. She won the CBC Searchlight competition in 2020 and was nominated for a Juno award in 2022. Inspired by Melissa Etheridge, Nina Simone and Etta James, she released her debut “Got It Bad” in 2021.

Making a statement against the current societal climate and behavior, her new single blends contemporary lyrics with a sonic flashback to the 1960s. Starting with a vintage soul rhythm and mellow keys, she injects pure energy into the chorus. With a potent tambourine and lush backing harmonies, it’s the sheer intensity of her retro vocals, that give this groove some imposing oomph.

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In The Spotlight

Jalen Ngonda – “That’s All I Wanted From You”

Born in Maryland, USA and based in London, this soulster started getting into music aged 11, after discovering his dad’s collection of jazz, hiphop and soul records. Since moving to the UK, he’s played gigs across Europe and supported Martha Reeves and Lauren Hill. Inspired by classic soul voices like Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye, he debuted with “Holler (When You Call My Name)” in 2016.

Sonically traveling back to the late 60s, early 70s, his new single delivers exactly what we wanted from him – classic soul appeal. Taken from his upcoming album “Come Around And Love Me”, expected on September 8th, he packed the mid-tempo melody with heavenly violins. lively drums and rich keys. But it’s his incredible, soul-dripping vocal power that make this sound extraordinary.

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In The Spotlight

Marissa Burwell – “Coward”

Hailing from Saskatchewan, this Canadian singer and songwriter started writing songs at an early age as a form of therapy. However, it wasn’t until 2008 that she found the confidence to share her music with others. Since then she’s played showcases at festivals like Reeperbahn, NXNE and Breakout West. Inspired by Phoebe Bridgers, MUNA and Taylor Swift, she debuted with her self-titled EP in 2019.

Formed out of a moment of deep reflection, when a tearful phone call made her see that she wasn’t being honest with herself, her new single shows a genuine vulnerability. Taken from her upcoming EP, expected on September 8th, it’s the haunting rhythm, gritty guitars and ethereal synths providing a moody melody. And with her melancholy vocals, this is a sonic slice of sheer beauty.

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