In The Spotlight

Rachel Cousins – “Hell & High Water”

Based in Newfoundland, this rising Canadian singer and songwriter got her start at a young age in musical theatre and loved it. She started writing her own songs aged 13 and began learning guitar. Since she’s collected 6 MusicNL nominations and was named Pop Artist Of The Year in both 2020 and 2021. Inspired by Lennon Stella, Ariana Grande and Shawn Mendes, she debuted with “This Fire” in 2017.

Giving lyrical advice to someone who’s fallen in love but is bothered by past relationships, her new single teaches how to move forward by leaving the past behind. Coating her relatable words in vibrant indie-pop flavors, it’s the enchanting, mellow guitar and her charming, storytelling vocals that lead to the spirited pop chorus. Laden with emotional sensibilities, this tune is an ear-pleasing gem.

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In The Spotlight

Gary Beals – “All Of Me”

Hailing from Nova Scotia, this Canadian soul/R&B singer and songwriter first fell in love with music in church. He started singing in the church choir and listening to legendary soul artists. In 2003 he was a contestant on the first season of Canadian Idol, finishing as the runner-up. Inspired by artists like Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Al Green, he debuted with his self-titled album in 2004.

Capturing the joy and ease of summer life, while lyrically celebrating giving your whole self to that special person you’re interested in, his new single shines sheer sunlight on his soulful tones. Taken from his upcoming album “The Melody Within”, expected later this year, it’s the ascending percussion, joyous horns and his irresistible soul-dripping vocals that make this carefree jam sound vibrant and fun.

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In The Spotlight

Angie McMahon – “Letting Go”

This Melbourne-based Australian singer and songwriter was born with a love for music, which crystallized when she was a pre-teen. She started her career as part of a nine-piece soul band called The Fabric. After choosing a solo path, she won a Telstra competition in 2013 to open for Bon Jovi. Inspired by Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell and Van Morrison, she debuted with “Slow Mover” in 2017.

Highlighting the need to not live in the past, but to create a new future by learning from making mistakes, her new single has a Springsteen-esque rock vibe. Taken from her upcoming album “Light, Dark, Light Again”, expected on October 27th, the track starts slow with swelling guitars and ascends to a rousing beat and a slight wild touch. And with her lively vocals, this brisk track is one to hold on to.

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In The Spotlight

MINOE – “Cut Me Loose”

Growing up in Nova Scotia in a troubled family, this Canadian singer and songwriter began writing songs at a young age to deal with her trauma. She moved to Montreal to attend Concordia University, studying art history and studio art, while honing her musical skills. Inspired by artists from Louis Armstrong to Destiny’s Child, she debuted her R&B/pop blend on “Cellphone” in 2019.

Lyrically having a conversation with herself, telling her to just let go of her unrealistic expectations and escape the clutches of her self-imposed limitations, her new single is an euphoric nu-disco banger. Bringing out the glitter-ball glitz with a banging bass, sizzling synths and a relentless beat, it’s the sheer empowering energy of her vocals that drives this disco-infused dance track to the dancefloor.

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In The Spotlight

Jamie Webster – “Voice Of The Voiceless”

Hailing from Liverpool, this British singer and songwriter started learning classical guitar as a child. Later he began working as an electrician and playing cover gigs at the weekend. A massive Liverpool F.C. fan, he’s performed before their games, as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2019, playing to 60,000 fans. Inspired by Bob Dylan and Pink Floyd, he debuted with “Weekend In Paradise” in 2019.

Written for people who feel powerless and with no chance of success in life, his new single is a call to action to make a positive change. Starting the track in an honest, acoustic way, with just his guitar and his poignant words, he injects some sonic sunshine in the upbeat chorus. With an invigorating beat, cheery guitars and his authentic vocals, this vivid folk-rock jam is full of empowering vibes.

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In The Spotlight

Lo Lauren – “Never The One”

Based in London, this British singer and songwriter grew up listening to the 80s music of Madonna and Sister Sledge. She studied Musical Theatre at the BRIT School, but it would be studying English Literature which developed a love for songwriting. Since then she’s written songs with Call Me Loop and Blithe. Inspired by Two Door Cinema Club and FOALS she released her debut “Just Friends” in 2020.

Chronicling the end of an emotional journey trying to get over a breakup, her new single is a riveting amalgam of retro and modern pop. Kicking the song off slowly with mellow 80s-sounding synths and a driving beat, it rises up to an upbeat and infectious modern chorus. And with her refreshing vocals adding a sparkle to the catchy melody, this effervescent groove is definitely the one to listen to.

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