In The Spotlight

RHODES – “Happy”

Born in Hertfordshire as David Rhodes and now London-based, this singer, songwriter and musician initially played guitar and bass in bands. With the encouragement of his family, he found the courage to sing. Since going solo he’s performed at festivals like Glastonbury and opened for Sam Smith and Hozier. Inspired by Radiohead, The Doors and Arthur Lee, he debuted with “Raise Your Love” in 2014.

Singing about the need to try to find happiness in a constantly changing world, his new single captures his introspective lyrics in a stunning and elegant melody. Starting with an opulent piano and his mesmerizing voice, the song is later joined by sumptuous violins and a lavish rhythm. Enchanting with every contemplative word and entrancing note, this luscious ballad is sheer sonic beauty.

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In The Spotlight

Mega – “Don’t Get Too Close”

Born in London, this rising British singer and songwriter started attending opera choir at nine and a gospel choir aged 12. Fully planning a career in music, she had to divert to studied psychology, when she lost her voice and was unable to sing for years. Luckily she recovered and found her musical path again. Inspired by Aretha Franklin and Michael Kiwanuka, she debuted with “Chariot” in 2018.

Singing about protecting your positive energy when you find yourself in toxic situations, her new single is filled with empowering and encouraging words. Enveloping her stirring lyrics in a rich tune, she blended exalted gospel and sparkling pop with a touch of soul. With a rousing rhythm, cheeky bass plucks and her exuberant vocals, this bouncy jam is a radiant, honest and powerful sonic treat.

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In The Spotlight

Nell Mescal – “Punchline”

Originally from Maynooth, this breakout Irish singer and songwriter got training in classical and musical theatre from a young age. She taught herself piano and began writing music aged 13. At 18 she moved to London to pursue music full-time and supported Florence & The Machine and Dermot Kennedy on tour. Inspired by Taylor Swift and Birdy, she debuted with “Graduating” in 2022.

Written in her bedroom during the pandemic, her new single tells the tale of a friendship ending before its time and the emotional aftermath that comes with it. Slowly easing into the song with a soft guitar and her storytelling vocals, it ascends into an impassioned, upbeat chorus with a propulsive percussion and crisp keys. And with her stirring voice, this is a poignant, honest and dynamic jam.

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In The Spotlight

Josh Barry – “Oh Dear”

Hailing from London, this British soulster took his first steps into the limelight in 2010, when he auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent at just 16 years old. Since then he’s lent his voice to dance hits by Gorgon City and Rudimental and collaborated with Nile Rodgers, as well as supporting Rag ‘n’ Bone Man on his tour. Inspired by James Brown and Jimi Hendrix, he debuted with his solo EP “Art & Soul” in 2021.

Singing about falling in love, despite not believing that it would ever happen, his new single is an imposing slice of passion-fueled, vintage soul. With grandiose percussion, stirring violins and gospel-like choral harmonies setting the scene, it’s his gritty, classic soul-infused vocals, filled with an intensity and fierceness, that truly elevates this impressive smooth groove to a whole new level of cool.

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In The Spotlight

Maya Law – “Losing It All”

Raised in the quiet countryside of Norfolk, this British neo-soul singer and songwriter grew up in a musical family. Following in the footsteps of her artist brother Leo Law, she started writing her own songs as a form of therapy and honing her sound. Inspired by Aretha Franklin, Jazmine Sullivan and Jorja Smith, she debuted her unique R&B/neo-soul blend on her mixtape “Her Or Him” in 2016.

Reminiscing about a period of low esteem, frustration and the feeling of wanting to give up the music industry, her new single shrouds her raw, emotive lyrics in a haunting hue. Intricately blending mellow R&B with a spectral jazzy melody, she creates an emotion-laden, slightly eerie soundscape. And with her mesmerizing vocal tone, this spellbinding tune is intoxicating and soulfully enchanting.

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In The Spotlight

Ash Minor – “Hard To Get High”

Born and raised in a musical family in Brisbane, this Australian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has been globetrotting from Amsterdam to Singapore, before settling in Los Angeles. There he became a contestant on TV talent show The Four: Battle For Stardom in 2018. Influenced by artists such as Bon Iver, John Mayer and Jimi Hendrix, he debuted with “Innocent Eyes” in 2020.

Brimming with buttery-smooth, vintage vibes, his new single takes your ears back to the days of pure emotion-laden soul. Starting with a mellow, jazzy acoustic guitar to ease you into the song, he soon joins in with his awe-inspiring soul-dipped vocals, which sound like they’re straight from a Motown vault. And with a soft rhythm and stunning electric guitar solo, this song is pure soul magic.

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