In The Spotlight

XANA – “babyblue”

Based in Vancouver and born to music-loving parents, this Canadian singer, songwriter and musician first picked up the violin aged 5. She started singing lessons aged 10 and added guitar and piano to her skill set. Five years ago she created a make-shift studio in her bedroom and began making demos. Influenced by Avril Lavigne, Halsey and Taylor Swift, she released her debut “Goddess” in 2020.

Tugging at your heartstrings by capturing the realization of getting older and the passing of time, her new single combines poignant lyrics with a vibrant melody. Opening with an invigorating driving beat and her powerful, storytelling vocals, it’s the buoyant pop-rock chorus, the lively guitars and touches of synths that give this polished groove a layer of sonic passion and intimate nostalgia.

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In The Spotlight

Mike Ruby – “Girls That Aren’t My Girlfriend”

Born in Toronto, this Canadian singer, songwriter and musician first picked up a saxophone at the age of 12. He traveled to New York to study jazz at the Manhattan School of Music. Now based in Los Angeles, he toured with the band St. Lucia and opened for artists like Ellie Goulding and Charli XCX. Inspired by Charlie Parker, John Mayer and Lauv, he debuted his retro-synth sound on “Close” in 2019.

With personal lyrics recounting the end of an intense relationship, only to find it feels strange to talk to other women in a romantic way, his new single is an infectious blend of both modern and retro synth vibes. Taken from his upcoming EP “A Million You’s”, expected in the fall, it’s the invigorating beat, crisp fingersnaps and his fluid and emotive vocals that make this tune appealing to all ears.

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In The Spotlight

Katie Tupper – “Little Love”

Hailing from Saskatoon, this Canadian neo-soul singer and songwriter grew up in a musical home, thanks to her musician dad. Next to listening to bands like Simple Plan and Billy Talent, she had a year of vocal training aged 13 and joined a local children’s choir. Inspired by artists such as Erykah Badu, D’angelo and Anderson .Paak, she found her own sound and released her debut “Live Inside” in 2021.

Singing about the little moments in love that all build to a bigger romantic picture, her new single is a truly heartfelt snapshot of silky-smooth neo-soul gold. Taken from her upcoming EP “Where To Find Me”, expected on June 23rd, it’s the cheeky fingersnaps, mellow rhythm and sleek keys that forge a lush melody. And with her velveteen vocals oozing charm and grace, this alluring tune is very lovable.

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In The Spotlight

Apryll Aileen – “Wicked Ways”

Hailing from Atlantic Canada, this singer, songwriter and musician started studying classical piano at the age of 5, but it wasn’t until high school that began singing. Having created an unique mix of pop, rock, folk and R&B, she’s toured around the world, including playing the Canada Summer Games 2022. Inspired by Madonna, Stevie Nicks and Adele, she released her debut “Savannah Soul” in 2016.

With an almost spiritual examination of human nature and the inherent urge to get angry and lash out at others, her new single reminds us that, despite that darkness, we still carry a lot of light within. Taken from her upcoming album “Bad Things”, it’s the free spirited guitar, mellow rhythm and her impassioned vocals with just a touch of grit, that makes this 80s-touched pop gem a true delight.

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In The Spotlight

Pale Jay – “In Your Corner”

Despite hiding his face behind his trademark knitted mask, this Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter bares his soul in his vulnerable songs. Having a flair for music since birth, he went to university to study jazz. Over time he created an unique blend of dusty soul, slow disco and afrobeat. Influenced by Donny Hathaway, Carole King and Labi Siffre, he released his debut single “Dos Uvas” in 2021.

Following the perpetual struggle to accept who you are as a person, his new single is a lyrical conversation with ones self. Taken from his upcoming album “Bewilderment”, expected on August 18th, this tune is an alluring blend of an afrobeat and silky classic soul. With a joyous swagger from the rhythm and sunlit guitars, it’s his soulful falsetto that turns this smooth groove into a warm, winsome gem.

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In The Spotlight

Simone Cardoso – “Fantasy”

New Bedford born and Los Angeles based, this singer and songwriter has been singing all of her life. She began dance lessons aged 3 and voice lessons aged 5. Growing up she starred in stage musicals like Annie and The Wizard Of Oz. She attended Salve Regina University studying music education. Inspired by Kacey Musgraves, Lennon Stella and Lucky Daye, she released her debut EP “S-95” in 2019.

Capturing the excitement brought on by a frolicsome fling or indeed a relationship where love and lust go hand-in-hand, her new single accompanies her words with a late 90s/early 00s R&B vibe. Based on an engaging beat and frisky guitar plucks, it’s the buttery-smooth harmonies and her mesmerizing vocal artistry, that constructs a rich, heavenly musical fantasy to fully immerse and get lost in.

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