In The Spotlight

Valerie Vonn – “Restless In The Dark”

Florida-born and New York-based, this singer, songwriter and producer grew up singing in church. Having music running through her veins thanks to her jazz pianist dad, she developed an affinity for blues, jazz, disco and soul. She’s trained her voice with professional opera singers. Likened to artists like Amy Winehouse, Paloma Faith and Florence Welch, she released her debut “No Heart” in 2017.

With an almost painful honesty in her empowering lyrics, her new single tells the story of a relationship in which being yourself is difficult. Starting with slightly medieval string plucks, this soulful song ascends to an imposing and passionate chorus. Joined by rolling drums, vintage guitar strums and stirring piano, it’s her majestic, blues-infused vocal power that shines a candid light on this sonic gem.

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In The Spotlight

Melissa Marchese – “Sirens”

Hailing from Hamilton, this Canadian singer/songwriter has been honing her craft and cultivating her love for performing her entire life. At 16 she would sneak into bars to soak up the culture and the sounds. In 2010 she became the front woman of the band Weekend Riot Club. Inspired by legends like Alanis Morissette and Janis Joplin, she debuted her first solo single “Cigarette Song” in 2022.

Lyrically highlighting the threat of climate change and the seemingly low priority this issue still has, her new single envelops her powerful message in a delicious Motown and blues blend. Instantly ear-tingling with a sprightly beat, crisp guitars and blazing brass, it’s her passionate, soul-soaked vocal chops conveying her important words, that make this vintage-dipped groove an instant classic.

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In The Spotlight

Liyah Knight – “Play It Cool”

Born in Australia to an Australian-Italian mother and a Nigerian father, this singer and songwriter grew up bouncing between cultures and finding it hard to fit in. After learning about poets like Allen Ginsberg and Sylvia Plath, she found solace in writing poetry. At 14 she began adding music to her words. Inspired by Amy Winehouse and Frank Ocean, she released her debut “Mine” in 2020.

Birthed out of 12 months of doing what she loves, her new single tells a story of not taking life and relationships too seriously and to just enjoy every moment. With an inspired fusion of musical influences, like classic R&B and buttery-smooth soul, it’s the bouncy beat, sprightly keys and balmy bass that shape an infectious melody. And with her flirtatious vocals, this groove is the epitome of cool.

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In The Spotlight

The Money War – “Somebody Loves You”

Hailing from Western Australia, Carmen Pepper and Dylan Ollivierre are a couple both professionally and personally. Since their formation in 2016, they’ve toured all over the country supporting Meg Mac and Neil Finn. They’ve played festivals such as FOTSUN and SXSW. They debuted with their self-titled EP in 2017 and had their debut album “Home” nominated for an Australian Music Prize in 2019.

Born out of a realization how interconnected everyone and everything is, their new single relays a message to always try and see the big picture, especially when we feel alone. With a retro-sounding 70s vibe from the pounding rhythm, nostalgic keys and frisky tambourine, effortlessly carrying Dylan’s dreamy, vintage vocals over the melody, this is an airy groove filled with sonic magic.

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In The Spotlight

Emm Gryner – “Valencia”

Born in Ontario, this Canadian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist started studying piano at the age of 4. Since she’s added bass and guitar as well. Now Toronto-based, she began her own label, Dead Daisy, in 1995 and debuted her first album “And Distrust It”. She made her major label debut in 1998 with “Public”. She joined David Bowie’s band in 1999 as backup singer and keyboardist.

Named after a ship who was unable to follow the stars due to thick clouds and sank in 1906, her new single draws a comparison to being adrift in an emotional storm. Taken from her upcoming album “Business & Pleasure”, expected on April 14th, it’s the laid-back rhythm, smooth brass and her ear-pleasing vocals that makes this blend of sunshine soul and mellow rock sound utterly enchanting.

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In The Spotlight

Toby Hobart – “Not In The Mood”

Hailing from Brisbane, this Australian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist began learning piano at the tender age of 6. Since then he’s added drums, saxophone, guitar, ukulele and more instruments to his impressive skillset. Inspired by the likes of Jeremy Zucker and Lauv, he developed an indie-pop blend with hints of hip-hop, rock and R&B. He debuted with his single “Warrior” in 2019.

With a clever fusion of contemporary pop with flashes of 80s tones and electro-effects, his new single is sparkling in a glorious sonic soundscape. With a retro percussion, shimmering synths and warm bass laying down the neon-colored melody, it’s the addition of the perky electronic touches that add a modernity to the tune. And with his vivid vocals, this is a jam you’ll love to be in the mood for.

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