In The Spotlight

Aphrose – “Good Love”

Born in Scarborough as Joanna Mohammed, this Toronto-based Canadian singer and songwriter grew up listening to an eclectic musical range from calypso to Motown. Inspired by Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse and Stevie Wonder, she blends 60s soul with 90s R&B. She’s worked with artists such as Lee Fields & The Expressions and Jessie Reyez and released her debut single “The Middle” in 2017.

Singing about finding that one special person and reminding us to accept that love, even when we feel undeserving, her new single feels like a warm embrace. Taken from her upcoming album “Rozes”, expected later this year, it’s the gentle rhythm, mellow keys and her honey-sweet, silky vocals that dip this buttery-smooth R&B groove in a rich sonic bath of luscious musical magic.

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In The Spotlight

Luke Frees – “Honeycomb Hotel”

Hailing from Chicago, this singer and songwriter started learning piano at the age of 4, after seeing an Elton John concert on TV. After also taking up guitar aged 10, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, studying songwriting and production. While there he formed the band The Cotones. Inspired by David Bowie, Nick Cave and Prince, he released his debut EP “After The Rain” in 2017.

Highlighting the healing needed after a breakup and the need to take back control of your life and love yourself again, his new single is an upbeat amalgam of various influences. With a driving rock percussion, funkalicious guitar riffs and groovy bass line, dipped in nostalgic pop vibes, this tune is an infectious sonic blend. And with his emotive vocals, this jam is brimful of raw, uplifting energy.

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In The Spotlight

Bailey Wiley – “Baby Mama”

Hawera-born and Auckland-based, this New Zealand soulstress has been singing from a young age. She attended NASDA in Christchurch and graduated with a degree in Musical Theatre. Proficient in many styles, she’s collaborated with various artists and opened for Syd Tha Kid in Chicago. Inspired by Christina Aguilera, Etta James and Amy Winehouse, she debuted with “Inevitable” in 2014.

Celebrating the power of women and motherhood in particular, her new single shines in sheer R&B splendour. With a velvety-smooth percussion, gentle jazzy piano and celestial harmonies merging into a silken soundscape, it’s her luscious and emotion-laden vocal flair that lovingly nurtures your heart and gives this soulful song a soothing warmth, an inherent elegance and an authentic charisma.

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In The Spotlight

Mike Rogers – “Live Out Loud”

The foundation for this Dutch trio was laid in the early 00s, when DJ and producers Mike Mago and Roger van der Zwan (TWR72) met at the infamous underground electro parties of the time. Later joined by singer Micha de Jonge of Kita Menari fame, they created an invigorating live act with a rich, genre-spanning sound. Inspired by Editors and Miike Snow, they debuted with “What Should I Do” in 2018.

Surprisingly blending poignant modern lyrics about our reality, where social media and A.I. are taking over our lives, with a sonic fusion of influences, their new single reminds us to live our lives to the full. Infused with an 80s-styled beat, neon synths and retro-styled vocals, they injected a contemporary electro vibe. Sounding like a forgotten 80s synth-pop gem, this tune is full of aural life.

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In The Spotlight

Natisa Gogol – “Aesthetics”

Born in Dnipro, this Ukrainian singer and songwriter was encouraged by her parents to nurture her natural musical talent. She started with piano lessons at music school and progressed to the Kyiv Academy of Performing Arts. Four years later she became a soloist for the State Academic Orchestra. Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand and Quincy Jones, she debuted with “Wind Of Hope” in 2023.

With statement lyrics telling the story of two women who inadvertently fall in love with each other, her new single calls for acceptance, inclusion and tolerance. Constructed with layers of anthemic artistry, she uses her incredible vocals to reach our souls in the verses, while the disco-tinged chorus delivers an upbeat sonic explosion of neon glitter. This groove conveys strength, resilience and love.

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In The Spotlight

Brooke Sause – “How Long”

Hailing from Coral Springs, Florida, this emerging singer and songwriter began writing songs together with her sister Breana at a young age. Continuing her songwriting journey and experimenting with various sounds, she juggles her music with attending law school. Inspired by the vocal artistry of Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Gracie Abrams, she debuted with  “Ex That’s Not My Ex” in 2021.

Lyrically telling the heartwrenching story of the moment you realize that your partner has been less than honest about his feelings, her sincere new single shows an honest vulnerability. Build on a tender acoustic guitar, it’s later joined by mild synths, velvety violins and a gentle rhythm. And with her honey-dipped, emotional vocals narrating the heartache, this tune is filled with delicate poignancy.

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