In The Spotlight

Maja – “Not Picking Up”

Born in Serbia as Maja Puseljic, this Australian-based singer and songwriter completed her study of music composition and piano at the University of Queensland in 2014. Two years later she was touring the East Coast with her band. Inspired by Otis Redding, Laura Marling and Fiona Apple, she’s created a nostalgic sound, echoing soul, blues and folk. She debuted with “The Dreamer” in 2016.

Written about a female friend who was neglecting their friendship, her new single adds a retro-pop sound to her auditory bow. Painting a neon colored canvas with a sonic 80s palette, it’s the passionate rhythm, mellow synths and flavorful guitars that capture a melancholy of yesteryear. And with her captivating vocals reaching into your heart, this luscious jam is relatable, heartfelt and mesmerizing.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Drew Thomas – “All My Friends”

Raised in Nottingham, this British singer and songwriter started his musical career as frontman for several bands since he was 14. Over the years he’s supported the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, played festivals such as Reading & Leeds and written over 300 songs both for himself and others. Drawing inspiration from The Killers, Bleachers and Sam Fender, he debuted his solo rock sound on “Soho” in 2019.

Singing about refusing to settle down, despite seeing friends getting married and bringing children into the world, his new single blends defiance with catharsis. Capturing the party lifestyle in a pop-rock anthem, the track goes from a simple guitar strum, to an exuberant chorus, filled with perky rhythms and wild electric guitars. And with his fiery vocal force, this tune is totally voltaic.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Mary Jeans – “Just A Phase”

Born and raised in Montreal, this rising Canadian singer and songwriter started performing at events aged 8. She entered a multitude of singing and dancing competitions such as Cégep en Spectacle and sang at the renowned Place Des Arts and Théâtre St-Denis. Influenced by The Beatles, Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae, she fused pop, R&B, funk and disco. She released her debut “Stumbled” in 2019.

Singing about the challenges a young adult faces when navigating major life decisions, her new single infuses the empowering lyrics with a dance floor-ready groove. First drawing you in with a hypnotic, ethereal guitar, then the tune comes alive with a lively rhythm, funky guitar plucks and shimmering keys. And with her velveteen vocals, she merges bits of R&B, funk and soul into a catchy earworm.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Jérémie & The Delicious Hounds – “Cruel”

Hailing from Winnipeg, this Canadian soul-funk outfit was formed around lead singer and guitarist Jérémie Brémault, who won a local talent show in 2013 without any experience or training. He went on to hand-pick local musicians for an 8-piece band. They took their bustling live show to the International Jazz Festival and Festival Du Voyageur. They debuted with their self-titled EP in 2017.

Telling a relatable story about desiring a woman, despite her treating you cruelly, their new single wraps it in a driving, funkalicious tune. Taken from their upcoming full album with the same title, expected later this year, it’s the sprightly rhythm, spirited electric guitars and melancholic horns that deliver a retro funk vibe, while the smooth, smoky vocals add a luring sexiness to this up-tempo jam.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

K O D A E – “Fractals”

Formed in 2019, each member of this Canadian R&B/soul quintet brings their own unique flavor to the songwriting table. Fusing Annie Da Silva’s velvety vocals, Owen McPherson’s gospel roots, Seyoung Lee’s lush jazz keys, Curtis Sauer’s drum grooves and Eric Osborne’s fluid guitar harmonies, they’re weaving organic, inspirational songs. They debuted with “Awake With Crystal Eyes” in 2021.

Written as a reminder to savor every moment and safe-guard your connection to the world, their new single is full of soulful positivity. Trying to capture the warm feeling you get when surrounded by good friends on a summer’s day, it’s the funky beat, rich bass-line and groovy guitars forging a jazz-infused jam. And with laid-back vocals, this relatable ear-pleaser is an utter delight.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Maddisun – “Running”

Born on the west-coast of Canada as Maddison Keiver, this authentic singer/songwriter honed her skills in writing and performance while in high school. She spent 3 years in Europe, 2 of which in Ireland to explore Dublin’s rich music scene. Influenced by artists such as Sheryl Crow, Joni Mitchell and The Pretenders, she fuses folk, rock, soul and pop. She released her debut “Mountain Air” in 2020.

Adding another layer to her genre-spanning sonic palette, her new single has both classic country as soul influences. Taken from her album “Home Is Where The Music Is”, she describes the feeling that you’re just working to survive and that maybe your future is elsewhere. Keeping it laid-back with both acoustic and electric guitars, a gentle beat and her passionate vocals, this is a tune to run home for.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes