In The Spotlight

The Harlem Gospel Travelers – “Look Up!”

Hailing from all corners of the five boroughs of New York City, this gospel-soul trio was born out of a non-profit program called Gospel For Teens. Led by blue-eyed soul master Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed, singers Ifedayo Gading, George Marage and Dennis Bailey found their voice. Taught by listening to gospel groups like The Swan Silvertones and The Soul Stirrers, they debuted with “He’s On Time” in 2018.

Traveling back to the golden age of Motown and Stax soul music, their recent single is a celebration of the joyous place where soul and gospel meet. Taken from their upcoming album “Look Up!”, expected on September 16th, they’re polishing up the classic 60s soul sound, from the spirited rhythm and gleeful guitars to the cheery organ. And with their jubilant vocals, this is an exultant groove.

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In The Spotlight

Meadowhip – “Am I Broken”

Born as Cara Walkam and hailing from Wollongong, this Australian songbird has been a songwriter most of her life, but initially studied to become a lawyer. In 2015 she formed the band Territories with Jimmy Murada. Following her recovery from a major stroke in 2019, she decided to explore a solo sound as well. Inspired by Tame Impala and Erykah Badu, she debuted with “Unexceptional” in 2021.

Telling the story about a person who’s hurting and rage felt for the one who hurt her, her new single wraps the empowering lyrics in a charming mellow tune. Taken from her upcoming EP “Ruckus”, expected later in the year, she gave the guitars a hazy lo-fi effect and the horns a vintage sound to create some old-school glamour. And with her hypnotic vocals, there’s nothing broken about this jam.

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In The Spotlight

Royal Wood – “Make Believe”

Born in Lakefield and now Toronto-based, this Canadian singer, songwriter and musician started playing piano by ear aged 4. A multi-instrumentalist, he also plays guitar, bass, drums, clarinet and trumpet. Since then he’s opened for Bonnie Raitt and David Gray. Inspired by wide-ranging artists from Cat Stevens and Bob Dylan to Jeff Buckley and Nina Simone, he debuted with “The Milkweed EP” in 2002.

When times are rough, it’s easy to think that abandoning love is the right thing to do, but his new single highlights the fact that when love is true, it stays with you. Taken from his upcoming album “What Tomorrow Brings”, ready to drop on November 4th, he tells the emotive story on a luscious melody of airy 70s-infused pop. And with jaunty drums and fresh piano, you need to hear this to believe it.

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In The Spotlight

Madi Leeds – “0-100”

Hailing from Melbourne, this rising Australian songstress grew up surrounded by music, thanks to having a DJ dad. She started writing songs on piano, but began writing seriously after teaching herself guitar. Since she’s played festivals such as Melbourne Music Week and Sydney Fringe. Inspired by 90s artists like Destiny’s Child and 00’s pop like Aly & AJ, she released her debut “Water To Me” in 2017.

Sonically accelerating from 0 to 100, her zesty new single balances introspective lyrics with an ascending melodic symmetry. Starting with a simple beat and a mild synths, the track leads to a bubbly chorus filled with rich guitars and lively percussion. Enveloped by the slightly retro, melancholic tune, she sings about the feeling that you’re never enough for someone, making this a dynamic gem.

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In The Spotlight

Madison Galloway – “Open Your Eyes”

Born and raised in the small town of Fergus, this Canadian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist began classic piano training aged 6. However, after picking up a guitar aged 12, she began writing original songs and shaping her signature rock, folk and blues blend. Drawing inspiration from legends like Janis Joplin, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, she released her debut EP “Who Knows Where” in 2016.

Highlighting the issues facing the world today and the need to come together to make a change, her new single douses her poignant words in a 70s-inspired blues-rock anthem. With relentless drums, howling electric guitars and a retro organ filling the vitalizing melody with sonic attitude, it’s the gritty and assertive power of her vibrant voice, that will not only open your eyes, but your ears too.

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In The Spotlight

Cy Winstanley – “Trick In The Box”

Hailing from New Zealand, this singer and songwriter is also one half of folk duo Tattletale Saints. He met the other half, Vanessa McGowan, in a high school jazz band. They relocated to Nashville in 2013 and introduced their roots sound on their album “How Red Is The Blood”, which won Folk Album Of The Year at the New Zealand Music Awards. He debuted solo with “She Had The Dumplings” in 2021.

Dripping with 90s R&B love song sensibilities, his second solo outing is written as a homage to his idol, the late Whitney Houston. Embraced by a swooning blend of R&B, soul and jazz, the easygoing melody of a smooth rhythm, light bass and a mellow Moog synth provides the ideal accompaniment to his velvety, soulful vocals. Basically a sonic declaration of love, this warm tune is a luscious gem.

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