In The Spotlight

Rafi Jag – “My Love”

Born in the Philippines and now based in Canada, this acclaimed singer and songwriter comes from a musical family and started singing at 3 years young. Having had training from renowned vocal coaches like Romeo Johnson and Steve Mackey, he’s hailed worldwide for his musicality. Influenced by greats such as Whitney, Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey, he debuted with “Hanggang Langit” in 2021.

Serenading his love interest with a seductive smoothness and suave passion, his new single takes a leaf out of the flirtatious 70s and 80s soul book. With a mellow rhythm and enchanting vintage violins that could have easily come from a Barry White song, he sets the romantic scene. Adding just a tad more 80s-inspired R&B oomph and his charismatic falsetto vocals, this is a sexy, soulful groove.

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In The Spotlight

Rose Gray – “Cupid”

Hailing from Walthamstow in London, this British singer and songwriter has always immersed herself in a wide variety of music, ranging from Aretha to Lauryn Hill. Her stepdad added an exposure to bands like Radiohead and Massive Attack, helping her to find her niche in retro 90s dance music. Influenced by Saint Etienne, Primal Scream and Lady Miss Keir, she debuted with “Good Life” in 2019.

Reminiscent of mid-90s Kylie, her new single blends a bustling club scene sound with sparkling pop appeal. Taken from her latest EP “Synchronicity”, it’s the vibrant electronic piano and insatiable beats that build up to a crescendo of vintage dance vibes and create a high-energy jam. And with her soaring vocals seducing your ears, this rousing dance-pop banger sounds exhilarating.

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In The Spotlight

Jenny Kern – “I Should Lose You”

Born in Canada and now Brooklyn-based, this singer and songwriter started playing piano aged 7 and added guitar and saxophone as a teen. She grew up listening to the likes of Fleetwood Mac and Earth, Wind & Fire. Although never considering music as a career, she was uploading covers on social media in 2018. Inspired by 90s female singer/songwriters, she debuted with “Slow Burn” in 2019.

Incorporating influences from The 1975, Chelsea Cutler and Maggie Rogers, her new single chronicles falling out of love and the realisation that you have to let them go. Initially creating a dreamy electronic soundscape, it’s the addition of the throbbing rhythm, vibrant guitars and her soaring vocal might, that makes this poptastic tune burst with bright sonic colors and spirited infectious melodies.

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In The Spotlight

The Nervous Eaters – “Wild Eyes”

Formed in the mid-70s by frontman Steve Cataldo, this Boston-based rock and roll band got their start as house band of the legendary nightclub “The Rat”. Signed to the club’s own label, they released their debut single “Loretta” in 1976. Over the years they’ve played all over the world and opened for the likes of The Pretenders, The Police and Iggy Pop. The current version of the band formed in 2018.

Using the bright palette of vintage power pop with textured hues of melodic rock, their new single paints a portrait of a beautiful, yet complex woman, who views life through her ritzy imagination. Taken from their upcoming album “Monsters & Angels”, expected in November, it’s the stirring beat and rich tapestry of electric guitars that will make you open your eyes and ears to this retro rocker.

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In The Spotlight

bby ivy – “Losing Sleep”

Born near Oslo into a musical family, this Norwegian singer and songwriter moved to Spain and London, before settling in Los Angeles. She started singing and writing songs aged 8 and sand in the National Opera’s Children’s Choir. With a diverse palete of inspirations, ranging from Michael Jackson and Queen to The Beatles, she debuted her rich, genre-spanning blend on “Sweet Like Honey” in 2020.

Narrating the relatable story of experiencing insomnia from missing someone you’d broken up with, her new single takes the heartfelt lyrics and wraps them in a warm electro-pop melody. With a soft rhythm and airy synths, it’s the melancholy in her emotional, velveteen vocals that takes this track to stellar heights. Infused with a piercing honesty, this vivid tune is heartache set to music.

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In The Spotlight

Drax Project – “Fashion Sense”

Officially formed in Wellington in 2014, this New Zealand R&B/pop quartet got their musical start when jazz students Shaan Singh and Matt Beachen were performing covers as buskers. Later joined by Sam Thomson and Ben O’Leary, they switched to original material. They’ve since opened for Camila Cabello in 2018 and Christina Aquilera in 2019. They released their debut “Came To Me” in 2016.

Instantly stroking your ears with a lighthearted, sunlit bounce, their new single sounds like a cherished roadtrip tune, as it borrows from the 80s and 90s and infuses it with summery vibes. Taken from their EP “Diamond”, it’s the bobbing rhythm and the refreshing acoustic piano laying down the sunbeams for the sleek R&B vocals to coast over and make this jam a sonic fashion statement.

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