In The Spotlight

Daya – “Love You When You’re Gone”

Born near Pittsburgh as Grace Martine Tandon, this rising singer and songwriter began playing piano at three years young and added guitar, saxophone and flute along the way. Inspired by Amy Winehouse, Sarah McLachlan and Dido, she debuted her electro-pop sound on her single “Hide Away” in 2015 and won a Grammy after lending her voice to The Chainsmokers’ “Don’t Let Me Down” in 2016.

Processing a feeling of heartache after a relationship breakdown and learning to be on her own again, her new single is as much cathartic as it is a sonic feast. Taking her electro-pop sound on a retro trip to the neon decade, it’s the bouncy 80s rhythm and sparkling synths that paint the nostalgia-inducing soundscape. And with her refined and striking vocals, this is a groove you’ve just got to love.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Nick Carver & The Mean Street Butchers – “The Way That You Walk”

Based in Melbourne, this Australian singer/songwriter and his merry band of Butchers, consisting of Chris Doig, Alex Burkoy, Jake Amy, Abbey Rose and Trudie Potter, has created a sonic crossroads where country-blues, swamp rock and Americana meets. They’ve supported the likes of The Fauves and The Tea Party and played festivals like NYE On The Hill. They released their debut “The River” in 2018.

Simmering on a low sonic heat and creating a steamy aromatic atmosphere, their new single is a delicious dish with sleek vintage flavors. Taken from their upcoming album “ANIMALS”, expected on July 1st, it starts with Steely Dan-like keys and laidback percussion. And with his sauve, authentic vocals singing about men who think their words have no consequence, this is a compelling groove.

Instagram | Facebook | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Loie – “That’s My Girl”

Born and raised in Brixton, this emerging British singer and songwriter created an unique sound influenced by a culturally enriched upbringing through her Trini-Chinese family heritage. Drawing inspiration from iconic female artists such as Erykah Badu, Kate Bush and Nina Simone, she combines soulful R&B grooves with jazzy undertones. She released her debut single “Take You There” in 2021.

Smooth, seductive and unapologetically retro, her new single takes a leaf out of the vast book of sleek 90s R&B. With an alluring mellow rhythm and sexy synths creating the enticing soundscape, it’s her flirtatious and refined vocals singing words of female empowerment that pull this spellbinding groove together. Blending classic R&B tones with a touch of modernity, this is a phenomenal jam.

Instagram | Facebook | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Whitney – “Real Love”

Formed in 2015 in Chicago by roommates Max Kakacek and Julien Ehrlich, after their band Smith Westerns broke up, this indie-folk band started off playing live. In 2016 they played the SXSW festival as well as support artists like Tobias Jesso Jr. Now signed by Secretly Canadian and inspired by artists such as Levon Helm and Allen Toussaint, they debuted the song No Matter Where We Go” in 2016.

Finding a recipe to join soul and blues flavors with their indie-folk sound, their new single is a true fusion of influences. Taken from their upcoming album “SPARK”, expected on September 16th, they took their feelings of anxiety and fear felt during lockdown and turned them into something luminous. With a multitude of electronic magic, this is a laidback brew that you can’t help but love.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Kristen Plati – “Break My Heart Again”

Born and raised in Perth, but now based in New York City, this multi-talented Australian singer, songwriter, actress and model started singing lessons aged 5. She attended the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Since she’s developed her own soul-pop sound, likened to Adele, Tori Kelly and Sara Bareilles. She debuted with “Find Me Lost” in 2019.

Narrating the story about giving someone a second chance in love after they hurt you, her new single pairs the emotive lyrics with an infectious retro bounce. Starting with playful guitar plucks, soon the track comes alive with gusto. Deeply dipped in the neon hues of the 80s, it’s the lively beat, sparkling synths and her powerful vocals, that will drag you on to the discoteque dancefloor.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Kiki Holli – “New High”

Hailing from Pittburgh and now Los Angeles-based, this singer, songwriter and stage actress was drawn to music and theatre from a young age. As well as being a trained vocalist, she plays guitar, saxophone and viola. She’s appeared in several plays, including the Dusty Springfield musical “Forever Dusty”. Inspired by Prince, The Cure and Stevie Nicks, she debuted with “More Than This” in 2021.

Written from a place of happiness and a return to love after hardship, her new single captures the sun and takes a sonic drive down the Malibu coast. Starting with her hypnotic, sunlit vocals and mellow drums, she takes the listener by the ear on her road trip towards an ascending pop-rock soundscape. With glistening guitars surfing the anthemic melody, this tune is a sun-kissed, timeless gem.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes