In The Spotlight

Elyse Jewel – “TBH IDK”

Based in Dallas, this versatile singer, songwriter and actress started taking singing lessons aged 8 and writing songs at 13. She’s performed in theatre and TV, at venues such as The House Of Blues and she shared the stage with Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth. Inspired by Taylor Swift and Julia Michaels, she debuted with “Thinking Of You”, winning the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2019.

Inspired by a real-life experience of a toxic relationship, her new single attempts to find humor in dealing with an unsuccessful love story. Instantly gripping with a multi-vocal shout and then straight into the banging pop-rock tune, she combines emotion and passion with a healthy dose of sonic attitude. Taken from her upcoming EP “Dear Diary”, expected late Summer, this is a bold & punchy jam.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Nick Black – “Filler”

Born in the musical capital of Memphis, this soulful singer and songwriter grew up trying to find the tricky balance between his family’s ties to the church and the bustling musicality of his hometown. He honed his craft at open mic nights, in church and various club gigs. Influenced by legends like Al Green and Sting, as well as artists such as Bruno Mars, he debuted with “The Soul Diaries” in 2012.

Exploring the two sides of the grass being greener on the other side, his new single balances the lyrical narration of feeling you’re meant for greater things to the point of losing sight of what you already have and two different, yet complementary musical styles. From the downtempo pop tune and soulful vocals to the rap from hiphop artist Daz Rinko, this is a catchy groove filled with sunlit vibes.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Alex Porat – “Sensitive”

Hailing from Toronto, this rising Canadian singer and songwriter spent her childhood singing, dancing and performing. She made her first steps towards a career in 2010, when she started posting covers on YouTube. Her version of Shawn Mendes’ “In My Blood” went viral after he commented on it. Inspired by artists like Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston, she debuted with “Insecure” in 2019.

Tackling the relatable topic of emotional insecurities and the search for stability in life, her new single combines her honest words with a tongue-in-cheek pop melody. Kicking the tune off with a driving drumbeat, later joined by a playful guitar and her seductive, honey-sweet vocals, creates a catchy and hypnotic contemporary jam. Though lyrically dramatic, this gem has a fresh, lighthearted feel.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Jelisa – “Perspective”

Born in Amsterdam as Jelisa Jamy van Schijndel, this gifted Dutch singer and songwriter first made her mark as an actrice and dancer. These days she combines her musical career with modelling work. Inspired from a young age by the jazz, soul and 70s funk from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and Prince, she added a modern twist and debuted her Neo-Soul sound on “Leave Me Be” in 2021.

Lyrically searching for purpose in an ever expanding and complex society, her new single wraps her earnest words in a sumptuous Neo-Soul and R&B brew. With mesmeric synths, seductive bass and a velvety rhythm creating a retro atmosphere, it’s her sultry, honey-sweet vocals that gently stroke your ears. Satiny smooth, deliciously soulful, with a touch of soft jazz, this lavish gem sounds timeless.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Michael Rault – “Right On Time”

Edmonton-born and now Montreal-based, this Canadian singer and songwriter was exposed to music from birth as his dad, uncle and his mom were all full-time musicians. Also a gifted multi-instrumentalist, he draws inspiration from 60s and 70s rock. Hugely influenced by The Beatles sound, as well as Neil Young and Bo Diddley, he debuted his unique, retro-flavored sonic mix on “Still Not Sad” in 2014.

With a touch more psychedelia than his previous release, his new single remains doused in late 60s rock vibes. Taken from his upcoming, self-titled album, expected to drop on June 10th, he takes a Californian, Beach Boys-esque, surf tune and fuses it with a multi-colored musical acid trip. With a mellow percussion, laid-back bass plucks and layered vocals, this ethereal odyssey is totally groovy.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Ollee Owens – “Edge Of Goodbye”

Raised on the prairies and now based in Calgary, this Canadian powerhouse singer and songwriter has been immersed in music since she was young. Blending wide-ranging genres, she’s influenced by blues, soul and classic rock to write captivating songs. Inspired by legends like Mavis Staples, Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan, she released her lush breakout single “Every Step Of The Way” in 2021.

Capturing the moment of angst when second guessing a choice of partner, before realizing the riches of what you already have, her new single takes recognizable lyrics and wraps them in vivid blues-pop hues. With a driving beat, playful keys and howling rock guitars laying down the tune, it’s the rawness of her dynamic vocals that fills this jam with passion and makes it sound utterly irresistible.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes