In The Spotlight

Cosmic Crooner – “Girlfriend”

Based in Amsterdam, this is the vintage-dipped project of Dutch singer/songwriter Joep Meyer. He started making music at the age of 14, after receiving a bass guitar for his birthday. Wrapped in his love for the 70s, he’s created a blend of lounge pop and psychedelic rock he calls ‘doowop space pop’. Inspired by Lou Reed, Serge Gainsbourg and David Bowie, he debuted with “Deep Down In Jazz” in 2021.

Starting with a playful piano and a mellow rhythm, his new single is a laid-back journey to yesteryear. As the track progresses it paints a fuller sonic picture by adding retro guitar strums and crisp bells. Reminiscent of the songwriters from the late 60s/early 70s, it’s his suave, ranging to falsetto, vocals that make this refreshing tune sounds like he arrived in the present with a time machine.

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In The Spotlight

Chloe Styler – “Girlfriend”

Hailing from the Gold Coast, this Australian singer and songwriter was 7 when she started piano lessons, 8 when she added singing lessons and 13 when she taught herself guitar. She grew up surrounded by 70s, 80s and 90s music and found influence in Fleetwood Mac. Now also inspired by the country-pop sound of Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift, she debuted with “When Your Light Burns” in 2018.

Paying tribute to the struggles of modern dating, her new single is a genre-spanning blend of various sonic flavors. Starting with a smooth 80s synth and neon guitar plucks, the tempo soon picks up with a lively rhythm. Driven by fresh country guitars, it’s the celestial backing singers and her honeyed, yet sassy vocals that make this feel-good groove sound empowering, genuine and utterly uplifting.

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In The Spotlight

Danielle Ponder – “The Only Way Out”

Hailing from Rochester, this soul singer/songwriter grew up in a religious family. Her dad was a pastor and didn’t allow secular music. It wasn’t until her teens that she discovered the music of Alanis Morissette and Lauryn Hill. Initially pursuing a law career as a public defender, she’s now a full-time performer. She debuted her fusion of pop, R&B, blues and hiphop on “Holding Me Down” in 2019.

Narrating a lover’s story about a one-sided relationship, her stirring new single describes the inevitability of the giver of unconditional love ending up hurt. Taken from her upcoming debut album “Some Of Us Are Brave”, expected in September, it’s the imposing retro rhythms and her powerful, soul-infused and passionate vocals, that make this impressive groove sound fiery, majestic and intense.

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In The Spotlight

Jeff Eager – “Joy”

Grown up in Calgary, but now Toronto-based, this singer, songwriter and guitarist has been on the music scene for over 15 years. He honed his craft by performing every chance he got, from cover gigs to weddings. As a guitarist he’s been part of Elise LeGrow’s band for years. Inspired by artists such as Billy Joel and The Beatles, as well as Stevie Wonder and Prince, he debuted with “Bonavista” in 2014.

First exploring the joy in our hearts, only to realize it’s the feeling of it slipping away or even finding it just out of reach, that adds a lyrical melancholy to his new single. But it’s not all gloom, as he wraps his words in a silky-smooth soulscape. Starting with mellifluous keys and laid-back percussion, then adding some upbeat power with velvety strings in the chorus, this jam is loaded with joyful vibes.

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In The Spotlight

Estella Dawn – “Orange”

Born in New Zealand as Estella Winnie-McGee, this prolific singer and songwriter started classical piano lessons aged 9 and added the guitar at 13. She was a contestant on New Zealand’s Got Talent in 2013, making it to the semi-finals. Now based in the USA and with eclectic influences ranging from Halsey and Billie Eilish to Sam Cooke and Etta James, she released her debut EP “Dancing Girls” in 2017.

Dipping the lyrical narration of love at first sight in a cocktail of classic soul, pop and a drop of country, her new single crafts an unique cocktail of delicious sonic flavors. Beginning the track with 60s-styled organ and smooth percussion, she joins in with her sublime, out-of-this-world vocals. And with some country twang in the chorus adding yet another layer, this is a dynamic & flawless jam.

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In The Spotlight

Andrew Cassara – “Better Off”

Sprouted from the wish of being one of the Backstreet Boys when he was 4, this Canadian singer and songwriter made music a part of his life from an early age. Since then he’s performed all over the world and shared the stage with artists such as Shawn Mendes and Chromeo. Drawing inspiration from The Bee Gees, Jamiroquai and Maroon 5, he debuted his funky disco-pop blend on “Victim” in 2017.

Captivating from the very first bass pluck, his new single is a funkalicious fusion of retro sounds and contemporary elements. Sprinkled with Timberlake-like nu-disco as well as neon vintage funk, the track is driven by a vibrant 90s boyband vibe. With an infectious beat, lustrous synths and his refreshing falsetto vocals, this groove is a buoyant sonic amalgamation we’re definitely better off knowing.

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