In The Spotlight

Max Kaplan & The Magics – “Loving I’m Leaving”

Born and raised in New York, this captivating singer and songwriter grew up on the blues of his father, who taught him to play the guitar. Now Memphis-based, he studied music and English at Rhodes College, which opened him up to jazz. Influenced by greats like B.B. King, James Brown and Al Green, he reinvented the rich Memphis Soul sound and debuted with his band on “Mind On My Heart” in 2021.

Sonically traveling back in time to the vivid glory days of Motown and Stax, his new single could’ve been a forgotten soul gem of the 60s or 70s. Infused with emotive lyrics, highlighting the feeling of fleeting love, it’s the gentle vibe from the smooth percussion and mellow guitar chords bobbing along, that allows the thrilling horns and his heart-rending vocal power to reach deep into your soul.

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In The Spotlight

Lenora – “Homebody”

Hailing from Houston, this sultry singer and songwriter wanted to be a singer all her life. She got her start in the school choir, but turned to classical music aged 13. After graduation from the High School for the Performing Arts, she moved to New Orleans and fell in love with jazz. Inspired by wide-ranging influences from Mariah Carey to Cherelle, she debuted her R&B sound on “H2o” in 2018.

Singing about resetting herself and her stressed life after the strange feeling of having outgrown herself and having social media anxiety, her new single is as reflective as it is sonically delicious. With a soul-infused smoothness from the laidback keys, mellow guitar and breezy rhythm, it’s her honey-dipped, velveteen vocals gently stroking your eardrums, that will clear out the clutter from your mind.

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In The Spotlight

Alfie Templeman – “Colour Me Blue”

Growing up around his father’s guitar collection and a piano and saxophone playing sister, this gifted British singer and songwriter began playing drums aged 7 and guitar aged 8. From the age of 13, he taught himself 10 more instruments. Since then he’s played various festivals and supported Sundara Karma. Inspired by Todd Rundgren and Leon Bridges, he debuted with “Orange Juice” in 2018.

Filled with summery vibes and a sunlit indie-pop twinkle, his new single is a love song about the wave of excitement felt when you fall in love. Taken from his upcoming debut album “Mellow Moon”, expected to drop on May 27th, it’s the jangly guitar, flavorful percussion and his airy vocals that makes the sun shine in your soul. Doused in catchy technicolor hues, this vivid tune sounds carefree and fun.

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In The Spotlight

Jillette Johnson – “Normal Kid”

Hailing from New York, this singer and songwriter began learning to play piano aged 5 and started to write her own music aged 8. By the age of 12 she was playing full sets at a nearby restaurant and later in clubs. She played major festivals and supported Mary Lambert and Marc Broussard. Inspired by Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Regina Spektor, she debuted with her album “Water In A Whale” in 2013.

Written about making her dreams of being a performer become a reality, her new single is a luscious fusion of sonic influences, reaching across the decades. With elements of late 70s new wave, early 80s synth-pop and 90s R&B, it’s the rolling beat, electronic keys and crisp guitars that create an euphoric melody. And her smooth vocal acrobatics truly make this jam sound extraordinary.

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In The Spotlight

Visen – “Copenhagen”

Consisting of Danish-American singer and songwriter Ari Alexander and jazz guitarist Cecil Alexander, this duo began making music together while attending Berklee College Of Music in Boston. Ari grew up listening to jazz artists such as Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, while Cecil found his roots in Jimi Hendrix and Wes Montgomery. They debuted their nostalgic jazzy sound on “Counting Sheep” in 2019.

Enriching their retro jazz stylings with some surf-rock sensibilities, their new single celebrates the city where they fell in love. Captivating from the very first drum beat, this vintage-touched, guitar-driven melody provides a rich, magical soundscape for her smooth-as-silk vocals to reminisce about the start of their lasting love. And with a bustling guitar-solo, this is a mesmerizing, vintage tune.

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In The Spotlight

Peach Tree Rascals – “Good Advice”

Hailing from San Jose, this quintet of musical friends formed while they were in high school. Consisting of Isaac Pech, Dominic Pizano, Tarrek Abdel-Khaliq, Joseph Barros and Jorge Olazaba, they played together for fun for three years, before focusing on a serious career. Influenced by the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean and John Mayer, they debuted their funky hiphop blend on “Glide” in 2018.

Written about the feeling of having to make decisions to please others, rather than trusting your gut, their new single delivers their advice wrapped in uplifting vibes. First dishing out some smooth grooves from a fresh piano, the song quickly comes alive with a funky beat and soul-touched vocals. And with a touch of rap, joyous handclaps and a shiny pop feel, this catchy sunlit jam is just peachy.

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