In The Spotlight

Avery Raquel – “You Said”

Multi-talented and wildly versatile, this Canadian singer and songwriter began singing at the age of 4 and learned to play violin, piano and ukulele. Also a voice-over artist and radio co-host, she embraces performing in any shape. Inspired by artists such as Etta James, Amy Winehouse and Allen Stone, she debuted with a jazzy album “Life Lessons” in 2016, before changing to her soulful R&B & pop blend.

Putting to music the excitement when feeling new love, her new single was inspired by her own experience after a successful Tinder date. Taken from her self-titled album, it starts with cheeky guitar plucks and her honeyed vocals, before it comes alive with a bouncy rhythm and playful keys. Merging R&B and pop with a touch of jazz, this groove combines the flirtation of romance with euphoria.

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In The Spotlight

Lisa Wright – “Ready Now”

This emerging British singer and songwriter actually grew up listening to her mom’s Motown collection, until Alison Krauss’ “Stay” introduced her to country. She attended the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and performed at the Bluebird Café in Nashville. Having opened for Cam and Ward Thomas and inspired by Carole King and Sasha Sloan, she debuted her sound on her EP “Mind Of Mine” in 2018.

Filled with true honesty and genuine sentiments, her new single journals her fear of baring her soul, which results in a reluctance of falling in love. Accompanied by a delicate melody of a mellow piano and tender strings, it’s the mesmerizing quality of her timeless vocals that warm your heart. Conveying the message to open yourself up to love, this enchanting ballad is a delightful, vulnerable gem.

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In The Spotlight

Chasing Luma – “Motions”

Born as Luke McDonald in a small town off the East-Coast of Canada, this singer, songwriter and producer started writing songs when he got given a guitar aged 8. Initially producing dance music and reaching gold certified status, he felt disconnected with his musical path. Influenced by Billy Talent and Paramore, he returned to his songwriting roots and debuted his own sound on “Bittersweet” in 2022.

Encapsulating the search to what’s holding you back from where you want to be, his sophomore single blends a nostalgic indie-pop sound with electronic accents and honest lyrics. Following some ascending beats, the song opens up with a summery feel from the sunlit synths, gleaming guitars and rousing rhythm. And with his silky vocals stroking your eardrums, this is a sparkling rich jam.

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In The Spotlight

Cassidy Mackenzie – “Leave Me Alone”

Hailing from Vancouver, this Canadian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist began taking violin lessons at the age of 4 and soon added guitar, bass, drums and piano. She studied songwriting at Belmont University in Nashville, lent her voice to various EDM tracks and posted covers on TikTok. Inspired by Avril Lavigne, Paramore and Halsey, she debuted her own unique pop blend on “Wish” in 2019.

Singing about being haunted by the memories of an ex-lover, her new single is a clever fusion of eclectic musical influences. Opening with groovy guitar chords, her crisp and powerful pop vocal chops soon start coasting the soundwaves. Joined by a taut hiphop rhythm and a slight country-esque vibe, all elements merge together into an infectious and anthemic tune, filled with sonic attitude.

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In The Spotlight

Andrew Bailie – “Mr. Sunshine”

Hailing from Cleveland, this gifted singer, songwriter and musician initially started playing hockey aged 5. Ten years later he got introduced to the guitar. Since then his voice can be heard on songs by Aloe Blacc and Lauryn Hill and he shared the stage with legends such as George Clinton and Lalah Hathaway. Now based in Omaha, he debuted his raw honest and fierce sound on his album “Wasteland” in 2019.

Although the song can be found on his debut album, it’s now released as his first single on his new record label Color Red. Singing about his cousin, Lowell Ensel, who died from testicular cancer aged 20, he pours pure emotion into every note and lets his guitar tell the story as much as his coarse vocal grit. This cinematic blues-rock tribute captures both the grief as well as celebrate his sunlit life.

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In The Spotlight

I Am Boleyn – “Young Love”

Having grown up in St. Petersburg, Russia and gone to study history at Oxford University in the UK, this rising star certainly is a citizen of the world. Always surrounding herself with music, she’s been writing songs from an early age. She’s performed all over the world, including L.A.’s Peppermint Club. Inspired by Lana Del Rey, Stevie Nicks and Robyn, she debuted with her single “Too Much” in 2019.

Drawing us into her pastel-colored sonic world, her new single is an 80s-reminiscent synthpop sparkler. Lyrically capturing the euphoric feeling of falling in love for the first time, it’s the scintillating synths, rousing rhythms and crisp fingersnaps that create a rich neon soundscape. And with her silky vocals shining brightly, this resplendent jam encapsulates the vintage sounds you can’t help but love.

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