In The Spotlight

John Gallen – “1970s”

Starting his solo music career at the age of 51, this Irish singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist surely bided his time. He taught himself piano and guitar by the age of 10 and worked as a lawyer for 30 years. He opened a studio in 1998, co-producing the 2000 album “In Blue” by The Corrs. Likened to artists like David Bowie, Bryan Ferry and Prince, he debuted with “Positive Attitude” in 2022.

Transporting the listener back to the titular decade, his new single infuses infectious pop-rock with vintage funk. Taken from his debut album “1970s”, released earlier this year, he starts the track with a mellow, Talking Heads-touched melody, before adding an energetic oomph to the chorus. With retro sounding pop-rock vibe enriched with lively horns and his refined vocals, this is an arousing jam.

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In The Spotlight

Maddie Leigh – “Morning After”

Born and raised in the small town of Temecula, this singer and songwriter discovered her love of music at a young age. She began singing in a church choir aged 6 and by 9 she was entering competitions and taking vocal lessons. Growing up she listened to classic country like George Strait and Trisha Yearwood. Influenced by Kelsea Ballerini and Luke Combs, she released her debut “Wishing” in 2016.

Taking the classic country twang, giving it a modern twist and telling a relatable love story, her new single is filled with raw, foot-tappin’ fun. Bursting with a jubilant melody of invigorating drums, howling guitars and joyous organ, the lively track pulls you onto the dance floor. And with her high-spirited vocal power adding a bit of sass, this country hoe-down will still be enjoyed the morning after.

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In The Spotlight

Sam Casey – “New Company”

Based in Toronto, this Canadian singer and songwriter started piano lessons at a young age and later added guitar. She attended a music school called Beyond The Beat. Initially sharing time with playing hockey, ultimately music took over. Now she’s writing and co-writing for other artists as well. Inspired by Miley Cyrus, Supertramp and Tame Impala, she debuted with “New & Used” in 2016.

As a fervent diarist, the lyrics of her new single were taken from one of her diary entries and describe a relationship with someone who wasn’t able to provide what she needed. Taken from her new EP, she blends hypnotic, smooth soul with 90s-styled R&B. Infusing the velveteen tune with honest emotion and a touch of sass, it’s her seductive vocals that will keep your ears company.

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In The Spotlight

The Harlem Gospel Travelers – “Look Up!”

Hailing from all corners of the five boroughs of New York City, this gospel-soul trio was born out of a non-profit program called Gospel For Teens. Led by blue-eyed soul master Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed, singers Ifedayo Gading, George Marage and Dennis Bailey found their voice. Taught by listening to gospel groups like The Swan Silvertones and The Soul Stirrers, they debuted with “He’s On Time” in 2018.

Traveling back to the golden age of Motown and Stax soul music, their recent single is a celebration of the joyous place where soul and gospel meet. Taken from their upcoming album “Look Up!”, expected on September 16th, they’re polishing up the classic 60s soul sound, from the spirited rhythm and gleeful guitars to the cheery organ. And with their jubilant vocals, this is an exultant groove.

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In The Spotlight

Meadowhip – “Am I Broken”

Born as Cara Walkam and hailing from Wollongong, this Australian songbird has been a songwriter most of her life, but initially studied to become a lawyer. In 2015 she formed the band Territories with Jimmy Murada. Following her recovery from a major stroke in 2019, she decided to explore a solo sound as well. Inspired by Tame Impala and Erykah Badu, she debuted with “Unexceptional” in 2021.

Telling the story about a person who’s hurting and rage felt for the one who hurt her, her new single wraps the empowering lyrics in a charming mellow tune. Taken from her upcoming EP “Ruckus”, expected later in the year, she gave the guitars a hazy lo-fi effect and the horns a vintage sound to create some old-school glamour. And with her hypnotic vocals, there’s nothing broken about this jam.

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In The Spotlight

Royal Wood – “Make Believe”

Born in Lakefield and now Toronto-based, this Canadian singer, songwriter and musician started playing piano by ear aged 4. A multi-instrumentalist, he also plays guitar, bass, drums, clarinet and trumpet. Since then he’s opened for Bonnie Raitt and David Gray. Inspired by wide-ranging artists from Cat Stevens and Bob Dylan to Jeff Buckley and Nina Simone, he debuted with “The Milkweed EP” in 2002.

When times are rough, it’s easy to think that abandoning love is the right thing to do, but his new single highlights the fact that when love is true, it stays with you. Taken from his upcoming album “What Tomorrow Brings”, ready to drop on November 4th, he tells the emotive story on a luscious melody of airy 70s-infused pop. And with jaunty drums and fresh piano, you need to hear this to believe it.

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