In The Spotlight

Stefano May – “Find My Way”

Hailing from Italy, this singer, songwriter and piano virtuoso began training classical piano from the age of 7 at the renowned Conservatory Santa Cecilia in Rome. This led to appearances on many popular Italian TV shows and writing a song for the Sanremo Social Music Festival. Based in Manhattan, he composes film soundtracks and debuted his own soul, pop and classical fusion on “Prayer” in 2021.

Paying tribute to the Motown sound which has been a major influence since childhood, his new single brings together elements of funk, jazz and soul. Infusing the notes with compassion and hope for a better tomorrow, it’s the buoyant beat, wah-wah guitars and soulful strings that add a classic vibe to the neon pop chorus. And with his cheery vocals, this groove will find a way to your heart.

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In The Spotlight

Neema Nekesa – “In The Supermarket”

Born in Ethiopia and raised by her adoptive family in The Netherlands, this Amsterdam-based R&B/soul singer and songwriter has been singing and performing since the age of 12. She studied musician/producer at Albeda College in Rotterdam and attended the Rock Academy in Tilburg. Drawing inspiration from artists like Mahalia, Snoh Aalegra and Lauryn Hill, she released her debut “Feel Me” in 2020.

Narrating a story about falling in love when you least expect it – while buying coffee at the grocery store – her new single is pure suaveness put to music. Starting with a soulful rhythm and mellow keys, soon some modern touches and fresh fingersnaps are added. And with her classic R&B vocal tone bewitching every note, this lavish and laid-back smooth groove is an authentic ear-pleaser.

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In The Spotlight

John Brazell – “Outta My Head”

When he wasn’t skateboarding or playing sports growing up, this Californian singer/songwriter spent his time with a guitar in his hand. This led to him earning a bachelor degree in music at Azusa Pacific University. He’s always performing, honing his craft, and had songs featured on TV shows such as The CW’s “Reign”. He debuted his joyful folk and pop blend on his EP “Gonna Get There” in 2009.

Fusing his skill as a storyteller with an infectious melody, his new single is an ingenious amalgam of various genres. The track starts with a lively beat and 80s-touched synth chords, before he joins in with his country-esque vocals. Accompanied by lighthearted banjo strums, he leads the tune into a sprightly pop chorus. And all these elements coalesce into a luscious upbeat jam filled with sonic cheer.

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In The Spotlight

Lucy Wroe – “Want You Back”

Born in Winchester and now based in London, this authentic singer and songwriter had music in her life since birth. After playing cello in school, her grandfather taught her to play the guitar aged 10. She spent a decade writing songs and honing an indie-folk sound, inspired by icons such as Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell. This led to the release of her debut EP “Thoughts On A Dream” in 2020.

Having enriched her lush sound with jazz-infused hues, inspired by Liannne La Havas and Jessie Ware, her new single offers a rich palette of colorful sonic influences. Keeping an easy-going vibe throughout, she injects a lively rhythm, enchanting keys and crisp guitars for her warm and soothing vocals to play with. And with a rousing saxophone solo, you’ll have this sumptuous jam on repeat.

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In The Spotlight

Alexa Villa – “Not Your Fool”

Growing up in San Diego in a musical family, this talented singer/songwriter started classical piano training aged 7. Always honing her skills, she began playing clubs with her parent’s band and performed on The Warped Tour. Now Los Angeles-based, she’s opened for Ryan Cabrera and The Darkness. Influenced by Miley Cyrus, Alanis Morissette and Led Zeppelin, she released her debut EP “Act 1” in 2017.

Written a few months after her toxic relationship ended, her new single tells the story about how to reclaim power after a break up. Taken from her latest album “Good Girl”, she wraps the empowering lyrics in an 80s-touched rock tune. From the retro-sounding rhythm and vivid guitars to her contemporary bubbly vocals, this infectious groove is bursting with new-found sonic freedom and fierceness.

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In The Spotlight

Tor Miller – “Focus”

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, this passionate singer and songwriter got interested in music aged 12 after his mom gave him albums of 70s and 80s artists like Elton John, David Bowie and Billy Joel to listen to on his daily commute. He started taking piano lessons and attended NYU’s Clive Davis School Of Music by day and performing by night. He released his debut EP “Headlights” in 2015.

Starting with mellow, 80s-infused synths and a crisp retro rhythm, his new single has a velvety, Phil Collins-like vibe. Sounding like the sleek, heartfelt ballads from the neon decade, he added a few contemporary electronic effects to bring it up to date. And with his hypnotic, silken vocals conveying every lyrical emotion with zeal, this delicious, vintage-dipped smooth groove is well worth focusing on.

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