In The Spotlight

noelle – “Stupid”

Raised on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Ontario, this Canadian singer and songwriter started singing as soon as she could talk. Grown up on an eclectic range of music from Nat King Cole and Sarah Vaughan to the sounds of her indigenous roots, she began releasing songs on YouTube from the age of 8. Blending pop, R&B and jazz influences, she debuted with her single “Never Forget You” in 2020.

Inspired by a long distance relationship that didn’t survive the miles, her new single is a heartfelt and moving ballad. Keeping it simple with an acoustic piano and her stunning vocals, she tells her story with a refreshing authenticity and vulnerability. Enriching the soft soundscape with rich, mellow strings and silken harmonies, this impressive slice of honest, vintage-dipped pop is absolutely breathtaking.

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In The Spotlight

Elise Hayes – “Real”

Based in Nashville, this prolific singer and songwriter has been performing since the age of 12. She graduated from the renowned Berklee College Of Music in Boston and had songs featured on several TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Charmed. She’s also written songs for Lucie Silvas and Jill Andrews and toured with Carly Pearce. She debuted her Pop/R&B flavored sound on her single “Waves” in 2015.

Reminding you that life is found in human connection and the simple things rather than in cyberspace, her new single delights with a playful bounce. Fusing sparkly pop with splashes of R&B, soul and a touch of country, it’s the buoyant beat, fresh piano and lively handclaps that add a joyous vibe to this rousing tune. And with her chirpy vocals coasting the melody, she’s certainly keeping it real.

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In The Spotlight

Tom McGuire & The Brassholes – “D.R.E.A.D”

Hailing from Glasgow, this 8-piece Scottish powerhouse funk outfit was formed in 2014, when they met busking on the street during the Commonwealth Games. Known for their high-octane live performances, both on the festival circuit as having toured the UK and Europe, they’ve also supported Craig Charles and George Clinton. They debuted their heavy funk force on their single “Ric Flair” in 2018.

Forged from the fractured time of lockdown, their new single tackles the feeling of being overwhelmed by the stresses of life, as well as self-doubt and hopelessness. Despite the heavy lyrical content, the track is brimming with classic heavy funk from the spirited synths, blazing brass and fiery rhythm. And with his Stevie Wonder-dipped voice injecting pure energy, this is a red-hot funky groove.

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In The Spotlight

Cindy Zhang – “Wednesday”

Based in San Francisco, this Asian-American singer and songwriter entered the world of music aged 7 playing classical violin. She went to study under Grammy-winning producer Kamau Kenyatta, developing her love for jazz. Influenced by the likes of Lianne La Havas, Tom Misch and Mac Ayres, she created an eclectic R&B/neo-soul blended style. She released her debut single “Moon River” in 2020.

Counting down to that magical moment when she can see her special someone again, her new single is a flawless amalgamation of vintage and contemporary sounds. With a distinctive 70s and 80s soulful sway from the sinuous rhythm, funky guitar and retro synths taking you back to the good ‘ol days, it’s the catchy hooks and her enchanting vocals, that make this groove sound delightfully nostalgic.

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In The Spotlight

Otis Kane – “Wanna Love You”

Born as Anthony Vasquez and raised in Los Angeles, this singer, songwriter and musician began singing Brian McKnight and Boyz II Men songs in school. After a year as a music major, he went to work with music legend Nellee Hooper and Lolene. He’s opened his own studio named STRZ Enterprises and worked with many musical super-stars. He debuted with “Dreams Of Letting Go” in 2019.

Sounding like he dug through a vault filled with dust-covered soul which time erroneously forgot, his new single is an ear-stroking, buttery smooth groove. From the mellow guitars, bouncy rhythm and glowing synths to his vintage-touched and honey-dipped vocals, the sonic elements meld together into a velvety soul ballad, with a wealth of added oomph, that you just can’t help but love.

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In The Spotlight

BEKA – “Don’t Call Me A Friend”

Born and raised in Nottingham, this rising British singer and songwriter grew up immersed in the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones and Chaka Khan, as well as the lush lyrical artistry of Lauryn Hill. Having met HONNE at university, she began collaborating with them and lending her voice to their tracks. Written for her husband, she debuted her genuine solo sound on “I’ll Be There” in 2020.

Addressing people who need empathy and emotional maturity in relationships and know they’re better off single than to settle for anything less, her new single is inspired by the authentic back story of her grandparents. With an upbeat, retro-pop feel from the bouncy rhythm and sparkling synths speeding along the melody, it’s her fresh vocals that make this cheery jam sound invigorating.

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