In The Spotlight

Bare Jams – “Little Bit”

Started as a project of Ollie Coombes and Sam James back in 2011, this sunlit band evolved into an exuberant sextet. With an unique multi-genre blend of reggae, soul, pop and ska, they’ve played festivals like Isle Of Wight and Bockor Rock. They played their own headline shows in the UK and Europe, as well as opening for The Wailers and Will & The People. They debuted with their EP “Cold Treats” in 2015.

Beaming positivity from every jolly note, their new single delivers warm, summery vibes during these cold winter months. Melodically showing what you can achieve when you mix radiant reggae with vintage funk, this groove opens powerful, before effortlessly moving into a bobbing reggae beat. Infusing the joyful bounce with funkalicious horns, this catchy jam fills your heart with sheer euphoria.

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In The Spotlight

Olivia Wik – “Let’s Dance”

Joking that she would sing more than talk, this award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter picked up a guitar for the first time at the age of 8 and began thinking seriously about a music career aged 16. As a songwriter she has over 250 songs in her catalogue for artists such as Ryland James, Olivia Rose and Rebecca Lappa. She released her own retro-pop sound on “When I Was Drunk” in 2019.

Bathed in a vintage-touched, joyful exuberance, her new single is an infectious and bubbly burst of rich musicality. Singing about building intimacy in a relationship and the euphoric electricity that follows, it’s the bouncy bass, vibrant rhythm and vivid horns that gives this groove a perky, ear-pleasing tune. And with her steamy, flirtatious vocals, you’ve got to dance to this sexy slice of sonic spice.

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In The Spotlight

Nurdjana – “What If I Love You”

Born and raised in The Netherlands, this silken singer and songwriter grew up immersed in music as the daughter of musician Rob de Rijcke. As well as making music together, she did vocals for various bands and recorded backing vocals for Splendid and Jon Tarifa. After emigrating to Canada and the death of her father, she took a break and returned with their co-written “Thinking Of You” in 2020.

Written by her dad and found on an old tape in his belongings, her new single encapsulates the musicality and poetry of her fathers songwriting. Taken from her upcoming debut album “Coming Home”, expected on May 10th, it starts with a mellow guitar and her crisp vocals, before adding a jazzy vibe from a warm rhythm and retro horns and making it sound welcoming and filled with love.

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In The Spotlight

The Graduating Class – “Cooler”

Hailing from Portland, this sextet of funkmeisters was formed in 2018, when childhood friends John Queant, Natty Burmeister and Nate Hansen started writing songs together and performing in local bars. In 2021 the lineup was expanded with August King, Eli Hansen and Keenan Dorn. Inspired by The Killers, Chromeo and The 1975, they released their debut “That’s What Tonight’s For” in 2019.

Getting in your Delorean, hitting 88 miles per hour and traveling back to the neon decade, their new single is a celebration of various 80s sounds. With a Quincy Jones-like production, they blend nostalgic pop with copious amounts of funk. With a fresh sparkle from the synths, a punchy beat and Zapp-inspired, talk box vocals, this retro-infused, sonic trip redefines what being cool is all about.

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In The Spotlight

Cassidy Mann – “Fine”

Growing up in Winnipeg, this native-Canadian singer and songwriter has been singing since she could talk. She started performing aged 6 and playing the guitar aged 8. Part of the Indigenous Sagkeeng First Nation community, she incorporates her storytelling culture into her music. Influenced by Leela Gilday, Lisa Loeb and Taylor Swift, she debuted her wistful folk-pop sound on “Honestly” in 2019.

Starting with a simple rhythm and crisp synth chords, her new single is an ascending slice of sonic satisfaction. Taken from her upcoming debut EP “If It’s Not Forever”, expected on April 1st, she adds a luscious, cinematic indie-rock touch, giving the melody a rich flavor. And with her intimate, bewitching vocals telling her story about heartbreak, this is a stunning tune that is more than fine.

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In The Spotlight

Kristofer Greczula – “Something Outta Nothing (Blah Blah Blah)”

When he was 14 years young, this Swedish singer and songwriter was the nations number one table-tennis player. Not finding happiness in the world of sport, he turned to music instead. Drawing inspiration from the musicality of Prince and the fashion sense of Lady Gaga, he developed his flamboyant style. He debuted his Beatle-esque sound on “You’re Not Alone (Aldrig Ensam)” in 2017.

Although written when he felt particularly lost and alone, he created his new single outta nothing and filled it with frolicsome vibes. Taken from his upcoming debut album “Live And Let Live”, expected on February 25th, it starts with Mika-reminiscent, whimsical piano chords. And with an added effervescent rhythm and joyous harmonies, this infectious groove is filled with cheerfulness and pizzazz.

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