In The Spotlight

Arjuna Oakes – “I Got Mine”

Based in Wellington, this uber-talented New Zealand singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer has been making music since he was 7 years young. He and his band have performed at festivals like Rhythm & Vines and Tora Bombora. He’s also collaborated with long-term friend Serebii on their “First Nights” EP. He debuted his own soul, jazz and folk blend on “Deep End” in 2019.

Despite the heavy lyrical content, covering problems such as climate change, social media-induced anxiety and his personal struggles with identity, his new single embraces those themes with a joyous melodic hug. Taken from his upcoming EP “Recovery Pt.2”, expected on February 4, it’s the jazzy keys, funkalicious rhythm, sprightly horns and his soul-soaked vocals that make this a delectable groove.

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In The Spotlight

Nicole Haber – “How Did We Get Here”

Hailing from Toronto, this Canadian singer/songwriter has been creating music her whole life. She sang for the first time aged 4, wrote her own song aged 6 and taught herself piano and guitar in her teens. Lending her voice and songwriting skills to DJ’s worldwide, she has a drive to experiment with various genres. Inspired by Shania Twain and Rihanna, she released her debut “Free” in 2018.

Chronicling the adjustment when moving from your safe home town to a new city where fresh opportunities beckon, her new single tells the story of accepting reality. Although known for her electro-pop style, on this track she dives into the world of country. With an infectious rhythm, crisp guitars and just enough twang, it’s her stunning vocals that give this rich tune a red-hot intensity.

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In The Spotlight

Queency – “Too Late”

Born as Quentin Thony on Reunion Island, this Australia-based singer and songwriter is no stranger to the Perth music scene. He is the frontman of the multi-cultural six-piece band Soukouss Internationale, performing infectious, high-energy African songs. Now also stepping forward as a solo artist under a new moniker and with a retro R&B-soul blend, he debuted with “When Daddy Left” in 2020.

With a suave, devil-may-care sonic vibe rippling over the polished notes, his new single is a true audible treat. With a blues-styled electric guitar, jazzy keys, R&B drums and a touch of funky horns, all joining together to create an old-school soul sound, this is an intricate amalgamation of genres. And with his fiery, vintage-dipped vocals binding all elements together, this extravagant jam is just on time.

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In The Spotlight

Fiona Maura – “Motorcycle”

Born and raised on the coast of Florida, this ethereal singer and songwriter grew up in a musical family with Irish/Folk roots, performing together as The Chalmers Family Band at folk festivals. She graduated university with a Bachelors in Recording Industry. Now based in Nashville, she took inspiration from Alison Krauss, Billie Eilish and AURORA and forged her own dream-pop sound.

Based on the true story of her first sunrise motorbike ride in the hills of Tennessee, her debut single draws you into her celestial dreamscape. With a slight shimmer from the ambient synths, a welcoming warmth from the stylish guitars and a resonating drive from the drums, she molds a delectable sonic world. And with her airy vocals dancing on the melody, this is an impressive, transcendent debut.

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In The Spotlight

Alisa Xayalith – “High Fidelity”

Born in New Zealand as the daughter of Loatian refugees, this singer, songwriter and musician learnt to play guitar and write songs aged 13. She continued her musical path at the Music And Audio Institute of New Zealand, where she formed The Naked & The Famous in 2007. Now based in Los Angeles, she took her first steps outside the band by being a featured artist on Peking Duk’s “Move” in 2020.

Giving lively indie-pop some impressive, cinematic flair, her debut single as a solo artist introduces a luscious, effervescent sound. Starting with an electronic shimmer and her sugary-sweet voice, dripping in romanticism, she leads the track to an elated chorus. With retro-touched synths, driving bass and a pulsating rhythm, this stirring dreamscape views love through a colorful, vintage lens.

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In The Spotlight

Dursun – “Vibe This”

Born as Dursun Erbay and hailing from Amsterdam, this Dutch soul brother entered the music scene when he competed in TV show The Best Singer-Songwriter of The Netherlands in 2015. Over the years he’s written and produced songs for several artists and bands. Influenced by Lenny Kravitz, Prince and Dutch rockers Herman Brood & His Wild Romance, he debuted with “My Baby” in 2018.

Invigorating from the get-go, his new single combines the best elements from soul, funk and hiphop. Initially laying down a mellow funkalicious foundation with juicy drums and crisp electric guitar strums, it’s soon embellished with a fresh piano and his soul-rapping vocals narrating a breakup. With an ascending melody enriched with satiny strings, this delicious blend is filled with laidback vibes.

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