In The Spotlight

AVIV – “Failed English”

Hailing from Toronto, this gifted, 15-year young Canadian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist grew up in a big family, who went shopping for records every Saturday. Aged 6, she started piano lessons, developing her voice and picked up guitar. Inspired by the classic sounds of Fleetwood Mac and Radiohead, as well as Lana Del Rey and Lorde, she debuted with her single “Cookie Dough” in 2020.

Blending 90s nostalgia with effervescent contemporary bedroom pop, her new single explores the nasty feelings for an ex after a breakup. Starting with a funky bass line, an infectious melody soon unfolds. With a bouncy beat and shiny synths pouring some sunlight over the lyrical teenage emotions, it’s her vibrant vocal tone that makes this enthralling groove sound whimsical and yet genuine.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Good Dog – “November”

Born as Jack Hardman, this London-based singer, song-writer, multi-instrumentalist and producer grew up in a music-loving family. Initially performing and recording under his own name, the death of his father changed his musical direction. Now creating introspective dream-pop, influenced by the likes of Whitney Houston and Father John Misty, he debuted with “Stay And Rest For A While” in 2020.

Sonically capturing the transition between a mild autumn and the chill of winter, his new single conjures up the comforting warmth of a fireplace and the coziness of a welcoming home. Taken from his upcoming EP “Sam’s Arcade”, out next month, it’s the nonchalant guitar chords, balmy drums and his retro-dipped vocals, creating a hazy melancholy that’ll make you reminisce about the future.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Amanda Mae – “Shoulda Known”

Born as Amanda Sobers, this Toronto-based Canadian singer and songwriter has been singing since she was 5 years young, both in choir as in musicals. She continued performing in coffee houses while she was at university. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera and Chaka Khan, she’s forged a mix of R&B, pop and soul. She released her debut single “Fool 4 U” in 2018.

Lyrically chronicling a passionate past relationship, that resulted in betrayal and infidelity, her new single captures both the sensuous beginning as the melancholic ending. With her soothing, heartfelt vocals taking centre-stage, her story is accompanied by a mellow, jazzy rhythm and smooth synths. Shaping an intense soundscape, which is sultry with a dark edge, this R&B gem is a thing of beauty.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Kitty Rae – “When Everybody Is Sleeping”

Hailing from the rural town of Bacchus Marsh, this Australian singer and songwriter used the Covid lockdowns to hone her existing skills in production and promotion. Known for her energetic live shows, driving rhythms and imposing lyrics, she draws influence from Lorde, Billie Eilish and Sia. Recording her zesty music in her home studio, she debuted with her single “Rich” in 2020.

Capturing the feeling of going out and letting go of the pressures of everyday life, her new single is a refreshing slice of infectious indie-pop. With slightly retro-touched shimmering synths, a rich, pulsating rhythm and ravishing harmonies, she’s created a vividly bright melody. And with her alluring vocal blend that is both flirtatious and powerful, this is one enticing jam you want to stay up for.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Moonwood – “Sydney Lights”

Made up of five friends from Australia, the United States and Canada, this Sydney-based band created a refreshing take on alternative rock. Consisting of Jake, Justin, Aaron, Will and Paul, they fuse analog synths, dreamy guitars and contemplative lyricism into a stylish, yet rugged sound. Inspired by the likes of The 1975, Kings Of Leon and Bruce Springsteen, they debuted with “Big Red Sun” in July 2021.

Glistening on the crystal-clear melodic waves, their new single tells the story of finding new appreciation for your hometown with sonic sophistication. Painting their own own musical world with smooth, steady brush-strokes, it’s the gentle sway of the guitars, the mellow beat and the soft, suave vocals expressing true longing, that conjures up an enchanting, melancholic aural world full of warmth.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

AnnaLina – “Took It Further (Feelin’ Fine)”

Based in Sydney, this natural songbird grew up listening to classic soul and Motown artists like Etta James, Otis Redding and Al Green and performing in the living room with her older sister. Later becoming mesmerized by the luscious R&B of Erykah Badu and Mary J Blige, she started working as a backing vocalist and vocal arranger. She debuted her own soulful sound on “It’s Seasonal” in 2020.

Recalling her youth, when her self-confidence blossomed, her new single takes a smooth and breezy look at losing yourself in relationships. With a gentle, ear-stroking organic melody from the single acoustic guitar and her enchanting voice to the lively addition of the percussion and harmonic vocals in the perky chorus, this is a velvety groove that will not only make you feel good, but feel fine.

Instagram | Facebook | iTunes