In The Spotlight

Neil Hollyn – “No Lonely Days”

Born as Neil van der Hulst in Leiden, this emerging Dutch singer and songwriter spent his high school years writing songs instead of doing his homework. Finding his dad’s records of artists like Prince and Scritti Politti sparked a love for the neon decade. He attended the conservatory in Haarlem studying pop vocals. Also inspired by Lany and The 1975, he debuted with “Icarus & The Sun” in May 2020.

Coloring the soundscape with luminous pastels, his new single reflects his love for catchy 80s pop. Taken from his upcoming debut EP “Too Late To The Party”, expected to drop on November 24th, it’s the crisp guitar strums, the infectious beat and his fresh, yet vintage-dipped, vocals, singing about lifting a relationship to the next level, that makes this sparkling tune memorable and very danceable.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Crissi Cochrane – “Why”

Hailing from Nova Scotia, this soulful Canadian singer and songwriter began releasing her first recordings in high school as Save September. She studied music business at the Nova Scotia Community College and was a member of the band Gamma Gamma Rays. She’s played many festivals and opened for the likes of Walk Off The Earth. Under her own name she debuted with her 2011 EP “Pretty Alright”.

Finding a place for elements of her love for classic soul and jazz, her new single is a magical, spellbinding smooth groove. Blending a buoyant rhythm, a plush bass and mellow guitars to create an alluring ambiance, it’s her sultry, velveteen vocals telling the story of star-crossed lovers that add a tantalizing charm. Endearing, colorful and authentic, this beguiling tune is pure sonic elegance.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Mark Ambor – “The Long Way”

Born as Mark Damboragian, this emerging vocalist and songwriter kept his singing skills a secret throughout his childhood due to a debilitating fear of rejection. He did start taking piano lessons from age 7 and taught himself to play the guitar. After he took the leap, he embraced his music fully. Inspired by the likes of Ed Sheeran, James Bay and Coldplay, he released his debut single “Fever” in 2019.

Riding a rollercoaster of romantic emotions, his new single binds an infectiously bouncy melody to heartfelt lyrics. On a full-bodied foundation of galvanic percussion and crisp guitar riffs, his charismatic vocals tell the tale of emotional turmoil when you’re ready to take love to the next level, but the other person is not. Virulent, genuine and high-spirited, this effervescent tune is the way to go.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Carrie Baxter – “You”

Born in Waterford, this Irish singer and songwriter moved to the UK in 2009 to study at the London School Of Musical Theatre, but was told after three months that her vocal skills were better suited to being a jazz singer. A fitness instructor by day, in order to fund her music, she draws inspiration from Stevie Nicks, Amy Winehouse and Kendrick Lamar. She debuted her soul/jazz blend on “Lady” in 2019.

Creating a deliciously mellow melody, filled with smoky jazz vibes and classic soul tones, her new single is pure sonic enchantment. Taken from her upcoming EP “What Now”, expected to drop on October 22nd, it’s the buttery-smooth rhythm, the laid-back electric guitar strums and her slightly raspy, emotive vocals singing about a friend’s relationship, that makes this silky jam utterly irresistible.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Naomi Connell – “Strangers”

Hailing from the Gold Coast, this Australian folk singer and songwriter felt the need to sing every chance she got, while growing up. Listening to the varied sounds of Destiny’s Child, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, she honed her vocal skills and taught herself to play guitar. She debuted with “Draped In Wine” in 2019 and won the 2020 Tamworth Country Music Festival Busking Championship.

Proving that all you need to create pure musical magic is an acoustic guitar and a bewitching voice, her new single is an intimate, velvety soft ballad. Instantly alluring from the intricate guitar play, she shows her impressive songwriting prowess singing about lovers who become strangers. Wrapped in tender elegance and an emotional vulnerability, this luscious tune is one you want to know.

Instagram | Facebook | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Marble Eyes – “You Can’t Fool Me”

Dubbed the ‘Rock & Roll For The Soul’ supergroup, this quartet fused together members of other bands to bring a burst of positive energy to the pandemic. Consisting of Eric Gould (Pink Talking Fish), Adrian Tramontano (Kung Fu), Mike Carter (The Indobox) and Max Chase (Amulus), they penned over 50 songs together during lockdown. They debuted their retro-rock sound on “Tollbooth” last month.

Adding a funky vibe to invigorating, 70s-inspired rock, their new single certainly gets the blood pumping. Taken from their upcoming debut album “Return To The Roses”, expected on October 21, it’s the unrelenting rhythm and the vintage howl of the electric guitars that packs this jam with pure energy. And with some mighty vocals singing about relationship trust, this is rousing rock at its best.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | iTunes