In The Spotlight

Justin Nozuka – “Vanish”

Born in New York and raised in Toronto, this singer-songwriter grew up in a very artistic family. His mother is actress Holly Sedgwick, his aunt is actress Kyra Sedgwick and his brother George is an R&B singer. He started singing aged 12 and learned to play the guitar. He studied at Etobicoke School of the Arts and played festivals like Glastonbury and Fuji Rock and venues like The Opera House. Inspired by Lauryn Hill, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, he debuted with “After Tonight” in 2007.

Singing about giving someone unconditional support and helping them to let go of their painful past, his new single focuses on healing and moving forward from previous errors. Taken from his upcoming EP “Last Light”, expected later this year, the song is an intimate blend of neo-soul and folk. With an organic production of a gentle acoustic guitar, subtle drums and ambient synths, the warm melody has a cozy vibe. And with his soft, emotive vocals, this is a dulcet, inspiriting tune.

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In The Spotlight

Robyn Ottolini – “Better Not To Know”

Born in Uxbridge, this Canadian singer-songwriter spent most of her childhood outside in the rural countryside. Despite not growing up in a musical family, there was always country music playing. Although initially getting piano lessons at 8, she started to write music aged 13 and taught herself to play the guitar at 14. She’s played venues like The Bluebird Cafe and opened for Shania Twain. Inspired by Faith Hill, Kacey Musgraves and The Chicks, she debuted with “Where We’re At” in 2018.

Following the struggle of moving on from a painful breakup when you’re constantly confronted with reminders and small town gossip, her new single reminds us that true healing requires cutting your ex out of your life. Taken from her recently released album “A Safe Place To Land”, this song is a cinematic country-pop ballad. Built around an acoustic guitar, it’s the pulsating rhythm, ambient steel guitar and her raw conversational vocals that make this heartfelt tune irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

Soleil – “Rubbish”

New York born and Miami-based, this singer-songwriter and DJ grew up in a musical environment thanks to a bass player dad and a music-loving mum. She started piano lessons aged 5 and vocal training aged 8. Her initial professional start was with a local wedding cover band in 2013. Since going solo she followed two separate paths, as singer and club DJ. She’s played Carnegie Hall and Sofar Sounds. Inspired by Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and D’angelo, she debuted with “Whose Side?” in 2021.

Telling the tale of outgrowing a past relationship and reclaiming one’s personal power, her new single is about clearing the emotional clutter and letting go. With her empowering lyrics, the song is an intricate blend of soul, R&B, and a touch of jazz. Recorded with live musicians to create an authentic sound, it’s the dynamic rhythm, elaborate guitars and soulful keys that give the production a homely feel. And with her smoky, intimate vocals, this smooth groove emits a welcoming warmth.

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In The Spotlight

Fake Suede – “Speak Up”

Based in Los Angeles, this neo-soul project is the brainchild of multi-hyphenate artist Jeffrey James, joined by multi-instrumentalist and producer Kevin Hutchens. Jeffrey first built a prolific career in Nashville as a vocalist, songwriter and TV composer. He released solo material, had songs embedded in TV shows such as “All American” and wrote the stage musical “Chaining Zero”. Inspired by The Doobie Brothers, Chicago and The Temptations, they debuted with “Don’t Mind If I Do” in 2024.

Singing about finding yourself at the crossroads of a relationship and having to decide whether casual becomes serious, their new single highlights the vulnerability of the early stages of romance. Taken from their upcoming album “This Is Fake Suede”, expected on October 16th, this song is a time-traveling production blending organic 70s soul with an 80s pop vibe. With a funky bass, jazzy guitar licks and a smoky 80s sax solo, it’s the smooth vocals that make this a delicious sonic fusion.

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In The Spotlight

Niki Kennedy – “Gardenias”

Born in Auckland and now based in Toronto, Canada, this Kiwi singer-songwriter grew up in a vibrant multicultural household. She fell in love with musical theatre and involved herself in acting and singing. At 16 she moved to Canada and enrolled in the Randolph College for the Performing Arts. Since then she’s played festivals like PNE Winter Fair and venues like Guilt & Company. Inspired by Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and OneRepublic, she debuted with “Cheque, Please” in 2018.

Paying tribute to the memory of her late grandmother, her new single focuses on celebrating life with joy instead of grief. Infusing her lyrics with hope, healing and a sense of peace, the song also embodies the little things that make us feel close to those we’ve lost when we need it most. This ballad is beautifully constructed with an acoustic piano and is slowly ascending with a mild rhythm. And with her vocals taking us from fragile to soaring, this tune honors her grandmother with style.

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In The Spotlight

Saint Harison – “Minute”

Born Harrison Fisher in Southampton, this British singer and songwriter grew up in an unstable household due to an abusive father. Hearing Adele’s “Chasing Pavements” while staying in a woman’s shelter ignited his musical passion. Though his initial love was for musical theatre, he pivoted to R&B later. He’s played festivals like The Great Escape and venues like The Roxy Theatre. Inspired by Whitney Houston, Jazmine Sullivan and Beyoncé, he debuted with “Why Didn’t You Call???” in 2022.

Telling the tale of feeling an all-encompassing panic when a casual relationship gets too serious too fast, his latest single is an emotional exploration of feeling overwhelmed by the speed a romance is progressing. Taken from his recently released EP “Ghosted”, the lyrics are captured in a sumptuous, slow-burning R&B melody. With velvety keys, soft rhythm and a warm synth bass, it’s his breathtaking vocals with his angelic falsetto that make this tune something really special.

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