In The Spotlight

Zinadelphia – “Postcard”

Born in Philadelphia as Hannah McKenney, this singer and songwriter was born with a passion for retro fashion and classic music like soul, jazz and funk. She initially studied Photography and Journalism at Temple University, before switching to Media Production. She’s played festivals such as Lollapalooza and Pukkelpop in Belgium and opened for artists like Teddy Swims and Tori Kelly. Inspired by Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin and Donny Hathaway, she debuted with “Mirrorball” in 2022.

Capturing a loneliness felt when chasing your dreams while being away from the one you love, her new single explores the emotional toll of long-distance relationships. Taken from her recently released EP “The Boutique”, the song trades her jazz-funk roots for a vintage soulful sound. With a driving rhythm, luscious strings and balmy basslines conjuring a nostalgic feel, it’s her dynamic vocals ranging from intimate to soaring, that make this warm, polished tune sound extraordinary.

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In The Spotlight

Levina – “Back In My Body”

Born in Bonn and based in London, this German singer and songwriter grew up listening to her mom playing piano and her father playing guitar. She began piano and singing lessons herself aged 9. Since moving to the UK, she studied at various colleges including London’s Tech Music School. In 2017 she represented Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest with “Perfect life”. Inspired by artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Adele and Amy Winehouse, she released her debut “Perfect Life” in 2017.

Written at a time where she felt dissociated in her own life, her new single teaches the listener to reconnect with oneself and find our way back from darkness. With a smoky jazz club feel, this calming ballad is a mix of soft soul, R&B and smooth jazz. Constructing an enchanting melody driven by piano and enriched with a delicate bass and mellow drums, this song is filled with sentiment. And with her soothing vocals, this mesmerizing tune is a warm, introspective breath of fresh air.

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In The Spotlight

Ryan O’Reilly – “Elizabeth”

Born in Oxford and based in Berlin, this British singer and songwriter had an eclectic start. From studying poetry and English literature at Roehampton University to busking on London streets or open mic nights in Toronto, Canada, it all honed his craft. Apart from a busy touring schedule, mostly in unusual places like medieval churches, he’s also had music featured on TV shows like Station 19. Inspired by Bob Dylan and Shane MacGowan, he released his debut “Last Year’s Blues” in 2003.

Originally written in 2006, his new single is a rich fusion of various influences. The name is linked to the middle name of his first girlfriend, to Queen Elizabeth and the biblical Elizabeth. Musically inspired by Gram Parsons, it blends country and bluegrass with a folky foundation. Taken from his upcoming album “Native Companion”, expected on April 14th and driven by a bouncy drum and acoustic guitar, this reflective tune is enriched with a banjo solo and his heartfelt, storytelling vocals.

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In The Spotlight

Julia Calvin – “Is It?”

Originally from Costa Rica and now New York City-based, this singer and songwriter started classical piano training aged 7. Since then she’s lived in Tanzania and various places in the USA. During her high school years she attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts summer camp and discovered songwriting. In 2019 she won the BMI Foundation’s Peermusic Latin Scholarship Award. Inspired by Ray Lamontagne, Talking Heads and Maggie Rogers, she debuted with “Getting Stoned” in 2022.

Singing about the chasm between everything you give and how little you get in return, her new single is about how to overcome being a people-pleaser for your own good. Blending dreamy pop with an intimate indie-folk touch, this airy song consists of atmospheric layers of a bouncy rhythm, hazy synths and delicate acoustic guitar. And with the addition of intensifying orchestral strings and her velvety, ethereal vocals, dipped in authenticity, this tune radiates a reassuring warmth.

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In The Spotlight

Scott Quinn – “Overdrawn”

Yorkshire-born, this singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist splits his time between London and Berlin. Blessed with an aptitude for playing music, he plays double bass, piano and guitar. He studied Music Production at Leeds College of Music and has (co)written songs for prominent artists like Zara Larsson, BTS and Keith Urban. He also played festivals such as Reading + Leeds and Young Talent. Inspired by Billy Joel, The Beatles and Elton John, he debuted with “There For You” in 2016.

Singing about the moment when we realize that a relationship is not working but we’re continuing regardless, his new single reminds us that sometimes the answer is to protect ourselves and to let go. Taken from his upcoming album “Being Human”, expected on October 2nd, he poured pure emotion into an acoustic piano. Later joined by mellow drums and mellifluous strings completing the heartrending melody, it’s the vulnerability in his heartfelt vocals that make this a timeless tune.

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In The Spotlight

Inayah – “Choose”

Born in Houston, this singer and songwriter began singing at the age of 2 thanks to a very musical family. She grew up listening to classic soul, while Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke” was the foundation of her wanting to pursue music. She got her professional start singing jingles for a jingle company. Uploading covers to social media led to a remake of Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up” going viral. Inspired by legends like Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker and Johnnie Taylor, she released her debut “Fairy Tale” in 2018.

Singing about a lover making her choose between love and her music, her new single tells the relatable tale of having to deal with the clash between head and heart. Accompanying the emotion-laden lyrics is a smooth, contemporary R&B melody. With a resonant rhythm guiding us through the song, it’s the layering of electronic elements and warm guitars that fuse together in an understated soundscape. And with her soulful vocals, this polished groove is an honest and reassuring gem.

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