In The Spotlight

Kayla Diamond – “50/50”

Born into an orthodox Jewish family, this Canadian singer and songwriter was supposed to become a lawyer, but fate intervened. A dream gave her a melody and lyrics started pouring out, resulting in writing “Crazy”, which won Slaight Music’s “It’s Your Shot” competition in 2015. A multi-instrumentalist, she blends pop with rich electronic elements and debuted with her 2017 EP “Beautiful Chaos”.

Turning back to her songwriter-self with an emotional vulnerability and a minimal production, her new single exposes life and love with a daring sensitivity. Starting with vintage guitar strums and cheeky handclaps, she narrates the need to show yourself some love and remove any toxicity from your life. And with fiery drums and her wistful vocals raising the chorus, this is a 100% pure gem.

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In The Spotlight

Elyse Jones – “Sutcha”

Raised in Minneapolis and based in New Orleans, this impassioned singer and songwriter got to taste the various flavors of funk from the freezing tight pocket of the north to the laid-back swampyness of the south. Using her music to carry messages of social justice, her style ranges from upbeat jams to meditative chants in order to celebrate peoplehood through song and dance.

Debuting with an easy-going, funkalicious vibe, her first single marries socially charged lyrics with velvety funk. A suave bass line and a mellow rhythm lay down a silky smooth groove for her soul-dripping, slightly jazzy vocals to slide over with ease. And with the addition of some sparkling horns and a touch of organ, this honey-dipped tune blends vintage tones with a refreshing modern edge.

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In The Spotlight

Jimkata – “Roots Down”

This trio of synth-washed, electro-rock musicians have been friends since their school days. Named after the 1985 film “Gymkata”, Evan Friedell, Aaron Gorsch and Packy Lunn are influenced by modern synths, indie rock as well as Motown, James Taylor and old country songs, forging an one-of-a-kind sound by fusing analog synths and catchy hooks. They released their self-titled debut EP in 2007.

Returning after a two-and-a-half year hiatus, their new single tickles the senses from the first funky bass plucks and a bouncy beat. Taken from their upcoming album “Bonfires”, expected to drop in Spring 2021, the synths are scintillating, the guitars electric and the vocals refreshing. And with an infectious, upbeat chorus worming its way into your ears, this quirky groove breathes feel-good fun.

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In The Spotlight

Claire Reneé – “I’m Tired”

This Los Angeles-based, multi-talented songstress is a classically trained dancer, who’s been dancing since she was 4. She trained at esteemed dance schools such as The Dance Theatre Of Harlem and developed her natural ear for music at Berklee College Of Music. She expertly blends R&B, soul, jazz and pop, with a cheeky wink to hip hop and debuted her standout sound on “License To Drive” in 2016.

Teasing the release of her upcoming album called “Wings”, expected later this year, her new single takes smooth neo-soul, sleek R&B and velveteen jazz vocals and creates a dreamy, yet bubbly fusion. Warm guitar plucks invite you in, where lavish percussion awaits. Gently stroking your eardrums with her vixenish voice, calmly navigating the silken melody, this is a gem you won’t easily grow tired of.

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In The Spotlight

Jack Newsome – “Arms”

Raised in New Jersey in a music-loving house just down the street from Bruce Springsteen, this young singer and songwriter was born with musical genes. He attended Berklee College Of Music in Boston and studied in Spain. Now based in California, he was part of the songwriting competition Songland. Inspired by Justin Timberlake, Prince and Michael Jackson, he debuted with “Best I Can” in 2019.

With an addictive beat tugging at your dancing feet from the get-go, his new single is an effervescent blend of modern pop and retro disco sparkles. With very current and relatable lyrics such as “What’s the point of having arms if I can’t wrap them around you?” and the addition of sunlit strings for that silky vintage touch, this exhilarating groove will certainly put a scintillating spring in your step.

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In The Spotlight

Katie & The Bad Sign – “Taste The Dirt”

Hailing from Manchester, this British songstress has been exciting audiences at shows and festivals across the country. Together with her Americana band they blend country, folk, soul and blues into a powerful sound. She debuted with the single “Beg” in 2014, went on to support Beth Rowley and Kimmie Rhodes and had her song “Piece Of The Pie” featured in the 2020 Netflix film “Kissing Booth 2”.

Pushing raw, emotive blues to its absolute limits and by adding some 70s rock pushing it just a tad more, on her new single both the melody and the lyrics tell their own woeful story. With fierce guitar riffs, invigorating drums and a touch of country twang creating an image of a dark, smoky bar in the bayou and her passionate vocals, full of rasp, grit and fervor, this groove sets every note on fire!

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