In The Spotlight

Jenni Smith – “Mirror”

Based in Auckland, this New Zealand singer and songwriter always wanted to be a performer and started her musical path aged 8 when she began taking guitar lessons. She started writing original songs aged 10. At 18 she won the NZ Country Music Association Songwriter Of The Year award. She also studied Popular Music at the University Of Auckland. Inspired by the storytelling of Taylor Swift and the sassy wit of Maddie & Tae, she released her debut “Make It Or Break It” in 2021.

Musing about the premise of someone moving on with a partner who looks suspiciously like their ex, her new single asks the question how unsettling that must feel. Balancing a touch of vulnerability with an up-tempo country-pop vibe, the song radiates a lighthearted ardor. Taken from her upcoming debut album “The Girl Next Door”, expected on March 27th, it’s the peppy drums, cheerful guitars and her rich, playful vocals that make this jaunty melody a polished, foot-stompin’ groove.

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In The Spotlight

Tarragon – “Tucked In Despair”

Hailing from Coventry and born as Callum Neil Pickard, this British singer, songwriter and musician found refuge in music after an autism diagnosis aged 12. He wrote his first song shortly after about the moment his parents told him. He attended the Warwickshire College Of Music to further his skills. Since then he’s collaborated with members of bands such as The 1975, The War On Drugs and Supertramp. Inspired by indie-folk and Bon Iver, he debuted with “Follow The Sign” in 2021.

Singing about the feelings and emotions that envelop you as a relationship develops, his new single is an imposing tune with a touch of solemnity. Taken from his upcoming second album “Home At Cofa’s”, expected on May 1st, this rich song is constructed out of several sonic layers. A minimal percussion, gentle guitar and warped electronics form the melodic basis and the addition of alluring brass and his intimate vocals blend all elements together into a reflective beauty.

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In The Spotlight

Julia Takada – “Take You Away”

Born in the US and raised in Japan, this singer and songwriter grew up listening to the music her dad played, from classical to The Beatles. She began writing lyrics when she was in high school as a form of therapy. Her career got its start after she met Kota Matsukawa, founder of the label w.a.u., at a birthday party. Apart from her musical endeavors, she also works as a freelance model. Inspired by Taylor Swift and Christina Aquilera, she released her debut single “Don’t Know Who I Am” in 2021.

Unintentionally written with a bit more spice and provocation in her lyrics, her new single marks a shift in her artistic development to a more mature indie-pop sound. Focusing on female self-awareness and emotional strength in the game of love, the song is built around a funky rhythm, scintillating synths and winsome guitars creating a joyous melodic vibe. And with her sensuous vocal whisper conjuring a level of intimacy, this flavorful and invigorating groove is truly irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

Mica Millar – “See You On The Other Side”

Based in Manchester, this British singer and songwriter grew up in a musical family, with her dad being a session drummer and her mom a promotions executive at EMI. She started writing original songs aged 8 and throughout her teens record them in a home studio. Since the start of her career she’s played a plethora of venues like Ronny Scott’s Jazz Club and various festivals like Leeds Jazz Festival. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and D’angelo, she debuted with “My Lover” in 2017.

Giving the lyrics an honest and personal touch, her new single follows the ups and downs of her artistic life. Taken from her upcoming album “A Little Bit Of Me”, expected on June 6th, this sparkling song combines a warm rhythm, a touch of gospel-tinged organs and the soul-infused trumpet sound of Keyon Harrold into an irresistible retro soundscape. And with the velveteen harmonies and her expressive vocal might, this vintage-sounding soul tune is an emotional and sophisticated triumph.

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In The Spotlight

Carter Vogel – “Say My Name”

Originally from Baltimore and now based in Los Angeles, this singer and songwriter began piano lessons at the age of 7. He joined his school’s jazz band and at 13 he wrote his first original song. He studied Music Business and Songwriting at Berklee College of Music. Since he’s worked as a session musician playing piano, bass and guitar, toured the US and UK and opened for Scouting For Girls. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Alicia Keys, he debuted with “Pull Me Close” in 2019.

Exploring the electric spark felt between two lovers who are very aware of each others attraction, his new single wraps intimate lyrics in a playful, nostalgic melody. Effortlessly blending pop, soul, R&B and a touch of funk, this song is a sultry, yet exhilarating, slow jam. With the warmth of the bass line, sleek rhythm and mellow keys laying down the smouldering tune, it’s the velvety, Sade-like tone in his alluring vocals that make this silky smooth groove a soothing, old-school delight.

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In The Spotlight

Ava Valianti – “Sophomore Slump”

Hailing from Newbury, this talented singer and songwriter started writing original songs at the age of 9. Also a multi-instrumentalist, she’s proficient on guitar, piano and ukulele. Since the start of her career she’s been recognized by the International Acoustic Music Awards and the Unsigned Music Awards among others. She’s opened for artists like Andrew Duhon and The Strumbellas. Inspired by Elvis Costello, Olivia Rodrigo and Lana Del Rey, she debuted with “Bubble Wrap” in 2023.

Singing about the crushing emotions felt when you fail publicly, humiliate yourself and cry in front of people you’d rather hadn’t seen that, her new single captures the need to keep laughing and moving on no matter what. Driven by a punchy drum, the instrumentation around it has a gentle feel, before it gets to the bustling chorus. Filled with a pop-rock fierceness, it’s the sprightly keys, dynamic guitars and her charismatic vocals that make this cathartic groove sound empowering.

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