In The Spotlight

YAZ – “I Don’t Have You At All Now”

Born in London as Yasmin Caramanli, this British singer-songwriter was raised in a music-filled household. Having R&B and soul playing 24/7 ultimately shaped her musical identity. She first started posting makeup tutorials to YouTube aged 13, but later transitioned into music. She’s played venues like The Camden Assembly and The Troubadour, as well as The Great Escape Festival. Inspired by Amy Winehouse, Mary J. Blige and Aretha Franklin, she released her debut “Mr Valentine” in 2022.

Capturing the empty reality of the end of a relationship, her new single is about the stark transition from talking to someone constantly to having no contact at all. Taken from her recently released EP “Should I Block Him?”, the song blends alternative R&B with bedroom pop. Driven by an ambient synth, the warm melody is built with digital percussion and a melancholic bass. And with an intimate vulnerability in her vocals, this groove marries emotive lyrics with a joyous bounce.

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In The Spotlight

Thilda U – “Money”

Born as Thilda Unnerstam and based in Stockholm, this Swedish singer-songwriter’s life has always been rooted in the performing arts. Apart from being a musical artist, she also works as a production assistant in the television industry. Armed with that artistic experience, she views her music through a cinematographic lens. Honing her sound, she frequently performs at Lykke. Inspired by Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey and Dusty Springfield, she released her debut single “The Rain” in 2024.

Written for anyone who has looked at their bank account and felt overwhelmed, this track is a musical daydream designed to wash away the weight of everyday financial stress. Creating a three-minute moment of pure escapism, the song is an infectious blend of sparkling indie-pop, velvety R&B and upbeat disco elements. With a bouncy rhythm, lush synths and retro strings giving the melody a cinematic flair, it’s her confident vocals that make this groove a true earcatcher.

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In The Spotlight

The Charities – “Movin’ On”

Formed in 2017 in Hermosa Beach by singer-songwriter Brock van Pelt, this six-piece soul outfit further consists of Alec Kersenboom, Derek Doszkocs, Mike Butler, Shane Nowak and Sage Provins. They connected over a love of classic Motown and 70s soul. Although their start was slow-going, they built a reputation as a powerhouse live act. They’ve played venues like The Troubadour and The Fillmore. Inspired by Smokey Robinson and Etta James, they debuted with “Spinnin’ Your Web” in 2020.

Lyrically reflecting on the difficult decision to let go of a relationship that has gone on too long, their new single is about healing from heartbreak and moving on. Taking us on a sonic journey back to the 1960s, this vintage-dipped song is a buttery-smooth soul ballad. With a mellow rhythm, silken guitars and soft horns forging a warm, honeyed melody, it’s the heartfelt, sincere vocals with crisp falsetto that make this authentic, bittersweet soul gem a sound for sore ears.

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In The Spotlight

Kat Greta – “I Know What This Is”

Based in Melbourne, this Australian singer-songwriter grew up in a musical family which has notable relatives like members of the rock band Jet and opera singer Cristina Russo. She’s been exploring music since she was 2 years old and is proficient in piano, violin and drums. She started her career as a session drummer and is part of the duo KAT & VAN. Solo she’s performed at the Sooki Lounge. Inspired by Carole King, Fleetwood Mac and Billy Joel, she debuted with “Let It Go” in 2024.

Lyrically capturing the hurt that uncertainty and rejection cause, her new single tells the tale of budding relationships that never grow into something more. Starting with a vulnerable smoothness, the song soon develops into an energetic indie-pop melody. Driven by a propulsive percussion, it’s the addition of roaring electric guitars that creates an imposing contrast. And with her stunning vocals completing the sonic whole, this vibrant tune exudes the confidence to stop and move on.

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In The Spotlight

Earthquake Lights – “Mr. Always-What-He-Had-To-Be”

Based in Brooklyn, this alt-rock band was founded in 2011 by Myles Rodenhouse, Cameron Underhill, James DiGirolamo and Stephen Helms, while they were studying jazz at Hofstra University. After graduating they started playing live shows around New York. They’ve performed at venues such as Bowery Electric and Chelsea Music Hall, and played a track on a 2020 Vulfpeck album. Inspired by Radiohead, Steely Dan and The Who, they released their debut EP “Bangups & Hangups” in 2012.

Telling the story of a delusional and narcissistic artist who convinced himself of his own greatness, their new single is about arrogance and megalomania. Giving a cinematic flair to their indie-rock sound, this single blends a rich groove with sweeping orchestral arrangements. With an acoustic rhythm, grandiose strings and a traditional rock foundation forging an imposing melody, it’s the layered vocals ranging from smooth to soaring, that make this tune a true atmospheric gem.

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In The Spotlight

Brit Drozda – “Flowers From Heaven”

Based in Juno Beach, this singer-songwriter spent her childhood in New York where her parents took her to lots of Broadway shows and concerts. She began classical piano lessons aged 4. In high school, she and her late brother, Virgil Price III, started writing songs together. Since then, she’s played festivals like The Charlotte Music Festival and venues like Rockwood Music Hall. Inspired by Norah Jones, Brandi Carlile and Sheryl Crow, she debuted with “Let Me Hang The Moon” in 2016.

Written as a heartfelt tribute to her late brother who disappeared at sea while freediving in 2024, her new single is a continuation of the last song he was writing before his death. Lyrically talking about coping with grief and finding the courage to move forward, this song is about both hope and honoring his memory. With an intimate sound of the family piano, lush guitars, and rhythmic bassline, it’s the vulnerable warmth of her voice that makes this personal tune truly extraordinary.

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