In The Spotlight

Mimika – “Elevator”

Raised in Brampton, this Canadian singer and songwriter was born with a natural love for music pre-installed. She started writing her own material aged 12, plays piano, guitar and the flute and was releasing songs by 15. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston and followed it with a North-American tour. She performed at venues like The Baby G and various festivals. Inspired by Jon Bellion, Julia Michaels and Britney Spears, she released her debut single “Civil War” In 2019.

Celebrating the courage to say yes to living life to the full and not having any regrets when you’re older, her new single encourages a cheeky bit of roguery. Built on her playful orchestral pop sound, the song starts slow with a soft synth key and mellow rhythm. Soon the joyous chorus bursts open and starts radiating summery vibes from the swaggering bass, colourful percussion and full-bodied horns. And with heavenly harmonies and her gleeful vocals, this is a glorious gem.

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In The Spotlight

Barbara – “Tolerant Nation”

Based in Brighton, this British duo consists of brothers John and Henry Tydeman. As kids they were already playing songs together at the piano, but five years ago they decided to form a band and pursue a musical career. Since then they’ve toured the UK extensively, playing venues like The Brunswick in Hove and supported The Divine Comedy, Haircut 100 and Paul Weller. Inspired by Electric Light Orchestra, The Kinks and Rufus Wainwright, they released their debut “Brb” in 2021.

Taking us back to the 70s with a Jeff Lynne-touched orchestral pop anthem, their new single asks the question just how tolerant is tolerance? Taken from their upcoming, self-titled, debut album, expected on September 5th, the melodic layering is truly exquisite. From a simple piano to the punchy percussion, various ear-stroking key-changes and exhilarating guitar solo, all ascending to a grand sonic crescendo, this majestic, retro-tinged groove is a musical experience.

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In The Spotlight

Rachel Bochner – “Silver Rings”

Hailing from New York City, this singer and songwriter has been an avid music lover her entire life, but her musical journey began in 2018 when she got an A&R internship with a record label. Immersed in the music scene, she found a passion for songwriting. She’s performed live shows at famed venues like the Mercury Lounge and the Brooklyn Bowl and collaborated with Xana and flowerovlove. Inspired by Lana Del Rey, Maggie Rogers and Julia Michaels, she debuted with “Purple” in 2020.

Singing about the intense yearning to be with that someone special, her new single combines her poetic lyrics with a sophisticated pop melody. Taken from her recently released album “Lovergirl (Deluxe)”, she starts the song with soft and moody guitar plucks. Then it slowly ascends, in the background of warm, multi-vocal harmonies, to a more lively chorus. With a bouncy percussion, fiery electric guitars and her hypnotic vocal charm, this mesmerizing groove has a bit of a sonic bite.

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In The Spotlight

Nelson Sobral – “Love Is A Fools Game”

Based in Toronto, this Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist grew up with a passion for music, partially fuelled by the 60s and 70s music that was always playing around the house. Although he veered off into a short stint as an MMA fighter, music remained his staple. He’s since shared the stage with diverse artists like Jeff Healey and played various festivals and venues like The Bluebird in Nashville. Inspired by KISS, Otis Redding and Willie Nelson, he debuted with his album “N3lly” in 2018.

Dipped in nostalgic melodic rock vibes, his new single is an invigorating blend of retro rock, stirring Americana and gritty blues. Taken from his recently released third album “três!”, the song instantly pounds our senses with some fiery electric guitar riffs. Joined by vivacious drums, each layer adds a sonic touch of the 70s. And with an inspired howling guitar solo, rich harmonies and passionate vocal power, this groovy rocker brings the vivid sound of yesteryear back to the here and now.

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In The Spotlight

Salarymen – “Let Me Go”

Based in Sydney, this Australian duo consisting of Renee de la Motte and Thomas Eagleton was formed in 2019. Thomas started out playing drums in various bands, but longed for more creative control. Renee is a vocalist, but decided to learn to play the bass as well. Since their start they’ve played at festivals such as SXSW and Lost Paradise and opened for artists like Royal Otis and San Cisco. Inspired by 60s and 70s bands as well as The Strokes and Foxygen, they debuted with “Please” in 2019.

Singing about staying in an unhappy relationship or limiting yourself because what you know is comfortable, their new single encourages us to face our fears, rip the band-aid off and start afresh. Taken from their upcoming album “Take It Or Leave It”, expected on October 31st, the song is laced with luscious nostalgia. With a touch of 60s psychedelia, retro pop and a sprinkling of 70s disco, it’s the scintillating synths, bright guitars and sumptuous vocals that make this a lavish groove.

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In The Spotlight

Rachel Leo – “Nightfall”

Hailing from Auckland, this New Zealand singer and songwriter was born into a musical family. She began learning to play the piano from an early age and nurtured a dream to becoming a performer. She studied a Bachelor of Music at the University of Auckland. Since the start of her career, she’s been playing festivals, such as SoundSplash and Auckland City Limits Music Festival. Inspired by artists like Maggie Rogers, Taylor Swift and LÉON, she debuted with “Conversation” in 2021.

Inspired by the book series “A Court Of Thorns And Roses” by Sarah J. Maas, her new single captures the anticipation felt knowing you’re going to see someone you feel connected to. Telling her story wrapped in a seductive melody, the song is a hot-spot of sweltering energy. Driven by a vigorous percussion, it’s the shimmering synths that forge the sizzling soundscape. And with her sultry, flirtatious vocals enticing you into her colorful world, this bouncy pop groove is truly irresistible.

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