In The Spotlight

Jaden Michaels – “Behave”

This Iowa-born artist has already made quite a mark on the music scene as a songwriter. She’s worked with some of the biggest stars, such as Jennifer Lopez and Robin Thicke and co-wrote songs for Carly Rae Jepsen and Jessica Mauboy. Also a singer and musician in her own right, she initially released pop songs, but found her niche when she debuted her first Country-Pop single “Preach” in 2017.

Her latest single travels up and down both sides of the musical spectrum. Opening with a minimal orchestration of an ambient piano and sumptuous, creamy vocals adds a velvety atmosphere, before erupting into an upbeat Country-Pop chorus of a bracing rhythm, sprightly banjo, perky fiddle and her carefree, cheerful voice, blending into a jumpin’ hoedown full of delectable Country twang.

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In The Spotlight

The Rooks – “Waiting”

Formed after meeting on the music scene of Wesleyan University, CT, this trio took to New York City to pursue their musical ambitions. Inspired by artists like D’angelo and Prince, they developed an IndieSoul/R&B sound and performed at venues such as Brooklyn Bowl and Mercury Lounge. They released their debut EP “Something You Can Take” in 2013 and won the 14th Independent Music Awards.

Turn the lights down low, melt into your partners warm embrace and slow-dance to the sensuous smooth groove that is their latest single. With an arousing soft-soul beat and lusciously mellow keys radiating a candlelit glow, it’s their vintage-dipped, soulful vocals which add a silky elegance to this tactile and amorous jam of passionate Indie-Soul romanticism, soaked in a classic 70s Soul flirt.

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In The Spotlight

Ciara Brooke – “Diva Diaries”

Based in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, this talented singer and songwriter found her voice singing in church aged 4 and competed in various talent shows, such as American Idol and America’s Most Talented Kid. She graduated from the Academy Of Contemporary Music at UCO last year with a degree in Music Production. Recently, she’s been working on her album “Diva Diaries”, set to drop on November 2nd.

The title-track of that forthcoming album takes her modern pop stylings on a journey back to the late fifties. Immersed in classic cinematic shades, the doo-wop edge from the playful piano, airy rhythm and cheeky finger-snaps serves as the perfect vehicle for her uplifting, slightly saucy vocals. Radiating confidence and positivity, this candy-coated vintage groove is ear-tingling dreamy.

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In The Spotlight

Velvet Starlings – “Sold Down The River”

Despite his mere 15 years on this planet, the musical heart of talented singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Christian Gisborne is firmly planted in the swinging sixties. Influenced by the British invasion bands like The Beatles and The Doors, the band has performed their vintage coated Indie-Rock sound at many festivals, such as famed SXSW, as well as Sofar Sounds Los Angeles.

Taken from their upcoming self-titled EP, their latest single is a flower-powerful celebration of the beatnik sound. With vintage-dipped organ riffs and acoustic guitars setting the 60s scene, the song truly comes alive in the chorus with a pounding rhythm, a touch of brass and choral harmonies. Highlighting the classic-sounding grit of the lead vocals, this is a majestic slice of retro rock.

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In The Spotlight

Marisa Maino – “Ever Young”

The artistic streak running through the veins of this Nashville-based singer and songwriter bridges a slew of various forms, going from being a dancer in a Russian ballet company, via a stint as an actress in Los Angeles, to auditioning for The X-Factor. Inspired by Paramore’s Hayley Williams and Katy Perry, she shaped a vibrant and quirky pop sound and released her debut single “Hot” in 2017.

Doused in the neon hues of the 80s, her latest single bounces between contemporary pop and a lively retro vibe. With airy electric guitar plucks and oscillating synths creating a sweltering, vintage feel, it’s her vitalizing vocals, encouraging youngsters to make the most out of their young lives, that truly make this a catchy dance-floor sparkler dipped in a dash of nostalgic charm.

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In The Spotlight

Steve Obando – “Shattered Glass”

Born in Columbia, this multi-talented artist immersed himself in music from an early age. Having moved to Canada, he impressed renowned piano teachers aged 8 and at 12 he added songwriting and guitar. In 2011 he attended Berklee College Of Music, which was a musical wonderland for this artistic whiz. He released his debut single, a new version of David Gray’s “Babylon”, early 2018.

Debuting his first original song, this sumptuous ballad has a bodacious guitar riff, which is slightly reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but he takes the melody and makes his own ariose virtuosity flourish. With a hypnotic rhythm and vulnerable, yet vigorous vocals conveying a story about a relationship breaking beyond repair, it’s both catchy and compelling, as delicate and heart-wrenching.

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