In The Spotlight

a!ka – “Every Once In A Blue Moon”

Born in Balanga City as Aika Zabala, this Filipino singer, songwriter and producer grew up in a family of musicians. Having been singing and dancing since she was young, she entered a lot of singing contests. Although she diverted to musical theatre for a bit, the pandemic triggered her initial love again and she started posting covers to TikTok. Blending R&B, soul and jazz and inspired by Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Lea Salonga, she released her debut “Leave A Message” in 2024.

Exploring taking risks, embracing the unknown and not letting chances slip away, her new single reminds us to seize rare opportunities in life, whether that’s love or something else. Wrapped in a delicate melody, the song starts with a mellow piano and her enchanting voice. It slowly leads to a more upbeat chorus, with a laidback rhythm, soft keys and a thrilling electric guitar solo. And with her mesmerizing vocals stroking our ears, this scrumptious tune is brimming with hope and inspiration.

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In The Spotlight

Cat Clyde – “Man’s World”

Hailing from rural Ontario, this Canadian singer and songwriter got the musical bug from watching her grandfather playing the fiddle and her uncles playing folk guitar. She started playing guitar herself aged 14 and began busking about town. She’s played festivals like Latitude and the End Of The Road Festival, as well as venues like Paradiso in Amsterdam and The Troubadour in London. Inspired by Etta James, Billie Holiday and Lee Hazlewood, she debuted with “Like A Wave” in 2016.

Capturing the frustration of having to navigate a patriarchal society, her new single expresses the negative effects this can have on women. Taken from her upcoming album “Mud Blood Bone”, expected on March 13th, the song blends roots, blues and soul into one sonic brew. Starting with an acoustic guitar, the chased melody is further driven by swampy blues guitars and a hot beat. And with the fiery passion of her vocals, this raucous groove is high-spirited folky blues done just right.

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In The Spotlight

Ray Bull – “All That You Are”

Brooklyn-based, this indie-pop duo was formed in 2019 by Tucker Elkins and Aaron Graham. They met studying visual arts at Cooper Union in New York, but it was after graduation that their musical journey began. They’ve played venues like The Troubadour in Los Angeles and The Atlantis in Washington DC, toured with Stephen Sanchez and played festivals like Osheaga and Shaky Knees. Inspired by Harry Nilsson, The Strokes and Frank Ocean, they released their debut “Mole Life” in 2021.

Narrated by an unreliable, indecisive and hypocritical narrator, their new single explores a conflicted romantic dynamic of wanting to be near without commitment. Taken from their upcoming album “Please Stop Laughing”, expected on May 8th, the song forges a multi-faceted melodic soundscape, ranging from soft synths and rousing drums to indie-pop guitars and sweet violins. And with a slight nonchalance in the stirring vocals, this polished tune captures both desire and duality.

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In The Spotlight

Elder Island – “Pink Lemon”

Hailing from Bristol, this British band was formed in 2014 and consists of Katy Sargent, Luke Thornton and David Havard. Originally named Trouvaille playing folk, they’re now named after a Canadian island and focus on electronica. They’ve played festivals like CRSSD Festival in the US and Stowaway Festival in the UK and venues like New York’s Bowery Ballroom and London’s Roundhouse. Inspired by Radiohead, Erykah Badu and Paul McCartney, they released their self-titled debut EP in 2014.

Championing the desire to be whisked away from the everyday, their new single celebrates the urge to escape monotony for a more adventurous life. Taken from their upcoming album “Hello Baby Okay”, expected on May 8th, this joyful soul-pop song uses classic 90s filters to give it a vintage feel. Wrapped in mellow nostalgia from the jangly guitars and retro beat, it’s filled with laid-back familiarity. And with her sun-drenched vocals, this hazy neo-disco groove sounds irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

Arts Fishing Club – “Feed Me To The Wolves”

Based in Nashville, this US band consists of Christopher Kessenich, Jody Lee Oliver and Chris Dunkley. Named as a tribute to Kessenich’s grand-fathers, both named Arthur, they are known for their folk/rock blend, energetic live shows and heartfelt lyricism. They’ve played festivals such as Summerfest and the Philadelphia Folk Festival and venues like the Brooklyn Bowl and White Oak Music Hall. Inspired by Bon Iver, Paul Simon and Mt. Joy, they debuted with “Shaking For Your Love” in 2017.

Reminding us that the choices we make in life will determine where we go and where we end up, their new single tells us that indecision will lead to regret. Driven by an almost tribal drum, the song ascends bit by bit in intensity. Starting with a commanding bassline and understated synth, the mellifluous melody evolves with distorted guitars into an imposing soundscape. And with emotive vocals completing the rich production, this lavish tune captures our attention from the first note.

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In The Spotlight

Alexia Jayy – “Feels Right”

Hailing from Irvington, this singer and songwriter has been singing since she was 2 years young and grew up singing in church. At the age of 9 she joined a group and performed at and won Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. She’s played the Hutton Hotel, the 3rd & Lindsley Bar & Grill in Nashville and was brought out on stage by Lauryn Hill to perform at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Inspired by Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Sam Cooke, she debuted with “Who Raised You” in 2021.

Singing about those rare moments where all the pieces fall into place and love just feels right, her new single celebrates relationships that feel effortless. Encapsulating the magic of uncomplicated romance in a breezy, laidback R&B melody, it’s the warm rhythm, fresh keys and mellow guitars that forge an enchanting soundscape. And with her sultry, soulful vocals gently stroking every amorous note, this heart-warming groove shows the comfort and peace that true love brings.

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