In The Spotlight

Olie Beckett – “New Obsession”

This rising singer and songwriter was born with a lifelong passion for music in his veins. Initially fascinated by DJ’s like Marshmello, his raw talent shone through from a young age. He auditioned for a national choir, started vocal lessons and began singing in church. Combining composing on a piano with working on a computer, he created his own artistic identity while still in his teens. Inspired by artists like Harry Styles, Ariana Grande and SZA, he debuted with “Heartbeat” in 2023.

Singing about falling in love too fast, his new single sees a crush develop into something serious too soon, turning an infatuation into an obsession. A fusion of synth-pop and R&B, with a delicious layer of nostalgia, this song pulsates with exhilarating sonic vibes. With an hypnotic beat and sweltering synths giving the melody a slight Daft Punk feel, it’s his raw, story-telling vocals with a touch of vulnerability that make this mesmerizing tune a luscious and intoxicating groove.

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In The Spotlight

New Constellations – “Dandelion”

Based in Portland, Oregon, this synth-pop duo consists of Harlee Case and Josh Smith, who initially met in church as teenagers. Although they followed separate musical paths after high school – Harlee as solo folk singer and Josh in several bands – they reunited in 2015 following an ad on Instagram. Since then they’ve played venues such as The Urban Lounge and festivals like West Seattle Summer Fest. Inspired by 80s pop, Sylvan Esso and Chromatics, they debuted with “Hot Blooded” in 2021.

Singing about the emotional hurdles that come with doubt, their new single tackles the complex issue of dealing with the fear of being hurt while desperately wanting to trust your partner. Taken from their upcoming album “It Comes In Waves”, expected on May 15th, this electrifying song is a dreamy, 80s-infused synth-pop treat. With a buoyant beat and sparkling synths painting the neon-dipped sound-scape, it’s her melancholic vocals that give this tune an intimate touch.

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In The Spotlight

Elyse Aeryn – “Cry”

Hailing from Nova Scotia, this Canadian singer/songwriter was raised on rock and roll by music-loving parents. She joined the school band aged 9 and got her first guitar aged 16. However she chose a degree and a career in Chemical Engineering first. In 2020 she quit her job to pursue music full-time. Since then she’s played festivals like East Coast Music Week and Americanafest. Inspired by Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow and Maggie Rogers, she released her debut single “Under My Skin” in 2022.

Exploring themes of emotional vulnerability and a struggle with self-worth, her new single captures a complex internal conflict over feeling undeserving of love. Taken from her album “Everybody Loves You…”, the song is an intricate amalgam of roots-rock, blues and soul. Starting with doo-wop guitar plucks, she layers it with a soft piano and cheeky fingersnaps, before full-bodied drums and an electric guitar solo join. And with her mighty vocals, this boisterous tune is an emotive rocker.

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In The Spotlight

Jarrod Lawson – “Do Whatchu Gotta”

Born in the Bay Area of California and raised in Oregon, this singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by old soul music thanks to his dad who was in a band. Although he attempted singing in a choir in school, his quickly drifted back to his soul roots. Since then he’s performed at famed festivals like North Sea Jazz and London Jazz, as well as venues like Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway and Aretha Franklin, he released his self-titled debut album in 2014.

Telling the heartbreaking tale of the selfless act of letting someone go you really want to hold on to, his new single captures acceptance and self-discovery. Taken from his upcoming album “Just Let It”, expected on May 1st, this enchanting neo-soul ballad is a velvety R&B-touched slow jam. With a laidback rhythm, warm bass line and easygoing piano forging the beguiling melodic flavors, it’s the melancholy in his wide-ranging vocals that give this captivating tune an extraordinary charm.

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In The Spotlight

Precious Pepala – “Too Good To Die”

Hailing from Sheffield, this British singer and songwriter grew up in church due to her father being a pastor and started singing gospel in its choir aged 10. She wrote her first song aged 16 and dropped out of school to pursue music full-time. She’s since played various festivals like The Great Escape and Liverpool Sound City, as well as support artists like Victor Ray and Nova Twins on tour. Inspired by Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish, she released her debut single “My Eyes Only” in 2022.

Lyrically following a reckless night when two ex-lovers reunite and start reminiscing and partying, her new single sees their car crash relationship shift from metaphor to reality. Taken from her upcoming EP “Rosey”, expected in April, the song has a melodic foundation of alt-pop and modern R&B. Initially driven by an imposing bass and punchy beat, the song ascends to a distorted rock bridge. And with her mighty vocals, this captivating groove is a passionate and atmospheric gem.

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In The Spotlight

Bear Garden – “Heartaches”

Born in Gällivare as Martin Wirén, this Swedish singer, songwriter and composer was introduced to his signature instrument the saxophone at a young age. He later moved to Stockholm to attend The Royal College Of Music. His eclectic sound, mixing hiphop, pop and jazz using drums, sax and choir, has been noticed worldwide. He’s performed at the London Jazz Festival and the Umeå Jazzfestival. Drawing inspiration from Motown to Bob Dylan, he released his debut “Helium” in 2019.

Produced while he was hospitalized for a heart issue, his new single served as a tool to feel human amidst the loneliness and the beeping of the monitors. Slightly moody and slow-burning, this multi-layered song blends genres by giving indie-pop a jazzy edge. The sonic atmosphere is forged by driving drums with an electronic intensity. And keeping the mellifluous vocals understated to let the expressive saxophone take centre stage, this luscious, euphonic tune is a harmonic treasure.

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