In The Spotlight

Kate Bollinger – “Shop Girl”

Born in Charlottesville, this singer-songwriter grew up surrounded by music thanks to her mother being a musical therapist and her two brothers playing in local bands. She wrote her first song aged 8 and began singing in the Ash Lawn Opera in high school. Since then she’s played festivals like Primavera Sound and Dot To Dot, venues like The Fillmore and opened for Faye Webster. Inspired by Joni Mitchell, Gwen Stefani and Miles Davis, she released her debut “Dreams Before” in 2018.

Telling a story of a retail worker turning the mundane day-to-day tasks into a whimsical dreamworld, her new single gives a dull reality some sparkling enthusiasm. Taken from her upcoming EP “Shop Girl”, expected on October 2nd, this song is buoyant, 60s-inspired pop with a hint of disco vibes. Starting with an Elton John-reminiscent staccato piano and tight bass, the vibrant melody is enriched with lush strings. And with her contrasting airy vocals, this retro groove is intoxicating.

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In The Spotlight

Jenny Tolman – “Music City Mutt”

Nashville-raised, this singer-songwriter’s childhood was shaped by her musical family as well as the vibrant local music scene.. Her dad was a member of the band Indian River Boys who played the Grand Ole Opry and toured with Tammy Wynette. She began playing piano at four years old and at 16 got a guitar and taught herself to play. Since then, she’s played CMA Fest and The Bluebird Cafe. Inspired by Roger Miller, Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, she debuted with “Thinking Out Loud” in 2016.

Singing about embracing your unique identity and celebrating diverse background, her new single is an autobiographical tribute to her heritage and her hometown. Taken from her recently released album “Music City Mutt”, this song mixes honky-tonk country with Americana. With a glittering vibrancy thanks to the twangy strings, steady rhythm and traditional tastes of a banjo and fiddle, this is a lively production. And with her storytelling vocals, this peppy tune is a spirited hoedown.

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In The Spotlight

Willem James Cowan – “Not For You, Not For Us”

Based in London, Ontario, this Canadian folk singer and songwriter got introduced to The Ramones by his dad aged 6, which sparked a passion for songwriting. He went on to study Music Industry Arts and Audio Post Production at Fanshawe College, giving him the tools to release his music independently. He’s since played festivals like NXNE and the Live From The Rock Folk Festival. Inspired by Joni Mitchell, Elliott Smith and Sufjan Stevens, he debuted with his EP “Friends Of The Cove” in 2018.

Capturing the mutual understanding that a relationship has run its course and their paths no longer align, his new single follows the journey of starting over. Taken from his upcoming album “What Should Happen Next?”, expected September 18th, this song combines lush folk with a touch of Americana. Built with atmospheric acoustic guitars, a driving rhythm and a melancholic pedal steel guitar, it’s his intimate storytelling vocals that take us from breakup sadness to hopefulness.

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In The Spotlight

Chez Kane – “One Day (Is All That It Takes)”

Hailing from South-Wales, this British singer-songwriter grew up in a family of musicians, with her dad, aunt and grandparents all involved in music or singing. Being raised on vintage melodic rock like Def Leppard influenced her current sound. She first formed the rock band Kane’d with her sisters Steph and Stacey. Since going solo she’s played festivals like Sweden Rock and the Maid Of Stone Festival. Inspired by Pat Benatar, Heart and Whitesnake, she debuted with “Too Late For Love” in 2021.

Exploring how quickly love can spark and change your life, her new single shows that you don’t always need months or even years — a single day can turn strangers into lovers. Radiating a glittering neon glow, this song is an emotional, 80s-dipped power ballad that blends melodic rock and AOR. Anchored around a shimmering synth, it’s completed with slick electric guitars and a smooth retro sax. And with her powerhouse vocals, this vintage groove is a sonic trip back in time.

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In The Spotlight

Justin Nozuka – “Vanish”

Born in New York and raised in Toronto, this singer-songwriter grew up in a very artistic family. His mother is actress Holly Sedgwick, his aunt is actress Kyra Sedgwick and his brother George is an R&B singer. He started singing aged 12 and learned to play the guitar. He studied at Etobicoke School of the Arts and played festivals like Glastonbury and Fuji Rock and venues like The Opera House. Inspired by Lauryn Hill, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, he debuted with “After Tonight” in 2007.

Singing about giving someone unconditional support and helping them to let go of their painful past, his new single focuses on healing and moving forward from previous errors. Taken from his upcoming EP “Last Light”, expected later this year, the song is an intimate blend of neo-soul and folk. With an organic production of a gentle acoustic guitar, subtle drums and ambient synths, the warm melody has a cozy vibe. And with his soft, emotive vocals, this is a dulcet, inspiriting tune.

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In The Spotlight

Robyn Ottolini – “Better Not To Know”

Born in Uxbridge, this Canadian singer-songwriter spent most of her childhood outside in the rural countryside. Despite not growing up in a musical family, there was always country music playing. Although initially getting piano lessons at 8, she started to write music aged 13 and taught herself to play the guitar at 14. She’s played venues like The Bluebird Cafe and opened for Shania Twain. Inspired by Faith Hill, Kacey Musgraves and The Chicks, she debuted with “Where We’re At” in 2018.

Following the struggle of moving on from a painful breakup when you’re constantly confronted with reminders and small town gossip, her new single reminds us that true healing requires cutting your ex out of your life. Taken from her recently released album “A Safe Place To Land”, this song is a cinematic country-pop ballad. Built around an acoustic guitar, it’s the pulsating rhythm, ambient steel guitar and her raw conversational vocals that make this heartfelt tune irresistible.

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