In The Spotlight

RETI – “Shake”

Born as Reti Niimann, this Estonian artist was raised in a music-loving household, immersed in soul and funk. Although she has a degree in choreography, singing is her first love. She’s been releasing music for four years, step by step honing her sound and letting life experience seep through into her lyrics. She recently signed with Estonian record label Funk Embassy. Inspired by legendary soul artists like Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin, she released her debut single “Tell Me” in 2021.

Written in just a single day, her new single and first release on the Funk Embassy label is a majestic and red-hot brew of soul, funk and disco. Effortlessly blending the classic sound with contemporary touches, it creates an insatiable driving melody. With a furiously pulsating bass line, wild rhythm and impetuous keys dragging us onto the dancefloor, it’s the sheer power of her Chaka Khan-reminiscent vocal might that lights a funky fire under this propulsive and exhilarating disco banger.

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In The Spotlight

The Unlikely Candidates – “Fingers Crossed”

Based in Fort Worth, this indie-rock band was initially formed in 2008 by Kyle Morris and Cole Male as an acoustic duo. With the addition of band members Brenton Carney and Jared Hornbeek, they also expanded their eclectic sound. They’ve toured extensively, performed with Young The Giant and Fall Out Boy and played festivals such as Bottlerock. After two mainstream record deals, they are now independent. Inspired by The Beatles and Blur, they released their debut “Follow My Feet” in 2013.

Singing about leaving your demons and hurdles you had to overcome behind and facing a new future with fresh eyes, courage and resilience, their new single is empowering and inspirational. Blending indie rock with a dash of pop and a cheeky vibe, the jaunty melody is layered with buoyant drums and playful guitars, before bursting into a vigorous and infectious rock chorus. And with the multi-faceted vocals ranging from sprightly to powerful, this spirited tune is full of exhilarating grooves.

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In The Spotlight

Dani Marchio – “U Want Me Anyway”

Hailing from Sydney, this Australian singer and songwriter was born with a love of music. She began singing in church from a young age and took on any talent show or open mic night she could get. At 19 she met songwriter/producer Nick Paton whose influence got her into writing songs. Since then she’s been teaching singing at a vocal studio and was backup singer for artists like Tones & I. Inspired by Ariana Grande, Norah Jones and Missy Higgins, she released her debut “Daydreamer” in 2024.

Singing about how insecurity can make you doubt someone’s sanity for liking you with all of your quirks, her new single is a tribute to those lovers who just love you for who you are. Wrapped in a vibrant and highly infectious pop bop, the song is guided along by the throbbing beat. Padded with exhilarating guitars and sparkling synths, the fun-loving melody brings along some pre-summer sunshine. And with her vivacious vocals, this rich tune is a scintillating slice of pop indulgence.

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In The Spotlight

Mel Parsons – “Post High Slide”

Born in Westport, this New Zealand singer and songwriter grew up on a farm, but music always beckoned. She started playing piano and added the guitar aged 14. At 17 she went to the Nelson School of Music and later attended the University of Auckland studying popular music. She’s won Best Country Song in 2016 and Best Folk Artist in 2020 at the New Zealand Music Awards. Inspired by Cat Stevens, Neil Young and Ray LaMontagne, she debuted with her album “Over My Shoulder” in 2009.

Trying to capture the post tour blues she experiences when having to come back down to earth after the adrenaline of an exciting and busy tour subsides, her new single is a introspective slice of her reality. Wrapping the authentic, yet bittersweet lyrics, in an upbeat folk-infused melody, it’s the bouncy percussion and the jangly blend of acoustic, electric and slide guitars that create a warm and captivating tune. And with her beguiling vocals, this is a rousing folk-pop groove.

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In The Spotlight

Sedric Perry – “Heart Of The Matter”

Originally from Philadelphia and now based in Berlin, this flamboyant singer and songwriter was raised in a musical family. His grandfather was a guitarist and his uncle was a singer and he grew up listening to gospel and jazz. With his musical style evolving to include other genres like hiphop and R&B and first moving to New York and then Germany, he created an unique fusion of sonic flavors. Inspired by Lauryn Hill, Prince and Whitney Houston, he released his debut “Naked” in 2019.

Wanting to pay homage to the legends of the golden years of soul music, his new single is an enchanting smooth groove straight from the soulful sixties. Recorded in his bedroom, he’s honouring Philly soul in every single note. With a velvety, flirtatious melody of soft percussion, mellow guitars and sleek horns creating an ear-stroking romantic atmosphere, dipped in sweet nostalgia, it’s his satiny falsetto vocals that make this tribute to legendary 60s soul a classic in its own right.

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In The Spotlight

Charlotte Morris – “created me”

Born and raised outside of Philadelphia, this singer and songwriter started violin lessons aged 4, but she taught herself to play guitar, piano, ukulele, bass guitar and mandolin. She started taking song-writing seriously aged 12. In 2018 she was part of Lonesome Traveler, a concert tour performing the history of folk music from Woody Guthrie to Joni Mitchell. Inspired by artist such as Delta Rae, Kelsea Ballerini and The Chicks, she released her debut EP “To New York, With Love” in 2018.

Paying homage to our roots and celebrating where we came from, her new single delves into how our lives are shaped by the hopes and dreams of our ancestors. With a melody influenced by classic folk music, the song opens with warm guitar plucks. Later joined by a mellow rhythm, calm keys and smooth violins, the tune is a deliciously silken blend. Ascending with a bit more sonic vitality, her incredible storytelling vocals are truly radiating throughout this captivating gem.

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