In The Spotlight

Azure Ryder – “North Star”

Hailing from Sydney, this Australian-Lebanese singer and songwriter started her musical endeavors in a church choir at the age of 5. She grew up with a wide variety of music playing, from Dusty Springfield to Elvis. She chose to travel and studied briefly at Berklee College of Music. She’s played various festivals like The Great Escape and Latitude and opened for Ziggy Alberts and Teddy Swims. Inspired by artists like Stevie Nicks and The Velvet Underground, she debuted with “Dizzy” in 2020.

Singing about finding your way back to yourself when difficult times make you feel lost in life, her new single is an homage to safety, whether that is a person, a place or a feeling. Dipped in a dynamic, retro-touched pop-rock shroud, this song evolves from soft guitar strums to a grand soundscape. Initially slightly ethereal, it’s the added resonant rhythm, vintage guitars and her authentic vocals ranging from vulnerable to powerhouse, that make this tune a textured gem.

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In The Spotlight

GoldFord – “Only You Do”

Based in Los Angeles, Jeffrey Goldford is a singer and songwriter who grew up with music in his bones. He is a self-taught guitarist and vocalist who, despite have played some open mic nights at University, initially chose a career as a traveling salesman. Since committing to music full-time, he appeared on Season 9 of American Idol and played festivals like Out Of The Blue and Austin City Limits. Inspired by Bill Withers, Etta James and Adele, he debuted with “Upside Down” in 2013.

Dedicated to those people who turn your ordinary into extraordinary, his new single is an intimate soul ballad about a partner who makes you feel infinite. The warm aesthetic of this stripped-back soulful smooth groove is focused around a vintage-sounding piano and a mellow guitar. With a steady heartbeat rhythm guiding the notes, it’s the tender tone of his weathered vocals that make this gentle instant soul classic feel like you’re listening to it in a cosy, chilled-out setting.

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In The Spotlight

Dani Offline – “Angel”

Birmingham-born and Oakland-based, this multi-hyphenate artist is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. She grew up singing from a young age, influenced by jazz and hip-hop. Although she studied Comparative Literature at UC Berkeley, she is a self-taught producer and composer. She’s played festivals like Noise Pop and Yerba Buena Gardens and opened for Jada Imani. Inspired by Sarah Vaughan and Betty Carter, she released her solo debut “I Believe You” in 2022.

Written from the perspective of someone who is struggling to live up to an idealized expectation a partner might have of them, her new single is a twist on a traditional love song. Blending neo-jazz with silky soul, the song conjures a dreamy atmosphere. With hazy futuristic synths and a jazzy rhythm, the breezy melody captures the peaceful feeling of falling in love. And with the intimacy of her ethereal vocals and lush harmonies, this smooth groove sounds truly breathtaking.

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In The Spotlight

JoJo Mason – “Need To Know”

Based in Vancouver, this Canadian singer and songwriter grew up dreaming of a professional ice hockey career and spent most of his time at the ice rink. Unfortunately a herniated disc put an end to those dreams. He pivoted to music after a chance meeting with producer Dan Swinimer at a party. Now he’s a staple of country festivals such as Boots & Hearts and Penticton Peach. Inspired by Alan JacksonBoys II Men and Brad Paisley, he released his debut “It’s All Good” in 2015.

Capturing the excitement and curiosity of a fresh new relationship, his new single is about being so infatuated by someone you want to know everything about them. Effortlessly blending lively country with a touch of soul and R&B, this song is layered to perfection. With flowing guitars, driving rhythm and luscious R&B bass creating some feel-good vibes, it’s the choral background singers and his velveteen, soul-touched vocals that make this country-soul groove a treat for our ears.

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In The Spotlight

Klara Zangerl – “Kinda Funny”

Hailing from Stockholm, this Swedish singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by opera, jazz and choral music. She is classically trained and spent her childhood singing in choirs and playing the violin. In high school she started producing her own music. Since then she’s played festivals like XJAZZ! and Powerpose FM and opened for artists like Jhon Allan and LOWi. She’s also a member of the band Scoobz. Inspired by Erykah Badu and D’angelo, she released her debut single “Yes” in 2018.

Based on an actual occurrence, her new single tells the story of her accidentally meeting Danish producer Mikkel Mohr after arriving in Copenhagen a full month early by mistake. Creating a slightly moody ambiance, this dreamy indie-pop song is a luscious piece of electronic ear candy. Starting with a mellow beat and soft keys, it evolves into a punchy pop tune with a driving percussion and lustrous synths. And with her melancholic vocals, this retro-dipped tune is a polished gem.

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In The Spotlight

Hollie Rogers – “Bad Woman”

Born in Penzance, this British singer and songwriter grew up listening to her mother’s The Best Of Blondie on vinyl aged 4. She attributes her rural upbringing to her starting to write songs and began learning the guitar at 15. Initially she worked as a primary school teacher, before pursuing music full-time. She’s played festivals such as Glastonbury and opened for Suzanne Vega and KT Tunstall. Inspired by Joan Armatrading and Joni Mitchell, she debuted with her EP “Body To Ground” in 2017.

Singing about the moment things begin to unravel despite everything looking fine and stable on the surface, her new single searches for a silver lining when situations turn bad. Taken from her upcoming album “Everything’s Fine”, expected on June 5th, this blues-rock groove packs a sonic punch. With a full-bodied sound from the punchy percussion, Hammond-touched keys and vivid electric guitars, it’s the imposing might of her vocals that give this potent tune pure auditory intensity.

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