In The Spotlight

Madelline – “Training Wheels”

Originally from Connecticut and now based in Montreal, Canada, this bubbly singer and songwriter grew up singing in choirs, playing in a jazz and marching band and performing in musical theatre. She still infuses her music with that theatrical flair, creating an unique pop sound. Since she has performed at the legendary Peppermint Club in Los Angeles, as well as sharing a stage with Em Beihold. Inspired by Tove Lo and Aretha Franklin, she debuted with “Wish I Could See” in 2018.

Singing about investing in your relationship only to find out that to your lover you were merely a placeholder for someone new, her new single captures the emotions caused by realizing you were used instead of loved. A whimsical pop song at its core, the catchy song starts with repetitive synth chords and is soon joined by a driving beat. And with her cheeky, eclectic vocal style narrating the heartbreaking story, this infectious, slightly theatrical, groove is a playful sonic folly.

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In The Spotlight

The Sea At Midnight – “Wait For Rain”

Even though Vince Grant thought his days of being in bands were over, a Craigslist ad of producer and guitarist Chris King from the band Cold Showers changed all that. With the addition of drummer Brandon Pierce, this Los Angeles-based project was born. Influenced by various genres, ranging from synth pop to post punk and dipped in nostalgia, they’ve created an unique sound. Inspired by The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen and Depeche Mode, they debuted with “Medicine” in 2020.

Tackling the difficult theme of climate change, wildfires and drought, their new single is made even more poignant with the horrific fires threatening their home town of L.A. at present. Melodically the song feels like a trip back to the 80s. Fusing neon synth pop with a touch of the New Romantics, it combines an electronic sparkle with a darker undertone. Slightly reminiscent of Robert Smith or bands like Talk Talk, it’s the mysterious sounding vocals that make this a beguiling tune.

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In The Spotlight

ILIRA – “Floating With The Sharks”

Born in Brienz with Kosovo-Albanian roots, this Swiss singer and songwriter got her start as a teen as part of the group The Colors, who were on the pre-selection list for the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. After she began uploading her solo music to Instagram which led to a record deal with Sony/ATV. Now based in Berlin, she’s collaborated with artists such as Alle Farben and Tiësto. Inspired by Britney Spears, Rihanna and Nirvana, she debuted with “Whisper My Name” in 2018.

Lyrically giving an honest reflection on her time signed with major labels and how this experience affected her, her new single is her first as a truly independent artist. Trying to move away from the bubble-gum pop and dance music she was known for, she’s now exploring her own sound. The melody starts with a folky intro, before moving into a darker pop scene. Effortlessly blending together with her mesmerizing vocals, this initial step to sonic independence sounds truly sumptuous.

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In The Spotlight

Jordan Frye – “Wildflower”

Born in Ventura, this singer and songwriter grew up immersed in music, thanks to his dad who was a drummer in the 60s. At the age of 10 he got a guitar, started lessons and wrote his first original song. His career has been spent mostly writing and producing for other artists like Welshly Arms and Zach Williams, as well as getting his own songs featured on commercials and TV shows. Inspired by James Taylor, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan, he released his debut “Nothing Like Home” in 2018.

Doused in 70s summery nostalgia, his new single catches the sunlight radiating from a carefree romance spent on the Californian coast. Musically blending exuberant pop with a taste of gospel and a smidge of country, this sanguine song is a delightful brew. Driven by the lively beat, luminous electric guitars and silvery keys, it’s his sprightly vocals, cheerfully dancing over the elated notes, that fuses together into this spirited sonic road trip with that happy-go-lucky special someone.

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In The Spotlight

Cece Benz – “We’re Over Now”

Based in Atlanta, this singer and songwriter started singing at a very young age. By the age of 9 she had keyboards and her first guitar. She wrote her first song after a songwriting camp in Nashville and started gigging at farmers markets and coffee shops. Honing her craft, she studied vocal performance and songwriting at Berklee College of Music. Drawing inspiration from artists like Holly Humberstone, Maggie Rogers and Lizzy McAlpine, she released her debut “Growing Pains” in 2023.

Inspired by Taylor Swift’s lyrics to “Tis The Damn Season”, her new single captures the feelings that are unleashed when you see that an ex-lover has moved on and is with someone else. Accompanied by a melancholy acoustic guitar, a mellow piano and a retro-touched percussion, it’s a perfect sonic blend of past and present. And with a true vulnerability in her powerful, emotion-laden vocals, she’s showing off her immense musical talent in this intricately layered piece of indie pop magic.

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In The Spotlight

Sydney Lauren – “Childhood Bedroom”

Calling New York City home, this singer and songwriter started piano lessons at 15, followed by learning how to play acoustic guitar. She attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before moving back to New York. Since then she’s performed at venues like The Delancey and The Bitter End and has had her songs featured on TV shows such as Temptation Island and The Biggest Loser. Inspired by Sara Bareilles, JP Saxe and Ingrid Andress, she released her debut “Barricade” in 2015.

Looking back to the carefree days of our childhood when we had no responsibilities and having fun was the main priority, her new single reminisces about those good ole times. Starting the song off, it’s just her storytelling voice with a guitar that teases us in. The melody soon turns out to be a delicious blend of pop with a touch of country, when an upbeat percussion joins the fun and leads to an anthemic bridge. And with her refreshing vocals, this tune brings back the memories.

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