In The Spotlight

The Free Label – “Dancing On Your Own”

Based in Toronto, this Canadian band creates a delectable blend of 70s disco, 90s R&B and high-octane funk. Consisting of Jacob Thompson, Cole Mendez, Jason Martin, Joshua Tsakas, Malik Mungo and Mathew Fantini, they’ve forged an electrifying live show and toured Europe, North America and Australia. They’ve played various festivals such as Canadian Music Week and Mariposa Folk Festival and opened for artists like T-Pain, Aqua and Incognito. They debuted with “All Night” in 2018.

Singing about unrequited love, their new single takes us through the emotions of feeling love burning inside of you, while that person keeps dancing on their own. Enticing us into the song with some soft ethereal synths, soon the disco rhythm takes control. Padded with balmy bass plucks and laid-back keys, the breezy melody leads to a refreshing and invigorating horn section. And with their gentle, spellbinding vocals stroking our ears, this smooth groove ticks every funkalicious box.

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In The Spotlight

Ash Leone – “Terracotta Walls”

Originally from Philadelphia and based in New York City, this R&B singer and songwriter has been bouncing around the country. She got her training studying at Belmont University in Nashville and has since been writing songs both for herself and others. She’s collaborated with artists like Kiana Ledé and Kyle Dion. Known for her masterful story-telling and vocal prowess and drawing inspiration from Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse and Leon Bridges, she released her debut “Physical” in 2019.

Referring to the terracotta walls in the kitchen of her childhood home, her new single captures the comfort she felt sharing her thoughts and dreams in a safe space where everybody was welcome. A delicious blend of soft Neo-Soul and velvety R&B, the song paints a mellow picture with a laid-back rhythm and silken strings. And with gentle keys and placid harmonies adding an enchanting serenity, it’s her ear-stroking vocal tenderness that melts into this intoxicating delight.

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In The Spotlight

Gareth Haze – “Never Have I Ever”

Born in South Africa and based in London, UK, this rising singer and songwriter was raised in a musical environment which sparked his passion for music. A multi-instrumentalist, he’s proficient at guitar, drums, piano and various percussion instruments. He began his career as drummer and backing vocalist for his brother Mark Haze and shared the stage with Seether and Bon Jovi. Venturing solo and inspired by The Beatles, Frank Turner and Johnny Cash, he debuted with “Home” in 2023.

Celebrating resilience in the face of the complexities of loss, his new single uses the power of music on the journey of healing. Written following the passing of his father, this heartfelt song turns grief into an uplifting energy. Starting the song with a 70s singer/songwriter feel from the lone acoustic guitar and a jolly tambourine, soon it evolves into lively Americana with peppy drums and a harmonica. And with his authentic vocals, this reflective tune is filled with genuine honesty.

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In The Spotlight

The Vindys – “Electric”

Founded in 2014 and based in Youngstown, this 6-piece pop-rock band got their start as a local cover band. Fronted by vocalist Jackie Popovec, they got their name from the local newspaper The Vindicator. They’ve performed live at venues from Westside Bowl in their hometown to festivals like Summerfest. Their song “Are You Ready” became a sports anthem on ESPN and they’ve opened for Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, ZZ Top and Beth Hart. They debuted with their EP “Red Wine” in 2014.

Proclaiming that there is a storm brewing inside, a new person is itching to come out and that they’re feeling alive, their new single radiates vibrant sonic colors. Bridging the gap between genres, the song starts with a soulful bass, mellow rhythm and Jackie’s sultry, 60s-inspired vocals, before adding a modern rock element with howling electric guitars and changing to her raw, powerhouse voice. And with a lively horn section throughout, this groove is an extraordinary journey.

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In The Spotlight

Wendy Moore – “Start Fresh”

Born in Haarlem and based in Zandvoort, this rising Dutch singer and songwriter initially pursued a sporting career in dressage horse riding from the age of 6. Her path changed after picking up a guitar in her teens ignited her love for music. Since then she’s forged a blend of pop, rock and alternative music that has impressed audiences at venues like Patronaat and festivals like Eurosonic. Inspired by Avril Lavigne, Shawn Mendes and Paramore, she released her debut single “Relapse” in 2019.

Lyrically telling a deeply personal story about her dressage days when she found that her success actually didn’t make her happy, her new single encapsulates having the strength to start over and pursue that happiness. Melodically multi-layered, the song starts with a mellow acoustic guitar and leads up to a vibrant pop-rock chorus. With exhilarating drums and vivid electric guitars, it’s her imposing vocals, ranging from emotive to spirited, that make this an exceptional tune.

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In The Spotlight

Velvet Trip – “The Bends”

Based in Sydney, this is a musical project of Australian singer and songwriter Zeppelin Hamilton. Influenced by his blues musician dad, he started playing guitar at a young age. As a teenager he tried his hand at hardcore and metal and in his early 20s he played in a psych-rock band called Kimono Drag Queens. Since starting this project he played at Bluesfest and Lost Paradise and supported bands like Parcels and Ocean Alley. He released his debut single “Take Control Of Your Mind” in 2018.

Singing about the vulnerability felt after a romantic breakup, his new single is an intriguing amalgamation of psychedelia and 80s pop-rock. Taken from his recently released EP “Glimmers”, the song starts with a plucky bass and bursts straight onto the melody with a neon-dipped beat, fresh guitars and shimmering synths. Creating an invigorating vibe that is dipped in retro radiance, it’s the ethereal tone of his vocals that makes this hypnotic, slow-burning groove a nostalgic dream.

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