In The Spotlight

Tara Van – “Glow”

Based in Toronto, this Canadian singer and songwriter started writing songs at the young age of four. She attended Rosedale Heights School of Performing Arts, studying vocals, drama, dance and musical theatre. Unfortunately, anxiety caused by years of school bullying, abusive relationships and undiagnosed ADHD prevented her from sharing her music with the world. Inspired by David Bowie’s performance brilliance and the folk-rock vibe of Melanie, she debuted with “Kicks” in 2023.

Filled with the vibrancy of the feeling of being your most authentic and unguarded self, her new single is probably the most empowering and freeing song you’ll hear this year. Celebrating bringing out that special glow in yourself, she combines lighthearted pop with 70s-touched folk joyousness. With an upbeat rhythm and bright guitar starting the track off, they’re joined by fresh keys and gleeful horns. And with her cheery vocals, this feel-good tune is brimming with positivity and self-love.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Brett Matthews – “Lucky Ones”

Originally from Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, this Canadian singer and songwriter began writing music at the young age of 13, but it would be much later until he would pursue it as a career. He joined hiphop artist Classified’s touring band in 2019 and played over 40 shows. His song “If I Die Today”, featuring Classified, got to the final top 25 of the American Songwriter Contest. Compared to artists such as Bon Iver, City & Colour and Novo Amor, he released his debut single “All That I Ask” in 2022.

Singing about realizing how precious our loved ones are and the gratitude we should feel for having them in our lives, his new single pays tribute to those who are most important to us. With an exquisite blend of various genre’s – from country and pop to R&B and jazz – this uplifting song starts with a smooth guitar and mild rhythm. The honeyed melody is later joined by a peppy beat and lively retro keys. And with his velvety vocals, this rich tune is a true feel-good anthem.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Vitalia – “Maybe”

Born in Ukraine and based in Montreal, this Ukrainian-Canadian singer and songwriter started her musical journey aged 6, performing annually at Montreal’s Ukrainian festival. A trip to Los Angeles when she was 16 inspired her to seriously begin honing her craft as a career upon her return. She’s currently studying jazz vocal performance at Concordia University. Inspired by ABBA, Dua Lipa and Paramore, she debuted her dynamic blended sound on her single “My Way” in 2022.

Telling the story of two people dancing flirtatiously with each other, when one realizes that the relationship wasn’t working, this single is a lyrical rollercoaster of ‘what ifs’. Embracing her reflective words with the glitterball glitz of colourful disco vibes, the song starts softly with a synth drone and a bouncy beat, before erupting with the invigorating, upbeat chorus. With driving drums, lively violins and her sparkling vocals, this scintillating disco groove is a delicious dancefloor filler.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Josef Scott – “Picture Me”

Hailing from Auckland, this New Zealand singer and songwriter began experimenting with writing songs at the age of 12 as a form of self-expression. Once he had built up a collection of songs, he started performing them at open mic nights. Although that did help honing his craft, he became completely obsessed with music when he got an internship at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios. Inspired by The Beatles, Bon Iver and Frank Ocean, he released his debut “Where Do We Go” in 2022.

Written from a reminiscent daydream about the time he met his partner for the first time and the excitement of not knowing where it might lead, his new single is an introspective dreamy soundscape. Taken from his upcoming EP “Beacon Hill”, expected to drop later in the year, the song captures the ebb and flow of soft melodic waves. With a mellow rhythm, gentle guitars and smooth keys sounding like a warm embrace, it’s his ethereal vocals that fill it with a timeless soulfulness.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Ella Thompson – “Omen”

Based in Melbourne, this Australian singer and songwriter has been singing and writing music since she was a child and grew up with the timeless sounds of jazz and soul. At 15 she met her hero, soul singer Renee Geyer, who became her mentor. They toured all around the country, honing her skills along the way. She also released music as part of the band Dorsal Fins and duo GL. Inspired by The Shangri-Las, Thee Sacred Souls and Lee Fields, she released her debut “Snow” in 2018.

With haunting lyrics about the missed signs of danger in a broken relationship, her new single balances her words with a spooky, jazz-infused, soulscape. Taken from her upcoming album “Ripple On The Wing”, expected on November 15th, the track starts with an imposing piano, before being joined by a robust beat and repeated guitar chords. And with the delectable horns and her commanding vocals, this is a retro-touched slice of intense, soul-filled sonic empowerment.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Sidney Bird – “Mean Girl”

Born and raised in Arizona, this singer and songwriter grew up singing and participating in musical theatre. She began writing her own songs in high school, mainly as a therapeutic tool. Dealing with depression after finishing college led to her starting to share her music on streaming services. She’s collaborated with Noah Kahan and supported Hans Williams and Natasha Bedingfield. Inspired by Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell and Katy Perry, she released her debut single “Kisses” in 2020.

Lyrically tackling the adult bullies that scour the internet for things to have an opinion about and voice those without caring who it hurts, her new single is a powerful statement against the toxicity of the modern age. Taken from her album “Desert Person” and accompanying her heartfelt lyrics, she draws the listener into the song with a piano and her mighty vocals. With a potent syncopated rhythm, cheeky banjo and country guitars, this lush tune calls for much needed social change.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes