In The Spotlight

Video Age – “Record Shop”

Hailing from New Orleans, this duo consists of best friends Ross Farbe and Ray Micarelli, who both grew up listening to 60s artists like The Rolling Stones and The Kinks. They were writing their songs on guitar, until they got tired of guitar pop and started experimenting. Finding their niche with a nostalgic 80s sound from a synth and drum machine, they created their own sound. Inspired by David Bowie, Paul McCartney and Janet Jackson, they released their debut “Living Alone” in 2016.

Not just melodically but also lyrically taking a trip down nostalgia lane, their new single is a tribute to the joy felt working in a record shop, surrounded by the infatuating beauty that music radiates. Returning to their 60s guitar inspired roots, it’s the electric guitars, retro drums and playful keys that bring the swinging decade back to life. And with an ear-tingling jangly guitar solo and their wholesome harmonies blending into a soft psychedelic soundscape, this jam is a groovy tune.

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In The Spotlight

Suzanna Choffel – “Bird By Bird”

Born and raised in Austin, this singer and songwriter grew up in a music-loving family. With her talent evident from a young age, she performed extensively around town as a teen and later attended College Of Santa Fe, studying Music Technology. Since then she’s played festivals like SXSW and the Austin City Limits Music Festival and was a contestant on The Voice 2012. Inspired by Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige, she released her debut album “Shudders & Rings” in 2006.

Inspired by best-selling book “Bird By Bird” by Anne Lamott and written for her step-daughter, her new single reminds you to just take things one step at a time when you find yourself struggling with depression or anxiety. Taken from her upcoming album “Bird By Bird”, expected on September 27th, she’s created an unique blend of Brazilian flavours and jazz. With a lively guitar and Latin rhythms forming a delicious melody, it’s her irresistible vocals that enchant this charismatic gem.

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In The Spotlight

Sam Louis – “Legacy”

Based in Toronto, this Canadian singer and songwriter has been a fixture of the music scene for nearly a decade. Although always interested in music, it was seeing the video for Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Give It Away” aged 12 that lit the musical fire. Since he’s a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and winner of an Indigenous Music Award for best pop album. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Fall Out Boy and The 1975, he released his debut single “Sunset Love” in 2015.

With lyrics questioning the value of your success when the people who played an important part in getting you where you are today are no longer around, this song takes a realistic look at fame and at what is truly important. Melodically complex, it’s the multi-layered synths and futuristic vocals that create a hypnotic soundscape, before a fresh piano and a bouncy beat add another facet. And with his emotional falsetto vocals, this entrancing tune is melancholic and mesmerizing.

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In The Spotlight

Kymara – “Current Weather”

Born in Utrecht, The Netherlands, this Dutch neo-soul singer and songwriter’s musical journey didn’t get its start until she moved to the UK to study Professional Musicianship at BIMM in Brighton. Now calling Brighton her home, she has been championed by BBC Introducing in the UK, as well as by NPO Radio 2 Soul & Jazz in The Netherlands. She’s also performed at the renowned North Sea Jazz Festival. Inspired by Nina Simone, D’angelo and Janis Joplin, she released her debut “You” in 2020.

Sprouted from a demo tape by the bands guitarist Louis Bell, her new single is a spellbindingly beautiful neo-soul gem. Instantly beguiling from the first note, the song opens with a mellow electric guitar and celestial harmonies, before it gently flows into a velveteen, slow jazz-touched melody. With an auditory ascension of a rolling percussion and laidback horns adding extra pizzazz, it’s the welcoming warmth of her winsome vocals that make this soulful jam sound like sonic silk.

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In The Spotlight

Myles From Home – “Van Trippin'”

This Vancouver-based Canadian trio was formed in 2022 by singer, songwriter and guitarist Myles Hildebrand. He’s been writing and performing music since he wrote his first song for a high school project. Before 2022 he was in a Montreal-based band called Café Racer. Famed for their live shows, where he plays a 12-string guitar, they’ve created an unique blend of folk, jazz-funk and rock. Inspired by Elton John and Bob Dylan, they debuted with “Nearest Star” in 2023.

Inspired by a weekend trip up a steep mountain road with a lady in her van, their new single captures the endless opportunities of the open road. With an unconventional melodic fusion, the song is constructed from a number of varying layers. From a nostalgic laid-back rock to a funkalicious vibe and even an afrobeat feel, this virulent tune is a delicious brew. With a jumping bass, wild guitars and Myles’ one-of-a-kind vocals, this infectious sonic road trip becomes a standout groove.

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In The Spotlight

Emily Fields – “Love Bomb”

This London-based British singer and songwriter taught herself how to sing from listening to artists like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin and grew from performances in her living room to singing in gospel choirs. An accompanying love for telling stories led to her writing her own songs. Since then she’s had songs featured on the TV show Love Island: All Stars and on BBC Introducing. Drawing inspiration from Adele, Olivia Dean and Lewis Capaldi, she released her debut “17” in 2022.

Telling the tale of feeling lovestruck, truly believing you’re found that special person, only to find out things are not what they seem, her single manages to capture the disheartening emotions in a surprisingly upbeat summery tune. Catching the last rays of sunshine of the year, she filled the song with confidence to sing, to dance and to feel great. With sparkling keys, catchy beat and her cheery, yet powerful vocals, this is a radiant pop banger brimming with empowerment and fun.

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