In The Spotlight

Charli Adams – “Airlifter”

Originally from Alabama and now based in Nashville, this singer and songwriter discovered her passion for music at a young age. After moving to Nashville at 17, she immersed herself in the vibrant local scene in order to test out songs. Since then she’s collaborated with Novo Amor and Nightly and wrote songs for Chloe Moriondo and Valley with whom she’s about to go on tour. Inspired by The Cure, Avril Lavigne and The 1975, she released her debut “Good At Being Young” in 2020.

Written as an ode to friendship and a reminder to cherish those who are always there for you and for you to return that kindness by trying to make their life better, her new single wraps her heartwarming lyrics in 90s nostalgia. Immediately gripping with a fierce rhythm and lavish guitars, it calls on its retro vibes from the first note. Dipping into a tender verse gives her words ever more meaning. With a 90s-touched ebb and flow and her luscious vocals, this affectionate tune is stunning.

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In The Spotlight

Liang Lawrence – “Out Loud”

Having grown up in 8 different countries before she was 18, this UK-based singer-songwriter picked up a lot of multi-cultural influences to incorporate into her music. She taught herself to play guitar and write songs in her bedroom. Since starting to release her music to the world, she’s played a BBC Introducing showcase and supported artists such as Will Joseph Cook and HONNE. Inspired by Clairo, The Japanese House and boygenius, she released her debut single “Santa Cruz” in 2020.

Capturing the butterflies you feel when fancying someone and the inability to speak that they cause, her new single is a playful love song that combines alt-pop and folk. With a 90s female singer/songwriter melodic vibe, it’s the sprightly guitars, full-bodied drums and even a touch of steel guitar that feed a joyous, feel-good ambience. And with the happiness-inducing sound of her enchanting vocals, this glowing tune combines lush nostalgia with a sense of contemporary warmth.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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