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.

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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.

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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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