In The Spotlight

Nora Mae – “How Didn’t You, Though?”

Born as the granddaughter of the legendary Eartha Kitt, Rachel Shapiro is a singer and songwriter who grew up in the music industry. From watching her grandmother perform on tour aged 5 to embracing anything to do with performing like vocal coaching and guitar lessons, music has always been a staple. Listening to lots of jazz and 50s/60s pop, she’s created an unique musical style. Inspired by Billie Holiday, Nancy Sinatra and Alicia Keys, she debuted with “Rendezvous” in 2022.

Singing about believing in someone so much that finding out that trust was a fantasy can be devastating, her new single takes us down the rabbit hole of disappointment. Taking some sultry jazz and blending it with retro-styled pop, she forges a smooth, seductive melody. With a propulsive rhythm, balmy bass and sweltering guitars conjuring a spellbinding sound, it’s her alluring vocals telling her introspective story, that create a captivating tune filled with sensual authenticity.

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In The Spotlight

Sweet Talk – “Real Good Cookin'”

Based in Melbourne, this 6-piece Australian band formed in 2021, while bonding over a love of late nights, American music and classic songwriting. Consisting of brothers Tane and Soren Walker, D.M. Turner, Craig Mattingley, James Vincent Harding and Nic Symons, they’re known for their electric live shows at festivals like Blues On Broadbeach and Tamworth Country Music Festival. Inspired by The Doobie Brothers, Little Feat and The Allman Brothers, they debuted with “Superman” in 2021.

Although originally written around the time of their formation, with the working title “Southern Fried Chicken”, their new single is now a perfectly formed dish. Cooking up a delicious buffet of various flavors, they seasoned the song with lavish amounts of country, spicy rock and peppery blues. With aromatic electric guitars, sweet keys and fiery drums teasing your sonic tastebuds, it’s the zesty, 70s-touched rock vocals that are the secret ingredient in this delectable musical meal.

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In The Spotlight

Kaleia – “Dead Weight”

Born in Edmonton and based in Vancouver, this Canadian singer and songwriter has been performing since she was young. By the age of 7 she was already commanding the stage and by 11 she’d caught the attention of Sia. Since she’s been in many musical productions, such as the role of Nina in “In The Heights” in 2019. She’s attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. Inspired by H.E.R., Daniel Caesar and SZA, she released her solo debut single “Everything Comes Back To You” in 2023.

Rejecting a future of feeling overlooked and undervalued after a breakup, her new single is filled with empowerment and self-worth. Her resilient lyrics are enveloped in an melodic suaveness. With an intoxicating rhythm, classic organ tones and laidback keys, blending elements of R&B and blues, she’s created an ear-stroking sonic smoothness. And with her sultry vocals and enchanting harmonies singing her assertive words, this alluring tune is truly mesmerizing.

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In The Spotlight

Clairo – “Sexy To Somone”

Born as Claire Cottrill in Atlanta, this eclectic singer and songwriter has been self-recording and releasing songs, as well as music videos, since the age of 13. Having built a huge fanbase on YouTube, it was a video of her singing her song “Pretty Girl”, recorded in her bedroom, that went viral in 2017 and has amassed 101 million streams since. Grown up listening to a wide range of musical influences, from Al Green to Cocteau Twins, she released her debut single “Bubble Gum” in 2015.

Encouraging people to go out and find much needed excitement in their life when that is lacking, her new single highlights the benefits that a boost like that could have on a person. Taken from her upcoming album “Charm”, expected on July 12th, she blends 70s-inspired jazz, psychedelic-folk and soul as an expert sonic mixologist. Instantly vibrant with a retro drum, crisp piano and warm bass, it’s her sultry whisper, that gives this sunlit, vintage-dipped tune a sensual quality.

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In The Spotlight

Overlook – “My Woman”

Hailing from Fort Wayne and now Nashville-based, this quartet of rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts formed in 2016. Consisting of lifelong friends Sam Bellavance, Carson Bull, Colin Christenson and Jim Haines, they all grew up listening to the classic rock their dads used to play. They released an EP in 2018 and the album “End Of Summer” in 2019, before going to college put a break on. Inspired by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and B.B. King, they came back with their album “Someway Somehow” in 2020.

Born out of a desire to write a classic love song and combine it with their love for old-school rock and soul music, their new single is a deliciously blended brew of various influences. Planting their feet in the swinging 60s, the invigorating tune takes you from smooth classic soul to lively rock ‘n’ roll. With a rousing percussion, vintage organ and a surprising electric rock guitar solo creating the flavourful melody, it’s the powerful, soul-infused vocals that will pull on your heartstrings.

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In The Spotlight

Kai Mayu – “Cigarettes”

Born in Peru with a name from the ancient Quechua language meaning “I am like the river”, this German-Peruvian singer, songwriter and guitarist travelled various countries like Columbia and Egypt, all leaving their own cultural stamp on him. He first picked up his love for playing guitar in Egypt. Now based in Berlin, he played festivals like Meeresrausch and collaborated with artists like Cellxy. Inspired by John Mayer, Chet Faker and Bad Bunny, he debuted with “Calling You” in 2018.

Singing about the feeling of freedom after the end of an unhealthy relationship, his new single highlights the contradiction of sadness, while seeing a new beginning as well. Creating an unique musical experience, he forged a lively melody, starting with intricate electric guitar play. Joined by a playful percussion and a warm bass line completing the tune, it’s his refreshing vocals telling the story that tie all elements together in a smokin’ hot sonic present with a bow on top.

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