In The Spotlight

Maina Doe – “Lucid Dreams”

Born and raised in Bandung, Indonesia, this emerging R&B singer and songwriter is now based in Sydney, Australia. Originally performing and collaborating under her given name Maina Nasra, she adopted her new moniker to introduce her creativity to the world. Immersed in the local jazz, soul and R&B scene, she blends all those elements together with the vivid imagery of her rich heritage. Inspired by André 3000, Solange and Nina Simone, she released her debut “Delusion” in 2019.

Lyrically talking to her own vanity, which drives a need to always be better, her new single tells it that she doesn’t need to be the best version of herself all the time. With a hypnotically mellow R&B vibe and enriched with soulful touches, this mesmerizing groove is a true sonic experience. Forging a magical soundscape with a funky beat, ethereal synths and warm bass, it’s her astonishing vocals blending with the elegant harmonies, that turns this tune into a true work of art.

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In The Spotlight

Strange Hotels – “Let The Music”

Based in Los Angeles, cousins Ben Braden and Nick Sadler have been playing music together since high school. Initially part of various west-coast bands, most notably The Lower 48 from Portland, they decided to form their own duo in 2018. Within weeks of that decision, they got to open for Billie Eilish and Finneas. Since then they’ve had their songs featured on several TV shows such as Shameless and King Of The Road. They released their unique sound on their debut EP “Mixtape” in 2018.

Doing exactly what it says on the sleeve, their new single definitively lets the music do all the talking. Forming a highly danceable groove from the first note, it’s a funky amalgamation of elements from various genres. With a distinct retro vibe from the 70s-infused rhythm and disco violins, they’re blending it with a touch of R&B, dance and soul. Taken from their upcoming album “Hideout In The District”, expected later this year, this insatiable tune makes you want to move your body.

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In The Spotlight

Hunter Blair Ambrose – “Next To Me”

Originally from Indianapolis and now based in Los Angeles, this singer and songwriter developed a love for music and performing at the age of 5. Throughout her childhood she’s had formal vocal lessons, piano training and studied theatre. At 17 she gained a mentor in Grammy-winning producer Narada Michael Walden, after which she went on to attend Berklee College Of Music. Inspired by artists like Charli XCX, Dua Lipa and Rihanna, she released her debut single “November” in 2019.

Lyrically confessing romantic feelings and affection to an unsuspecting love interest, her new single finds an unexpected balance between a dance vibe, retro pop and a power ballad. Truly glistening from the very first note, the song starts with a pulsating drum beat and an 80s-touched synth. Sparkling with sonic life from the infectious melody and an energetic nostalgia, it’s her heartfelt, imposing vocals capturing the longing for that special person, that makes this tune extraordinary.

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In The Spotlight

Fabiana Palladino – “I Can’t Dream Anymore”

Hailing from London and born to a backing vocalist mom and a session musician dad, who worked with The Who and D’angelo, this British singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by music. Although initially not interested in a music career, in university she made careful steps into creating music. She began her career as a session musician as well, working with SAMPHA and Jessie Ware. Further inspired by Kate Bush, Brandy and Janet Jackson, she released her debut “Mystery” in 2017.

Written during the first lockdown, after sparking the realization that after big shifts in life a future seem unimaginable and dreaming becomes impossible, her new single is filled with lyrical intensity. Taken from her upcoming, self-titled album, expected on April 5th, she chose a retro-dipped power-ballad melody to envelop her lyrics. With neon-splashed keys, imposing drums and her magical vocals, this stirring 80s-infused R&B groove gives a sonic sparkle to her profound words.

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In The Spotlight

Calvyn Cass – “Ménage à Trois”

Originally from South Africa and now based in Vancouver, Canada, this singer and songwriter got his first taste of performing as an elf in a school play aged 6. Although enchanted by music from a young age, other people’s opinion about the industry made him hesitant to pursue it. When covid hit, he rediscovered his inner voice as well as his music. Inspired by a wide-range of artists such as Celine Dion, Bryan Adams and Tina Turner, he released his debut single “Me, Myself And I” in 2021.

Filled with carnal lust and lyrical sensuality, his new single invites two people to join in with some erotic fun. Taken from his upcoming album “Every Kind Chapter One: Reigning Stars”, to be released on March 15th, this track bridges influences of pop and R&B from the 90s and the 00s. With a virulent neo-disco beat, sizzling synths and a touch of violins, this is a highly danceable and infectious tune. And with his sparkling, effervescent vocals, this sexy groove is invigorating and exuberant.

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In The Spotlight

Milena Galasso – “Distant”

Born in Italy to a Serbian mom and an Italian Dad, this rising singer and songwriter grew up being encouraged to learn music from a young age. She began taking singing lessons at 11. A few years later she moved to London to attend BIMM and since played venues like the 02 Academy Islington and Camden Assembly. She also became a semi-finalist of the Isle Of Wight New Blood competition in 2024. Inspired by Celine Dion, Lady Gaga and Avril Lavigne, she debuted with “Summerstorm” in 2022.

Reflecting the modern age of technology and how it affects personal relationships, her new single balances the relatable lyrics about the social media generation with an upbeat melody. Taken from her upcoming debut EP “I Hope You’re Having Fun”, expected in Spring, the track combines elements from electro-pop with a touch of R&B. With a scintillating synth, a propulsive beat and her bubbly vocals, this tale about the impersonal nature of today’s breakups is a fun-loving tune.

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