In The Spotlight

Carter Vogel – “Say My Name”

Originally from Baltimore and now based in Los Angeles, this singer and songwriter began piano lessons at the age of 7. He joined his school’s jazz band and at 13 he wrote his first original song. He studied Music Business and Songwriting at Berklee College of Music. Since he’s worked as a session musician playing piano, bass and guitar, toured the US and UK and opened for Scouting For Girls. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Alicia Keys, he debuted with “Pull Me Close” in 2019.

Exploring the electric spark felt between two lovers who are very aware of each others attraction, his new single wraps intimate lyrics in a playful, nostalgic melody. Effortlessly blending pop, soul, R&B and a touch of funk, this song is a sultry, yet exhilarating, slow jam. With the warmth of the bass line, sleek rhythm and mellow keys laying down the smouldering tune, it’s the velvety, Sade-like tone in his alluring vocals that make this silky smooth groove a soothing, old-school delight.

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In The Spotlight

Ava Valianti – “Sophomore Slump”

Hailing from Newbury, this talented singer and songwriter started writing original songs at the age of 9. Also a multi-instrumentalist, she’s proficient on guitar, piano and ukulele. Since the start of her career she’s been recognized by the International Acoustic Music Awards and the Unsigned Music Awards among others. She’s opened for artists like Andrew Duhon and The Strumbellas. Inspired by Elvis Costello, Olivia Rodrigo and Lana Del Rey, she debuted with “Bubble Wrap” in 2023.

Singing about the crushing emotions felt when you fail publicly, humiliate yourself and cry in from of people you’d rather hadn’t seen that, her new single captures the need to keep laughing and moving on no matter what. Driven by a punchy drum, the instrumentation around it has a gentle feel, before it gets to the bustling chorus. Filled with a pop-rock fierceness, it’s the sprightly keys, dynamic guitars and her charismatic vocals that make this cathartic groove sound empowering.

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In The Spotlight

Olie Beckett – “New Obsession”

Based in Palm Beach, this rising singer and songwriter was born with music in his veins. Initially fascinated by DJ’s like Marshmello, his raw talent shone through from a young age. He auditioned for a national choir, started vocal lessons and began singing in church. Combining composing on a piano with working on a computer, he created his own artistic identity while still in his teens. Inspired by artists like Harry Styles, Ariana Grande and SZA, he debuted with “Heartbeat” in 2023.

Singing about falling in love too fast, his new single sees a crush develop into something serious too soon, turning an infatuation into an obsession. A fusion of synth-pop and R&B, with a delicious layer of nostalgia, this song pulsates with exhilarating sonic vibes. With an hypnotic beat and sweltering synths giving the melody a slight Daft Punk feel, it’s his raw, story-telling vocals with a touch of vulnerability that make this mesmerizing tune a luscious and intoxicating groove.

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In The Spotlight

New Constellations – “Dandelion”

Based in Portland, Oregon, this synth-pop duo consists of Harlee Case and Josh Smith, who initially met in church as teenagers. Although they followed separate musical paths after high school – Harlee as solo folk singer and Josh in several bands – they reunited in 2015 following an ad on Instagram. Since then they’ve played venues such as The Urban Lounge and festivals like West Seattle Summer Fest. Inspired by 80s pop, Sylvan Esso and Chromatics, they debuted with “Hot Blooded” in 2021.

Singing about the emotional hurdles that come with doubt, their new single tackles the complex issue of dealing with the fear of being hurt while desperately wanting to trust your partner. Taken from their upcoming album “It Comes In Waves”, expected on May 15th, this electrifying song is a dreamy, 80s-infused synth-pop treat. With a buoyant beat and sparkling synths painting the neon-dipped sound-scape, it’s her melancholic vocals that give this tune an intimate touch.

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In The Spotlight

Elyse Aeryn – “Cry”

Hailing from Nova Scotia, this Canadian singer/songwriter was raised on rock and roll by music-loving parents. She joined the school band aged 9 and got her first guitar aged 16. However she chose a degree and a career in Chemical Engineering first. In 2020 she quit her job to pursue music full-time. Since then she’s played festivals like East Coast Music Week and Americanafest. Inspired by Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow and Maggie Rogers, she released her debut single “Under My Skin” in 2022.

Exploring themes of emotional vulnerability and a struggle with self-worth, her new single captures a complex internal conflict over feeling undeserving of love. Taken from her album “Everybody Loves You…”, the song is an intricate amalgam of roots-rock, blues and soul. Starting with doo-wop guitar plucks, she layers it with a soft piano and cheeky fingersnaps, before full-bodied drums and an electric guitar solo join. And with her mighty vocals, this boisterous tune is an emotive rocker.

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In The Spotlight

Jarrod Lawson – “Do Whatchu Gotta”

Born in the Bay Area of California and raised in Oregon, this singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by old soul music thanks to his dad who was in a band. Although he attempted singing in a choir in school, his quickly drifted back to his soul roots. Since then he’s performed at famed festivals like North Sea Jazz and London Jazz, as well as venues like Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway and Aretha Franklin, he released his self-titled debut album in 2014.

Telling the heartbreaking tale of the selfless act of letting someone go you really want to hold on to, his new single captures acceptance and self-discovery. Taken from his upcoming album “Just Let It”, expected on May 1st, this enchanting neo-soul ballad is a velvety R&B-touched slow jam. With a laidback rhythm, warm bass line and easygoing piano forging the beguiling melodic flavors, it’s the melancholy in his wide-ranging vocals that give this captivating tune an extraordinary charm.

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