In The Spotlight

Nia Chennai – “Wasting Time”

Hailing from South-London, this British singer/songwriter grew up surrounded by music. An early obsession as a child with Leona Lewis on the X-Factor in 2006 made her want to follow in her footsteps and started with the game SingStar. She’s been honing her craft since and opened for Ojerime. Inspired by Amy Winehouse, Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, she released her debut “Players Part” in 2022.

Marrying a hip-hop start, an R&B tune and intricate, relatable lyrics, her new single is a delightful amalgam of various sonic elements. Taken from her upcoming EP “Diary Is A Waste Of Paper”, expected later this year, it’s the driving bass that draws you in, followed by a smooth R&B rhythm. And with her impressive vocals singing about toxic relationships, this jam is an exceptional track.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Jem Cassar-Daley – “Slow Down”

Born into a musical family, this Australian singer and songwriter grew up backstage at her dad’s gigs. Her dad being country singer Troy Cassar-Daley, she was raised on country music, but as a teen pop music took over. She’s won a Queensland Music Award and a National Indigenous Music Award. Inspired by Gwen Stefani, Joni Mitchell and Missy Higgins, she released her debut “Letting Go” in 2021.

Navigating the treacherous waters of the real emotional aftermath of a breakup, her new single reminds us to take a step back and breathe, despite those chaotic waves. Starting with sunlit guitars and soon joined by a lively beat, the catchy melody has a laid-back, carefree feel. And with her easy-going and bewitching vocals telling her tale, this tune blends emotive lyrics with an energetic groove.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Stella Talpo – “BONES”

Born in Italy, raised in Singapore and now London-based, this multi-cultural vocalist and songwriter knew she wanted to be a singer as young as 3. At the age of 13 she wrote her first song with a guitar. Since then she’s played renowned festivals like Spotlight and Glastonbury. Inspired by Billie Holiday, Sam Cooke and Billie Eilish, she debuted her eclectic R&B/Soul blend on her EP “Space” in 2016.

Singing about women’s empowerment by channeling the folklore tale of Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ ‘La Loba’ (The Wolf)’ in which a woman’s bones are sung back to life, her new single blends mythology with an R&B vibe. Taken from her upcoming album “MEDUSA”, expected on October 13th, it’s the soulful rhythm, striking synths and her enchanting vocals that make this an extraordinary tune.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Wild Nothing – “Headlights On”

Born in Blacksburg, Virginia as Jack Tatum, this singer and songwriter grew up in a musical family. Enamored by his dad’s guitar, he started learning to play himself. Dabbling in bands during his college years, he decided to continue solo. With a sound influenced by 80s music and inspired by artists such as Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel and Roxy Music, he released his debut single “Summer Holiday” in 2009.

Showing true vulnerability in the lyrics by admitting to a time where he wasn’t the best husband, his new single follows his journey back to his best self. Taken from his upcoming album “Hold”, expected on October 27th, it’s the multi-layered 80s dream-pop feel from the punchy beat, retro synths and surprisingly rocky chorus, as well as his soothing vocals, that makes this a stunning track.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Kayla Williams – “Come Close”

Based in Calgary, this award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter has been offering a modern take on the retro-touched genre yacht pop. Since bursting onto the scene, she’s been commissioned to write a song for the 2019 Canada Winter Games and won the Red Deer Emerging Artist award in 2021. Inspired by The Doobie Brothers, Toto and Steely Dan, she debuted with “One More Dose” in 2017.

Singing about the rush of emotions that flood your senses when someone you’re into comes close, her new single is brimming with feel-good retro vibes. Taken from her upcoming debut EP “Retrodelia”, she pays a sonic tribute to the glittery 70s. With a funky bass and blazing brass, she blends funk, soul and pop into a delectable gem. And with her rich, vibrant vocals, this is an infectious groove.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Lydia Ford – “Faking It”

Originally from Mayo, this Irish singer and songwriter grew up saturated in music, ranging from Rachmaninoff to Bruce Springsteen. She started playing the guitar at the age of 9 and soon began writing her own songs. Since she’s lived in New York City and Berlin and collaborated with German producers Steam Phunk. Inspired by Avril Lavigne and KT Tunstall, she debuted with “Bittersweet” in 2018.

Creating an album encapsulating the homesickness that follows when moving abroad for work of study, this track highlights the pressure of having to fake happiness. Taken from her album “Faking It”, released today, she starts off with a driving beat and her intoxicating voice. Ascending to a vivacious second part, with fiery drums and zesty guitars, this title-track is an exhilarating sonic journey.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes