In The Spotlight

Hana Jane – “About These Boys”

Based just outside Glasgow, this emerging Scottish singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music educator’s life has always been filled with music. She started busking as a teenager, while dreaming about performing her own music. Influenced by legendary artists like BeyoncĂ©, Adele and Amy Winehouse, she’s adopted a retro-touched, 60s-inspired sound and is ready to share it with the world.

Singing about the type of boys she used to date in her early 20s, the type who you should leave behind but can’t seem to quit, her debut single wraps her tales of lovers past in a delicious vintage melody. Infused with the sonic glamour of 60s Motown girl groups, it’s the rolling rhythm, blazing horns and heavenly harmonies that give this buoyant, nostalgic odyssey an ear-stroking golden tone.

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In The Spotlight

Shawnee Kish – “No Evil”

Born in Welland, this Mohawk singer from Canada first graced the stage aged 12 as a Shania Twain impersonator. Growing up she had several hurdles to overcome, but found music as her medicine. She won the CBC Searchlight competition in 2020 and was nominated for a Juno award in 2022. Inspired by Melissa Etheridge, Nina Simone and Etta James, she released her debut “Got It Bad” in 2021.

Making a statement against the current societal climate and behavior, her new single blends contemporary lyrics with a sonic flashback to the 1960s. Starting with a vintage soul rhythm and mellow keys, she injects pure energy into the chorus. With a potent tambourine and lush backing harmonies, it’s the sheer intensity of her retro vocals, that give this groove some imposing oomph.

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In The Spotlight

Jalen Ngonda – “That’s All I Wanted From You”

Born in Maryland, USA and based in London, this soulster started getting into music aged 11, after discovering his dad’s collection of jazz, hiphop and soul records. Since moving to the UK, he’s played gigs across Europe and supported Martha Reeves and Lauren Hill. Inspired by classic soul voices like Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye, he debuted with “Holler (When You Call My Name)” in 2016.

Sonically traveling back to the late 60s, early 70s, his new single delivers exactly what we wanted from him – classic soul appeal. Taken from his upcoming album “Come Around And Love Me”, expected on September 8th, he packed the mid-tempo melody with heavenly violins. lively drums and rich keys. But it’s his incredible, soul-dripping vocal power that make this sound extraordinary.

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In The Spotlight

Millie Kirkpatrick – “Lies”

Born in Suffolk, this British singer and songwriter got bitten by the music bug aged 5 after hearing her idol KT Tunstall on TV. She started performing at a local music club aged 11, which led to her writing her first song at 16. Since she’s been gigging and played festivals like Leestock and Jimmy’s Farm Festival. Also inspired by Amy Macdonald and Dido, she released her self-titled debut EP in 2020.

Returning after a three year hiatus from releasing music, her new single tells the tale of someone being in a relationship because it’s expected, rather than for love. Although the lyrics conjure more melancholy thoughts, she dipped her words in a buoyant tune. With a driving rhythm, melodic guitars and sparkling synths, it’s her genuine voice that turns this into something quite special.

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In The Spotlight

Dragondeer – “New Dawn Get Down”

Hailing from Denver, this genre-spanning four-piece band is centered around lead vocalist, guitarist and harmonica player Eric Halborg and guitarist and vocalist Cole Rudy. They’ve made their name playing festivals such as Electric Forest and Firefly and shared the stage with Marcus King and The Revivalists. Inspired by Led Zeppelin and Taj Mahal, they debuted with their EP “Don’t Feel That Good” in 2014.

Written during the pandemic when uncertainty, racism and judging people with differen opinions turned into a powder keg of conflict, their new single is a call to stand up as one. Taken from their upcoming album “Across The Waves”, expected on September 15th, the song starts with carefree whistles, but expands with a cheery rock beat and disco-esque solo and makes this a catchy groove.

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In The Spotlight

Cate – “U Want Me”

Originally from Canada, but now based in London, this singer and songwriter grew up playing country music. She started writing her own songs aged 12 and was touring in a band when she left high school. Since going solo, she’s amassed over 10 million streams and opened for Maisie Peters. Inspired by artists like Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, she released her debut “Sad Song” in 2019.

Celebrating the empowerment of women who realise their worth after a bad breakup, her new single is a disco-inspired, anthemic banger. Infused with the vibrancy of 80s neon sounds, it’s the dazzling violins, infectious beat and fresh guitars that lay down the lively, retro-touched tune. And with her vividly colorful vocals, this insatiable groove is ready to take any glittering dancefloor by storm.

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