In The Spotlight

Josh Barry – “Oh Dear”

Hailing from London, this British soulster took his first steps into the limelight in 2010, when he auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent at just 16 years old. Since then he’s lent his voice to dance hits by Gorgon City and Rudimental and collaborated with Nile Rodgers, as well as supporting Rag ‘n’ Bone Man on his tour. Inspired by James Brown and Jimi Hendrix, he debuted with his solo EP “Art & Soul” in 2021.

Singing about falling in love, despite not believing that it would ever happen, his new single is an imposing slice of passion-fueled, vintage soul. With grandiose percussion, stirring violins and gospel-like choral harmonies setting the scene, it’s his gritty, classic soul-infused vocals, filled with an intensity and fierceness, that truly elevates this impressive smooth groove to a whole new level of cool.

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In The Spotlight

Maya Law – “Losing It All”

Raised in the quiet countryside of Norfolk, this British neo-soul singer and songwriter grew up in a musical family. Following in the footsteps of her artist brother Leo Law, she started writing her own songs as a form of therapy and honing her sound. Inspired by Aretha Franklin, Jazmine Sullivan and Jorja Smith, she debuted her unique R&B/neo-soul blend on her mixtape “Her Or Him” in 2016.

Reminiscing about a period of low esteem, frustration and the feeling of wanting to give up the music industry, her new single shrouds her raw, emotive lyrics in a haunting hue. Intricately blending mellow R&B with a spectral jazzy melody, she creates an emotion-laden, slightly eerie soundscape. And with her mesmerizing vocal tone, this spellbinding tune is intoxicating and soulfully enchanting.

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In The Spotlight

Ash Minor – “Hard To Get High”

Born and raised in a musical family in Brisbane, this Australian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has been globetrotting from Amsterdam to Singapore, before settling in Los Angeles. There he became a contestant on TV talent show The Four: Battle For Stardom in 2018. Influenced by artists such as Bon Iver, John Mayer and Jimi Hendrix, he debuted with “Innocent Eyes” in 2020.

Brimming with buttery-smooth, vintage vibes, his new single takes your ears back to the days of pure emotion-laden soul. Starting with a mellow, jazzy acoustic guitar to ease you into the song, he soon joins in with his awe-inspiring soul-dipped vocals, which sound like they’re straight from a Motown vault. And with a soft rhythm and stunning electric guitar solo, this song is pure soul magic.

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In The Spotlight

Sophie Griffiths – “Power Cut”

Hailing from Brentwood in Essex, this British singer and songwriter got bit by the music bug playing along on the piano with her mum. Soon she starting singing the songs she grew up with. Urged by friends and family to try her hand at original material, she ventured into songwriting. Inspired by artists such as Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones and Duffy, she debuted with “Keep Your Love” in 2020.

Singing about feeling burned out and in desperate need of a break, her new single highlights relatable mental health issues. Creating an intricate soundscape in which bubble-gum pop gets a retro touch and an anthemic edge, it’s the fresh guitar, invigorating beat and imposing harmonies which take your ears by storm. And with her bright vocals, this electric jam will certainly provide a surge in your soul.

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In The Spotlight

Flight Attendant – “Therapy Couch”

Based in Nashville, this indie-rock quartet met when they were all working at a restaurant called 5th & Taylor. Comprising of Karalyne Winegarner, Vinny Maniscalco, Nikkie Christie and Derek Sprague, they’ve played sold-out shows in America and Europe, as well as festivals such as SXSW. Inspired by artists like Christine & The Queens and Cage The Elephant, they debuted with “Slow June” in 2018.

Lyrically showing that dealing with fights in a relationship are better dealt with on a therapy couch rather than the couch at home, their new single has dipped their rock sound in a bath of retro pop. With the familiar sounds from the shimmering synths and their signature viola, it’s the driving drums and the enchanting vocals that give a suaveness to the magical musical world they’ve created.

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In The Spotlight

Matt Zaddy – “What Comes Around”

Hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, this Canadian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist took his first steps onto the music scene as bandleader for death-metal band Starring Janet Leigh. Since then he’s reinvented himself and created a sound blending folk-rock with modern soul. Influenced by artists like John Mayer, Neil Young and Leon Bridges, he debuted with his single “A Way Out” in 2015.

Narrating the relatable struggle to keep striving to do what you love, with the person you love and with eternal hope on the horizon, his new single wonders about the big questions in life. Wrapping those philosophical words in an upbeat, soul-infused melody, it’s the perky guitars, chirpy rhythm, some crisp gospel organ and his dynamic vocals that make this an ear-pleasing, high-energy groove.

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