In The Spotlight

Elle Baez – “Player’s Fool (Who Am I?)”

Born and raised in New York, this singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by a wide variety of music, partially due to her dad being a DJ in the 70s. She did a lot of theatre in her childhood and went on to study music in college. A constant bullying and body-shaming let to her creating her own unique style. Inspired by Ariana Grande and Christina Aquilera, she debuted with “Your Lips” in 219.

Showing off her vast storytelling talent, her new single explores the overwhelming feelings that come with falling in love for the first time. Giving it a delicious vintage vibe, she blends classic soul with a touch of smooth jazz and a dash of R&B. And with a mellow rhythm, mild keys and beguiling horns, it’s her powerful and enchanting vocals that put a sonic spell on your ears and capture your soul.

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In The Spotlight

Cole Williams – “A Better Woman”

Hailing from Brooklyn, this talented Jamaican-American soulstress spent her childhood playing classical piano and singing in her church choir. Later, she studied classical voice at the New Jersey City University. Since she lent her voice to Aloe Blacc and Joey Bada$$, as well as featuring songs in several TV shows, including NCIS: New Orleans. She debuted with her EP “The Basement Sessions” in 2007.

Sonically taking a retro trip back to the glory days of soul, her new single sounds like a true gem that got lost in the crevices of a Motown vault, back in the 60s. Filled with delicious vintage vibes, from the easygoing percussion to the whimsical horns, this is a heartwarming tune of love and hope. And with her velveteen vocals stroking the melody, this soulful groove is a pure delight for your ears.

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In The Spotlight

Alfie Neale – “Uptight”

Based in Brighton, this British singer, songwriter and producer grew up listening to the likes of Jack Johnson and Fatboy Slim, while his dad played The Beatles and David Bowie on his guitar. He was one of the first four participants in the Inside Track Development Programme of Ivors Academy. Inspired by The Doobie Brothers and George Benson, he released his debut “Liquor Dreams” in 2018.

Telling a tale of being in situations you shouldn’t be in, such as meeting someone and falling in love, despite knowing it’s not going to go anywhere, his new single wraps genuine lyrics in a summery sonic vibe. With a laid-back acoustic guitar and a sunlit rhythm radiating warmth and his airy, easygoing vocals surfing the soundwaves, this honeyed tune is an infectiously sleek smooth groove.

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In The Spotlight

XANA – “babyblue”

Based in Vancouver and born to music-loving parents, this Canadian singer, songwriter and musician first picked up the violin aged 5. She started singing lessons aged 10 and added guitar and piano to her skill set. Five years ago she created a make-shift studio in her bedroom and began making demos. Influenced by Avril Lavigne, Halsey and Taylor Swift, she released her debut “Goddess” in 2020.

Tugging at your heartstrings by capturing the realization of getting older and the passing of time, her new single combines poignant lyrics with a vibrant melody. Opening with an invigorating driving beat and her powerful, storytelling vocals, it’s the buoyant pop-rock chorus, the lively guitars and touches of synths that give this polished groove a layer of sonic passion and intimate nostalgia.

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In The Spotlight

Mike Ruby – “Girls That Aren’t My Girlfriend”

Born in Toronto, this Canadian singer, songwriter and musician first picked up a saxophone at the age of 12. He traveled to New York to study jazz at the Manhattan School of Music. Now based in Los Angeles, he toured with the band St. Lucia and opened for artists like Ellie Goulding and Charli XCX. Inspired by Charlie Parker, John Mayer and Lauv, he debuted his retro-synth sound on “Close” in 2019.

With personal lyrics recounting the end of an intense relationship, only to find it feels strange to talk to other women in a romantic way, his new single is an infectious blend of both modern and retro synth vibes. Taken from his upcoming EP “A Million You’s”, expected in the fall, it’s the invigorating beat, crisp fingersnaps and his fluid and emotive vocals that make this tune appealing to all ears.

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In The Spotlight

Katie Tupper – “Little Love”

Hailing from Saskatoon, this Canadian neo-soul singer and songwriter grew up in a musical home, thanks to her musician dad. Next to listening to bands like Simple Plan and Billy Talent, she had a year of vocal training aged 13 and joined a local children’s choir. Inspired by artists such as Erykah Badu, D’angelo and Anderson .Paak, she found her own sound and released her debut “Live Inside” in 2021.

Singing about the little moments in love that all build to a bigger romantic picture, her new single is a truly heartfelt snapshot of silky-smooth neo-soul gold. Taken from her upcoming EP “Where To Find Me”, expected on June 23rd, it’s the cheeky fingersnaps, mellow rhythm and sleek keys that forge a lush melody. And with her velveteen vocals oozing charm and grace, this alluring tune is very lovable.

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