In The Spotlight

Apryll Aileen – “Wicked Ways”

Hailing from Atlantic Canada, this singer, songwriter and musician started studying classical piano at the age of 5, but it wasn’t until high school that began singing. Having created an unique mix of pop, rock, folk and R&B, she’s toured around the world, including playing the Canada Summer Games 2022. Inspired by Madonna, Stevie Nicks and Adele, she released her debut “Savannah Soul” in 2016.

With an almost spiritual examination of human nature and the inherent urge to get angry and lash out at others, her new single reminds us that, despite that darkness, we still carry a lot of light within. Taken from her upcoming album “Bad Things”, it’s the free spirited guitar, mellow rhythm and her impassioned vocals with just a touch of grit, that makes this 80s-touched pop gem a true delight.

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In The Spotlight

Pale Jay – “In Your Corner”

Despite hiding his face behind his trademark knitted mask, this Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter bares his soul in his vulnerable songs. Having a flair for music since birth, he went to university to study jazz. Over time he created an unique blend of dusty soul, slow disco and afrobeat. Influenced by Donny Hathaway, Carole King and Labi Siffre, he released his debut single “Dos Uvas” in 2021.

Following the perpetual struggle to accept who you are as a person, his new single is a lyrical conversation with ones self. Taken from his upcoming album “Bewilderment”, expected on August 18th, this tune is an alluring blend of an afrobeat and silky classic soul. With a joyous swagger from the rhythm and sunlit guitars, it’s his soulful falsetto that turns this smooth groove into a warm, winsome gem.

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In The Spotlight

Simone Cardoso – “Fantasy”

New Bedford born and Los Angeles based, this singer and songwriter has been singing all of her life. She began dance lessons aged 3 and voice lessons aged 5. Growing up she starred in stage musicals like Annie and The Wizard Of Oz. She attended Salve Regina University studying music education. Inspired by Kacey Musgraves, Lennon Stella and Lucky Daye, she released her debut EP “S-95” in 2019.

Capturing the excitement brought on by a frolicsome fling or indeed a relationship where love and lust go hand-in-hand, her new single accompanies her words with a late 90s/early 00s R&B vibe. Based on an engaging beat and frisky guitar plucks, it’s the buttery-smooth harmonies and her mesmerizing vocal artistry, that constructs a rich, heavenly musical fantasy to fully immerse and get lost in.

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In The Spotlight

Noak Hellsing – “When The Shadows Go Home”

Based in Stockholm, this emerging Swedish singer and songwriter grew up in a musical home and first picked up a guitar aged 5. In his early teens he added songwriting and the piano to his skill set. With an ideal of creating songs that reflect his own voice, he produced a soulful, indie-pop sound. Inspired by John Mayer, Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes, he released his debut single “Lost” in 2019.

Despite lyrically tackling the complex issue of loneliness and the darkness it induces, his new single accompanies his words with an upbeat pop melody. Taken from his upcoming EP “Yesteryear”, expected in the fall, it’s the funky bass plucks, rolling rhythm and the effervescent guitars that generate an infectious groove. And with his bubbly vocals, this tune encourages you to find happiness.

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In The Spotlight

KEHLI – “All Outta Love”

Born in Dublin as Kelly Irwin, this Irish singer/songwriter studied music and dance at a stage school from the age of 5. As a teen she auditioned for TV talent shows, such as The Voice UK as a solo act and The X-Factor UK as part of the girl group F.A.E. in 2017. Inspired by powerful female voices such as Beyoncé, Whitney Houston and Celine Dion, she released her debut single “Let Me Down” in 2018.

Singing about having dealt with the emotional aftermath of past relationships, her new single is an invigorating slice of contemporary pop. Taken from her upcoming EP “Pity Party”, expected on July 21st, it’s the guitar-driven tune, rhythmic beats and wavy melodic ups and downs that make this an intricate composition. And with her soulful vocals, this is a catchy, self-empowering earworm.

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In The Spotlight

Paige Warner – “Stockholm Syndrome”

Based in Owen Sound, this gifted Canadian singer and songwriter’s life was infused with music from birth. Thanks to her musician dad, who exposed her to jazz and blues, she learned to play piano, guitar and ukulele. She went on to play festivals such as NXNE and opened for MONOWHALES. Inspired by Eva Cassidy, Alicia Keys and Bruno Mars, she debuted with her EP “Revealed” in 2018.

Named after the psychological phenomenon where hostages develop feelings for their captors, her new single explores the similar state where the toxicity of a relationship feels like love. Despite the heavy lyricism, the song is a delightful amalgam of jazz, rock, pop and a touch of blues. With a breezy percussion, airy guitars and her striking, sensuous vocals, this rich tune offers a lot to love.

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