In The Spotlight

Ben McKelvey – “One For You”

Born in Brentwood, this British singer, songwriter and musician started playing music at 14 as the drummer of a pop-punk band. Since then he learned to play guitar and evolved to a folk-rock sound. He’s performed worldwide opening for Wet Wet Wet and Scouting For Girls. Inspired by legends Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen and Paul Weller, he debuted with “A Hundred Thousand Welcomes” in 2013.

Time to sit back, close your eyes and just let the music roll over you, because his new single has a soothing, laid-back vibe that your eardrums are just going to love. With a repetitive rhythm as the backbone, it’s the added playful acoustic guitar, the touch of country from a steel guitar and the panache of the chorus that give his fresh vocals the chance to shine and make this jam clearly one for you.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Cecilia Castleman – “Lonely Nights”

Based in Nashville, this rising singer and songwriter was born into a family of musicians and raised on a steady diet of diverse music, ranging from Fleetwood Mac to Bonnie Raitt and J.J. Cale. After her parents’ divorce when she was 11, she dealt with her emotions using a guitar and a pen. Though self-taught on guitar, bass and keys, she went to The Blackbird Academy for a studio engineering course.

Describing the feeling of isolation caused by loneliness, her debut single introduces her intricate and emotive songwriting skills. With a sound that is reminiscent of the folk-pop songwriters of the 70s, she’s created an honest melody with a mix of acoustic and electric guitars and a mellow rhythm. And with her honey-sweet vocals singing her poetic lyrics, this luscious tune has a timeless quality.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Ina Forsman – “Love Me”

Grown up in Helsinki and now based in Berlin, this Finnish singer and songwriter wanted to be a performer since the age of 6. More recently she added being a musician and learned to play the guitar and piano. She’s performed all over the world, including sharing the stage with Toto and Christina Aguilera at Pori Jazz festival. She debuted her blues, soul and jazz blend on her self-titled album in 2016.

Lyrically narrating the moment when you first tell someone that you love them, her new single wraps her relatable words in a deliciously sweet 60s soul sound. Taken from her upcoming album “All There Is”, expected on June 24th, it’s the upbeat percussion, crisp keys and classic blazing horns that tickle your eardrums, before the heartfelt passion of her vocals make this tune irresistible.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Hojean – “Pose For Me”

Born in New York as Justin Hojean Yi and raised in Georgia, this rising Korean-American singer, songwriter, producer and visual artist first took to the stage in high school to impress a crush. He’s since taught himself to play guitar and creates his music in the comfort of his bedroom. Influenced by Frank Ocean, The Internet and New Edition, he debuted with “It’s All Static From Here” in 2017.

Striking a sonic pose with a classic R&B beat and an 80s-doused funk-pop vibe, his new single is an retro journey of melodic delights. With a rich driving rhythm, infectious synths and fresh guitar laying down an invigorating tune, it’s the suave smoothness of his vocals and the modern production that make this sophisticated groove a vintage-infused, honey-dipped and pastel-colored sweet treat.

Twitter | Instagram | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Elyse Jewel – “TBH IDK”

Based in Dallas, this versatile singer, songwriter and actress started taking singing lessons aged 8 and writing songs at 13. She’s performed in theatre and TV, at venues such as The House Of Blues and she shared the stage with Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth. Inspired by Taylor Swift and Julia Michaels, she debuted with “Thinking Of You”, winning the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2019.

Inspired by a real-life experience of a toxic relationship, her new single attempts to find humor in dealing with an unsuccessful love story. Instantly gripping with a multi-vocal shout and then straight into the banging pop-rock tune, she combines emotion and passion with a healthy dose of sonic attitude. Taken from her upcoming EP “Dear Diary”, expected late Summer, this is a bold & punchy jam.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Nick Black – “Filler”

Born in the musical capital of Memphis, this soulful singer and songwriter grew up trying to find the tricky balance between his family’s ties to the church and the bustling musicality of his hometown. He honed his craft at open mic nights, in church and various club gigs. Influenced by legends like Al Green and Sting, as well as artists such as Bruno Mars, he debuted with “The Soul Diaries” in 2012.

Exploring the two sides of the grass being greener on the other side, his new single balances the lyrical narration of feeling you’re meant for greater things to the point of losing sight of what you already have and two different, yet complementary musical styles. From the downtempo pop tune and soulful vocals to the rap from hiphop artist Daz Rinko, this is a catchy groove filled with sunlit vibes.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes