In The Spotlight

Alex Porat – “Sensitive”

Hailing from Toronto, this rising Canadian singer and songwriter spent her childhood singing, dancing and performing. She made her first steps towards a career in 2010, when she started posting covers on YouTube. Her version of Shawn Mendes’ “In My Blood” went viral after he commented on it. Inspired by artists like Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston, she debuted with “Insecure” in 2019.

Tackling the relatable topic of emotional insecurities and the search for stability in life, her new single combines her honest words with a tongue-in-cheek pop melody. Kicking the tune off with a driving drumbeat, later joined by a playful guitar and her seductive, honey-sweet vocals, creates a catchy and hypnotic contemporary jam. Though lyrically dramatic, this gem has a fresh, lighthearted feel.

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In The Spotlight

Jelisa – “Perspective”

Born in Amsterdam as Jelisa Jamy van Schijndel, this gifted Dutch singer and songwriter first made her mark as an actrice and dancer. These days she combines her musical career with modelling work. Inspired from a young age by the jazz, soul and 70s funk from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and Prince, she added a modern twist and debuted her Neo-Soul sound on “Leave Me Be” in 2021.

Lyrically searching for purpose in an ever expanding and complex society, her new single wraps her earnest words in a sumptuous Neo-Soul and R&B brew. With mesmeric synths, seductive bass and a velvety rhythm creating a retro atmosphere, it’s her sultry, honey-sweet vocals that gently stroke your ears. Satiny smooth, deliciously soulful, with a touch of soft jazz, this lavish gem sounds timeless.

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In The Spotlight

Michael Rault – “Right On Time”

Edmonton-born and now Montreal-based, this Canadian singer and songwriter was exposed to music from birth as his dad, uncle and his mom were all full-time musicians. Also a gifted multi-instrumentalist, he draws inspiration from 60s and 70s rock. Hugely influenced by The Beatles sound, as well as Neil Young and Bo Diddley, he debuted his unique, retro-flavored sonic mix on “Still Not Sad” in 2014.

With a touch more psychedelia than his previous release, his new single remains doused in late 60s rock vibes. Taken from his upcoming, self-titled album, expected to drop on June 10th, he takes a Californian, Beach Boys-esque, surf tune and fuses it with a multi-colored musical acid trip. With a mellow percussion, laid-back bass plucks and layered vocals, this ethereal odyssey is totally groovy.

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In The Spotlight

Ollee Owens – “Edge Of Goodbye”

Raised on the prairies and now based in Calgary, this Canadian powerhouse singer and songwriter has been immersed in music since she was young. Blending wide-ranging genres, she’s influenced by blues, soul and classic rock to write captivating songs. Inspired by legends like Mavis Staples, Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan, she released her lush breakout single “Every Step Of The Way” in 2021.

Capturing the moment of angst when second guessing a choice of partner, before realizing the riches of what you already have, her new single takes recognizable lyrics and wraps them in vivid blues-pop hues. With a driving beat, playful keys and howling rock guitars laying down the tune, it’s the rawness of her dynamic vocals that fills this jam with passion and makes it sound utterly irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

Cosmic Crooner – “Girlfriend”

Based in Amsterdam, this is the vintage-dipped project of Dutch singer/songwriter Joep Meyer. He started making music at the age of 14, after receiving a bass guitar for his birthday. Wrapped in his love for the 70s, he’s created a blend of lounge pop and psychedelic rock he calls ‘doowop space pop’. Inspired by Lou Reed, Serge Gainsbourg and David Bowie, he debuted with “Deep Down In Jazz” in 2021.

Starting with a playful piano and a mellow rhythm, his new single is a laid-back journey to yesteryear. As the track progresses it paints a fuller sonic picture by adding retro guitar strums and crisp bells. Reminiscent of the songwriters from the late 60s/early 70s, it’s his suave, ranging to falsetto, vocals that make this refreshing tune sounds like he arrived in the present with a time machine.

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In The Spotlight

Chloe Styler – “Girlfriend”

Hailing from the Gold Coast, this Australian singer and songwriter was 7 when she started piano lessons, 8 when she added singing lessons and 13 when she taught herself guitar. She grew up surrounded by 70s, 80s and 90s music and found influence in Fleetwood Mac. Now also inspired by the country-pop sound of Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift, she debuted with “When Your Light Burns” in 2018.

Paying tribute to the struggles of modern dating, her new single is a genre-spanning blend of various sonic flavors. Starting with a smooth 80s synth and neon guitar plucks, the tempo soon picks up with a lively rhythm. Driven by fresh country guitars, it’s the celestial backing singers and her honeyed, yet sassy vocals that make this feel-good groove sound empowering, genuine and utterly uplifting.

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