In The Spotlight

Danielle Ponder – “The Only Way Out”

Hailing from Rochester, this soul singer/songwriter grew up in a religious family. Her dad was a pastor and didn’t allow secular music. It wasn’t until her teens that she discovered the music of Alanis Morissette and Lauryn Hill. Initially pursuing a law career as a public defender, she’s now a full-time performer. She debuted her fusion of pop, R&B, blues and hiphop on “Holding Me Down” in 2019.

Narrating a lover’s story about a one-sided relationship, her stirring new single describes the inevitability of the giver of unconditional love ending up hurt. Taken from her upcoming debut album “Some Of Us Are Brave”, expected in September, it’s the imposing retro rhythms and her powerful, soul-infused and passionate vocals, that make this impressive groove sound fiery, majestic and intense.

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In The Spotlight

Jeff Eager – “Joy”

Grown up in Calgary, but now Toronto-based, this singer, songwriter and guitarist has been on the music scene for over 15 years. He honed his craft by performing every chance he got, from cover gigs to weddings. As a guitarist he’s been part of Elise LeGrow’s band for years. Inspired by artists such as Billy Joel and The Beatles, as well as Stevie Wonder and Prince, he debuted with “Bonavista” in 2014.

First exploring the joy in our hearts, only to realize it’s the feeling of it slipping away or even finding it just out of reach, that adds a lyrical melancholy to his new single. But it’s not all gloom, as he wraps his words in a silky-smooth soulscape. Starting with mellifluous keys and laid-back percussion, then adding some upbeat power with velvety strings in the chorus, this jam is loaded with joyful vibes.

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In The Spotlight

Estella Dawn – “Orange”

Born in New Zealand as Estella Winnie-McGee, this prolific singer and songwriter started classical piano lessons aged 9 and added the guitar at 13. She was a contestant on New Zealand’s Got Talent in 2013, making it to the semi-finals. Now based in the USA and with eclectic influences ranging from Halsey and Billie Eilish to Sam Cooke and Etta James, she released her debut EP “Dancing Girls” in 2017.

Dipping the lyrical narration of love at first sight in a cocktail of classic soul, pop and a drop of country, her new single crafts an unique cocktail of delicious sonic flavors. Beginning the track with 60s-styled organ and smooth percussion, she joins in with her sublime, out-of-this-world vocals. And with some country twang in the chorus adding yet another layer, this is a dynamic & flawless jam.

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In The Spotlight

Andrew Cassara – “Better Off”

Sprouted from the wish of being one of the Backstreet Boys when he was 4, this Canadian singer and songwriter made music a part of his life from an early age. Since then he’s performed all over the world and shared the stage with artists such as Shawn Mendes and Chromeo. Drawing inspiration from The Bee Gees, Jamiroquai and Maroon 5, he debuted his funky disco-pop blend on “Victim” in 2017.

Captivating from the very first bass pluck, his new single is a funkalicious fusion of retro sounds and contemporary elements. Sprinkled with Timberlake-like nu-disco as well as neon vintage funk, the track is driven by a vibrant 90s boyband vibe. With an infectious beat, lustrous synths and his refreshing falsetto vocals, this groove is a buoyant sonic amalgamation we’re definitely better off knowing.

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In The Spotlight

Rachel White – “No Label”

Raised in Kinross and now based in London, this Scottish singer/songwriter attended Razzamataz Theatre School at 13 and went on to study at MGA Academy Of Performing Arts. Since then she’s played Wednesday Addams on stage in The Addams Family and sailed as entertainer on a cruise ship. Inspired by Hailee Steinfeld, Shawn Mendes and Holly Humberstone, she debuted with her 2020 single “Royalty”.

Lyrically guiding us through the treacherous landscape of the ‘situationship’ – seeing someone for a while, having feelings for them, but not being in a relationship – her new single tackles the confusion with an uplifting melody. With an infectious beat, singing guitars and heavenly backing singers, it’s her honeyed, yet powerful vocals that make this alluring tune sound lively and yet silky-smooth.

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In The Spotlight

Hanne Leland – “Good Days”

Hailing from the small town of Byremo in Norway, this sassy singer and songwriter began playing piano aged 9, wrote her first song at 10 and added guitar at 14. In 2013 she went to America and recorded an album in Nashville. Back in Norway she started experimenting with various different genres. Inspired by Tove Lo, Alanis Morissette and Carly Rae Jepsen, she debuted with “Beautiful You” in 2013.

Starting with a punchy beat, playful handclaps and a touch of attitude, her bubbly new single soon reveals it to be a clever fusion of 60s pop and modern indie-pop elements. With the relentless beat guiding us through the song, it shows cheery retro piano and an acoustic guitar along the way. And with her fierce, yet refreshing vocals, this tune is delightfully vintage as well as totally current.

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