In The Spotlight

Cassidy Mackenzie – “Leave Me Alone”

Hailing from Vancouver, this Canadian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist began taking violin lessons at the age of 4 and soon added guitar, bass, drums and piano. She studied songwriting at Belmont University in Nashville, lent her voice to various EDM tracks and posted covers on TikTok. Inspired by Avril Lavigne, Paramore and Halsey, she debuted her own unique pop blend on “Wish” in 2019.

Singing about being haunted by the memories of an ex-lover, her new single is a clever fusion of eclectic musical influences. Opening with groovy guitar chords, her crisp and powerful pop vocal chops soon start coasting the soundwaves. Joined by a taut hiphop rhythm and a slight country-esque vibe, all elements merge together into an infectious and anthemic tune, filled with sonic attitude.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Andrew Bailie – “Mr. Sunshine”

Hailing from Cleveland, this gifted singer, songwriter and musician initially started playing hockey aged 5. Ten years later he got introduced to the guitar. Since then his voice can be heard on songs by Aloe Blacc and Lauryn Hill and he shared the stage with legends such as George Clinton and Lalah Hathaway. Now based in Omaha, he debuted his raw honest and fierce sound on his album “Wasteland” in 2019.

Although the song can be found on his debut album, it’s now released as his first single on his new record label Color Red. Singing about his cousin, Lowell Ensel, who died from testicular cancer aged 20, he pours pure emotion into every note and lets his guitar tell the story as much as his coarse vocal grit. This cinematic blues-rock tribute captures both the grief as well as celebrate his sunlit life.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

I Am Boleyn – “Young Love”

Having grown up in St. Petersburg, Russia and gone to study history at Oxford University in the UK, this rising star certainly is a citizen of the world. Always surrounding herself with music, she’s been writing songs from an early age. She’s performed all over the world, including L.A.’s Peppermint Club. Inspired by Lana Del Rey, Stevie Nicks and Robyn, she debuted with her single “Too Much” in 2019.

Drawing us into her pastel-colored sonic world, her new single is an 80s-reminiscent synthpop sparkler. Lyrically capturing the euphoric feeling of falling in love for the first time, it’s the scintillating synths, rousing rhythms and crisp fingersnaps that create a rich neon soundscape. And with her silky vocals shining brightly, this resplendent jam encapsulates the vintage sounds you can’t help but love.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Ebony Loren – “Phone Static”

Originally from Wisconsin and now Chicago-based, this budding singer and songwriter was born with musical notes running through her veins. Singing since the age of 5 and writing songs since the age of 10, she taught herself to play guitar and piano. Inspired by artists like Daniel Caesar, Lizzy McAlpine and Bruno Major, she debuted her pop, R&B and jazz blend on “No Amount Of Tears” in 2017.

Lyrically relating her own experiences with living a life and career online, while longing for more organic, real-life moments, her new single cradles her honest words in soft jazzy tones. With a fresh guitar and a mellow rhythm accompanying her velveteen, R&B-laced voice, they meld together into an ear-stroking smooth groove. Filled with silky nostalgia, this relatable gem warms anybody’s heart.

Twitter | Instagram | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Whiskey Myers – “Antioch”

Hailing from Palestine in Texas, this sextet of Southern rockers got their start when friends Cody Cannon and John Jeffers began learning the guitar together. Since then they’ve expanded their line-up with four more musicians, played festivals worldwide and had songs featured in TV shows such as Yellowstone. Inspired by Lynyrd Skynyrd and Waylon Jennings, they debuted with “Road To Life” in 2008.

Having enriched their bare-knuckle country-rock sound with gospel-styled backing singers and invigorating funky horns, their new single is a booze-drenched explosion of sonic TNT. Taken from their upcoming album “Tornillo”, expected on July 29th, it’s the wild guitars, potent drums and raw vocal grit telling a tragic story that give this genre-bending jam a high-voltage burst of phonic energy.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Ogi – “Envy”

Born and raised in Wisconsin, this Nigerian-American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist grew up playing viola and singing in a jazz choir. She went on to experiment with piano and guitar and performed in an acapella group at University. Now Los Angeles-based and inspired by Mary Mary, Marvin Gaye and Nina Simone, she debuted her own soulful sound on “I Got It” last month.

Described by her as a persona love letter to haters in her life, her sophomore single makes a lyrical statement and wraps it in warm, opulent nostalgia. With smooth vibes blending classic soul with a touch of mellow jazz, it’s the gentle piano, soft percussion and soothing harmonies that create an ear-stroking melody. And with her feathery vocals, this luscious tune will have you lusting for more.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes