In The Spotlight

Jenny Kern – “I Should Lose You”

Born in Canada and now Brooklyn-based, this singer and songwriter started playing piano aged 7 and added guitar and saxophone as a teen. She grew up listening to the likes of Fleetwood Mac and Earth, Wind & Fire. Although never considering music as a career, she was uploading covers on social media in 2018. Inspired by 90s female singer/songwriters, she debuted with “Slow Burn” in 2019.

Incorporating influences from The 1975, Chelsea Cutler and Maggie Rogers, her new single chronicles falling out of love and the realisation that you have to let them go. Initially creating a dreamy electronic soundscape, it’s the addition of the throbbing rhythm, vibrant guitars and her soaring vocal might, that makes this poptastic tune burst with bright sonic colors and spirited infectious melodies.

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In The Spotlight

The Nervous Eaters – “Wild Eyes”

Formed in the mid-70s by frontman Steve Cataldo, this Boston-based rock and roll band got their start as house band of the legendary nightclub “The Rat”. Signed to the club’s own label, they released their debut single “Loretta” in 1976. Over the years they’ve played all over the world and opened for the likes of The Pretenders, The Police and Iggy Pop. The current version of the band formed in 2018.

Using the bright palette of vintage power pop with textured hues of melodic rock, their new single paints a portrait of a beautiful, yet complex woman, who views life through her ritzy imagination. Taken from their upcoming album “Monsters & Angels”, expected in November, it’s the stirring beat and rich tapestry of electric guitars that will make you open your eyes and ears to this retro rocker.

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In The Spotlight

bby ivy – “Losing Sleep”

Born near Oslo into a musical family, this Norwegian singer and songwriter moved to Spain and London, before settling in Los Angeles. She started singing and writing songs aged 8 and sand in the National Opera’s Children’s Choir. With a diverse palete of inspirations, ranging from Michael Jackson and Queen to The Beatles, she debuted her rich, genre-spanning blend on “Sweet Like Honey” in 2020.

Narrating the relatable story of experiencing insomnia from missing someone you’d broken up with, her new single takes the heartfelt lyrics and wraps them in a warm electro-pop melody. With a soft rhythm and airy synths, it’s the melancholy in her emotional, velveteen vocals that takes this track to stellar heights. Infused with a piercing honesty, this vivid tune is heartache set to music.

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In The Spotlight

Drax Project – “Fashion Sense”

Officially formed in Wellington in 2014, this New Zealand R&B/pop quartet got their musical start when jazz students Shaan Singh and Matt Beachen were performing covers as buskers. Later joined by Sam Thomson and Ben O’Leary, they switched to original material. They’ve since opened for Camila Cabello in 2018 and Christina Aquilera in 2019. They released their debut “Came To Me” in 2016.

Instantly stroking your ears with a lighthearted, sunlit bounce, their new single sounds like a cherished roadtrip tune, as it borrows from the 80s and 90s and infuses it with summery vibes. Taken from their EP “Diamond”, it’s the bobbing rhythm and the refreshing acoustic piano laying down the sunbeams for the sleek R&B vocals to coast over and make this jam a sonic fashion statement.

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In The Spotlight

Goldie Scott – “Mista Mystery”

Born as Stephanie Weisz, this New York-based singer and songwriter attended Syracuse University in 2018, studying TV, radio and film. However, as she was writing songs more than paying attention, she changed career paths. In 2019 she auditioned for American Idol and made it to Hollywood Week. Inspired by Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and Amy Winehouse, she debuted with “Desert Queen” in 2020.

Telling the story about meeting a stranger and realizing that they’re the one from your dreams, her new single wraps the romanticism in delicious nostalgic 70s-dipped vibes. With a driving disco beat, funky wah-wah guitars and vintage synths, this tune blends the past with a modern production. And with her captivating R&B vocals, this bouncy retro groove sounds irresistibly infectious.

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In The Spotlight

Joan & The Giants – “Home Song”

Formed in 2019 by partners and longtime collaborators Grace Newton-Wordsworth and Aaron Birch, this Australian quartet created an organic and genuine folk-pop sound. Based in Perth and joined by members Riley Sutton and Liam Olsen, they’ve supported Odette on her 2019 tour and played stages such as the Nannup Music Festival in 2021. They released their debut single “Hold Me” in 2019.

Written as a love letter to Aaron during a period of loss, their new single captures the honesty of their emotions into the lyrics. Enveloping the words is sonic elegance and warmth from a smooth acoustic guitar, before injecting some oomph with a bouncy rhythm and ornate synths. And with her sweet, folky voice, this wave of deep-rooted love has a warm familiarity that sounds like coming home.

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