In The Spotlight

Lady Wray – “Joy & Pain”

Born as Nicole Wray under the warm Californian sun, this soulful singer and songwriter started singing in her church choir after a move to Virginia. As a teen she auditioned for Missy Elliott, who signed her on her label The Goldmind Inc. She featured on the song “Gettaway” of Elliott’s album “Supa Dupa Fly” in 1997 and collaborated with her on her own debut single “Make It Hot” in 1998.

Following an evolution that turned a singer from the late 90s called Nicole into a modern R&B lady, her new single shows the ever on-going maturation of her music. Taken from her upcoming album “Piece Of Me”, expected on January 28th, it’s the suave smoothness of the piano, the silken soul of the guitars and her alluring vocals mixing 90s R&B with vintage soul, that fills this jam with pure joy.

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In The Spotlight

NECTAR – “Rat’s Race”

Formed in early 2020 when Judah Pilcher, Jack Arnett, Jac Donnelly and Matt Smith started jamming together prior to the first Covid outbreak, this perky Australian quartet creates a sunlit fusion of jazz, indie-rock and soulful pop. They soon became a highlight of the Perth music scene, sharing the stage with King Ibis, Muscle Club and Ken Paolo. They released their debut single “Caramel Blue” in 2020.

Conjuring the radiant summer sun to warm these cold winter months, their new single is the perfect soundtrack for a smooth roadtrip in a convertible. With the wind in your hair, and their cool sonic vibes flowing from the car speakers, you’ll feel your troubles just drift away. With a laid-back rhythm, swaying guitars and a fresh saxophone solo, this revitalizing jam feels like a gentle musical hug.

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In The Spotlight

Mikalyn – “Ready To Love You”

Born as Mikalyn Hay in the town of Guelph, this Canadian singer and songwriter has been writing songs since she was 7 years young and also plays piano and guitar. Initially picked up by a Brazilian record label who turned her original songs into EDM, she started doing collaborations. Inspired by Tears For Fears, Billie Eilish and Marina, she debuted her own infectious pop sound on “Gone” in 2018.

While chronicling the overwhelming emotions being in a relationship you’re not quite ready for, her new single is a catchy, vintage-dipped groove. With a beat borrowed from the 80s, a retro-sizzle from the vibrant synths and a warm glow from the lustrous guitars, this tune gets a colorful sparkle. And with her fresh, reverberant vocals melting into the melody, this luscious jam is ready to love.

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In The Spotlight

Brooke Josephson – “Showin’ Up”

Hailing from the small town of Warsaw, Indiana, this sparkly singer and songwriter grew up singing religious songs in church, until she heard Madonna’s “Material Girl”. She earned a masters in songwriting at Berklee College Of Music. Also an actress, she worked on “All My Children” and “Bones”. Inspired by Alanis Morissette, Annie Lennox and Nile Rodgers, she debuted with “No For An Answer” in 2013.

Pumping some pulsating pop power through a rock filter, her new single is meant as both a show opener as a showstopper. Taken from her upcoming EP “Showin’ Up”, expected on February 25th and inspired by her real-life experiences, this sprightly track highlights the popstar part of her life. With a retro, 80s-touched melody and her fresh vocals, this jam is brimming with infectious vitality.

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In The Spotlight

Joshy Soul – “New Lover”

Born in sunshiny Long Beach, this flamboyant singer, songwriter, stylist and fashion model is an artist in every way. Raised on gospel music, he soaked up piano chords and harmonies and studied music at Riverside Community College. With his former band The Cool, he opened for Phoebe Bridgers, Cat Power and Haley Reinhart. He debuted his invigorating funky solo sound on “Celebration” in 2021.

Channeling the funkalicious vibes of Prince’s New Power Generation, his new single is bursting with eruptive confidence. Deeply dipped in the purple haze of 80s funk, it’s the relentless beat, sparkling guitars and lavish synths that fuse together into a voracious groove. And with his soulful, funk-infused vocals singing about new beginnings and moving on, this fiery jam is filled with a zesty bounce.

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In The Spotlight

Carli Brill – “Hey Little Girl”

Born and raised in Southern California, this bubbly singer and songwriter grew up playing guitar, piano and flute. Drawing inspiration from 50s and 60s acts like The Mamas & The Papas and The Beach Boys, she created a tasty retro-pop sound. In 2018 she won a nationwide contest, judged by Jessie J, to record at Capitol Records and released her self-titled debut EP under the moniker Sonara in 2019.

Get ready for a sonic journey through the warm tones of the swinging sixties, because her first single under her own name sounds like a long lost gem of the era. Kicking off with fresh and playful organ chords, it’s soon joined by the sway of a smooth drum and gentle guitar. Highlighting the need to embrace life’s ups and downs, it’s her refined, honey-sweet vocals that fill this groove with retro charm.

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