In The Spotlight

MJ Wood – “You Are”

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, these electro-pop brothers Matt and Josh Woodland share a love of organic, live instruments and electronic music. Josh is based in Provo, Utah, having studied nursing and Matt in San Francisco working in tech. Quarantine forged the idea of creating music together and they are producing their songs remotely. They debuted with “Metro” in 2020.

Written as a love song to Josh’s wife, their new single pays tribute to their retro-dipped, electro-pop sound, while wrapping it in contemporary hues. With shimmering synths and hypnotic beats shaping a mesmeric glow, it’s the infectious hooks and buoyant chorus that makes this jam utterly spellbinding. And with heartfelt lyrics and plush vocals, this lavish, multi-layered groove is pure gold.

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In The Spotlight

Michelle Rasky – “Dancing On My Own”

Toronto born and bred, this Canadian singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist is on a lifelong journey into sound. Having drawn inspiration from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder, she’s forged a rich, genre-bending sound by incorporating various textured retro elements with her jazzy vocals. She released her debut album “What I Meant To Say” in 2002.

Created completely by herself at her home, her new single is filled with all the ingredients to trip the light fantastic and get moving. By giving a smooth, 70s-styled disco vibe a funky bassline and sparkling synths, she sonically marries the past with the present. Bringing on a glitterball and a brightly-lit dancefloor by joining all parts in a scintillating climax, this tune is a bubbly ear-pleaser.

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In The Spotlight

VHS Collection – “Space Between Us”

Hailing from New York City, these three childhood friends met while in school. Consisting of James Bohannon, Nils Vanderlip and Conor Cook, they started performing at parties and in rock clubs, including the Mercury Lounge. Blending modern and retro sounds, they debuted with their self-titled EP in 2015, played festivals like Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza, as well as opening for Bloc Party.

Drawing influence from U2’s “With Of Without You” and fusing electronics with pop and new-wave, their new single shines with an 80s neon luster, infused with rich, modern vibes. Taken from their upcoming album “Night Drive”, expected on February 25th, 2022, they dipped this groove in synth-driven nostalgia. Singing about finding a true connection, this tune is atmospheric pop at its best.

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In The Spotlight

Wren Wilder – “Want Me Too”

Based in Burbank, California, this über-talented artist is not just a singer and songwriter, but also a gifted multi-instrumentalist, playing Wurlitzer organ, piano, guitar, drums, synths and bass. She grew up in a music nurturing household and listened to Fiona Apple, Tom Waits and Rufus Wainwright, although her main inspiration is Regina Spektor. She debuted with the single “Harmony” in 2018.

Wrapping the liberating feeling of self-acceptance in a shroud of melodious magic, her new single fuses the cream of the pop with splashes of genre-spanning sounds. First enchanting with a piano and her alluring voice, then rousing with 80s-styled drums, followed by a bridge of playful keys and operatic vocals. Empowering and full of passion, this unique sonic blend is truly what you want.

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In The Spotlight

Airyen Vay – “Breathe”

Hailing from a small town called Botosani, this Romanian singer and songwriter found her passion for music aged 9, when she started taking vocal lessons and learned to play guitar, flute and guitar. She began honing her skills by entering and winning numerous song competitions. Now based in Los Angeles, she forms a liberating blend of R&B, soul and pop and debuted with the single “Say” in 2019.

Taking a moment to take a step back and just breathe, her new single finds this musical sweet spot where beauty and grace meets invigorating and anthemic vibes. First she forges a soft soundscape with a resonating rhythm and her emotive voice, before the chorus erupts with a heartfelt passion. With a cinematic fervor, this jam urges the younger generation to bring about positive change.

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In The Spotlight

Mike Bauer – “Let’s Have A Dance”

This award-winning sonic superhero is a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles by day, but a groovy singer and songwriter by night. He grew up in a musical household, with a tap dancing grandfather, a big band singer father and a cellist sister and spent time performing in smoke-filled clubs with jazz combos. In 2012 he debuted with the first in a three-part EP series, called “Financial Aid, Vol.1”.

Driving down the funkalicious freeway with an explosive amount of soulful horsepower, his new single is bursting with his highly infectious retro style. From the buzzing electric wah wah guitar plucks to the toe-tapping rhythm and 70s disco strings, this juiced vehicle of funk is a primo ear-pleaser. And with his imposing vocal range traveling over the lush melody, this is a jam you’ve got to dance to.

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