In The Spotlight

Madeline Hawthorne – “Strange Familiar”

Born in New England to a vocalist mother and a concert conductor father, this acclaimed singer and songwriter was raised surrounded by music. She grew up singing in a choir and began writing original songs aged 16. In 2014 she started the successful folk band The Hawthorne Roots. Inspired by Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt, she debuted her solo mix of roots, country and soul on “Boots” last August.

Fusing the most melodic elements of Americana, country and rock, her new single let’s the music tell the story, as well as the lyrics. Taken from her debut solo album “Boots”, it’s the crisp acoustic guitar, a brisk rhythm and stirring electric guitars, that merge in a fiery musical meld. And with her heartfelt vocals, with just enough added grit, this rousing jam feels both familiar and fresh.

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In The Spotlight

Andrew Smith – “Magic Mess”

Born south of Boston, this wistful singer and songwriter grew up performing in theatre and writing short films. He studied at Berklee College of Music and discovered a love for writing and producing original songs. Inspired by songwriters such as Randy Newman, James Taylor and John Mayer, he merges nostalgic piano pop with rich modern tints. He debuted with his EP “Gotta Get To You” in 2013.

Instantly putting a jolly bounce in his melodic step, his new single is not only a celebration of retro pop, but also a thank you to all the people who encouraged him in his life, even when things were not great. Merging colorful synths with dazzling electric guitars and a highly danceable rhythm, it’s his vibrant vocals injecting a dose of positivity that fills this dynamic tune with a joyous musical magic.

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In The Spotlight

Lexi Mariah – “Demons”

Hailing from West-Haven, Connecticut, this vivacious singer and songwriter has been passionate about music from childhood. She learned to play piano aged 7 and since added ukulele, guitar and bass to her skills. At 15 she started pursuing songwriting seriously, incorporating her struggles and losses in her lyricism. Inspired by Taylor Swift and Cher Lloyd, she debuted with “Strange” in 2019.

Wrapping some pure energy in infectious funky vibes and dipping it in vibrant 80s neon, her new single is a pulsating piece of potent pop. Loosely influenced by Dua Lipa’s “Future Nostalgia” album, she enriches modern tones with retro touches of glittering disco and sizzling synth-pop. With a prevalent bass, bustling funk guitar and her spirited vocals, this jam is bursting with sonic personality.

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In The Spotlight

Emma Cook – “Tired”

Hailing from Toronto, this Canadian folk-pop singer and songwriter is a storyteller at heart. She incorporates the sounds of her youth – including Tracy Chapman and Madonna – with personal lyricism. She played 100 shows worldwide, performed at NXNE and CMW and released three albums, before a serious head injury caused a three year hiatus. She returned with “Counting Sheep” in 2016.

Blending her folky background with infatuating indie-pop, her new single is bewitching soundscape of pure emotion. Taken from her upcoming fifth album “Fight Left In Me”, expected to drop on November 4th, she tells the story of a woman who is unappreciated by her partner. With a luring beat, mellow piano and her honey-dipped, silken vocals, this tantalizing tune is one you won’t grow tired of.

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In The Spotlight

Neil Hollyn – “No Lonely Days”

Born as Neil van der Hulst in Leiden, this emerging Dutch singer and songwriter spent his high school years writing songs instead of doing his homework. Finding his dad’s records of artists like Prince and Scritti Politti sparked a love for the neon decade. He attended the conservatory in Haarlem studying pop vocals. Also inspired by Lany and The 1975, he debuted with “Icarus & The Sun” in May 2020.

Coloring the soundscape with luminous pastels, his new single reflects his love for catchy 80s pop. Taken from his upcoming debut EP “Too Late To The Party”, expected to drop on November 24th, it’s the crisp guitar strums, the infectious beat and his fresh, yet vintage-dipped, vocals, singing about lifting a relationship to the next level, that makes this sparkling tune memorable and very danceable.

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In The Spotlight

Crissi Cochrane – “Why”

Hailing from Nova Scotia, this soulful Canadian singer and songwriter began releasing her first recordings in high school as Save September. She studied music business at the Nova Scotia Community College and was a member of the band Gamma Gamma Rays. She’s played many festivals and opened for the likes of Walk Off The Earth. Under her own name she debuted with her 2011 EP “Pretty Alright”.

Finding a place for elements of her love for classic soul and jazz, her new single is a magical, spellbinding smooth groove. Blending a buoyant rhythm, a plush bass and mellow guitars to create an alluring ambiance, it’s her sultry, velveteen vocals telling the story of star-crossed lovers that add a tantalizing charm. Endearing, colorful and authentic, this beguiling tune is pure sonic elegance.

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