In The Spotlight

Sophia Alexa – “Hit And Run”

Born in California, raised in Amsterdam and now based in London, this singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by different music ranging from bossa nova and jazz to 70s classics. She wrote her first song aged 12 and got enchanted by sonic storytelling. Last year she supported Greta Isaac on her tour and, inspired by Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, she released her debut single “House Of Cards”.

Writing about the realization that she feels the need to escape when she gets too close to a person, her new single carries the honest lyrics on a bed of musical optimism. With an upbeat rhythm driving the tune, enriched with breezy guitar strums and melodic keys, it’s her organically sweet vocals putting the finishing touches on this polished gem that fills it with sparkle and vivacity.

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In The Spotlight

Ryan Meeking – “Better!”

Australian born and now London-based, this indie-pop singer and songwriter got known as one of ‘Australia’s best-kept musical secrets’. However, he’s been working in the music scene for a while with Gossling and his band Whitaker, who had had their songs featured on TV shows like Suits and Teen Wolf. Inspired by artists such as Beck, he debuted his solo sound on his single “Endless Run” in 2021.

Created while in lockdown, separated from family and friends, his uplifting new single focuses on not wasting time by narrating the story of two people who’ve always been friends, but flirted with being more. Wrapped in funky pop tones from the bouncy rhythm, luminous keys and full-flavored electric guitar, it’s his sunlit, sugar-sweet vocals that add a touch of soul to this scrumptious tune.

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In The Spotlight

Nicole McMahan – “Magnets”

Raised in Colorado surrounded by a toxic puritan culture, this powerhouse singer and songwriter began singing in musical theatre in high school. She evolved into modern music while at university, where she met her husband, composer/producer Gavin McMahan. Often compared to stars like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, she debuted her retro-styled pop/R&B sound on “Aphrodisiac” in 2021.

Written to bring some summery sunshine to the gloomy winter months, her new single delivers an infectious feel-good sparkle. Merging a virulent funkalicious vibe with a touch of Nu-Disco, this tune is groovy from the get-go. With a catchy rhythm, sunlit synths and bursting with radiant horns creating a melodic fiesta, it’s her refreshing vocal power that makes this jam sound utterly irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

Haiden – “Can’t Hurt Me”

Based in the Los Angeles sun, this up-and-coming singer and songwriter started his career in music as a session guitarist. After a hand condition making playing painful, he turned his attention to writing songs in 2020. Initially honing his craft, he started to release his songs on social media. Inspired by the likes of Cautious Clay, FINNEAS and John Mayer, he debuted with “Want To Want You” in 2021.

Initially posted as an unfinished track, his new single went viral on TikTok, reacing over 4 million views and adding over 35.000 followers in mere days. Now released in full, it is produced with a wistful, upbeat vibe, despite singing about his ex’s red flags. With a cheery, acoustic guitar, catchy beat and his Shawn Mendes-touched vocals, it’s the added anthemic burst that makes this tune extra exciting.

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In The Spotlight

Shanuka – “Hurricane”

Haling from Scarborough and now based in Toronto, this Canadian singer and songwriter started her career in her teens by creating beats on GarageBand and posting them to SoundCloud. Inspired by Anderson .Paak, she’s created an unique, intimate R&B soundscape. She’s performed in various venues in Toronto, reached 100,000 streams on Spotify and released her debut EP “Infatuation” in 2018.

Offering a moment of pure relaxation in these troubled times, her new single blends smooth R&B with velvety jazz. First entering her musical world with a gentle rhythm and the chirping of birds, she soon adds the dulcet strums of acoustic guitars. And with her sugar-coated, soulful vocals putting a spell on your ears, this hypnotic groove, filled with allure and style, is out-of-this-world.

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In The Spotlight

Maria Sanchez – “Hey Love”

Hailing from Riverside under the Californian sun, this budding singer/songwriter embraces a mix of her favorite genres: oldies, funk and soul. Also known as Groovy MS, she began her musical journey releasing covers from artists like Musiq Soulchild, Kali Uchis and Brenton Wood. She also entered the “Now It’s Your Turn” competition of Big Crown Records. She debuted with “Dynamite” in 2021.

Wrapping a heartbreaking story of ending a relationship because of endless demands and needing to meet certain expectations in a silken shroud of smooth soul, her new single strokes your ears with delicious vintage tones. With a full-bodied melody of gentle percussion, sleek keys and polished horns setting the scene, it’s her soul-infused vocals that make this a luxuriant smooth groove.

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