In The Spotlight

Sansha – “Dream Dancer”

Born as Francesca Lewis in London to a drama teacher dad and a music teacher mum, this British singer, songwriter and musician was classically trained on the violin and trumpet as a child. She now creates electronic music in her bedroom, inspired by 70s bands, disco and current DJ’s such as DJ Koze and Caribou. She debuted her skillful aural fusion and lyrical flair on her 2017 single “Gonna Be”.

Looking forward to meeting up with her friends after lockdown, as well as the arrival of her brother’s baby, her new single captures her anticipation in an electronic disco soundscape. Keeping the instrumentation simple with layered synths and a catchy rhythm, it’s her Lily Allen-touched vocals that add a dash of magic to this soothing, retro-infused tune and forges a bright, dreamy ambience.

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In The Spotlight

Aleem – “Bad Habits”

Born with a natural musicality, this Chicago-native singer and songwriter first showed his artistry playing drums on pots and pans aged 5. Before the age of 12, he was writing his own songs. Next to the drums, he also plays guitar. Since he’s supported artists like Fifth Harmony and Little Mix on tour. Inspired by The Script and Mat Kearney, he debuted his R&B tinged pop sound on “Find Out” in 2016.

Chronicling a story of being addicted to an unhealthy relationship, his new single uses a boisterous indie-rock melody to accompany the honest, relatable lyrics. With a relentlessly infectious beat and rich, euphonic guitar riffs latching on to your eardrums, it’s his charismatic vocals that worm their way into your heart. Filled with a sonic passion and verve, this jam is one habit you want to keep.

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In The Spotlight

Dylan – “Nineteen”

Born in the small village of Bures as Natasha Woods, this British singer and songwriter grew up in the hues of her dad’s rock collection, such as Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses. Finding that piano lessons were not for her, she chose the guitar after hearing her brother play. Named after the name she would’ve been called had she been born a boy, she debuted with “Bad Bitches Beat Heartbreak” in 2019.

Dipped in colorful nostalgia and memories of the carefree days of youth, her new single is a sonic escape to the laid-back summer days of being 19. Easing her way into the track, she begins with her enchanting voice and a minimal, yet magical backing, before the song comes to life in the bubbly chorus. With sparkling synths, a catchy rhythm and some neon pep, this gem is as charming as it is perky.

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In The Spotlight

Beryl Anne – “Thirty-Three Times”

Based in Rotterdam and focused around front woman Anne den Boer, this Dutch band likes to offer a brief musical escape from reality. Anne has been drawn to music since she got enamored with the violin aged 3, later adding piano and guitar. She’s influenced by Madonna and The Pointer Sisters, as well as The Fleet Foxes. They debuted their 80s-touched pop sound with “All We Know” in 2019.

Representing the sum of the numbers in Anne’s birth date, their new single takes a synth-driven trip to the 80s. Taken from their upcoming EP “Paper Walls”, expected to drop next year, the track starts with a simple synth run, before intricate layering of pastel-colored keys and punchy drums weaves a retro sonic tapestry. And with her bubbly vocals, you’ll listen to this more than 33 times.

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In The Spotlight

Merchant – “Don’t Feel Like Dancing”

After finishing music school Nate Merchant moved from Oregon to Los Angeles to truly work on honing his craft. He started working with Grammy-winning songwriter Sam Martin and co-produced his debut album. Continuing to write and produce for others, he started the band Papa Ya and opened for acts like MAX and ROZES. He debuted his solo sound on “Dead Days & Gatorade” earlier this year.

Celebrating the shimmering synthpop-rock of the neon decade, his new single captures an 80s playful bounce. Born out of the collaboration with bassist John Taylor of Duran Duran fame, the melody bursts onto your eardrums with a vigorous tempo and an audible vintage vivacity. Blending the soaring retro fire with an infectious fresh production, this is a tune you just can’t help but dance to.

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In The Spotlight

Sarah Mae Chilton – “Caving In”

Born in Winston-Salem, this bubbly singer and songwriter started her own rock band in high school. She went on to get a degree in music from UNC Chapel Hill. Classically trained in piano, vocal performance and guitar, she moved to Nashville to hone her craft and performed at Tootsies Orchid Lounge. Likened to voices like Amy Winehouse and Regina Spektor, she released her debut “Broke” in 2020.

Enriching velveteen pop with touches of country and sumptuous jazz, her new single is a smooth groove filled with sophisticated flair. Taken from her album “Southern Glitter Pop”, she narrates the story of finding romance when you think you’ll never find love, with her elegant vocals. And with mild keys, mellow rhythm and luxuriant trumpet, this delicate jam breathes tones of pure comfort.

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