In The Spotlight

AnnaLina – “Took It Further (Feelin’ Fine)”

Based in Sydney, this natural songbird grew up listening to classic soul and Motown artists like Etta James, Otis Redding and Al Green and performing in the living room with her older sister. Later becoming mesmerized by the luscious R&B of Erykah Badu and Mary J Blige, she started working as a backing vocalist and vocal arranger. She debuted her own soulful sound on “It’s Seasonal” in 2020.

Recalling her youth, when her self-confidence blossomed, her new single takes a smooth and breezy look at losing yourself in relationships. With a gentle, ear-stroking organic melody from the single acoustic guitar and her enchanting voice to the lively addition of the percussion and harmonic vocals in the perky chorus, this is a velvety groove that will not only make you feel good, but feel fine.

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In The Spotlight

Triptides – “So Many Days”

With a sound compared to a sonic hybrid of The Byrds and Pink Floyd, this Californian trio creates a sun-drenched blend of psychedelia and retro pop. Consisting of Glenn Brigman, Brendan Peleo-Lazar and Stephen Burns, they’ve played various festivals such as Desert Daze and Barcelona Psych Fest and toured the West-Coast as well as Europe. They released their debut single “Going Under” in 2011.

Despite the arrival of the cold winter weather outside, the title-track of their new EP brings the warmth of the Californian sun inside. With a distinct 70s-styled folk-pop vibe from the acoustic guitar, mellow drums and the country-esque steel-guitar producing a vintage-dipped, laid-back melodic haze, it’s the dreamy vocals that forges their airy, resplendent and nostalgic summertime reverie.

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In The Spotlight

Alice Gray – “Comatose”

Raised in San Diego and now based in Los Angeles, this Californian singer and songwriter always loved music, but she grew up painting, drawing and playing sports. It wasn’t until she took a songwriting class that she got the confidence to post her songs online. Influenced by the artistry of Lana Del Rey and Frank Ocean, she debuted her rich indie-pop sound on her single “Pink Cadillac” in 2017.

Creating a mesmerizing sonic dreamscape in which to tell her story, her new single encapsulates both a genuine vulnerability and a heartfelt passion. With an electronic shimmer from the synths, a voluptuous rhythm and an infectious hook, she’s forged an irresistible tune. And with her lavish, multi-harmonic vocals sparkling on the notes, this groove transports the listener into her musical world.

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In The Spotlight

VILDE – “Plot Twist”

Born and raised on a small island south of Oslo, this Norwegian singer and songwriter grew up immersed in music. She learned to play guitar at a young age and sang in various gospel choirs. After studying music at the Paul McCartney school in the UK, she returned to Norway and supported Röyksopp and Julie Bergan on tour. She debuted with her single “Get You” in 2018 and runs her own label.

Often compared to the danceable pop stylings of Zara Larsson, her new single takes a generous helping of Scandinavian pop and adds a lavish amount of her unique sass. Lyrically meant for those who are tired of Tinder and want a meaningful relationship, it’s the relentless beat, slick keys and her fresh vocals that give it zest. Filled with foot-tappin’ vibes, this spirited jam is sheer sonic energy.

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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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