In The Spotlight

Mackenzie Leighton – “Florist By Day”

Originally from the United States, this indie-folk singer and songwriter spent her childhood playing classical piano and, after a move to New York, played in several folk, jazz and indie-pop bands. Now based in Paris, she works as a florist in everyday life. Inspired by the music of Simon & Garfunkel and Vampire Weekend and compared to Joni Mitchell, she debuted with her self-titled EP in 2017.

Opening up in her honest lyrics about wishing that music could be all she needs in life, rather than selling flowers during the day, her new single is deeply personal and radiates hope. Taken from her new album “Fleuriste”, she’s shaped a delicious, laid-back sound by blending folk, pop and jazz into something unique. With a sweaty electric guitar and sunlit beat, this is a bubbly, retro-touched gem.

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In The Spotlight

Alice Pisano – “Open Up”

Born and raised in Ferrera, this Italian singer-songwriter got the music bug when her dad brought home a piano when she was 7. After piano and singing lessons and starting the band Down The Rabbit Hole in high school, she moved to London and attended the renowned Academy of Contemporary Music. Inspired by Lana Del Rey, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, she debuted with “Celebrate Life” in 2018.

Bring on the sonic sunshine and radiant synths, because her new bubbly single is bursting with bright summertime luminescence. With every note carrying a joyous cocktail of refreshing tones, it’s her uplifting vocals that put the paper umbrella on top. Filled with anthemic pop vibes and an indulgent euphoric chorus, this lustrous jam will open up its melodic arms and give you a warm aural embrace.

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In The Spotlight

Daniel Nolet – “Go Back”

Having spent most of his childhood playing professional football, it was a knee injury that put this Dutch singer and songwriter onto a path of music. Also forming a duo with his producer Mischa Dirksen under the name ATLS, he pours more nostalgia into his solo sound. Influenced by the likes of John Mayer, James Bay and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, he’s working on his debut EP, expected this fall.

Instantly gripping with punchy percussion and a crisp guitar, his debut single promises earstroking tones and doesn’t disappoint. With a warm mellow vibe throughout, this is a mesmerizing auditory experience. Narrating the nostalgic feeling you get at the initial moments of young love, this smooth, effervescent tune combines comforting melancholy with cheerful optimism and a joyful sparkle.

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In The Spotlight

Amazin’ Five – “Only With You”

Based in Moscow, this Russian collective of musicians was formed in 2017 by members of different soul, jazz and reggae bands and a funk 45 DJ. Inspired by the band Breakestra, devised by L.A. DJ Miles Tackett adding a live aspect to his DJ set, they flavored their own sound with more soul. They debuted with “Gde By My Bi Byli” in 2020 and were championed by Craig Charles on BBC Radio 6.

Showing off their combined love of 60s and 70s soul and funk music, their first single on their new label Tramp Records radiates a summery, feel-good vibe. With playful drums, cheery guitars and sunshiny brass laying down a beach-ready tune, it’s the mellow strings that gently stroke your ears. And with Olesia singing her self-written, heartfelt lyrics, this is a soulful groove made just for you.

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In The Spotlight

Maddie Glass – “Space Boyfriend”

Born and raised in New York City, this singer, songwriter and actress grew up acting all around Manhattan and featured in Off-Broadway productions as a child. She’s currently studying acting at NYU Tisch and working on her first EP. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Avril Lavigne, Julia Michaels and Paramore, she debuted her bubbly pop-punk sound on her single “Livin’ In 2021” earlier this year.

Taking the listener way beyond Earth’s atmosphere, her sophomore single is an infectious and nostalgic pop-punk tune, reminiscent of the early 2000s teenage stars, while keeping a foothold in the present. Launching her sassy sound with buoyant electric guitars and a peppy beat, she completes her interstellar jam with her fresh and cheery vocals and a vibrant danceability that is out of this world.

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In The Spotlight

Tom King – “Honest”

Growing up in Guildford, this rising British singer and songwriter started performing ABBA or Lady Gaga songs for family, before landing a place at the famed Guildford Cathedral Choir aged 7. At 13 he won the BBC Radio 2’s Chorister Of The Year Award, just before leaving the choir. He debuted his distinctive soaring vocals, emotive lyrics and lush, soulful melodies on “Why Are You Here?” in 2019.

Imposing, powerful and soul-drenched, his new single is an impassioned sonic experience. Incorporating his own heartbreak from being lied to by someone he was in love with, it’s vivacious in the honest lyrics as well as through the bombastic percussion and grandiose horns. Feeling its classic auditory force reverberating deep in your belly and your soul, this anthemic groove sounds extraordinary.

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