In The Spotlight

Jarrod Lawson – “Do Whatchu Gotta”

Born in the Bay Area of California and raised in Oregon, this singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by old soul music thanks to his dad who was in a band. Although he attempted singing in a choir in school, his quickly drifted back to his soul roots. Since then he’s performed at famed festivals like North Sea Jazz and London Jazz, as well as venues like Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway and Aretha Franklin, he released his self-titled debut album in 2014.

Telling the heartbreaking tale of the selfless act of letting someone go you really want to hold on to, his new single captures acceptance and self-discovery. Taken from his upcoming album “Just Let It”, expected on May 1st, this enchanting neo-soul ballad is a velvety R&B-touched slow jam. With a laidback rhythm, warm bass line and easygoing piano forging the beguiling melodic flavors, it’s the melancholy in his wide-ranging vocals that give this captivating tune an extraordinary charm.

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In The Spotlight

Precious Pepala – “Too Good To Die”

Hailing from Sheffield, this British singer and songwriter grew up in church due to her father being a pastor and started singing gospel in its choir aged 10. She wrote her first song aged 16 and dropped out of school to pursue music full-time. She’s since played various festivals like The Great Escape and Liverpool Sound City, as well as support artists like Victor Ray and Nova Twins on tour. Inspired by Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish, she released her debut single “My Eyes Only” in 2022.

Lyrically following a reckless night when two ex-lovers reunite and start reminiscing and partying, her new single sees their car crash relationship shift from metaphor to reality. Taken from her upcoming EP “Rosey”, expected in April, the song has a melodic foundation of alt-pop and modern R&B. Initially driven by an imposing bass and punchy beat, the song ascends to a distorted rock bridge. And with her mighty vocals, this captivating groove is a passionate and atmospheric gem.

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In The Spotlight

Bear Garden – “Heartaches”

Born in Gällivare as Martin Wirén, this Swedish singer, songwriter and composer was introduced to his signature instrument the saxophone at a young age. He later moved to Stockholm to attend The Royal College Of Music. His eclectic sound, mixing hiphop, pop and jazz using drums, sax and choir, has been noticed worldwide. He’s performed at the London Jazz Festival and the Umeå Jazzfestival. Drawing inspiration from Motown to Bob Dylan, he released his debut “Helium” in 2019.

Produced while he was hospitalized for a heart issue, his new single served as a tool to feel human amidst the loneliness and the beeping of the monitors. Slightly moody and slow-burning, this multi-layered song blends genres by giving indie-pop a jazzy edge. The sonic atmosphere is forged by driving drums with an electronic intensity. And keeping the mellifluous vocals understated to let the expressive saxophone take centre stage, this luscious, euphonic tune is a harmonic treasure.

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In The Spotlight

Aimée Fatale – “The Way It Goes”

Hailing from Hull, this British singer and songwriter grew up listening to 50s music, Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel. However it was in high school that she first got interested in pursuing music as a career. She’s been writing songs for over a decade and has been performing gigs all over the country. She’s also played various festivals like Favourite Days and Live At Leeds. Inspired by Leonard Cohen, The Velvet Underground and Lana Del Rey, she debuted with “Let’s Just Get Married” in 2025.

Capturing the initial crushing disappointment in a lover, the inability to forget that person and the subsequent acceptance of the new reality, her new single is a nostalgic breakup song. Taken from her recently released EP “A Modern Girl”, this song is a 60s-inspired, emotion-filled ballad. The delightful vintage sound of the rhythmic drums, mellotron and classic Casio keyboards create a dreamy, film-noir soundscape. And with a sultry melancholy in her vocals, this heavenly tune is magic.

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In The Spotlight

girli – “Romantic Sadness”

Born as Amelia Toomey in London, this British singer/songwriter wrote her first song aged 8. However, it was a Tegan & Sara concert aged 14 that sparked the desire to become a musician. She attended the East London Arts & Music college developing a love for beats and rap. Since then she’s performed at festivals like Latitude and supported artists like Declan McKenna. Inspired by Tove Lo, Fletcher and Scissor Sisters, she released her debut “So You Think You Can F**k With Me Do Ya” in 2015.

Written in an attempt to stop the tears over a still lingering love, her new single follows deep heartbreak from devastation to a new-found strength and self-love. Taken from her upcoming album “It’s Just My Opinion”, expected on May 8th, the song starts with a moody synth, but comes to life with a driving beat, understated strings and pure passion. And with her aching, yet commanding vocals expressing the emotional pain, this imposing tune is the final step in moving on to a new future.

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In The Spotlight

Gareth Donkin – “Never Gonna Break Your Heart”

Grown up in France before moving to London aged 14, this British artist is a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. Born with perfect pitch, he’s mostly self-taught and played jazz drums and piano before the age of 12. He also studied production at the Leeds College Of Music. Since then he’s played festivals like SXSW and famed venues like The Jazz Cafe in London. Inspired by Prince, Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire, he released his debut single “Catharsis” in 2019.

Showing an unwavering promise of devotion and emotional security in a relationship, his new single is filled with a deep sense of longing and hope. Taken from his upcoming album “Extraordinary”, expected on April 24th, this song is an ear-stroking, nostalgic slow jam. Effortlessly blending smooth 70s/80s soul and creamy R&B, it starts with a mellow synth, before being joined by a soft beat and sweet strings. And with his luscious vocal harmonies, this soulful groove is a true sonic treat.

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