In The Spotlight

Diamond Cafe – “Date Me”

Born as Tristan Thompson and based in Victoria, this Canadian singer-songwriter seemed to take to music from 6 months old. He particularly appeared to have a fascination for rhythms. Fully self-taught, by the age of 12 he took to busking on his local streets. Since then he’s played notable venues such as Radio City Music Hall and the London Palladium, and supported artists like Teddy Swims on tour. Inspired by Dev Hynes, Prince and Michael Jackson, he debuted with his EP “Breathe” in 2017.

Lyrically about bouncing back from heartbreak with a confident swagger, his new single is themed around reclaiming your groove and moving on to try anew. Wrapped in a vivacious fusion of retro R&B and old-school funk, this song is an infectious, high-octane jam. With a propulsive bassline, analog 80s synths and crisp percussion creating a fiery sonic bounce, it’s his velvety, Prince-esque, falsetto vocals that turn this tune into a dancefloor-ready celebration of self-assurance.

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In The Spotlight

Ruby Poole – “You Still Love Me Anyway”

Hailing from Harwich, this British singer-songwriter woke up at 5 years old to find that she had completely lost her voice overnight due to vocal nodules. Using music as therapy, she joined the Harwich Sing choir at the age of 9. At 18 she moved to London to study at ACM Music College. Since then, she’s performed at summer concert series such as Three Wise Monkeys and opening for James Arthur. Inspired by Adele, Etta James and Jocelyn Brown, she debuted with “Back Up Plan” in 2026.

Serving as a thank-you letter to a partner who offers unconditional love and stays by your side during a mental health crisis, her new single explores hitting rock bottom and having that special someone’s support. Keeping the instrumentation acoustic and simple, this song is a stripped-back gem. With a gentle, driving piano leading the sonic way, it’s joined by a subtle bass and orchestral strings. And with her intimate vocals, this melancholic tune is there when you need it most.

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In The Spotlight

Evan Honer – “Delusional”

Born in Surprise, Arizona, this singer-songwriter was introduced to music through his dad’s CD collection of 70s artists. At a young age, he began competing in gymnastics, reaching regional champion aged 10, and later switched to competitive diving. He first tried the guitar at 13, returning to it seriously at 19. He’s played festivals like Summerfest and venues like The Grand Ole Opry. Inspired by Jim Croce, John Lennon and Tyler Childers, he released his debut single “How Could I Ever” in 2021.

Capturing the psychological toll of the harsh lifestyle and constant exhaustion of a touring musician, his new single details the moment severe sleep deprivation can start blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Blending folk and Americana into a rich, full-bodied sound, this song is an energetic groove. With a driving beat, layered guitars and melancholic pedal steel forging the sonic background, it’s his raw, weary vocals that give this tune some emotional intensity.

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In The Spotlight

renforshort – “As Lovers Do”

Born as Lauren Isenberg and raised in Toronto, this Canadian singer-songwriter grew up in a musical household, thanks to a music obsessed dad and three brothers who all played instruments. She started piano lessons at a young age and later added guitar and bass. She began writing songs at the age of 13. She has played festivals like Firefly and Splendour In The Grass and venues like House Of Blues. Inspired by Bob Dylan, Amy Winehouse and Nirvana, she debuted with “Waves” in 2019.

Celebrating the overwhelming sweetness and vulnerability of falling completely in love, her new single’s theme is about the longing for a timeless romance. Taken from her upcoming album “Hotel 13”, expected on November 13th, this song is cinematic and orchestral. From the melancholic guitar and heartbeat rhythm to the sweeping strings, this rich, atmospheric melody is magic. And with her intimate, authentic vocals, this tune is wrapped in a blanket of warm nostalgia.

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In The Spotlight

Kate Schutt – “Moonsick”

Based in New York City, this singer-songwriter discovered her musical passion early in childhood. She started listening to a variety of genres, ranging from rock to jazz. At the age of 11, she began playing guitar and writing songs. She’s also an accomplished athlete, having played women’s ice hockey and lacrosse at Harvard. Musically, she studied jazz guitar at Berklee College of Music. Inspired by Tina Turner, Cole Porter and Joni Mitchell, she released her debut “Take Me With You” in 2008.

Drawing inspiration from Christiane Ritter’s 1934 memoir “A Woman in the Polar Night”, her new single reflects on the moment an arctic storm clears to reveal a dazzling full moon. Chronicling a desire to become one with nature, this song captures her words in a jazzy dreamscape. Anchored by a warm upright bass, delicate percussion and timeless acoustic guitar, it’s the hypnotic keys and her spellbinding, classic-jazz-infused vocals that make this moonlit tune shine with sheer elegance.

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In The Spotlight

Dylan John Thomas – “Nothing Here Worth Taking”

Growing up in foster care in Glasgow, this Scottish singer-songwriter got interested in music at the age of 7 through hearing “Ring Of Fire” by Johnny Cash on a video game. After receiving a cheap acoustic guitar for Christmas, he taught himself how to play the song. As a teenager, he began busking on the streets, honing his skills. He’s played festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds. Inspired by Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Mark Knopfler, he released his debut “Nobody Else” in 2019.

Written as a sign of emotional support for a friend dealing with an exhausting breakup, his new single reminds the ex-partner there’s nothing of value left in the relationship to take. Wrapping the lyrics about walking away from a toxic situation in a vibrant blend of ska, indie-pop and jazz, this song is a rousing sonic fusion. With a retro acoustic rhythm, jazzy brass with a vibrant trumpet solo, and soaring, emotionally-charged vocals, this stadium-ready tune is a joyous jam.

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