In The Spotlight

GUS – “Lies”

Born in Oakville and now Toronto-based, this Canadian singer/songwriter draws inspiration for his songs from life itself. He started writing his own material aged 13, wrote and performed the song “Breaking Out” in 2015 in support of the Toronto Blue Jays and supported Johnny Orlando on tour. Inspired by the music of Ed Sheeran, Sia and Shawn Mendes, he released his debut “Bent & Broken” in 2018.

Heralding the story about the awkward stage between friendship and love and the uncertainty that comes with it, his new single combines his authentic lyricism with an exuberant melody. With a multi-faceted arrangement of electric guitars and an infectious rhythm, the song leads to a joyous sonic burst in the chorus. Radiant, summery and genuine, this jam is a true earpleaser and that’s no lie.

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In The Spotlight

Sydni Cole – “Fall Anyway”

Hailing from Northern California and, via the suburbs of Chicago, now Nashville-based, this empowering singer and songwriter is putting her own stamp on the country music scene. Having grown up listening to a mix of classic country and classic rock, she’s created an unique blend. Inspired by the likes of Dolly Parton, Jackson Browne and The Chicks, she debuted with “Dirt Road Daisy” in 2020.

Uniting a classic country twang with mild pop sensibilities and melodic rock guitars, her new single is a delicious country experience. Adding some acoustic piano into the mix, it’s her refreshing and wholesome vocals narrating the story of a budding romance that make this upbeat tune sparkle. With a rousing instrumentation and just enough classic tones, this zesty jam is pure country bliss.

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In The Spotlight

Jeremy Voltz – “Like The Very First Time”

Although being a mathematician turned out not to be the right path, this Canadian singer and songwriter found his muse in music. As a vocalist he’s toured all over the world and is a founding member of vocal group Countermeasure. His songwriting skills can be heard in film and TV. With an indie-soul sound likened to Jeff Buckley and Stevie Wonder, he debuted with the aptly named single “First” in 2018.

With a subtle nod to TV-show Buffy The Vampire Slayer, his new single pays tribute to a love that cannot be. Taken from his upcoming album “Weekender”, to be released on October 22nd, he starts with easygoing guitar plucks and a mellow beat creating a romantic vibe, before the pace picks up and becomes a timeless harmonic treat. And with his soul-infused voice, this lush gem is perfect all the time.

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In The Spotlight

Ruby Francis – “Jasmine”

Raised on a steady diet of soul and funk in a musical family, this London-based singer, songwriter, producer and musician is inspired by the likes of Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire. She started learning piano aged 10 and soon began writing songs. Now writing for other artists and being an established music producer as well, she debuted her solo work with “Fall Asleep” in 2017.

Drawing inspiration of The Neptunes and adding it into the vintage R&B/soul mix, her new single is a sweet smooth groove. Where the beat has a retro bounce, the bassline reverberates in your stomach and the keys sparkle, it’s her velvety, flirtatious R&B vocals, singing about an obsession for a girl she’s never met, that add passion and pizzazz. Alluring, magical and suave, this is pure R&B gold.

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In The Spotlight

Bella Hudson – “Look Like That”

No stranger to the limelight, this Nashville-based singer and songwriter performed a self-written acoustic song for 10,000 people at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival aged 11. She became a regular performer for many years, leading to her giving a TEDx talk in Boulder at the age of 13. Since she’s performed all over the country and opened for the likes of Trace Adkins, Wynonna Judd and Midland.

Giving smooth contemporary pop a layer of emotive country twang, her debut single introduces the very best of her unique sound. Creating a flirtatious melodic realm with crisp guitars, sweltry percussion and a touch of steel guitar, it’s her refreshing, standout voice, narrating the age-old tale of an attractive guy that doesn’t treat you right, that makes this jam sound invigorating and original.

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In The Spotlight

Said The Whale – “99 To The Moon”

Formed in Vancouver by Ben Worcester and Tyler Bancroft in 2007, this Canadian indie-rock quartet consists further of keyboardist Jaycelyn Brown and bassist Lincoln Hotchen. Also in 2007 they debuted with their EP “Taking Abalonia”. In 2011 they toured the US for the first time and won the Juno New Group Of The Year Award. They’ve released six albums so far with their retro-touched, pop-rock sound.

Filled with true love and romanticism and wrapped in their invigorating pop-rock stylings, their new single was written for Tyler Bancroft’s partner Laura. Taken from their upcoming album “Dandelion”, expected on October 22nd, it’s about two people growing together over a long period of time. And with ardent guitars, a fierce beat and an 80s vibe, this jam is where everlasting love and music meets.

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