In The Spotlight

Alice Ray – “Why Is It We Fight Like This?”

Hailing from the serene countryside of Norfolk, but now based in the hustle & bustle of London, this British singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has an impressive talent for genuine storytelling. With influences ranging from Bob Dylan to Elton John and Joni Mitchell to Stevie Nicks, she debuted her poignant lyrics and lush, vintage-touched instrumentation with “I See You” earlier this year.

Painting an auditory picture, note for note, her new single is an instant work of art. Taken from her EP “Lost In The Dark”, which is released today, she brushes on a vintage shade from the organ and a tinge of modernity from the electric guitar, all infused with the hues of the galvanic drums. But it’s the bewitching quality of her sugary-sweet vocals that make this jam sound absolutely extraordinary.

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In The Spotlight

Dorian Grace – “The Colouring”

As the product of a scientific experiment in the 80s, this up-and-coming British singer/songwriter, who had toured all over the world, was frozen in time in 1989, only to be reanimated 30 years later. The aim of the experiment was to find out whether the music of the time would still be current decades later. He was given a home studio and got to work on creating an album blending neon with new.

Giving 80s pop an insatiable rock edge, his new single bursts onto your ears with ravenous retro gusto. With a pulsating beat, fiery guitars and searing synths oozing their brightly coloured vintage vibes and feeding a sense of positivity, it’s his classic and raw-edged vocals which complete this sonic journey to yesteryear. Exuberant and packed with pizzazz, he captured the 80s in a single track.

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In The Spotlight

Ida Fiona – “Off Switch”

Originally from Norway, but now based in Sweden, this pastel-dipped singer and songwriter creates relatable lyrics with topics ranging from love to mental health. Inspired by artists like Taylor Swift, Troye Sivan and Julia Michaels, she finds the balance between authentic lyrics and her playful pop world. She debuted her 80s-themed, glittery synth-pop sound with “FOMO” earlier this year.

Setting foot into a neon-flickering, retro soundscape, it’s the bewitching synths which draw you into the crevices of her second single. When you reach the infectious chorus, bursting with upbeat electronic magic, you’re hooked. Wrapping intense lyrics in a blanket of synth-driven sparkles, she marries real-life angst with buoyant 80s vivacity and creates a tune you don’t want to switch off.

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In The Spotlight

Jak Lizard – “Somebody Like Me”

Growing up in a household with parents and siblings all favoring their own music, this New York-based singer and songwriter was engulfed with a multitude of genres, ranging from Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan to Outkast and Common. As part of the music collective 99SUBLIME he’s worked with a slew of inspiring artists. He debuted his soulful, nostalgic mixture with his single “Sisters” in 2018.

Dipping old-school R&B and sunlit soul into cheerful, summery vibes, his new single is bursting with upbeat indulgence. Taken from his latest EP “Humphrey” and featuring the musicality of Brasstracks, this chirpy tune is bobbing along on its rosy sonic waves. Championing self-acceptance in a pressured world, it’s the jaunty keys and perky horns that make this groove sound irresistibly fun.

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In The Spotlight

Michelle Sarah – “My Everything”

Born in Toronto, but raised in Guyana and the United States, the musical foundation of this powerhouse singer and songwriter is rooted in gospel, but ventures into soul and funk. Now based in Denver, she’s performed with a genre-spanning slew of artists, like the Grateful Dead and Parliament-Funkadelic and played New Orleans’ Jazz Fest and Jam Cruise. She debuted with “Truth” earlier this year.

Serving as a crossroads where a myriad of different styles meet and decide to play together in harmony, her new single is an auditory delight. Her gospel roots are present and even jazz puts in an appearance, but it’s her emotive soulfulness that drives this tune. With her mighty vocal acrobatics, a relentless rhythm and blazing brass causing some sonic fireworks, this jam is a sensational experience.

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In The Spotlight

Just Costa – “514”

Born and raised in Montreal, this Canadian brother and sister duo kicked off their careers on separate projects. Juliana was a singer/songwriter, while Jesse fronted rock and metal bands. After joining forces they’ve appeared on La Voix (The Voice) and had a 16-day tour of Italy. With a catchy sound inspired by artists like Bruno Mars and Earth, Wind & Fire, they debuted with “Peachy” earlier this year.

Paying tribute to their beloved hometown, their new single is bursting with energetic life. Named after the area code, they succeeded in instilling the city’s artsiness and joie de vivre into their sonic world. With a vintage vibe radiating from the funky retro pop and soul melodic blend and their varied vocals ranging from soulful to rap, this groovy ode is a feel-good jam with a sunlit electric vitality.

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