In The Spotlight

Jack Newsome – “Arms”

Raised in New Jersey in a music-loving house just down the street from Bruce Springsteen, this young singer and songwriter was born with musical genes. He attended Berklee College Of Music in Boston and studied in Spain. Now based in California, he was part of the songwriting competition Songland. Inspired by Justin Timberlake, Prince and Michael Jackson, he debuted with “Best I Can” in 2019.

With an addictive beat tugging at your dancing feet from the get-go, his new single is an effervescent blend of modern pop and retro disco sparkles. With very current and relatable lyrics such as “What’s the point of having arms if I can’t wrap them around you?” and the addition of sunlit strings for that silky vintage touch, this exhilarating groove will certainly put a scintillating spring in your step.

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In The Spotlight

Katie & The Bad Sign – “Taste The Dirt”

Hailing from Manchester, this British songstress has been exciting audiences at shows and festivals across the country. Together with her Americana band they blend country, folk, soul and blues into a powerful sound. She debuted with the single “Beg” in 2014, went on to support Beth Rowley and Kimmie Rhodes and had her song “Piece Of The Pie” featured in the 2020 Netflix film “Kissing Booth 2”.

Pushing raw, emotive blues to its absolute limits and by adding some 70s rock pushing it just a tad more, on her new single both the melody and the lyrics tell their own woeful story. With fierce guitar riffs, invigorating drums and a touch of country twang creating an image of a dark, smoky bar in the bayou and her passionate vocals, full of rasp, grit and fervor, this groove sets every note on fire!

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In The Spotlight

Chantelle du Toit – “Stuck In The Middle”

Originally from South Africa, this powerhouse singer and songwriter moved to London, UK aged 19 to study music. During her University years she was in several different bands, performing in local pubs, but eventually decided on a solo path. Inspired by bands such as Queen, The Pretty Reckless and Foo Fighters, she debuted her potent rock and blues sound and rich lyrics with “November Rain” in 2019.

Highlighting anxiety and feeling overwhelmed by emotions, she offers her new single as a sonic punching bag. Giving some fierce blues a raw rock edge, you’re instantly blasted with a vigorous beat and howling blues guitars, brightened by a mild tambourine. And with her commanding and tempestuous vocals riding the mighty melody, this rugged groove will hit you like a steamroller.

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In The Spotlight

Silk Tonic – “A Second Of Your Time”

Comprising of two childhood friends, who’ve been making music as long as they can remember, this Canadian indie-pop duo grew up near Montreal. With Matthew Brouillet being the lead singer/drummer and Mark Hodges the lead guitarist/bassist, they started the band OneFortySeven in 2017 and debuted with “Let Me Go” in 2018. Changing names in 2020, they released their single “Summer Time”.

Narrating the relatable situation of seeing someone you like when walking into a bar or club and hoping they will acknowledge you, their new single has a cheerful bounce in its step. With a funky beat and groovy wah-wah guitars lighting up the dancefloor, it’s the sensuous, multi-layered vocals which add sexiness and style. Steamy and highly danceable, this hot jam is well worth the full 2 minutes 45.

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In The Spotlight

Charlotte Lansman – “The Cage”

Born in Bristol, this British singer and songwriter had a multi-cultural upbringing thanks to her American father, English mother and secondary schooling in Wales. She’s been surrounded by genre-spanning music from a young age, ranging from Garth Brooks and The Eagles to Nina Simone and Nirvana. She debuted her distinctive jazz, soul and blues sound and poetic lyricism with “Water” in 2020.

Introducing a misty jazz atmosphere to mellow pop, her new single is more an auditory experience than simply a song. Expertly layering the smooth rhythm, enchanting strings and jazzy brass, she forges a scrumptious, slightly shimmering soundscape. And by adding a touch of soul with her rich, contralto voice singing about resentment in relationships, she has created a fresh, one-of-a-kind jam.

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In The Spotlight

Theo Tams – “Fixable”

As so often the case growing up in a strict Christian household, this Canadian singer and songwriter found his musical abilities singing in church. At 16 he started writing original songs, influenced by 90s songbirds Sarah McLachlan and Alanis Morisette. In 2008 he won the sixth season of Canadian Idol and released the winners single “Sing”. His debut album “Give It All Away” dropped in 2009.

Applying the concept of fixing what’s broken to matters of the heart, his new single wraps the lyrical content in smooth 90s R&B vibes. Driven by a mellow rhythm and understated synths, it’s his mesmerizing, soulful vocals which truly steal the show. Adding a delicious fullness with layered voices and a joyous upbeat sonic surge in the chorus, this is an alluring, sultry tune that needs no fixing.

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