In The Spotlight

Jamie Mathias – “Better Man”

Hailing from Brighton, this inspirational British singer and songwriter first tasted music when he agreed to be in a band in a drunken haze when he was 16. At 19 he started learning the guitar to aid him in writing his own music. He debuted with “When You Leave” in 2015, which was picked up by BBC Introducing. He released “Love Ourselves” early 2020 about the effects social media has on mental health.

Having grown up surrounded by abuse and addiction, his new single makes a stand by lyrically stating he doesn’t want to follow in his fathers footsteps and make the same mistakes. Giving his deeply personal words extra power, the track starts with the simplicity of an acoustic guitar, adding a punchy beat to the chorus. And with his vibrant voice narrating the honest lyricism, this is a genuine gem.

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In The Spotlight

Late July – “Cloud & Crown”

Also known as Nicole Simone, this Canadian singer and songwriter began her career after a traumatic accident as a child forced her to take vocal lessons. She also became self-taught on several musical instruments. Soon after the release of her EP “Marathon” in 2017, she fell ill with a life-threatening adrenal illness. She also runs Canada’s largest dog adoption and rescue agency called Redemption Paws.

With an intoxicating rhythm and enchanting vocals, her new single sparkles from the start. Driven by a relentless beat and enriched by electronic strings and horns, it joins together the modern with a vintage edge and wraps it in a touch of mystery. And with her polished, emotionally-laden voice adding pure charisma to the bubbly melody, this auditory potion is certain to put you under its spell.

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In The Spotlight

Katie Wood – “Uh Huh Yeah”

Brought up listening to Blondie and Paul Weller and influenced by the likes of Tear For Fears and Kate Bush, this London-based singer and songwriter douses her music in nostalgic, New Romantic hues. She studied songwriting at the Institute Of Contemporary Music and gained support of Billboard and MTV as well as BBC Introducing. She debuted her ethereal, emotive sound with “Steve” earlier this year.

Narrating her personal struggles with agoraphobia, her new single takes her vulnerability and honesty and travels through her 80s-inspired auditory realm. Totally self-produced in her bedroom, the driving bass, retro rhythm and neon synths splash out in a sanguine, yet wistful way. Vocally expressing the frustration the condition brings, her smoky voice bends the vintage tune to do her bidding.

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In The Spotlight

Smith & Burrows – “All The Best Moves”

Consisting of Tom Smith, frontman of Editors and Andy Burrows, previously of Razorlight and now a member of We Are Scientists, this British duo is the result of what happens when they put their creative minds together. The friends decided to record an alternative Christmas album “Funny Looking Angels” in 2011 and debuted with “When The Thames Froze”. A new album is expected later in 2020.

Merging their friendship dynamic with catchy indie-rock vibes, their first single in nine years is a jovial tune with a slight vintage taste. With Andy’s acoustic guitar and Tom’s memorable voice equally sharing center-stage, the added vitality is infectious and summery fresh. Singing about a man who prefers to stay home over showing off his dance moves, this lively jam is an earworm filled with sonic fun.

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In The Spotlight

Jaqueline Loor – “Find Your Way”

Born and raised in sunny Miami, this Floridian singer and songwriter got her passion for life from her Cuban and Ecuadorian parents; an influence which still resonates in her empowering sound. Inspired by artists such as Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush, she creates relatable pop songs based on true stories. With her soaring vocal range, she debuted as Lady Loor with “Stupid Girl” in 2018.

Gleaming from note to note with rousing sonic power, her new single is an infectious example of upbeat indie-pop done right. From the echoing bass plucks to the lively rhythm and perky brass, this bundle of pure auditory energy keeps bouncing off your eardrums. And with her sassy vocals singing about the need to keep going when you feel defeated, this vibrant jam will show you the way.

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In The Spotlight

Logan Richard – “Everyday”

Hailing from Prince Edward Island, this Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist has been honing his musical skills from a young age, when he was belting blues on the streets on Charlottetown. Inspired by Ray Lamontagne and John Mayer, he mixes blues with pop, R&B and rock. As well as playing the TD Jazz/Blues festival, he opened for Marianas Trench and debuted with his 2017 EP “The Split”.

Catching a beautiful summers day in musical form, his new single glows with radiant warmth. With a fiery blues guitar, an infectious rhythm and a joyous vibe, it is the perfect soundtrack for a roadtrip in a convertible on a sunny afternoon. And with his fresh, jubilant vocals telling someone special how much they mean to him, this upbeat jam is a shining ray of sonic sunshine to enjoy every day.

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