In The Spotlight

Sarah Hemi – “I Really Like You”

Originally from New Zealand, but now based in Japan, this singer, songwriter and model grew up in a very musical family. Her brother taught her how to play guitar at 11 and she wrote her first song aged 12. Intertwining her respect for her Maori-Japanese roots and her love for R&B and Neo-Soul, she refined her unique sound. She recently debuted her solo-project with her EP “Doki Doki”.

Being greeted by the velveteen sound of a solitary mellow guitar, her new single sounds like it’s captured a lazy Summers afternoon in melodic form. With the warmth of her dreamy vocals gently floating over the silvery notes, emanating positive vibes, you could feel the sunbeams touching your ears. And with a smooth, rhythmic chorus, this heartfelt and uplifting gem is a soothing sonic sunrise.

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In The Spotlight

The Planetoids – “My Only Religion”

Reputedly from Mars (but secretly from Hannover), this German quartet has invented a sound they call Groove Pop. It combines pop with elements from funk, indie and disco. Jonas Sercombe, Piet Charlet, Sven Tamplin and Kai Maas have been making music since 2014. It’s rumored that they topped the charts on Mars, Venus and Jupiter, but on Earth they debuted with “Enjoy The Show” in 2014.

Teasing the upcoming release of their new EP “Fuchsia”, dropping March 21st, they are yet again trying to conquer Planet Earth with their new, discolicious single. Covering a 70s disco beat with modern electronic vibes, all leading to an 80s-inspired pop chorus, makes this track a vintage-dipped auditory synthesis. Sparkling, catchy and highly danceable, this intergalactic groove is out of this world.

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In The Spotlight

Erica Knox – “Running Inside Of My Brain”

Hailing from Georgetown, this youthful Canadian singer and songwriter was virtually born singing. She joined a children’s choir aged 8 and got a guitar aged 9. Learning to play and being inspired by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, she started writing her own songs aged 13. At 16 she was opening for Hollerado. She studied Music Production at Seneca College and released her debut “Doing Me” in 2019.

Narrating a lyrical story about a relationship that just wasn’t to be, her new single takes the listeners ears on an emotional rollercoaster. Starting with mild, reverberating guitars and her mellifluous vocals, it comes alive in the passionate chorus. With an infectious rhythm, relatable topic and the warmth of her dulcet tones, this exceptional tune will be running around your brain for quite a while.

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In The Spotlight

Lilly Wood & The Prick – “You Want My Money”

Risen to fame with the 2014 Robin Schulz remix of their hit “Prayer In C”, reaching number 1 in 11 countries, this French folk-pop duo are no strangers to the limelight. Nili Hadida and Benjamin Cotto met in a Parisian café in 2006 and decided to write songs together. However their first single was a cover of “L.E.S. Artistes” by Santogold in 2008, followed by their first album “Invincible Friends” in 2010.

Turning up the heat on the consumer society we all live in, their first single after a six year hiatus was well worth the wait. Taking a vintage sixties feel and bathing it in a fresh, contemporary production, gives this tune a very groovy vibe, despite lyrically denouncing that consumer society and its absurdity. With a delicious retro rhythm, playful organ and perky vocals, this high-spirited jam is priceless.

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In The Spotlight

Luke Orlan – “Sideways”

Hailing from London, this singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist grew up surrounded by music, as it runs in the family – he is the cousin of L.A.-based singer/guitarist Ray Goren. He’s worked as a producer and engineer at the legendary Townhouse Studio’s in London and travelled extensively to experience genres from pop to rock. He released his debut “Kaleidoscoping” in 2020.

Getting caught up in everyday life is easy to do, but his new single can help to find the spark to move on and move up. He managed to wrap that positivity in a charming, melodic tune. Slightly touched by 70s ballads, the smooth guitar plucks, mellow rhythm and his velvety vocals all blend together in this earstroking song, that makes you want to move sideways and go better your life.

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In The Spotlight

Laura Valentine – “Falling For You”

Raised in the Spanish sunshine of Madrid, this London-based singer and songwriter was born into a musical family. She found her singing voice at a young age. For 6 years she was a member of the gospel choir Spirit To All until she moved to the UK to study at London’s Academy of Contemporary Music. Inspired by Tori Kelly, Sara Bareilles and Janelle Monáe, she debuted with “Desires” in 2018.

In these dark times we need a feel-good pop song to strengthen our spirits and her new single delivers that in spades. Her second single, three years after her debut, arrives just in time. With a sprightly electro rhythm and a warming LGBT love story, this delightful earworm feels like a much needed hug. And with her stunning, endearing vocals, this lavish tune is both inspirational and uplifting.

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