In The Spotlight

I, The Mountain – “Little Wild”

Formed in 2012 while they attended Trent University in Peterborough, ON, this quintet of Canadian musicians became a household name across the city. Hailed for their high-energy performances, they opened for the likes of The Strumbellas and Elliott Brood. Now spreading their recognizable melodies and crisp hooks across Canada and beyond, they debuted with their EP “Land & Sea” in 2013.

Instantly titillating with a plucky bassline, their new single finds the perfect balance between 60s-inspired folk and contemporary pop. With a vintage vibe from the lively melody, the retro-touched vocals and the harmonic backing coasting on a modern production, it’s invigorating and moorish. Taken from their same-titled debut album, out on March 31, they prove being a little wild is worth it.

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In The Spotlight

Pip Millett – “June”

Born in Manchester and raised in Stockport, this British R&B singer, songwriter and musician started playing bass and guitar at the age of 14. Influenced by the likes of Lauryn Hill, Joni Mitchell and even Bob Marley, she engulfed herself with diverse genres and emotive lyricism. Now based in London, she debuted with her single “Make Me Cry” in 2018, in which she lyrically tackles her anxiety.

With a velvety thread weaving its way through the enchanting soundscape, her new single is an ingenious fusion of R&B with touches of jazz and soul. The song envelops a constant bouncy beat with laid-back guitars, soft keys and a delicious summertime feel. And with her soul-filled silken vocals bewitching your ears, this pool of auditory tranquility radiates sunshine from every note.

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In The Spotlight

Arielle Silver – “What Really Matters”

Although this singer and songwriter had released three albums and been on national tours, she put music aside at the end of the 00s to make room for a necessary change. She moved from Boston to Los Angeles, taught yoga philosophy and published essays and poems. In 2019 her muse found her again and with a refreshed Americana sound she returned with the single “Lonely Time Of Year”.

Pouring her refound inspiration and dreams, as well as recalling the tragic events of the California wildfires, into her new single, it fuses an emotional vulnerability with infectious Americana. Taken from her upcoming album “A Thousand Tiny Torches”, expected in May, it’s the boot-stompin’ drums, dusty guitars and her rich, expressive KT Tunstall-like vocals, that show you what really matters.

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In The Spotlight

The Devonns – “Tell Me”

Hailing from the streets of Chicago, this quartet draws influences from the vintage soul sound of bands like The Dramatics and The Isley Brothers, while adding a modern, Jamie Lidell and Raphael Saadiq-like twist. Formed in 2016, singer Mat Ajjarapu initially wanted to focus on 50s-style doo-wop, but found their niche in 60s and 70s soul. They debuted their nostalgic sound on “Come Back” in 2018.

Sounding like a long lost treasure from a Motown or Stax vault, their new single celebrates the heyday of Chicago soul. With a bouncy rhythm and a refreshing tambourine driving the melody, it’s joined by playful piano and rousing horns. Taken from their upcoming self-titled debut album, expected on April 3rd, it’s the vintage feel, the slick vocals and sizzling sax solo that makes this a soul-soaked delight.

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In The Spotlight

Jenny JAM – “Better Than You”

This London-born multi-talented artist has earned her stripes as a singer, songwriter, actor and model. Inspired to write songs after a series of traumatic events, she’s channeling her experiences through her lyricism. Now based in Los Angeles, her wide-ranging influences include The Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse, blending jazz, soul, blues and rock. She debuted with “Morning Bottle” in 2019.

Driven by an invigorating beat and a bracing bassline, her new single is a retro blast of rhythm and empowerment. Chronicling an abusive relationship and finding the strength to break free from it, her compelling, soul-dripping vocals add some fiery moxie to the 60s-dipped jazzy tune. And with the vibrant vitality of the brazen brass, this energetic jam exudes honesty and confidence.

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In The Spotlight

Dennis DeYoung – “East Of Midnight”

Famed as founder of the 70s rock band Styx, this award-winning eclectic singer, songwriter and musician has been a staple of the music scene since 1961. With Styx he wrote and performed a plethora of hits since 1970, like “Mr. Roboto” and their number one hit “Babe”. His first solo outing was in 1984 with his album “Desert Moon”. He left Styx in 1999 and has released several solo albums since.

Co-written by Jim Peterik of The Ides Of March, his new single is a vintage melodic rock masterpiece. Taken from his upcoming album “26 East, Vol. 1”, expected to drop on April 10, the bombastic and anthemic arrangement of the howling guitars, searing synths and even a church organ takes your ears on an auditory trip of a lifetime. And with fervid vocals, this retro rocker redefines the term genius.

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