In The Spotlight

Aaron Lee Tasjan – “Up All Night”

This flamboyant glam-pop singer and songwriter amassed a plethora of musical influences from moving around a lot as a teen. From Delaware to California and from Ohio to New York, he tasted different styles and experiences. An unique musical journey in which Lady Gaga used to open for him and he recorded with Jack White and Tom Petty. He released his debut EP “Crooked River Burning” in 2014.

Glowing with vintage 80s synths and a bouncy beat, his new single blends retro pop with a splash of Westcoast rock and a splurge of panache. Taken from his upcoming album “Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!”, to be released on February 5th, 2021, he deals with his anxieties and sexuality and coats them in an ELO-like sonic shroud. Anthemic with a dash of allure, this charismatic jam is worth staying up for.

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In The Spotlight

Lauryn Macfarlane – “Friendly”

With a sound as stunning and captivating as herself, this Canadian singer and songwriter is a product from a community that made arts a priority. She’s performed all over Eastern Canada and also opened for acts like JJ & The Pillars and Kane Miller. Compared to the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and The Chicks, she’s ready to debut her luring storytelling skills while working on an upcoming EP.

Splashing onto the music scene with a powerful vibrancy, her debut single is a confident tune full of sass. Born from a writing exercise, it’s the mesmerizing rhythm guiding the alt-pop melody and the captivating guitar chords painting a sonic picture that give it it’s one-of-a-kind sound. And with her sweeping vocals effortlessly sliding from soothing to organically raw, this is a dazzling debut.

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In The Spotlight

Gianna Alessi – “Reaction”

This New York-native singer and songwriter got set on her musical path by her grandmother – a former soprano of the Metropolitan Opera – who gave her her first vocal lesson aged nine. She attended Berklee College Of Music, where she took a songwriting course. Immersed in the New York music scene, she honed her soulful skills with vintage flair. She debuted with “Plan Of Attack” in 2018.

Known for her honeyed vocals and soulful melodies, her new single certainly delivers that in spades. Blending R&B with classic soul, it’s the mesmerizing rhythm and the electric guitars that generate a hypnotic vibe, while her bewitching and retro-dipped vocal range rides the melodic waves. And by adding a touch of jazz into the mix, this enchanting tune becomes a delicious auditory brew.

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In The Spotlight

Joelle Charan – “Man In A Town Car”

Born and raised in Amsterdam to a Catholic mother and a Hindu father, this singer and songwriter incorporates her mixed heritage into her music. She graduated from the Conservatory of Amsterdam en went on to study at The New School For Jazz And Contemporary Music in New York. Drawing inspiration from Laura Mvula, Daniel Lanois and life itself, she released her debut EP “Silhouette” in 2018.

Easing the listener into this beauteous song with a piano engulfed with angelic violins, her new single is dripping with a rich, vintage luster. Taken from her empowering EP “Ashira”, she lyrically explores fulfillment and happiness. She gently adds percussion to the dreamy melody and lets her bewitching voice tell the powerful story with emotion and conviction, making this a magical sonic gem.

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In The Spotlight

Roxanne Kelly – “Goodbye To You”

Raised multi-culturally by Irish and Costa Rican parents, this London-based singer and songwriter was exposed to music from a young age. Trying to overcome a feeling of estrangement, she found refuge in songwriting. She’s studied music at the Institute Of Contemporary Music Performance and the University of Nottingham, leading to the release of her debut “Dangerous Love” earlier this year.

Going full orchestral, her new single is a delicious blend of pop with a splash of soul and a generous helping of gospel. With a buoyant rhythm, a touch of vintage organ and uplifting harmonies, this tune glows with an inherent vitality in which her vigorous vocals feel right at home. Fusing a lively gospel choir with a jaunty pop tune makes this exhuberant jam feel more like a hello than a goodbye.

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In The Spotlight

December Streets – “Last Forever”

Hailing from Pretoria in South Africa, this quintet of indie rockers was formed in 2009. The current line-up, build around lead singer Tristan Coetzee and bassist and saxophonist Gideon Meyer, met while attending the University Of Pretoria. They released their debut EP in 2011 and have been frequenting the national charts since with songs like “Fire Through The Window” and “My Name”.

Bouncy, energetic and with a much needed sense of fun, their new single delivers a sprightly splash of indie-rock goodness. Despite a lyrical reminder that nothing lasts forever, it highlights the path that follows and leads to bigger and better things. With an exuberant beat, happiness-inducing guitars and a touch of violins, this jam provides some joyfulness in an otherwise daunting world.

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