In The Spotlight

VIAA – “Animal Style”

Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, this multi-faceted vocalist and songwriter has been singing since she was little. Now based in Los Angeles she got to be a backup singer for artists like Anderson .Paak, Willow Smith and Doja Cat. Since releasing her 2018 self-titled debut EP, her solo career has truly soared. She opened for T-Pain and Marc E. Bassy and has been featured in Toyota and Footlocker ads.

Filled with genuine honesty and emotional sensitivity, her new single is a delicious sonic morsel. Written as a tribute to a close friend who took his own life, she blends a sunlit, shimmering soundscape of smooth synths and a sweltry rhythm with sultry vocals, ear-stroking harmonies and poignant lyricism. A stunningly beautiful melody with heart-felt sincerity, this R&B gem is charming and stylish.

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In The Spotlight

Brian McGrane – “Out Of Control”

Dublin-based, this Irish singer and songwriter has toured the world extensively and played legendary stages such as Sydney Opera House and Radio City in New York. He’s worked with artists like Gavin James, Sharon Corr and Tom Walker, gaining a wealth of experience. Also a gifted multi-instrumentalist he plays piano, guitar, synths and drums. He debuted his stirring pop sound with “Bubbles” in 2018.

By taking a sparkling energy and splashing it with infectious melodic elements, his new single is a radiant, radio-ready pop banger. Lyrically dealing with being stuck in a rut and just going round in circles, he expertly layered the buoyant bass, bright rhythm, glittering guitars and sweltering synths and concocted an ear-pleasing, slightly Coldplay-reminiscent tune, which is a golden auditory gift.

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In The Spotlight

Linae – “Stereo Vibing”

Born in a household with a love for R&B and soul, this Swedish singer and songwriter showed an interest in music from an early age. Influenced by artists like Robyn, Toni Braxton and Marvin Gaye, she likes to take her listeners back to the 80s and 90s. In 2016 she teamed up with producer Luki to develop her artistry. She released a cover of Maxwell’s “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” in 2017.

Created during a wondrous jam session in London at the end of 2019, her new single is buzzing with honey-sweet classic soul, while dipping it in contemporary R&B flavors. The mellow rhythm is infectious, the keys are enchanting and her silken vocals lusciously seductive. Pleasing both lovers of vintage smoothness and modern suaveness, this delicate tune is brimming with glamour, style and pizzazz.

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In The Spotlight

Dynamyte – “Flattery”

Despite only being 23 years young, this singer, songwriter and drummer has been a professional musician for over 10 years. As the duo Michael & Marisa with her brother, they performed nationwide and opened for artists such as Ariana Grande. She recently graduated Brown University with a Sociology degree. Inspired by Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen, she debuted her solo sound with “Show Me You”.

Turning the negative things haters say into a positive way of thinking, her new single wraps the contemporary narrative in cheeky, summertime R&B vibes. With an infectious beat, sunlit keys and a touch of radiant brass, this feel-good jam mixes a candy-coated melody with lustrous neo-soul vocals, creating a cheerful incandescent groove, that is beaming with exuberant rays of sonic sun.

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In The Spotlight

TJ Jackson – “Last Night”

Being born into arguably the most musical family in the world, as the son of Tito Jackson, music runs through his veins. Growing up he and his brothers would dance and sing to the families music, as well as Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie. Together they formed the successful group 3T, which debuted with their 1995 album “Brotherhood”. He released his solo project “I Don’t Deserve This” in 2019.

Fusing a generous helping of classic funk with bountiful R&B and a touch of neo-soul, his new single caters to all with verve. Taken from his EP “Obsession”, it kicks off with a plucky bassline and a bouncy rhythm and leads to the catchy funkalicious chorus. With some delectable blazing brass giving it an ear-pleasing vintage vibe and his sweet vocals, this flamboyant jam is an invigorating funky feast.

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In The Spotlight

ASTRÆA – “Tonight I Run”

Based in London, this award-winning singer, songwriter and producer owns an emotive and powerful voice, which has been used in many TV ad and reality show. Having studied both music and psychology, she’s also a music therapist. She’s produced for and worked with artists like Ward Thomas and Lewis Capaldi. In 2018 she debuted her sound with “You Are Not Alone” as used in a Lloyds Bank ad.

With a grandiose cinematic vibe rising palatially above the melodic foundation, her new single is infused with pure aural passion. Lyrically wanting to be an inspiration for anyone feeling beaten down, it blends the heartfelt emotive words with an ascending atmospheric tune and leads to the majestic chorus. Elevating electro-pop to exquisite new heights, this is an impressive sonic triumph.

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