In The Spotlight

Lydia von Hof – “She”

Originally from Long Island, NY, this singer and songwriter has been fanatic about music her whole life. She started classical piano lessons aged 6 and began composing aged 10. At 16 she ventured into performing at local venues and entering competitions. These led to her performing at Madison Square Garden and at the Hard Rock CafĂ© in Boston. Now based in Nashville, TN, she’s attended Belmont University studying songwriting. She released her debut “Find Me There” in 2021.

Exploring a different kind of love, her new single is not a love letter to a lover but to a true friend. Taken from her recently released EP “The Strange, The Unusual”, she lyrically explains the overwhelming feelings attached to seeing that special person after a long time apart. Drawing us in with mighty electric guitar strums, the song blends punchy pop with raw rock. With driving percussion and her authentic vocals, this hardy groove is filled with refreshing honesty and pure sonic pizzazz.

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In The Spotlight

goodheart – “Silverspoon Sunday”

Hailing from Toronto, this Canadian singer/songwriter began writing songs as a kid to give a voice to her feelings and never looked back. Realizing that she hadn’t seen many women who produced their own songs while she was growing up, she decided to start producing her own material as well as writing and performing it. In 2022 she received Factor’s Artist Development grant. Inspired by artists like HAIM, Maggie Rogers and Phoebe Bridgers, she debuted with “Back To You” in 2021.

Shining a light on privilege and the passivity of the expectation of an excess of comfort, her new single is confrontationally honest. Taken from her recently released EP “Blue And Other Colours”, the song is an intricate amalgam of pop, rock and a dash of folk. Layered with a buoyant percussion and bright, almost singing, electric guitars, it’s an emotive and polished melody. And with her sleek vocals dancing over the notes, this rich tune radiates a warmth, while remaining poignant.

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In The Spotlight

Marquise Fair – “Nature Of Love”

Born in Miami, this singer and songwriter had a very sheltered up-bringing in which church and Disney movies were his only escape. At 12 he moved to the ghetto which came with a rough, unsafe life. However he was listening to diverse music. He got a second-hand guitar at college and later started busking. He’s since played the Montreux Jazz Festival and opened for Charlie Winston. Inspired by Bob Marley, Motown and Alicia Keys, he debuted with “Pushing” in 2018.

Celebrating the very essence of what connects us all as humans, his new single honors the most important emotion of all: Love! Taken from his upcoming album “Beter World”, expected on September 3rd, the song combines elements of jazz, soul, pop and folk to create something unique. Drawing us in with slow guitar plucks, soon he layers a lively percussion and a touch of horns. And with his reggae-touched vocals and anthemic crescendo, this one-of-a-kind groove is extraordinary.

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In The Spotlight

Nicola De Sensi – “23”

Hailing from Sydney, this Australian singer and songwriter was born with a passion for music and performing. At a young age she was already singing in choirs and taking part in musicals. As she got older she progressed to busking on the streets of Cronulla. In 2022 she was a contestant on The Voice reaching the top 4. She’s currently studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Inspired by Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and Whitney Houston, she released her debut “Realign” in 2023.

With quite poignant lyrics about feeling the need to act small to make a relationship work, her new single captures the moment when pretending becomes too much to bear. Enticing us in with a slight sonic shimmer, the song opens up with sanguine drums and an acoustic guitar. Gradually infusing the melody with an upbeat pop sparkle, she guides us to a full-bodied, retro-touched chorus. And with her sincere, emotive vocals, this heartfelt pop bop knows the way to your heart.

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In The Spotlight

Rogan Mei – “Lefroy”

Originally from Barrie, Ontario, this Canadian singer and songwriter started making music at the age of 12 as a therapeutic tool to deal with his mothers illness. Despite always keeping music close, he started his adult life as a Wildland Firefighter for years. Influenced by his mentor David Goggins, he decided to leave firefighting and focus on music full-time. He studied songwriting at Seneca College in Toronto. Inspired by Jack Johnson and John Mayer, he debuted with “Jack Kerouac” in 2023.

Drawing inspiration from a painting of Mt. Lefroy by Lawren Harris, his new single is a lyrical metaphor for emotional contemplation. Taken from his upcoming EP “Dickies Green Plaid Jacket”, expected later in the year, the song was recorded in the actual house he grew up in, using authentic instruments. With an easygoing ebb and flow from the mild acoustic guitar, soft violin and mellow drums bringing the picture to life, it’s the delicate velvet of his vocals that makes this a genuine gem.

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In The Spotlight

Filiah – “Sad Girl With A Punchline”

Based in Vienna, this Austrian singer and songwriter was raised by a music-loving mother, with whom she had carpool karaoke sessions in the car on the way to school. Singing anything from Fleetwood Mac to Diana Krall, she slowly developed her love for music. Although an introvert at heart, she learned to perform by putting on shows for her mother, leading to her eclectic musical journey. Inspired by boygenius, Phoebe Bridgers and St. Vincent, she released her debut “Hide” in 2019.

Embracing her inner introvert who always feels like an outsider, her new single takes us on an emotional journey from self-criticism to self-acceptance by turning all the hurtful moments in life into a punchline. Melodically the song is an intricate blend of pop-rock and a touch of folk. It starts with an effervescent beat and shimmering synths and is embellished with sparkling guitars. And with her dynamic vocals injecting sheer empowerment, this is a personal and intoxicating tune.

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