In The Spotlight

Robyn Ashley – “Stand By You”

Based in Edmonton, this Canadian singer and songwriter was raised on a steady diet of country and with a passion for music as a whole. Despite spending her childhood taking music lessons and singing in school choirs, a lack of confidence sent her to a corporate job. At 27 she decided to pursue her musical dreams. Since then she’s played festivals like Calgary Stampede, venues like The King Eddy and opened for George Canyon. She released her debut “Sweet Goodbye” in 2023.

Singing about being there for the people you love when times are tough, her new single celebrates unconditional support and boundless loyalty. Accompanying the personal lyrics is an authentic country-pop melody with organic instrumentation. With warm acoustic guitars, steady heartbeat rhythm and soft atmospheric keys blending into a sonic embrace, it’s her multi-layered vocals ranging from intimate to powerful that make this heartwarming tune feel like you’re not alone.

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In The Spotlight

Wyn Starks – “Coco”

Hailing from Minneapolis, this singer and songwriter grew up using music to overcome his shyness. He often hid behind the couch with earphones on dissecting songs by Whitney and Mariah. At 13 he joined his church’s gospel choir and later became a contestant on Season 17 of America’s Got Talent, reaching the semi-finals. He’s played festivals like Reeperbahn and venues like The Hotel Cafe. Inspired by Marvin Gaye, Boyz II Men and Sam Cooke, he debuted with “Circles” in 2019.

Written as a tribute to African roots and the black women who raised him, his new single celebrates black identity, resilience and self-worth. Blending R&B and dreamy pop with a joyful afrobeat, this song is a cultural sonic amalgam. Starting with a hypnotic rhythm and leading to a joyful chorus, the melody is enriched with a shimmering synth and bustling beat. Tasting the R&B on a bed of traditional influences, it’s his warm, soulful vocals that make this sunlit groove an empowering gem.

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In The Spotlight

Nia Nadurata – “Some Changes”

Raised in Toronto, this Filipino-Canadian singer and songwriter grew up in a musical household, with a singer mom and a piano teaching grandmother who taught her. She performed for the first time aged 9 and later attended high school at Etobicoke School of the Arts. Since the start of her career she’s played festivals such as NXNE and Departure and famed venues like The Drake Hotel and Lee’s Palace. Inspired by Amy Winehouse, Sade and Brandy, she debuted with “Drive Faster” in 2023.

Chronicling the transition turning 25 brings, her new single navigates the reality of emerging adulthood, personal growth and shedding past bad habits. Lyrically tackling the evolution from youth to adult, this vibrant song is 90s-influenced indie-pop with delicious R&B flavors. With a punchy beat, groovy bass and crisp electric guitar strums giving the modern melody a hint of nostalgia, it’s her soulful, conversational vocals that give a level of lush intimacy to this bustling, infectious tune.

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In The Spotlight

Tiny Habits – “Belt Loop”

Based in Boston, this folk-pop trio consists of Maya Rae, Cinya Khan and Judah Mayowa. They first met studying at the Berklee College of Music in 2022. Introduced by mutual friends, they decided to try to sing together and found a shared musical chemistry. They’ve played festivals like Newport Folk Festival, venues such as The Troubadour and opened for Noah Kahan and James Taylor. Inspired by Fleetwood Mac, Bon Iver and Lizzy McAlpine, they debuted with “Hemenway” in 2022.

Exploring the anxiety felt about being intimate with a new lover after a distressing breakup, their new single captures the conflict between staying present in the new relationship while still dealing with the ghost of the previous one. Taken from their album “Keepers”, expected August 28th, this rich song is a smooth and soulful R&B melody. With a polished rhythm, satiny guitars and jazzy horns laying the foundation, it’s their intimate vocal stacks that make this groove sound irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

Alfie Jukes – “Edges Of You”

Hailing from Brighton, this British singer and songwriter grew up in a childhood home where music was a constant. As a teen he veered to the theatre, playing parts in musicals such as Gypsy and performed at open mic nights. Since then he’s played festivals like The Great Escape, venues such as the Bowery Ballroom New York and The Roundhouse in London and opened for Only The Poets. Inspired by Sam Fender, Phoebe Bridgers and Holly Humberstone, he debuted with “Kinda Wish” in 2021.

Capturing the fresh thrill of a budding new romance, his new single chronicles the excitement of the initial attraction, falling in love with someone from afar and letting your imagination fill in the blanks. Accompanying the flirtatious lyrics is a joyous, energetic indie-pop melody. With an authentic production of a propulsive beat, flavorful guitars and subtle synths, it’s his intimate and yet dynamic vocal tone that gives this thrilling groove a sparkling and cinematic atmosphere.

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In The Spotlight

Ariana Fig – “I Hope You Love Me”

Raised in Hamilton, ON, this Canadian singer and songwriter started classical violin lessons at the age of three, which later would lead to her playing in the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra for four years. She studied Popular Music and English Lit at the Don Wright Faculty of Music. Since she’s played festivals like Sound Of Music and NXNE and opened for Young Friend and Bealby Point. Inspired by Stevie Nicks, Billy Joel and Alanis Morissette, she debuted with “I’ll Call You Later” in 2020.

Trying to capture the fear of opening yourself up to another person, her new single deals with a deep emotional vulnerability and difficulty communicating in a relationship. Taken from her upcoming album “So Long, Sinnerstate!”, expected on August 14th, the song has a distinct 90s female songwriters flavour. With warm acoustic guitar plucking, driving folk rhythm and soft strings forging a colorful melody, it’s her intimate, conversational vocals that make this tune sound delectable.

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