In The Spotlight

Niklas Vaupel – “Dance With Me”

Hailing from Kassel, this German singer and songwriter was born with a fascination for music and a dream to become a musician. First having taken recorder lessons in school, he began learning the guitar aged 12. He’s also taken singing lessons with opera singer Thomas Wiegand and singing teacher Nicole Jukic. Apart from creating his own music, he’s a music teacher in Guxhagen as well. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Ed Sheeran, he released his debut single “Raise Me Up” in 2021.

Singing about the moment when that one special person catches your eye with their beauty across the dancefloor while out partying, his new single is a sunlit, feel-good pop song. Starting with a mellow percussion and an acoustic guitar, he first captures our ears with his creamy and emotive vocals, before adding sonic sunbeams into the chorus. Slowly falling in love lyrically, the song exudes an inviting warmth from the addition of smooth strings and leads to an enticing, upbeat crescendo.

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In The Spotlight

Mariel Buckley – “Vending Machines”

Born in Calgary, this Canadian singer and songwriter hails from a musical family, as her brother T. Buckley is also a singer. She picked up a guitar for the first time aged 13. Always nurturing her love of music, she worked at a local record shop. At 20 she began seriously pursuing a career. Since she’s played festivals such as the Canmore Folk Festival, AmericanaFest and the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Inspired by Steve Earle, Tony Rice and Willie Nelson, she released her debut EP in 2012.

Singing about questioning the path that you’re on and the restlessness that that uncertainty produces, her new single shows a genuine vulnerability and a touch of melancholy. Brewing a new sound from blending alt-country with a dash of rock and pop, she creates a mellow melody with a lush pedal steel hook and jangly acoustic guitars. And with her velveteen vocals drawing you into her world, this enchanting smooth country-pop tune is an irresistible piece of vivid Americana.

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In The Spotlight

Jade Novah – “90’s Fine”

Born in Cleveland as Lindsay Fields, this singer and songwriter grew up singing in church. She started her career writing songs for the likes of Mýa and Christina Milian. Changing her focus to her own singing career in 2012, she began performing as backup singer for stars like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. Her own voice was first noticed as she uploaded cover videos to her YouTube channel, such as “Diamonds” by Rihanna, which amassed 13 million views. She released her debut “Show Out” in 2013.

Steeped in delicious nostalgia, her new single celebrates having found a pure and real love without filters, fillers or lies. Taking it back to the basics, the song is filled with smooth, 90s-inspired R&B sweetness. Starting with a warm and mellow mood from the soft synths, they are joined by luscious percussion, soothing harmonies and subtle strings. And with the sheer elegance of her tender vocal charm, this beguiling R&B smooth groove is a soulful slice of unmitigated musical magic.

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In The Spotlight

The Free Label – “Dancing On Your Own”

Based in Toronto, this Canadian band creates a delectable blend of 70s disco, 90s R&B and high-octane funk. Consisting of Jacob Thompson, Cole Mendez, Jason Martin, Joshua Tsakas, Malik Mungo and Mathew Fantini, they’ve forged an electrifying live show and toured Europe, North America and Australia. They’ve played various festivals such as Canadian Music Week and Mariposa Folk Festival and opened for artists like T-Pain, Aqua and Incognito. They debuted with “All Night” in 2018.

Singing about unrequited love, their new single takes us through the emotions of feeling love burning inside of you, while that person keeps dancing on their own. Enticing us into the song with some soft ethereal synths, soon the disco rhythm takes control. Padded with balmy bass plucks and laid-back keys, the breezy melody leads to a refreshing and invigorating horn section. And with their gentle, spellbinding vocals stroking our ears, this smooth groove ticks every funkalicious box.

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In The Spotlight

Ash Leone – “Terracotta Walls”

Originally from Philadelphia and based in New York City, this R&B singer and songwriter has been bouncing around the country. She got her training studying at Belmont University in Nashville and has since been writing songs both for herself and others. She’s collaborated with artists like Kiana Ledé and Kyle Dion. Known for her masterful story-telling and vocal prowess and drawing inspiration from Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse and Leon Bridges, she released her debut “Physical” in 2019.

Referring to the terracotta walls in the kitchen of her childhood home, her new single captures the comfort she felt sharing her thoughts and dreams in a safe space where everybody was welcome. A delicious blend of soft Neo-Soul and velvety R&B, the song paints a mellow picture with a laid-back rhythm and silken strings. And with gentle keys and placid harmonies adding an enchanting serenity, it’s her ear-stroking vocal tenderness that melts into this intoxicating delight.

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In The Spotlight

Gareth Haze – “Never Have I Ever”

Born in South Africa and based in London, UK, this rising singer and songwriter was raised in a musical environment which sparked his passion for music. A multi-instrumentalist, he’s proficient at guitar, drums, piano and various percussion instruments. He began his career as drummer and backing vocalist for his brother Mark Haze and shared the stage with Seether and Bon Jovi. Venturing solo and inspired by The Beatles, Frank Turner and Johnny Cash, he debuted with “Home” in 2023.

Celebrating resilience in the face of the complexities of loss, his new single uses the power of music on the journey of healing. Written following the passing of his father, this heartfelt song turns grief into an uplifting energy. Starting the song with a 70s singer/songwriter feel from the lone acoustic guitar and a jolly tambourine, soon it evolves into lively Americana with peppy drums and a harmonica. And with his authentic vocals, this reflective tune is filled with genuine honesty.

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