In The Spotlight

Madalen Duke – “Wings”

Originally from Calgary and now Los Angeles-based, this Canadian singer-songwriter had a childhood that was filled with music, theatre and songwriting. She wrote her first song aged 15. At 21 she moved to Los Angeles to pursue music full-time. Since then she’s played festivals like SXSW and opened for Post Malone. She’s also a sought-after songwriter, having written for IVE and Fifty Fifty. Inspired by Lana Del Rey, Labrinth and Jessie Reyez, she debuted with “Gucci Store” in 2017.

Singing about letting go of perfectionism and embracing our imperfections, her new single is about self-acceptance and personal healing. Carrying the empowering lyrics is an organic and intimate melody. Keeping the instrumentation minimal and acoustic gives the song a genuine vulnerability. Opening with soaring, cinematic strings and joined by warm piano and a subtle bass, it’s her raw, intense vocals that take centre stage and give this imposing tune pure authenticity.

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In The Spotlight

Lindsey Lomis – “What’s It Gonna Be?”

Hailing from Nashville, this singer-songwriter grew up surrounded by live music. She discovered she had a passion for music aged 9 and started vocal lessons at 10. By the age of 12 she was writing, recording and posting her own songs online. Since the start of her career she’s played festivals like Summerfest, venues such as the Blue Note in L.A. and opening for artists like Bruno Major. Influenced by Amy Winehouse, Tori Kelly and Allen Stone, she debuted with “Our Memories” in 2017.

Lyrically giving a firm ultimatum to a partner to either commit to the relationship or stop wasting her time, her new single demands clarity over mixed signals. Blending Neo-Soul, R&B and contemporary pop, this is a highly sophisticated song. With tight percussion adding a rhythmic bounce, subtle guitars adding a rich warmth and punchy horns adding some retro-soul flair, this lush melody is intoxicating. And with a touch of attitude in her soulful vocals, this is a luxuriant groove.

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In The Spotlight

Matt Hansen – “Unspoken”

Born in San Rafael and based in Los Angeles, this singer-songwriter grew up in a supportive home where music was always playing. He participated in school theatre productions to overcome shyness. At 9 he discovered a passion for singing. He moved to L.A. aged 18 to study ethnomusicology at UCLA. He’s played festivals like Lollapalooza and Pinkpop and opened for artists like Teddy Swims. Inspired by Coldplay, Brian Eno and Bon Iver, he debuted with “Without You With Me” in 2021.

Singing about unwavering devotion, his new single is about being a safe haven for someone in their darkest moments. Lyrically honoring a bond so strong that words are unnecessary, this song is an uplifting, cinematic pop anthem. Starting with ascending synths and acoustic guitar, it leads to the stadium-sized chorus with thunderous drums and shimmering synth-pads. And with his signature rasp in his expressive vocals, this triumphant groove is full of unlimited love and friendship.

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In The Spotlight

Lucy Sugerman – “Friends To Lovers”

Born in Canberra, this Australian singer-songwriter’s musical talent was evident from a young age. Obsessed by the violin, she started classical lessons aged 4. By the age of 9 she was playing live gigs and a year later she started busking. In 2017 she entered The Voice Australia, reaching the Top 4. She’s played festivals such as SXSW and opened for artists like Del Water Gap. Inspired by Carole King, Elton John and Missy Higgins, she debuted with “I Wanna Kiss Boys Cos I’m Bored” in 2020.

Capturing the messiness of a situationship, her new single explores the regret of transitioning from platonic friends to lovers. Despite singing about the emotional toll of a failed romance, this song is a sparling, upbeat country-pop track. With a punchy rhythm, a slide and twelve-string guitar and a mandolin injecting some sonic energy into this spirited tune, it’s her expressive, slightly cheeky vocals that give this bright, playful groove an undeniable and highly danceable vibrancy.

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In The Spotlight

Derik Fein – “Push You Away”

Originally from Florida and Nashville-based, this singer-songwriter grew up in a turbulent household causing childhood anxiety. Finding an escape in music, he began writing songs as a form of self-therapy and taught himself to play guitar aged 13. He started to play small local gigs and open mics. Since he’s played venues such as Miami’s Wynwood Yard and Whiskey a Go Go in L.A.. Inspired by Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Amy Winehouse, he released his debut “Chanel Perfume” in 2018.

Singing about the destructive combination of self-sabotage and personal insecurity, his new single is about feeling regret about hurting someone you love as a defense mechanism. Taken from his recently released EP “Ultraviolet”, the song captures the vulnerable and deeply personal lyrics in a 1950s-inspired fusion of modern pop and classic soul. With moody synths, luscious strings and his raspy, soulful vocals, this cinematic slice of retro rawness is a real emotional rollercoaster.

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In The Spotlight

Amalia Fleming – “Can’t Fight The Future”

Raised under the Californian sun, this singer-songwriter was making up songs before she could read. She taught herself to play guitar and made her stage debut at the Live Oak Music Festival aged 9. She had her first official  gig aged 11. She moved to Nashville to study songwriting at Belmont University. She’s played the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and venues such as The Siren. Inspired by Joni Mitchell, Maggie Rogers & Lizzie McAlpine, she released her debut single “Last Summer” in 2020.

Capturing the inevitable ebb and flow of life, her new single reminds us that although happy times may be fleeting, darker days will also pass. Lyrically nudging us to live fully in the moment, this song is an indie-pop track dipped in organic folk hues. With acoustic instruments like the guitar, banjo and mandolin as well as a heartbeat rhythm creating an understated melody, it’s her honey-sweet vocals adding an intimate vulnerability that give this polished tune a soothing natural warmth.

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