In The Spotlight

Julia Larkin – “Picture Me”

Born and raised in New York City, this eclectic singer and songwriter began her musical adventure at the age of 8 after receiving her first guitar and years of guitar lessons followed. Throughout her school years she entered talent shows and played some gigs, but self-doubt led to her choosing a career in dental hygiene. A move to Nashville and playing the renowned Listening Room put her back on track. Inspired by Stevie Nicks, Taylor Swift and Paramore, she debuted with “Toy” in 2023.

Singing about an ex who has so much trouble moving on that he only dates look-a-likes, her new single is an high-energy country-pop bop. Enticing us into her story with a bouncy beat and fresh guitar, the song ignites in the rambunctious chorus. Filled with a cheerful pep, the lively percussion, rocking electric guitars and sprightly spirit forge a catchy and vigorous melody. And with her fiery vocals exposing that stagnant ex, this spunky groove turns into a passion-filled sonic party.

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In The Spotlight

Dany Horovitz – “Way About You”

Born in Montreal and based in Toronto, this Canadian singer and songwriter grew up in his grandfather’s record store, surrounded by all kinds of music such as Leonard Cohen and Barenaked Ladies. He graduated from McGill University and began carving his own niche in the music scene. He created an unique folk-pop sound, filled with memorable melodies and vivid storytelling. Inspired by artists like The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Billy Joel, he debuted with “Moving On” in 2021.

Exploring the mysteries of what makes a lover just so right for you, his new single is meant to put a smile on our face from the first note. Taken from his recently released EP “Way About You”, the track is instantly captivating from the driving drums to the cheeky banjo. Bursting into an insatiable joyful chorus, the melody is joined by frisky guitars and a touch of country violins. And with resplendent harmonies and his exuberant, storytelling vocals, this vibrant tune is an infectious groove.

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In The Spotlight

Maddie Jay – “Stop Me If I’ve Told You This Story”

Originally from Canada and now based in Los Angeles, this talented singer, songwriter and musician started her musical journey with violin lessons as a child. When she was 16 she added the bass. She attended Berklee College of Music in Boston studying jazz bass. After her move to L.A., she started touring with artists such as Remi Wolf and Lorde. Inspired by modern artists as well as vintage influences like The Beach Boys and Harry Nilsson, she released her debut “Mood Swings” in 2020.

Written about the euphoric feeling of realizing that she finally felt comfortable in her own skin, her new single celebrates finding her lost self-esteem and self-confidence. Taken from her, recently released, album “I Can Change Your Mind”, the song starts with a dark retro vibe. With a bobbing beat, moody guitars and a hazy synth, leading to the more sanguine chorus, it’s the misty harmonies and her mesmerizing vocals that take us by the ear into her personal, atmospheric world.

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In The Spotlight

Madelline – “Training Wheels”

Originally from Connecticut and now based in Montreal, Canada, this bubbly singer and songwriter grew up singing in choirs, playing in a jazz and marching band and performing in musical theatre. She still infuses her music with that theatrical flair, creating an unique pop sound. Since she has performed at the legendary Peppermint Club in Los Angeles, as well as sharing a stage with Em Beihold. Inspired by Tove Lo and Aretha Franklin, she debuted with “Wish I Could See” in 2018.

Singing about investing in your relationship only to find out that to your lover you were merely a placeholder for someone new, her new single captures the emotions caused by realizing you were used instead of loved. A whimsical pop song at its core, the catchy song starts with repetitive synth chords and is soon joined by a driving beat. And with her cheeky, eclectic vocal style narrating the heartbreaking story, this infectious, slightly theatrical, groove is a playful sonic folly.

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In The Spotlight

The Sea At Midnight – “Wait For Rain”

Even though Vince Grant thought his days of being in bands were over, a Craigslist ad of producer and guitarist Chris King from the band Cold Showers changed all that. With the addition of drummer Brandon Pierce, this Los Angeles-based project was born. Influenced by various genres, ranging from synth pop to post punk and dipped in nostalgia, they’ve created an unique sound. Inspired by The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen and Depeche Mode, they debuted with “Medicine” in 2020.

Tackling the difficult theme of climate change, wildfires and drought, their new single is made even more poignant with the horrific fires threatening their home town of L.A. at present. Melodically the song feels like a trip back to the 80s. Fusing neon synth pop with a touch of the New Romantics, it combines an electronic sparkle with a darker undertone. Slightly reminiscent of Robert Smith or bands like Talk Talk, it’s the mysterious sounding vocals that make this a beguiling tune.

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In The Spotlight

ILIRA – “Floating With The Sharks”

Born in Brienz with Kosovo-Albanian roots, this Swiss singer and songwriter got her start as a teen as part of the group The Colors, who were on the pre-selection list for the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. After she began uploading her solo music to Instagram which led to a record deal with Sony/ATV. Now based in Berlin, she’s collaborated with artists such as Alle Farben and Tiësto. Inspired by Britney Spears, Rihanna and Nirvana, she debuted with “Whisper My Name” in 2018.

Lyrically giving an honest reflection on her time signed with major labels and how this experience affected her, her new single is her first as a truly independent artist. Trying to move away from the bubble-gum pop and dance music she was known for, she’s now exploring her own sound. The melody starts with a folky intro, before moving into a darker pop scene. Effortlessly blending together with her mesmerizing vocals, this initial step to sonic independence sounds truly sumptuous.

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