In The Spotlight

Mirrors On The Moon – “December Blues”

Launched in 2023, this New Jersey-based band was formed around singer and songwriter Donny Dykowsky. He was already performing at the age of 15, but 5 years later a cancer diagnosis put a temporary stop to his career. When he was able, he started performing anywhere with a stage. Now joined by Freddy Pastore, John Hummel, Dave Archer and Emily McMahon, they blend psych-rock with alt-country. Inspired by The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, they debuted with “Get Lost” in 2023.

Celebrating with an unexpected, blues-infused melody, their new single takes a look at the festive season from a different point of view. Feeling the emotions caused by the winter blues, as well as the jolly Christmas cheer, this song offers an alternative approach. Using the foundation of the classic blues compositions, it feels smooth and laidback and filled with sentimental soul. With a punchy rhythm, lively guitars and his vintage-touched vocals, this is the season to be bluesy.

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In The Spotlight

Jack Drinker – “California King”

Based in Los Angeles, this singer and songwriter started singing and performing at 4 years young in the church choir and in musicals. In high school he started writing his own songs more seriously. He graduated from UCLA’s Herb Alpert School Of Music where he studied Music History and Industry and recently played a live show at the prestigious LA music venue The Hotel Café. Inspired by Gracie Abrams, Whitney Houston and Lana Del Rey, he debuted with “Bye Bye” in 2019.

Although the song has a lightness and an excitement to it, his new single also incorporates an awareness that inevitably things might no go the way you hope they do. Especially in relationships in which we might glorify people to be something they never were. Starting with a vulnerable acoustic guitar, the track soon evolves with punchy drums and jangly electric guitars in the catchy chorus. And with his refreshing vocals, this exhilarating indie-pop tune has an uplifting, anthemic feel.

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In The Spotlight

Matilda Mann – “Dazed & Confused”

Born and raised in London, this British singer and songwriter has been writing songs since she was very young. She grew up listening to her parents’ music like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell and David Bowie. She graduated from the BRIT school and has since graced many stages such as Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds Festival. She also opened for artists like Arlo Parks and Beabadoobee. Inspired by Laura Marling, Lianne La Havas and Adele, she debuted with her EP “If That Makes Sense” in 2020.

Written in the August sun, released in the cold grey of Winter and filled with hope and anticipation for Spring, her new single captures the feeling that you’re still there for a loved one while seasons change. Taken from her upcoming album “Roxwell”, expected on February 28th, she draws us into her musical world by blending pop, folk and a touch of jazz into a warm and inviting melody. With tasty synths, hearty drums and her saccharine vocals, this tune is a catchy, heartfelt groove.

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In The Spotlight

Mel Senese – “Main Character”

Hailing from Chicago, this singer and songwriter grew up making music with her producer uncle who had a music studio. Also a multi-instrumentalist, she learned to play piano, guitar and clarinet. She’s been honing her craft as frontwoman of several bands before going solo. In 2017 she earned the title of Chicago Big Break Champion and went on to open for Dorothy and The Veronicas. Inspired by artists such as P!nk, No Doubt and Paramore, she released her debut “Prey” in 2019.

Singing about embracing your self-worth and the need to look after yourself, her new single encourages us to pursue happiness and make ourselves the main character of our story. Taken from her recently released EP with the same title, the song builds on a pop foundation with a touch of energetic rock. Starting with some bass plucks and a cheeky beat, the chorus is an sonic explosion of modern pop. With lively guitars, punchy drums and vibrant vocals, this is a thrilling tune.

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In The Spotlight

Alex Siegel – “Sentimental”

California born and raised, this singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist’s warm bedroom pop sound took the internet by storm in 2018. He generated 1.5 million stream in a matter of months. He’s worked as a session musician and toured with Malian guitar virtuoso Vieux Farka Touré on keys and Nine Pound Shadow on drums. He was also part of the musical project Waterstrider. Inspired by João Gilberto, Miles Davis and Bill Evans, he released his debut “Headspin” in 2018.

Creating the laidback feeling of a warm sunlit day and reminiscent of the folky songwriters of the time, his new single takes us back to the summers of the 70s. With its mellow rhythm, sweet acoustic guitar and velvety harmonies forging an easygoing melody dipped in silky nostalgia, it’s the airiness and softness of his heartfelt vocals gently bobbing along on the musical airwaves that add a melancholy and wistfulness to this welcoming, feel-good journey to sunny days of yore.

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In The Spotlight

Tonia – “Harmony”

Growing up in a musical family in Nottingham, this singer/songwriter started playing the violin and viola aged 6 and the piano soon after. She played viola in the Nottingham Youth Orchestra and had classical singing training. After learning the guitar, she took to songwriting. She moved to Liverpool to study music at LIPA and since played The Cavern Club and supported Say She She on their tour. Inspired by Lianne La Havas, Carole King and Etta James, she debuted with “Flux” in 2021.

Lyrically taking us through the various stages of a breakup, her new single progresses from anger, via confusion, to eventually acceptance. Wrapping the emotive words in a surprisingly upbeat, retro-touched melody, it’s the peppy drums, invigorating bass, bright guitars and cheeky backing harmonies that draw us into her world. And with her imposing vocals taking us from emotion to elation, this infectious pop groove blends tender melancholy with a high-spirited danceability.

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