In The Spotlight

Sam Louis – “Legacy”

Based in Toronto, this Canadian singer and songwriter has been a fixture of the music scene for nearly a decade. Although always interested in music, it was seeing the video for Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Give It Away” aged 12 that lit the musical fire. Since he’s a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and winner of an Indigenous Music Award for best pop album. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Fall Out Boy and The 1975, he released his debut single “Sunset Love” in 2015.

With lyrics questioning the value of your success when the people who played an important part in getting you where you are today are no longer around, this song takes a realistic look at fame and at what is truly important. Melodically complex, it’s the multi-layered synths and futuristic vocals that create a hypnotic soundscape, before a fresh piano and a bouncy beat add another facet. And with his emotional falsetto vocals, this entrancing tune is melancholic and mesmerizing.

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In The Spotlight

Kymara – “Current Weather”

Born in Utrecht, The Netherlands, this Dutch neo-soul singer and songwriter’s musical journey didn’t get its start until she moved to the UK to study Professional Musicianship at BIMM in Brighton. Now calling Brighton her home, she has been championed by BBC Introducing in the UK, as well as by NPO Radio 2 Soul & Jazz in The Netherlands. She’s also performed at the renowned North Sea Jazz Festival. Inspired by Nina Simone, D’angelo and Janis Joplin, she released her debut “You” in 2020.

Sprouted from a demo tape by the bands guitarist Louis Bell, her new single is a spellbindingly beautiful neo-soul gem. Instantly beguiling from the first note, the song opens with a mellow electric guitar and celestial harmonies, before it gently flows into a velveteen, slow jazz-touched melody. With an auditory ascension of a rolling percussion and laidback horns adding extra pizzazz, it’s the welcoming warmth of her winsome vocals that make this soulful jam sound like sonic silk.

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In The Spotlight

Myles From Home – “Van Trippin'”

This Vancouver-based Canadian trio was formed in 2022 by singer, songwriter and guitarist Myles Hildebrand. He’s been writing and performing music since he wrote his first song for a high school project. Before 2022 he was in a Montreal-based band called Café Racer. Famed for their live shows, where he plays a 12-string guitar, they’ve created an unique blend of folk, jazz-funk and rock. Inspired by Elton John and Bob Dylan, they debuted with “Nearest Star” in 2023.

Inspired by a weekend trip up a steep mountain road with a lady in her van, their new single captures the endless opportunities of the open road. With an unconventional melodic fusion, the song is constructed from a number of varying layers. From a nostalgic laid-back rock to a funkalicious vibe and even an afrobeat feel, this virulent tune is a delicious brew. With a jumping bass, wild guitars and Myles’ one-of-a-kind vocals, this infectious sonic road trip becomes a standout groove.

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In The Spotlight

Emily Fields – “Love Bomb”

This London-based British singer and songwriter taught herself how to sing from listening to artists like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin and grew from performances in her living room to singing in gospel choirs. An accompanying love for telling stories led to her writing her own songs. Since then she’s had songs featured on the TV show Love Island: All Stars and on BBC Introducing. Drawing inspiration from Adele, Olivia Dean and Lewis Capaldi, she released her debut “17” in 2022.

Telling the tale of feeling lovestruck, truly believing you’re found that special person, only to find out things are not what they seem, her single manages to capture the disheartening emotions in a surprisingly upbeat summery tune. Catching the last rays of sunshine of the year, she filled the song with confidence to sing, to dance and to feel great. With sparkling keys, catchy beat and her cheery, yet powerful vocals, this is a radiant pop banger brimming with empowerment and fun.

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In The Spotlight

J.J. Chamberlain – “Thoughts”

Based in York, this British singer and songwriter is no stranger to the music scene. He is the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Box Time, as well as playing lead guitar for Love Barons. As a solo artist he’s proved to be a gifted storyteller. He performed at local bars like Cat In The Wall and supported the American grunge band MammaBear on their UK tour. Inspired by bands like The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Smiths, he released his debut single “Eyeballs” in 2024.

Having taken many years to write, his new single tries to capture the grief following the devastating loss of his close friend and bandmate Lanfranco Ganglione to suicide in 2012. Blending the intense lyrics with a 90s rock melody, the vivid song is meant to inspire those who might be struggling too. With an imposing percussion by Takashi Takemura, colorful bass line and rousing guitar riffs weaving this anthemic tune together, it’s his airy, emotive vocals that will gently touch your heart.

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In The Spotlight

Beth McKenzie – “She’s Finally Lost It!”

Hailing from Manchester, this British singer and songwriter began playing music and training classically in the flute from the age of 8. With songwriting acting as an outlet during her teenage years, she created a blend of 00s British pop nostalgia with refreshing Gen Z transparency. With support from BBC Introducing and Under The Radar and inspired by artists ranging from Chappell Roan and Paloma Faith to Lily Allen and Gracie Abrams, she debuted with “Memory Wipe” in 2021.

Steeped in an expressive honesty, her new single tells the tale of power abuse in the music industry and the turmoil this inflicts on artists. Realizing that the story is sombre, she counter-balanced the dark lyrics with an upbeat pop sound. Starting with a soft synth, the track gently ascends, adding more body as it goes, before reaching the bouncy pinnacle in the chorus. With a catchy beat, delicious melodic chaos and her hypnotic vocals, this vibrant tune is filled with resilience.

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