In The Spotlight

Ay Wing – “Sugar Rush”

Born as Alexandra Landtwing in Switzerland and now based in Berlin, Germany, this singer, songwriter and producer wrote her first songs at the age of 18. She also spent a year attending a music school in London. Since then she’s toured throughout Europe and the US, opened for acts like Selah Sue and Sofi Tukker and played festivals such as Twin Lakes as well as Sofar Sounds. Inspired by Lauryn Hill, Father John Misty and The Beatles, she debuted with her self-titled EP in 2015.

Putting into words and melody the intoxicated high you get from falling and being in love, her new single celebrates the unmistakable thrill an all-encompassing feeling of infatuation can bring. The refreshing sound of the tune blends R&B and neo-soul with an addictive funkiness. Enticing you in with playful electric guitar, smooth string section and retro-touched synths, it’s the cheeky bells and the sultry quality of her vocals, that make this an ode to newfound love.

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In The Spotlight

Benny Trokan – “It’s Time”

Born and raised in New York City, this singer, songwriter and musician grew up immersed by the music from his mother’s eclectic 60s record collection. Influenced by Ringo Starr, he became infatuated with the drums at an early age. At college he expanded his horizons with bands of his own generation. Since then he’s played in various groups, most notably as the bassist for Spoon. Inspired by The Beatles, Sam & Dave and A Tribe Called Quest, he debuted solo with “Hey Lovers” in 2022.

Deeply dipped in the glorious sounds of the swinging 60s, his new single guides you through all the best the era had to offer. Taken from his upcoming album “Do You Still Think Of Me”, to be released on August 23rd, the song blends vintage elements of pop and rock into a track that sounds like a long lost treasure of the time. Starting with cheeky castanets and a guitar, the song evolves to a lively beat, electric guitars and violins, becoming a passionate trip back to the golden age of rock.

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In The Spotlight

Carly Pearl – “Over The Influence”

Based in New York City, this eclectic singer and songwriter grew up listening to a lot of jazz, soul and musical theatre. She’s been making her own mark in theatre, as an actress and in music. As part of the national touring act Scruffy Pearls, she played various festivals and opened for other artists. Recently she also guest starred on the CBS TV show FBI: Most Wanted. Inspired by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill, she released her solo debut “Play Me” in 2021.

Trying to empower everyone to realize what influence is trapping your actions and thinking, her new single is a call to be aware and usher in a positive change in your life. Drenched in a honeyed soulful veil, the song gets going with a laidback acoustic guitar. Soon an easygoing rhythm joins the melodic sweetness, blending neo-soul, R&B and jazz into an unique, ear-pleasing sound. And with her Macy Gray-touched vocal warmth, she’s certainly captured the summer sun in every note.

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In The Spotlight

The Heavy Heavy – “Happiness”

Based in Brighton, this band fronted by Will Turner and Georgie Fuller is so nice, they had to name it twice. Both having grown up with genre-bending music from the 60s and early 70s has influenced their retro sound that ranges from rock ‘n roll to blues and from pop to soul. First touring around the UK and Europe, they’ve now expanded to the USA with a tour and TV appearances. Inspired by The Rolling Stones and The Mamas And The Papas, they debuted with “Life And Life Only” in 2022.

Capturing the need to break free from loneliness and boredom, their new single is a sun-drenched, summer-ready celebration of the 60s. Taken from their upcoming album “One Of A Kind”, expected on September 6th, they follow in the footsteps of bands like The Beatles with an uplifting blend of rock and pop. With a monochrome rhythm, vivid electric guitars and layered harmonies, they’ve created a high-spirited vintage journey, gathering sheer happiness along the way.

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In The Spotlight

Ferry Townes – “Times Two”

Born as Julia Gargano and hailing from Staten Island, this singer and songwriter named herself as a homage to the Staten Island Ferry she had to take daily to go to school. Since embarking on her journey pursuing a musical career, she was a contestant on Season 18 of American Idol in 2020, finishing in the top 7. She’s been channelling her own raw, unfiltered emotions into her songs. Reminiscent of bands like HAIM and boygenius, she released her debut single “Be Here” in 2024.

Lyrically capturing the intense emotions heartbreak can bring, her new single wishes that everything bad the ex has done, will come back at them twofold. Taken from her upcoming debut album “Side Effects Of Happiness”, expected on July 26th, she’s used a clever multi-layered melody to emphasize the emotive rollercoaster. Starting with a gentle piano and her stirring vocals, the song ascends into a jumpy pop chorus before slowing things down again, creating an anthemic pop vibrancy.

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In The Spotlight

Grace Pettis – “Joy”

Based in Nashville, this folk singer and songwriter was born into a family of musicians. She grew up watching her dad perform on stage and was engrossed with the whole dynamic. Later she started playing open mics and at church. Since she’s written hundreds of songs, some recorded by Sara Hickman, and has 3 co-writes on the 2022 Grammy nominated Ruthie Foster album “Healing Time”. Inspired by Joni Mitchell, Lauryn Hill and Brandi Carlisle, she debuted with “Two Birds” in 2012.

Written as a reminder to herself and anybody who needs to hear it that there is so much beauty in life, her new single is medicine for feeling down. Taken from her album “Down To The Letter”, the song starts slow, with an electric guitar setting the mood, soon a mellow rhythm gets added and her emotive, soulful vocals take the reins. All leading to the full-bodied chorus, filled with warm organ tones and classic horns, this multi-layered tune sounds welcoming and joyous.

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