In The Spotlight

Brooke Stilla – “Leave You (To Get It)”

Born in Sydney and now based in Toronto, Canada, this Australian singer and songwriter started dancing aged 2 and first sang on stage aged 4. She began formal singing lessons at the age of 6. Later, she and her sister Tayla-Grace appeared on The X-Factor Australia as part of the girl group BEATZ and reached fifth place in 2016. As a solo artists she’s played festivals like Canadian Music Week. Inspired by Nelly Furtado, Ariana Grande and Justin Timberlake, she debuted with “Thirsty” in 2020.

Singing about the complicated dynamics when a partner only seems to be interested in you when you’re not available, her new single tells a heartwrenching story about making the most of a difficult situation. Starting the song with some enticing piano chords and a fingersnap rhythm, it’s her sultry, emotional vocals that find their way to your soul. Blossoming into an lively R&B-laced melody, with a bouncy beat, warm bass line and fresh tambourine, this jam is an infectious groove.

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In The Spotlight

Rags And Riches – “Wisdom”

Hailing from Lexington, this pop-rock duo of brothers Tanner and Peyton Whitt grew up with music-loving parents, who exposed them to different kinds of music. In their early teens, they bought them a drum and electric guitar and they started playing in church. Since forming in 2017 they’ve won several music awards and shared the stage with Fitz & The Tantrums and Smash Mouth. Inspired by Queen, Imagine Dragons and Post Malone, they released their debut “Speed Of Sound” in 2019.

Encouraging the listener to deal with obstacles in their life without falling down, their new single instills the faith that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. Taken from their same-titled EP, the song is a timeless amalgam of various influences. Starting with an ascending synth and leading to an almost tribal drum, the verse vocals are more storytelling in nature. Coming to life in the catchy melodic chorus, this bouncy track is brimming with an upbeat sound of hope.

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In The Spotlight

Nora Mae – “How Didn’t You, Though?”

Born as the granddaughter of the legendary Eartha Kitt, Rachel Shapiro is a singer and songwriter who grew up in the music industry. From watching her grandmother perform on tour aged 5 to embracing anything to do with performing like vocal coaching and guitar lessons, music has always been a staple. Listening to lots of jazz and 50s/60s pop, she’s created an unique musical style. Inspired by Billie Holiday, Nancy Sinatra and Alicia Keys, she debuted with “Rendezvous” in 2022.

Singing about believing in someone so much that finding out that trust was a fantasy can be devastating, her new single takes us down the rabbit hole of disappointment. Taking some sultry jazz and blending it with retro-styled pop, she forges a smooth, seductive melody. With a propulsive rhythm, balmy bass and sweltering guitars conjuring a spellbinding sound, it’s her alluring vocals telling her introspective story, that create a captivating tune filled with sensual authenticity.

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In The Spotlight

Sweet Talk – “Real Good Cookin'”

Based in Melbourne, this 6-piece Australian band formed in 2021, while bonding over a love of late nights, American music and classic songwriting. Consisting of brothers Tane and Soren Walker, D.M. Turner, Craig Mattingley, James Vincent Harding and Nic Symons, they’re known for their electric live shows at festivals like Blues On Broadbeach and Tamworth Country Music Festival. Inspired by The Doobie Brothers, Little Feat and The Allman Brothers, they debuted with “Superman” in 2021.

Although originally written around the time of their formation, with the working title “Southern Fried Chicken”, their new single is now a perfectly formed dish. Cooking up a delicious buffet of various flavors, they seasoned the song with lavish amounts of country, spicy rock and peppery blues. With aromatic electric guitars, sweet keys and fiery drums teasing your sonic tastebuds, it’s the zesty, 70s-touched rock vocals that are the secret ingredient in this delectable musical meal.

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In The Spotlight

Kaleia – “Dead Weight”

Born in Edmonton and based in Vancouver, this Canadian singer and songwriter has been performing since she was young. By the age of 7 she was already commanding the stage and by 11 she’d caught the attention of Sia. Since she’s been in many musical productions, such as the role of Nina in “In The Heights” in 2019. She’s attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. Inspired by H.E.R., Daniel Caesar and SZA, she released her solo debut single “Everything Comes Back To You” in 2023.

Rejecting a future of feeling overlooked and undervalued after a breakup, her new single is filled with empowerment and self-worth. Her resilient lyrics are enveloped in an melodic suaveness. With an intoxicating rhythm, classic organ tones and laidback keys, blending elements of R&B and blues, she’s created an ear-stroking sonic smoothness. And with her sultry vocals and enchanting harmonies singing her assertive words, this alluring tune is truly mesmerizing.

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In The Spotlight

Clairo – “Sexy To Somone”

Born as Claire Cottrill in Atlanta, this eclectic singer and songwriter has been self-recording and releasing songs, as well as music videos, since the age of 13. Having built a huge fanbase on YouTube, it was a video of her singing her song “Pretty Girl”, recorded in her bedroom, that went viral in 2017 and has amassed 101 million streams since. Grown up listening to a wide range of musical influences, from Al Green to Cocteau Twins, she released her debut single “Bubble Gum” in 2015.

Encouraging people to go out and find much needed excitement in their life when that is lacking, her new single highlights the benefits that a boost like that could have on a person. Taken from her upcoming album “Charm”, expected on July 12th, she blends 70s-inspired jazz, psychedelic-folk and soul as an expert sonic mixologist. Instantly vibrant with a retro drum, crisp piano and warm bass, it’s her sultry whisper, that gives this sunlit, vintage-dipped tune a sensual quality.

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