In The Spotlight

Nora Anna – “The Right Path”

This emerging Latvian singer and songwriter has been impressing audiences with, what she calls, her ‘little nostalgic story-telling hybrids’ for a few years now. She’s taken her blend of pop, jazz, blues and folk and played gigs around the UK, France and Latvia, as well as festivals like Always The Sun and Staycation. In 2020 she became a semi-finalist at the International Songwriting Contest. Inspired by Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell and Carole King, she debuted with “Over The Moon” in 2019.

Singing about giving yourself permission to get distracted by the beauty and love that life has to offer, her new single follows Joni Mitchell in having let nature inspire the melody. Capturing the natural allure in a soothing, folky soundscape, the song starts with a calming acoustic guitar. Painting a stunning sonic picture, she adds hypnotic keys and an organic rhythm, but it’s her introspective vocals, dipped in an enticing melancholy, that let this tune wander inside your thoughts.

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In The Spotlight

Xela – “My Watch”

Born in New Zealand and now based in Sydney, Australia, this multifaceted singer and songwriter starting songwriting classes at the tender age of 8. She was classically trained in her primary school choir, but afterwards joined Wellington’s School Of Rock and the New Zealand School of Music training in jazz performance. As well as lending her voice to EDM artists, she creates soulful R&B songs. Inspired by Nina Simone, Kimbra and Raye, she released her debut “Just Because” in 2021.

Paying tribute to wasting time while overcoming self-doubt, her new single encourages the listener to believe in themselves and to go for what they want. Instantly gripping from the very first note, the song starts with a funky rhythm and a warm bass line, slowly adding crisp keys and tempting guitars as the melody progresses. And with the hypnotic backing harmonies and her classic R&B-infused vocals, this delightfully blended groove exudes an infectious suaveness and style.

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In The Spotlight

The K’s – “Lights Go Down”

Hailing from Earlestown, this British four-piece band all met at various stages of the school life. Consisting of Jamie Boyle, Ryan Breslin, Dexter Baker and Nathan Peers, they initially established themselves as a live band. Slowly the venues grew, from Jimmy’s in Manchester to Rock City in Nottingham. They also performed at festivals like Isle Of Wight and Reading & Leeds as well as a headline UK Tour. Inspired by The Libertines and Arctic Monkeys, they released their debut single “Sarajevo” in 2017.

With personal lyrics stating that even though they’re living their dream on stage, they love returning to the normality of home, their new single shows an emotive vulnerability and honesty. Taken from their recently released album “I Wonder If The World Knows”, the track is instantly enchanting from the acoustic piano at the start. Injecting a bit of rock oomph in the chorus, it’s the rolling drums, wailing guitar and the emotionally-laden vocals that make this an extraordinary tune.

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In The Spotlight

Dea Matrona – “Every Night I Want You”

Based in Belfast, this Irish rock duo formed in 2018 after having met in school a few years earlier, when Orláith Forsythe and Mollie McGinn discovered their shared musical interests. Still teenagers, they started busking and their career got traction after uploads to YouTube. Since then they’ve played festivals like Reading & Leeds and SXSW, as well as a headline UK and Ireland tour. Inspired by Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, they debuted with “Away From The Tide” in 2019.

Discussing the conundrum of feeling an overwhelming love for someone you know is bad for you, their new single tries to balance head and heart. Taken from their upcoming debut album “For Your Sins”, expected on May 3rd, the song starts with a breezy, 70s-inspired soundscape of a mellow rhythm, warm bass and smooth jazzy vocals. The radiant chorus of sunlit electric guitars sounds like taking a coastal roadtrip in a red convertible with your hair flowing freely in the wind.

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In The Spotlight

Johnny Burgos – “Get Back”

Born and bred in Brooklyn, New York, this multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer and engineer initially grew a fascination for the rhythms of salsa and soul from his uncle, percussionist André Martínez. He started as a session engineer, working with the likes of Wu Tang Clan, Alicia Keys and 50 Cent. He also led the band Bridge City Hustle, with whom he toured nationally. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill and D’angelo, he released his solo debut “Wild About You” in 2017.

Guiding the listener through the progression of a relationship, from the magical and joyous beginnings to the more rough times, his new single tells a relatable, introspective story. Taken from his upcoming album “All I Ever Wanted”, expected on June 7th, and collaborating with producer Jeremy Page, it’s the mellow drum, warm bass and soft organ that forges a satiny smooth R&B melody. And with his soulful vocals taking your ears on a silken rollercoaster ride, this is a sleek groove.

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In The Spotlight

Nicky MacKenzie – “Morals”

Based in Victoria on Vancouver Island, this soulful Canadian singer and songwriter was born with music in her DNA. Her mother ran a music store, allowing her to experiment with instruments, starting with piano aged 7. She also tried drums, violin and harp, before settling on guitar aged 10. Exposed to a variety of genres, from classic rock to Motown, and drawing inspiration from Charlotte Day Wilson, Daniel Caesar and Hozier, she debuted with her album “Honeydew” in 2018.

Singing about starting prioritizing yourself after having been a people pleaser your entire life, her new single encourages you to let go of doubts and give in to your wants. Infused with a silky-smooth, 90s-doused R&B honey, the song starts with delicate keys, before being joined by cheeky fingersnaps and gentle rhythm. And with her elegant, sugarcoated vocal charm putting a spell on you and an unexpected electric guitar solo, this enchanting satiny tune is pure sonic luxury.

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