In The Spotlight

Ryan O’Reilly – “Elizabeth”

Born in Oxford and based in Berlin, this British singer and songwriter had an eclectic start. From studying poetry and English literature at Roehampton University to busking on London streets or open mic nights in Toronto, Canada, it all honed his craft. Apart from a busy touring schedule, mostly in unusual places like medieval churches, he’s also had music featured on TV shows like Station 19. Inspired by Bob Dylan and Shane MacGowan, he released his debut “Last Year’s Blues” in 2003.

Originally written in 2006, his new single is a rich fusion of various influences. The name is linked to the middle name of his first girlfriend, to Queen Elizabeth and the biblical Elizabeth. Musically inspired by Gram Parsons, it blends country and bluegrass with a folky foundation. Taken from his upcoming album “Native Companion”, expected on April 14th and driven by a bouncy drum and acoustic guitar, this reflective tune is enriched with a banjo solo and his heartfelt, storytelling vocals.

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Music History

Suzi Quatro – “She’s In Love With You”

From her album “Suzi… And Other Four Letter Words” (1979):

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New Music

Ben Swissa – “Sweet Ecstasy”

Giving infectious retro pop an insatiable funky vibe, this is the new single by Australian singer and songwriter Ben Swissa:

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In The Spotlight

Julia Calvin – “Is It?”

Originally from Costa Rica and now New York City-based, this singer and songwriter started classical piano training aged 7. Since then she’s lived in Tanzania and various places in the USA. During her high school years she attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts summer camp and discovered songwriting. In 2019 she won the BMI Foundation’s Peermusic Latin Scholarship Award. Inspired by Ray Lamontagne, Talking Heads and Maggie Rogers, she debuted with “Getting Stoned” in 2022.

Singing about the chasm between everything you give and how little you get in return, her new single is about how to overcome being a people-pleaser for your own good. Blending dreamy pop with an intimate indie-folk touch, this airy song consists of atmospheric layers of a bouncy rhythm, hazy synths and delicate acoustic guitar. And with the addition of intensifying orchestral strings and her velvety, ethereal vocals, dipped in authenticity, this tune radiates a reassuring warmth.

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Music History

Toto – “Melanie”

From their album “Mindfields” (1999):

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New Music

Joanne Shaw Taylor – “The Trouble With Love”

From her upcoming eleventh studio album, to be released later this year:

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