In The Spotlight

NAO – “Fly Away”

Nottingham-born and London-based, this British singer-songwriter grew up in a multi-cultural household of Jamaican, Vincentian and Grenadinian roots. Raised on music ranging from 90s R&B and Garage to classic soul, she began playing the piano early on. As a teenager, she studied vocal jazz at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. She’s played festivals like Glastonbury and Latitude. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Aaliyah, she debuted with her EP “So Good” in 2014.

Lyrically about escaping the seasonal blues to find emotional and literal warmth with a loved one, her new single captures the desire to leave the autumn cold behind and chase the sun. Taken from her recently released album “Autumn”, this song is rooted in an organic jazz-soul vibe. With a plush rhythm, fiery saxophone and sparkling synths creating a rich melody, it’s her silken vocals with her signature falsetto, that blend a sense of vulnerability with a touch of playfulness.

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In The Spotlight

Alex Crichton – “Stuck On You”

Hailing from Ottawa, this Canadian singer-songwriter gradually and naturally gravitated towards a guitar, which always was a fixture in his childhood home. He studied the instrument thoroughly and taught himself how to play. In his teens he added audio engineering to his skill set. Since the start of his career, he’s played venues like the Barclays Center and State Farm Arena. Drawing inspiration from Ed Sheeran, John Mayer and The 1975, he released his debut “I’ll Wait For You” in 2023.

Capturing the isolating feeling you get when you’re unable to move on from a past relationship, while seeing the whole world moving forward with their lives, his new single explores the emotional stalemate of holding on to a past love. Driven by a cinematic blend of his acoustic alt-pop roots and modern electronic touches, it’s the punchy drums, ambient synths and warm bass guitar that forge a layered melody. And with his yearning vocals, this melancholic tune is a true healing gem.

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In The Spotlight

Blank Instrument – “Know Nothing”

Based in Perth and born as Kim Franklin, this Australian singer-songwriter’s musical journey didn’t begin in her youth. She started as a wordsmith while maintaining a regular job. Using it as an outlet for her chaotic mind, she found her way to the piano and later the acoustic guitar, which she taught herself. Preferring tight-knit community shows, she’s performed at Clancy’s Fish Pub in Fremantle. Inspired by The Paper Kites and Mumford & Sons, she debuted with “Red” in 2020.

Celebrating the freedom of letting go and embracing the unknown, her new single reminds us that all of us are figuring life out as we go. Taken from her recently released album “Jumping At Ghosts”, this song has a warm, introspective country-folk melody. From the acoustic guitar, lively rhythm and Hammond Organ, to the unexpected glockenspiel, it’s a multi-layered soundscape. And with her honest and compelling vocals, this comforting tune opens us up to whatever the future holds.

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In The Spotlight

Lucca Mae – “Is It Selfish”

Born in London and raised near Reading, this British singer-songwriter grew up in a music-loving household. Her father taught her to play guitar, but she wasn’t serious about it until she was 17. At 18, she moved to Australia and started busking. There she also fronted an Amy Winehouse tribute band. Since returning to the UK, she’s played venues like The Marquis and opened for Mavis Staples. Inspired by Nina Simone, Sam Cooke and Paolo Nutini, she debuted with “Next To You” in 2022.

Highlighting the mental exhaustion and isolation caused by unspoken truths, her new single explores the heavy toll of keeping secrets from others. Diving into a vintage melody of 60’s and 70’s soul, blues and jazz, this organic song has a haunting retro vibe. With authentic live percussion, swelling brass and swooning guitars forging the smoky, nostalgic atmosphere, it’s the gritty rasp in her melancholic vocals that turns this sweltering tune into an emotive confession about honesty.

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In The Spotlight

Diamond Cafe – “Date Me”

Born as Tristan Thompson and based in Victoria, this Canadian singer-songwriter seemed to take to music from 6 months old. He particularly appeared to have a fascination for rhythms. Fully self-taught, by the age of 12 he took to busking on his local streets. Since then he’s played notable venues such as Radio City Music Hall and the London Palladium, and supported artists like Teddy Swims on tour. Inspired by Dev Hynes, Prince and Michael Jackson, he debuted with his EP “Breathe” in 2017.

Lyrically about bouncing back from heartbreak with a confident swagger, his new single is themed around reclaiming your groove and moving on to try anew. Wrapped in a vivacious fusion of retro R&B and old-school funk, this song is an infectious, high-octane jam. With a propulsive bassline, analog 80s synths and crisp percussion creating a fiery sonic bounce, it’s his velvety, Prince-esque, falsetto vocals that turn this tune into a dancefloor-ready celebration of self-assurance.

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In The Spotlight

Ruby Poole – “You Still Love Me Anyway”

Hailing from Harwich, this British singer-songwriter woke up at 5 years old to find that she had completely lost her voice overnight due to vocal nodules. Using music as therapy, she joined the Harwich Sing choir at the age of 9. At 18 she moved to London to study at ACM Music College. Since then, she’s performed at summer concert series such as Three Wise Monkeys and opening for James Arthur. Inspired by Adele, Etta James and Jocelyn Brown, she debuted with “Back Up Plan” in 2026.

Serving as a thank-you letter to a partner who offers unconditional love and stays by your side during a mental health crisis, her new single explores hitting rock bottom and having that special someone’s support. Keeping the instrumentation acoustic and simple, this song is a stripped-back gem. With a gentle, driving piano leading the sonic way, it’s joined by a subtle bass and orchestral strings. And with her intimate vocals, this melancholic tune is there when you need it most.

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