In The Spotlight

Lucy Sugerman – “Friends To Lovers”

Born in Canberra, this Australian singer-songwriter’s musical talent was evident from a young age. Obsessed by the violin, she started classical lessons aged 4. By the age of 9 she was playing live gigs and a year later she started busking. In 2017 she entered The Voice Australia, reaching the Top 4. She’s played festivals such as SXSW and opened for artists like Del Water Gap. Inspired by Carole King, Elton John and Missy Higgins, she debuted with “I Wanna Kiss Boys Cos I’m Bored” in 2020.

Capturing the messiness of a situationship, her new single explores the regret of transitioning from platonic friends to lovers. Despite singing about the emotional toll of a failed romance, this song is a sparling, upbeat country-pop track. With a punchy rhythm, a slide and twelve-string guitar and a mandolin injecting some sonic energy into this spirited tune, it’s her expressive, slightly cheeky vocals that give this bright, playful groove an undeniable and highly danceable vibrancy.

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In The Spotlight

Derik Fein – “Push You Away”

Originally from Florida and Nashville-based, this singer-songwriter grew up in a turbulent household causing childhood anxiety. Finding an escape in music, he began writing songs as a form of self-therapy and taught himself to play guitar aged 13. He started to play small local gigs and open mics. Since he’s played venues such as Miami’s Wynwood Yard and Whiskey a Go Go in L.A.. Inspired by Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Amy Winehouse, he released his debut “Chanel Perfume” in 2018.

Singing about the destructive combination of self-sabotage and personal insecurity, his new single is about feeling regret about hurting someone you love as a defense mechanism. Taken from his recently released EP “Ultraviolet”, the song captures the vulnerable and deeply personal lyrics in a 1950s-inspired fusion of modern pop and classic soul. With moody synths, luscious strings and his raspy, soulful vocals, this cinematic slice of retro rawness is a real emotional rollercoaster.

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In The Spotlight

Amalia Fleming – “Can’t Fight The Future”

Raised under the Californian sun, this singer-songwriter was making up songs before she could read. She taught herself to play guitar and made her stage debut at the Live Oak Music Festival aged 9. She had her first official  gig aged 11. She moved to Nashville to study songwriting at Belmont University. She’s played the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and venues such as The Siren. Inspired by Joni Mitchell, Maggie Rogers & Lizzie McAlpine, she released her debut single “Last Summer” in 2020.

Capturing the inevitable ebb and flow of life, her new single reminds us that although happy times may be fleeting, darker days will also pass. Lyrically nudging us to live fully in the moment, this song is an indie-pop track dipped in organic folk hues. With acoustic instruments like the guitar, banjo and mandolin as well as a heartbeat rhythm creating an understated melody, it’s her honey-sweet vocals adding an intimate vulnerability that give this polished tune a soothing natural warmth.

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In The Spotlight

Erin LeCount – “The Cinema”

Raised in Chelmsford, this British singer and songwriter grew up in a creative and artistic household. Her mother was a professional ballet dancer and watching her sparked her love of performing. Self-taught, she wrote her first song aged 8. In 2017 she became a finalist on The Voice Kids. She’s performed at festivals such as Montreux Jazz Festival and The Great Escape. Inspired by artists like Kate Bush, Imogen Heap and Fiona Apple, she released her debut single “Killing Time” in 2022.

Written during a time she experienced a creative block, her new single explores the bittersweet feeling of encountering incredible music or films and feeling resentment and envy instead of enjoying them. Taken from her recently released EP “PAREIDOLIA (Deluxe)”, this song is an imposing synth-pop tour-de-force. Layering analog synths, a tight electronic beat and classic acoustic piano forging a punchy backdrop, it’s her expressive stacked vocals that make this an infectious groove.

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In The Spotlight

Dan Sultan – “Forgiveness”

Hailing from Melbourne, this Australian singer and songwriter was born to an Arrernte/Gurindji mother and grew up surrounded by the indigenous culture. He started playing guitar aged 4 and wrote his first song aged 10. Although he started in a punk band, he chose the blues and roots his dad showed him. He’s played festivals like Splendour In The Grass and Byron Bay Bluesfest. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Sam Cooke and Buddy Holly, he debuted with “Your Love Is Like A Song” in 2006.

Showing the importance of forgiveness and letting go of past regrets, his new single highlights how not to run away from old mistakes but to accept them. Taken from his upcoming album “Little Miracles”, expected on October 23rd, this anthemic song blends classic rock with gospel-tinged soul and a stadium-sized, Coldplay vibe. With imposing drums, soaring orchestral strings and gritty electric guitars filling the euphoric melody, it’s his weathered vocals that give this groove true gravitas.

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In The Spotlight

Robyn Ashley – “Stand By You”

Based in Edmonton, this Canadian singer and songwriter was raised on a steady diet of country and with a passion for music as a whole. Despite spending her childhood taking music lessons and singing in school choirs, a lack of confidence sent her to a corporate job. At 27 she decided to pursue her musical dreams. Since then she’s played festivals like Calgary Stampede, venues like The King Eddy and opened for George Canyon. She released her debut “Sweet Goodbye” in 2023.

Singing about being there for the people you love when times are tough, her new single celebrates unconditional support and boundless loyalty. Accompanying the personal lyrics is an authentic country-pop melody with organic instrumentation. With warm acoustic guitars, steady heartbeat rhythm and soft atmospheric keys blending into a sonic embrace, it’s her multi-layered vocals ranging from intimate to powerful that make this heartwarming tune feel like you’re not alone.

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