In The Spotlight

Nicole Allan – “Madness Of Money”

Originally from Spain and now based in Reading, UK, this singer and songwriter got her start performing on stage in her Spanish home town theatre aged 5. She left school at the age of 16 to start her band Stereo Snakes and pursue her dream. Since then she’s performed with Danny Worsnop of Asking Alexandria and Ian McCulloch of Echo & The Bunnymen fame and played festivals like Readipop. Creating her own Americana sound, she debuted with “Should’ve Known Better” in 2023.

Championing prioritizing life and experience over wealth, her new single reminds us that money isn’t everything and that joy and happiness are the ultimate goal. Blending her Americana sound with a passionate blues layer, the song starts soft with a mellow guitar, but soon explodes with an authentic intensity. With a driving beat, soaring guitars and a bit of blues grit in her spirited vocals, this upbeat groove shines a light on the true fulfilment found beyond material riches.

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In The Spotlight

Ventrelles – “It’s In The Papers”

Based in Manchester, this British band consists of Phil Knox, Connor Long, Paul Mawhinny and Gaykord Knott. Their name came to Phil in 2014 when living in Chicago and is derived from the local travelcard Ventra and the L-train. Since their inception they’ve played various venues like The Victoria Inn as well as festivals such as Glastonbury and the Confessional Festival. Inspired by Phil Spector, Pale Fountains and Echo & The Bunnymen, they debuted with “She’s Got It Down” in 2017.

Capturing a restless energy balancing reminiscing with progressing forward, their new single blends a touch of euphoria with a taste of psychedelia. Rooted in a 90s-dipped Mancunian Britpop sound, the song adds their own contemporary edge to it. With summery guitars, steady drums and Isabella Baker’s violin adding a multitude of sonic layers to the wistful melody, it’s the rich, emotion-filled vocals that make this laid-back indie-pop groove light up even the darkest of days.

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In The Spotlight

Philip La Rosa – “Zero Gravity”

Based in Fremantle, WA, this Australian singer and songwriter first discovered his passion for music at the age of 10. He grew up watching Rage, a music video TV show, and playing guitar with his brother. Since starting his career he’s collaborated with multi-platinum producer duo The Banton Brothers. After a hiatus from singing and performing, he returned working with producer Nic Rollo. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and P!nk, he released his debut single “Pride” in 2016.

Using the metaphor of moving at the speed of light and feeling weightless at the same time, his new single describes how deep and intense a connection between two lovers can be. Intricately weaving a 90s electronic sound with a slight 80s pop aesthetic, the song is a nostalgic sonic trip. Melodically constructed from shimmering synths and a reverberating beat, it’s his exuberant vocals dipped in electronic wizardry, that make this bouncy groove sound both retro and modern.

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In The Spotlight

Cassie Henderson – “Good Luck, Babe!”

Hailing from Christchurch, this New Zealand singer and songwriter first started singing when she picked up a guitar aged 9. By 12 she was already busking around her home town. In 2013 she competed on The X Factor New Zealand earning a fifth place. This year she won Best Pop Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards and also entered The Voice Australia, finishing as the runner-up. Inspired by artists such as Taylor Swift, OneRepublic and Ed Sheeran, she debuted with “Burns Brighter” in 2020.

Borrowed from Chappell Roan and sung on her blind audition for The Voice, she now released her re-imagined version as her new single. Lyrically wishing good luck to someone who is denying their fate, she refreshed the song with her own rich pop-rock flavours. Driven by a punchy rhythm and a warm bass, the tune truly comes into its own in the explosive chorus. With full-bodied guitars and unexpected sonic runs, it’s her passionate vocals that make her version sound colorful.

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In The Spotlight

Julia Adrian – “Cold Turkey”

Boston-bred and Nashville-based, this eclectic singer and songwriter began her professional career in corporate law in New York City. Realizing her true calling wasn’t legal but musical, she decided to move to Nashville. After making her mark on the local music scene and having experimented with multiple genres, she’s performed at venues such as The Underdog and the Omni Hotel. Inspired by Ariana Grande, Renee Rapp and Taylor Swift, she released her debut “Taxi Light” in 2023.

Singing about the absence of closure after an unexpected relationship ending, her new single emphasis that catharsis can come from taking back the last word. Taken from her upcoming EP “What’s The Harm?”, the song eases us in with soft harmonies and changes to mellow guitar plucks. Intricately constructing the melody, it’s soon joined by a lively rhythm. Synching all captivating sonic elements with her enchanting vocals, this winsome tune is a dreamy, emotionally-charged pop track.

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In The Spotlight

Emmett Jerome – “Come Down”

Born in Alberta and based in Vancouver, this Canadian singer and songwriter grew up with the music of Doc Watson and Merle Travis. He began his career as a busker on the streets of Vancouver and was also part of bands like The Francis Baptiste Band. Since choosing a solo path, he’s performed at various festivals such as Vancouver International Jazz Festival and the Surrey Fusion Festival. Inspired by The Allman Brothers, B.B. King and Neil Young, he debuted with “Goodbye Trouble” in 2024.

Encouraging musicians to keep chasing the light at the end of the tunnel instead of getting lost in the darkness of exhaustion on the road, his new single is brimming with honesty and grit. Taken from his recently released EP “It Ain’t Me”, this song is doused in warmhearted Americana with a classic rock edge. With full-bodied electric guitars and an effusive rhythm painting the sonic picture and his emotive vocals telling the tale of wearying tours, this tune is a joy for your ears.

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