In The Spotlight

Bea Elmy Martin – “High”

London born and bred, this British singer and songwriter grew up in a music-loving household of going to live concerts and festivals and listening to classic vinyl records. She was taught by her school’s music teachers, who nurtured her talent. During that time she also learned to play the piano. She’s performed at festivals such as Glastonbury and collaborated with HÆLOS on tour. Inspired by Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin and Carole King, she released her debut “Blue Escape” in 2021.

Narrating the feelings of confusion and the subsequent complications of a relationship when you’re still on journey of self-discovery, her new single captures the romantic chaos of modern dating. Taken from her recently released EP “Under The Yew (Vol.2)”, the song starts broody and melancholic with a low synth hum and a tender piano. Ascending with a sunlit beat to a mellow orchestral richness, it’s her airy, delicate vocals that add a nostalgic warmth to this cinematic sonic experience.

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In The Spotlight

Kenny Potter – “Get Wise”

Born in Pittsburgh, this singer/songwriter began his musical odyssey aged 6 when he was gifted an electric guitar. Supported in his artistic goals by his parents, he switched from a traditional school to online school, allowing him to write and record music whenever inspiration hit. Since the start of his career, he’s played Millvale Music Festival and notable venues like the Thunderbird Music Hall. Inspired by The 1975, Lauv and Del Water Gap, he released his debut “Like U Can” in 2021.

Singing about the delicate balancing act between logic and anxiety, his new single emphasises that none of us are perfect and we learn and grow by making mistakes. Lyrically overcoming self-doubt, he wraps his introspective words in a bouncy funk-pop vibe. With a groovy buoyancy, it’s the radiant guitars, steady percussion and shimmering synths that merge into a vibrant melody. And with his polished vocals and rich harmonies, this infectious, high-energy tune is a sizzling jam.

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In The Spotlight

Ruby Jackson – “8 Hours”

Based in Sydney, this Australian singer and songwriter grew up in an exceptionally musical family with a professional country singer mom and an opera singing dad. Always encouraged to find her voice, she began writing songs in high school. She studied Music Composition at The Sydney Conservatorium Of Music. Since then she’s played festivals like SXSW Sydney and opened for Morcheeba. Inspired by Billie Holiday, Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, she debuted with “Simplicities” in 2020.

Capturing the deep infatuation that would make you sacrifice a full night’s sleep just to be awake with them, her new single explores an all-encompassing relationship that affects your regular daily routines. Blending traditional jazz tones with contemporary R&B and an overall cinematic dreamscape, it is filled with a comforting warmth. With soft guitars, sleek strings and a mellow flugelhorn, it’s her silky vocals that make this satiny groove sound like a cozy night with the one you love.

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In The Spotlight

Ashley Walls – “Reason You Drink”

Originally from Marietta and now based in Nashville, this singer and songwriter grew up with a deep love for rural culture despite living in a suburban area. Her Grandfather introduced her to classic country and taught her to play guitar. She studied music business at the University of Georgia. Since then she’s performed at festivals like St. Pete Country Fest and opened for Billy Ray Cyrus. Inspired by Miranda Lambert, Post Malone and Fleetwood Mac, she released her debut “Wild Child” in 2016.

Narrating the aftermath of a toxic breakup, her new single explores the ex-partner’s inability to move on. Although she is ready to push forward, the song captures the grip she still has over her ex’s mind. Accompanying the confident storytelling, she fuses a slick pop bounce with a generous dollop of country sass. Led by an acoustic guitar, the vibrant melody is enriched with polished percussion, slide guitar and a subtle Southern twang in her vocals, making this an infectious groove.

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In The Spotlight

Harley – “Tell Me You Love Me”

Born as Harley Meszaros in Brisbane, this Australian singer, producer and songwriter has been fascinated by music from a young age. Despite a lack of encouragement and peers in school telling him he wouldn’t succeed, he didn’t give up and after school started playing in various local bands. Since then he’s played festivals such as Bluesfest, venues like Felons Barrel Hall and opened for MARVELL. Inspired by Sam Fender, The 1975 and Holy Holy, he released his debut “Depths” in 2021.

Although written from the perspective of a lover pleading for romantic reassurance, his new single encompasses all pursuits for validation, including artists yearning for connection with their audience. Blending indie-rock and synth-pop, the song leans heavily on various layers of guitar. Adding some breezy synths and a bustling percussion gives this polished production a sense of euphoria. And with his dynamic vocals ranging from vulnerable to impassioned, this is a raw, authentic tune.

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In The Spotlight

Quiet Houses – “Made For Love”

Hailing from Edinburgh, this Scottish duo have known each other since school. Although they met in music class, Hannah Elliott was classically trained and Jamie Stewart preferred a rock guitar. Nevertheless they formed the band in 2018. Also romantically a couple, they’ve played festivals like The Great Escape, famed venues such as The Deaf Institute in Manchester and supported Tide Lines on tour. Inspired by The Staves, Paul Buchanan and Phoebe Bridgers, they debuted with “B-List” in 2021.

Capturing the frustrations of dating and unrequited love, their new single follows a romance from infatuation to the painful realisation that it is completely one-sided. Adding a slight humorous edge to the otherwise emotional lyrics, the upbeat synth-pop melody gives their words a luminous vibrancy. With shimmering synths, sparkling guitars and a propulsive percussion, it’s the intimate vocals and the flawless harmonies, that turn this 80s-inspired groove into a cathartic anthem.

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