In The Spotlight

Nikita Karmen – “Burn The Books”

Born in Sydney, this Australian country singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by music thanks to her parents being in the 80s band Hotel Berlin. She chose not to go to college, but to focus on her music. Being invited to tour the US with Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots led to her moving to Nashville. She played various venues and entered the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival. Inspired by Keith Urban, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, she released her debut “Out Of The Park” in 2016.

Attempting to capture the lonely ache that heartbreak brings, her new single shows the raw emotional side of heartwrenching country-pop. Taken from her recently released album “Burn The Books”, she’s lyrically reminiscing about the relationship that ran its course. Easing us into her world with a mellow acoustic guitar and joined by a peppy beat and soft keys, creates a beauteous ballad. And with her stirring vocals tugging at your heart strings, this wistful tune takes your breath away.

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In The Spotlight

Mia Baron – “3 Words”

Hailing from Toronto, this Canadian singer/songwriter started singing at a young age and posting covers on social media. From the age of 12 she began working on her own songs. Capturing teenage angst, mental health issues and young love in her lyrics, her songs encapsulate honesty and vulnerability. Her single “Til Death Do Us Part” racked up over 800,000 Spotify streams. Inspired by Madison Beer, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd, she released her debut single “Hide And Seek” in 2021.

Dealing with the real emotional turmoil of having to give up an overwhelming feeling of love when you realize the relationship isn’t good for you, her new single captures the elastic bounce of breaking up with a toxic lover just to get back together. With a 90s-touched feel, it’s the glowing guitars and soft synths that lead to a passion-filled chorus. And with the emotive intensity of her heartfelt vocals, this stirring alt-pop tune is tantalizingly authentic and relatably genuine.

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In The Spotlight

King No-One – “Transgressions”

Based in Leeds, this British three-piece alt-pop band was formed in 2013 as a quartet, but now consists of Zach Lount, Joe Martin and Rob Gration. Since their inception they’ve excited audiences with their high-energy performances in venues like the O2 Academy in Sheffield and Islington and The Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, as well as the Reading and Leeds Festival and TRNSMT. Inspired by artists such as The Cure, The Smiths and Dr. Dre, they debuted with “Millennium” in 2014.

Singing honest lyrics about not getting along with societal normalities leading to self-acceptance and reconciliation, their new single blends rebellion with vulnerability. Taken from their upcoming album “The Burden Of Empathy”, expected in April 2026, the song is steeped in 90s nostalgia. From the resonant rhythm to the shimmering electric guitars, the vivacious melody lays a vibrant foundation. And with the heartfelt vocals, this vibrant tune is both introspective and anthemic.

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In The Spotlight

Casey Conroy – “Long Drive”

Hailing from Orlando, this rising singer/songwriter grew up around music thanks to her Irish musician dad. She was raised on a steady diet of 80s music like Depeche Mode, Phil Collins and Stevie Nicks and, for as long as she can remember, she would sing songs penned by her father in a tiny home studio. By the age of 12 she’d started playing the piano and writing her own songs. Inspired by artists like Coldplay, Kimbra and Frank Ocean, she released her debut single “Watch You Go” in 2018.

Learning to follow her instinct of doing what feels right in an otherwise turbulent world, her new single reclaims trust in herself and a defiance to go against expectations. Take from her upcoming EP “The Mess I’ve Made”, expected in February 2026, the song is a laid-back, sunlit pop melody. With radiant guitars, luminous synths and a sparkling chorus giving the breezy tune an 80s road-trip vibe, it’s her golden, glistening vocals cruising over the warm notes that make this an irresistible gem.

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In The Spotlight

Marilyn Hucek – “Rebound”

Born in Washington D.C., this American-Chilean singer and songwriter carried the music bug with her her whole life. Writing songs from a very young age, she enriched that skill by learning to play piano and guitar. Since the start of her career, she’s performed at various venues such as the Hard Rock Café in DC, as well as the Annapolis Songwriters Festival and the Takoma Park Folk Festival. Inspired by Stevie Nicks, Carly Simon and Taylor Swift, she released her debut “Memories” in 2020.

Narrating the feeling of being in a vicious circle of going back to the lover you were convinced you were done with, her new single decorates that contradiction with refreshing honesty. Taken from her recently released album “MARILYN”, the song starts with a resonant beat and is joined in the chorus by joyous guitars. Drizzled with a taste of the 90s, it smoothly blends pop and country. And with her authentic, confident vocals, this fun-filled groove is both heartfelt and infectious.

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In The Spotlight

Midlake – “Eyes Full Of Animal”

Formed in 1999 in Denton, Texas, this folk-rock band currently consists of Eric Nichelson, McKenzie Smith, Eric Pulido, Scott Lee and Jesse Chandler after a few line-up changes. Initially experimenting with sounds, they began with funk/jazz and moved to indie rock. During their career they’ve played festivals such as SXSW and End Of The Road. Inspired by various artists ranging from Jethro Tull to Radiohead and The Flaming Lips, they debuted with “Milkmaid Grand Army” in 2001.

Singing about the animalistic abilities of humans and the repercussions of that behaviour in society, their new single explores emotional misalignment. Taken from their upcoming album “A Bridge To Far”, expected on November 7th, the song fuses elements of psychedelic rock and folk. Intricately layered instrumentation of hypnotic drums, groovy guitars and soft piano effortlessly blend into each other. And with harmonious vocals, this mesmerizing tune is a sheer sonic beauty.

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