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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In The Spotlight

PJ Morton – “Close Enough”

Born in New Orleans, this versatile singer, songwriter and keyboardist was raised in a religious household, with a gospel singing and church founding dad and a pastor mom. He learned to play the piano by ear in his father’s church. Although he was brought up with only gospel, he discovered jazz and soul in college. He’s played various festivals like New Orleans Jazz & Heritage and the Essence Festival. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, Prince and James Taylor, he released his debut “Heavy” in 2012.

Although rooted in gospel tones and profound faith, his new single is about finding relief in times of suffering. Adding a layer of soul to the spiritual foundation, this exalted song finds solace in celestial healing. Effortlessly blending traditional gospel with classic soul and modern R&B, it’s the warm Hammond organ, lush strings and smooth rhythm that give the melody pure sophistication. And with a full gospel choir and his soulful vocals, this emotion-filled tune is a joy for your ears.

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In The Spotlight

RAEGAN – “Crying Is A Girl’s Best Friend”

Born in Miami, this singer and songwriter grew up with local stage productions, a Broadway score and dance training. Extensively trained in acting and music, including opera, she also studied Recorded Music at the Clive Davis Institute. She wrote her first song aged 13 and since performed worldwide in venues like The Bowery Electric in New York and Heaven in London. Drawing inspiration from MARINA, Tyler, The Creator and Melanie Martinez, she debuted with “TIM BURTON” in 2022.

Reinventing crying as a sign of strength and resilience, her new single shows how seemingly being happy is sometimes a mere mask to hide pain. Singing about turning heartbreak into self-love, this imposing song blends its emotional vulnerability with a grandiose, theatrical flair. Guided by a pop beat, the exquisitely layered instrumentation is enriched with cinematic strings and hints of brass. And with her vocal fusion of raw pop and classical opera, this is a truly triumphant ballad.

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In The Spotlight

Annabelle Dinda – “Whatever You Wanna”

Based in Brooklyn, New York, this singer and songwriter grew up just outside of Philadelphia, which influenced her future sound. Although she began writing original songs at a young age, insecurity stopped her sharing them. She attended the New York University’s Gallatin School, focusing on storytelling through music. Since then she’s opened for artists like Noah Kahan and Lola Young. Inspired by Demi Lovato and Tori Amos, she released her debut “Is That How Love Always Ends” in 2019.

Tackling the heavy topic of romantic obsession, her new single lyricizes the willingness to give up your own autonomy to appease a lover. Wrapped in a fast-paced indie-pop soundscape, the song is an imposing blend of lyrical emotion and an upbeat melody. With a slight hypnotic quality, it’s the steady rhythm, colorful synths and layered guitars that give this tune a driving force. And with her intimate and authentic vocals, this plush groove captures an all-consuming fixation.

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In The Spotlight

Zach Riley – “Wasting Away”

Hailing from Winnipeg, this Canadian singer and songwriter grew up immersed in the pop-punk scene of the 00s. He started drumming in high school, leading to him playing with several regional bands. In his late teens he made the switch to pop and picked up a guitar to write his songs on. He occasionally played drums for the band Pretty Please and performed at the Salamander Summer Music Festival. Inspired by The Band CAMINO and Ed Sheeran, he debuted with “Hear You Say” in 2023.

Championing breaking free from societal pressure to follow a conventional path, his new single yearns for freedom and new beginnings. Trying to escape existential stagnation, this upbeat pop single has a summery, road-trip ready vibe. Driven by soaring guitars, the euphoric melody conjures some welcoming sunshine. And with a punchy percussion and anthemic trait, it’s his vivid vocals that call for the realization that we need to reconnect to the true essence of life.

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