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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In The Spotlight

Abbie Callahan – “Simon Says”

Born in Iowa City, this singer and songwriter started singing aged 10 when she performed in her elementary school talent show and never looked back. Although she did take guitar lessons, she’s never had vocal training. She entered The Voice in 2017, but was eliminated after her audition. In 2019 she auditioned for American Idol, earning herself a golden ticket to Hollywood Week. Inspired by Linda Ronstadt, Sierra Ferrell and Leon Bridges, she debuted with “Where I’ve Been” in 2022.

Framing heartbreak as a long game of Simon Says, her new single takes a sad diary entry and elevates it with sprightly country-folk vibes that are slightly enriched with touch of pop. Building up the melody around a jaunty banjo, the song ascends with a driving rhythm and a perky slide guitar. Taking her relatable lyrics and immersing them in a playful tune, forges an irresistible brew. And with her honest, rootsy vocals, this slice of spellbinding Americana is filled with authentic warmth.

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In The Spotlight

Car287 – “Ain’t Nothin’ Now”

Formed in a Winnipeg basement in 2014, this Canadian rock band started as a trio consisting of Jay Yarmey, Travis Wog and Terry Ferguson. They were joined in 2023 by drummer Ryan Olenick. Blending the spirit of 70s rock and the indie rock vibes of the 00s, they created their own sound. Since then they’ve played various venues and festivals such as Dauphin Countryfest and the Norseman Festival. Inspired by The Killers and The Tragically Hip, they debuted with their self-titled EP in 2022.

Deeply dipped in nostalgia for the days of yore, their new single combines heartfelt lyrics with a virulent retro rock edge. Taken from their recently released album “Looking Through The Lens”, it’s the rip-roaring electric guitars that instantly draw us in. Through the 80s-tinged guitar riffs and electrifying percussion they forge an vigorous rawness to the melody. And with energetic vocals dancing around the rousing hooks, this blistering groove is a retrospective tour de force.

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