In The Spotlight

Drew Elliott – “I Hope I Never Leave Your Mind”

Born in Pittsburgh, this singer and songwriter grew up listening to the 80s music his parents were playing, from Prince to Def Leppard. He asked for a guitar and lessons and in high school started writing songs. After a move to Nashville to study business at Belmont University, despite wanting to chase a music career, he immersed himself in the bustling local music scene to hone his craft. Initially inspired by AC/DC and later by blues and pop, he debuted with “From Bonfires” in 2019.

Lyrically trying to let go of a long distance relationship you don’t really want to let go of, his new single is filled with hopes, dreams and dealing with complex emotions. Creating a multi-layered, dynamic melody, the song start with a single soft guitar, forging a soothing soundscape. Soon the pace picks up with mellow percussion, but still maintains its airy feel. And with his soft, hypnotic vocals and an 80s-inspired electric guitar solo, this mesmerizing groove shows off his luscious sonic world.

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In The Spotlight

Elfi – “Don’t Look Now”

Born as Elfi Voorhuis in Utrecht, this Dutch singer and songwriter grew up thinking that her dream of a musical career was unachievable. So she studied for and worked as a Marketing Manager for a big coffee company for many years. In 2023 she decided to take a leap of faith, quit her job and moved to London in order to attend the Academy of Contemporary Music and to pursue her dream. Inspired by Taylor Swift, Adele and Sabrina Carpenter, she debuted with “Dream Of Me” in 2024.

Telling the tale of girls who fall in love with a crush but still wanting to hide that fact, her new single captures the moment of shy panic when they look at you. Dipped in slightly nostalgic-sounding pop vibes, the song starts with a soft, shimmering synth. Arriving in the sparkling chorus, bursting with joyous zeal, it’s the pounding beat, glittery keys and silky strings that forges the catchy melody. And with her alluring vocals and layered harmonies, this swanky tune is a stunning pop gem.

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In The Spotlight

Young Martyrs – “Everyone Else Disappears”

Based in Bath and formed in 2020, this British Alt-Americana band consists of Tom Cornell, Rich Beeby, Lee Cole and Simon Whitehead. They’ve been touring since their inception, playing headline tours as well as festivals such as Glastonbury and Rock Oyster, sharing the stage with artists like Badly Drawn Boy and McFly. In 2023 they’ve performed all over New York City. Drawing inspiration from The Eagles and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, they released their self-titled debut album in 2020.

Singing about having to have loved someone from afar for way too long, wondering about having a life together, that there are too many obstacles in the way to make it a reality, their new single captures their reflective lyrics in an imposing melody. Fusing elements of Americana with a touch of slow-burning 80s rock, it’s the analogue feel of the propulsive drums and warm guitars blending with emotive, aching vocals, that make this nostalgic groove sound personal and passionate.

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In The Spotlight

Melina Malone – “Stuck On You”

Hailing from Dublin, this Irish neo-soul singer and songwriter was born to musical parents. Her dad was in a local Ska band and her mother was involved with country music. In college she discovered a wide-variety of genres from R&B to Bossa Nova. Since starting her career she’s played many festivals such as the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival and opened for Macy Gray and Gregory Porter. Inspired by Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Amber Mark, she released her debut “Now Or Never” in 2019.

Narrating the relatable vulnerability of feeling attracted to someone you know cannot be trusted, her new single combines reflective lyrics with a lively melody. Intricately blending warm jazz with a bouncy bossa-nova rhythm, the song travels from a laid-back vibe to a sonic buoyancy. Starting with a mellow acoustic guitar, soon the Latin sun-beams begin to shine. With easy-going drums, bright keys and her seductive vocals, this airy groove packs a whole lot of musical delight.

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In The Spotlight

Babé Sila – “Come Back”

Hailing from Budapest and based in London, this Hungarian singer and songwriter grew up with a love for music, but only as a hobby. She attended a music school and played violin for a bit. It wasn’t until a guitarist friend invited her to sing in his jazz-soul band at 20 that she started taking it seriously. Since then she’s played festivals such as Primavera Sound in Barcelona and ESNS in The Netherlands. Inspired by Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys and Sade, she debuted with “A Bit” in 2015.

Trying to capture the coping mechanism your brain employs in the aftermath of a breakup, her new single describes the mental twists from the hurt of losing to wanting your lover back. Taken from her EP “I Told The Sun About You”, the song captivates from the get-go with a sleek R&B bass and soft drums. The melody then fills up with multi-layers of guitars, keys and classy brass. And with her rich, mesmerizing vocals casting a sonic spell, this tune is an enchanting smooth groove.

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In The Spotlight

Leo Walrus – “Old Words, New Mess”

Born in Southend and based in South-West London, this British singer and songwriter started writing little stories as a child, which later evolved in writing songs. He went to BIMM Music Institute to hone his musical skills. Having forged a folk-rock sound steeped in the hazy 60s and early 70s, he’s been performing live in venues like The Troubadour and on festivals such as Friends Of Friends. Inspired by Lou Reed, Nick Drake and Steve Lacy, he released his debut “Creeper Star” in 2022.

Reminiscent of the softer songs by The Beatles, his new single is a warm and inviting throwback to the 60s. Taken from his upcoming album “Moontime”, expected in the coming months, he created a smooth, analogue sound with a mellow piano, which is later joined by punchy drums and melodic electric guitars. Taking us by the ear on his breezy trip to yesteryear, it’s his captivating, retro-touched vocals that give this smooth groove a sense of style and a distinct earworm quality.

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