In The Spotlight

Curtis Millen – “Standing On Business”

Hailing from Belfast, this Irish singer and songwriter grew up on a steady musical diet of Motown, Soul, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Jazz. As a teen he listened to rap and picked up on the samples they used. He travelled around Europe for three years working in construction during the day and writing songs and collaborating with producers at night. Now residing in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and inspired by Stevie Wonder, James Brown and The Gap Band, he debuted with “Driver’s Seat” in 2024.

With introspective lyrics about people being at a crossroads with the dream they’re chasing and the need to focus on what to do to become who they want to be, his new single blends some classic Motown sounds with Prince-like funk. Titillating from the very first note with discolicious electric guitar strums, it’s layered with an insatiable, toe-tapping rhythm. And with the addition of Earth, Wind & Fire-infused horns and his versatile vocals, this invigorating groove is pure sonic joy.

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In The Spotlight

Abigail Mae – “Devil’s In The Details”

Born in Georgia, this country-pop singer and songwriter grew up with a passion for music. Pretending to be Hannah Montana and watching American Idol as a child contributed to that musical passion. Blending confidence and vulnerability with some authentic sass, she forged her own sound. Now based in Nashville, she’s played at various festivals and venues such as The Get Up. Inspired by Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson, she debuted with “Silver Spoon” in 2024.

Singing about having to take risks in love and romance, despite the possibility of getting hurt in the process, her new single keeps it real and relatable. Using a sonic seduction, she softly entices us with mellow guitars into her musical world. The infectious track truly comes to life in the upbeat chorus. With energetic electric guitars, lively drums and a touch of steel guitar to add that country twang, it’s her heartfelt vocals that seem to celebrate life and most of all love.

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In The Spotlight

Firebird Union – “Stand & Wait”

Hailing from Watford, British brothers Ross and Matt Churchill grew up with music like Queen, Elton John and The Beatles. Ross is classically trained in piano, guitar and cello, but Matt is a self-taught guitarist. Since they’ve followed separate paths. Ross co-founded Pariis Opera House and released solo material as Hyper Lion. Matt released solo material under his own name. Inspired by Noel Gallagher, Fleet Foxes and HAIM, they debuted their new moniker on “Higher Ground” in 2023.

Originally written in 2005 and matured for 20 years before releasing it into the world, their new single is an anthemic and energetic throw-back. From the multi-layered instrumentation of soft synths and mild guitar at the start, the song explodes into high gear with a red-hot, nostalgia-ladened melody. With a boisterous rhythm, euphonic guitars and a touch of horns creating a stadium-sized banger, it’s their stirring vocals that elevate this infectious, electro-rock tune to new heights.

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In The Spotlight

Charlotte OC – “Romeo”

Born in Blackburn, this British singer and songwriter began playing the guitar at the age of 15 and started weekend classes at the Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts. She initially signed a record deal with Columbia Records in 2008, which led to performances in the United States. Now independent, she’s performed at festivals like Glastonbury and opened for Tom Walker and James Arthur. Inspired by Alicia Keys, Stevie Nicks and Lou Reed, she debuted with “Treasure Island” in 2011.

Injecting some flirtatious fire into romance, her new single tells the tale of falling in love when you least expect it. Taken from her upcoming EP “Seriously Love, Go Home”, expected on July 11th, she forges an alluring melody that blends sentimentality with some pop power. With a driving percussion, layered guitars and bewitching harmonies leading to a slightly psychedelic finale, it’s her mighty rock vocals that fuel this tune with sheer confidence and cinematic flair.

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In The Spotlight

Alexa Kate – “Isn’t Over”

Hailing from New York City, this up-and-coming indie-pop singer and songwriter started writing her own songs at the age of 10. Over the years she’s lived in Nashville and Los Angeles in order to hone her craft and her enthralling sound. Since returning to New York, she’s built a passionate audience on Social Media, most notably TikTok, but draws energy from her invigorating live shows. Inspired by Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams and Tate McRae, she released her debut single “Why?” in 2016.

Telling a story about heartbreak, where you’re stuck between holding on to the memories or moving on to a new chapter, her new single shows off her authentic and relatable songwriting. Giving a sparkle to the contemporary pop melody, the song is driven by a pulsating beat and shimmering synths. And with the radiant guitars and breathy harmonies highlighting the resonant lyrics, it’s her impressive vocal range that ties this auditory gift together with a bright bow on top.

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In The Spotlight

Lew Apollo – “No Room In Hell”

Born and raised in rural Minnesota, this singer and songwriter grew up on a steady diet of the music his parents played like Bob Dylan and The Beatles. At 15 he picked up the guitar and discovered Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan in his dad’s CD collection, leading him to blues. A move to Austin later he expanded his craft with rock and soul as well as writing lyrics about mental health. Inspired by Hozier, Leon Bridges and Labrinth, he released his debut “Trouble On My Mind” in 2023.

Singing about the complex realisation that beauty and pain can blur together, his new single is a rose-tinted dreamscape inspired by the band Jungle. Taken from his upcoming album “Fool’s Gold”, expected on August 8th, this song is a soft amalgamation of mellow soul, velvety funk and a touch of Latin flavours. Starting with a bouncy beat and a fresh acoustic guitar, it’s joined by peppy, honey-dipped keys. And with his soothing vocals, we’re floating through his seemingly rosy world.

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