In The Spotlight

Ant Thomaz – “Believe”

Based in Glasgow, this eclectic singer and songwriter is a self-taught artist, who began writing his own songs at the age of 12. Delving into his rich multi-cultural heritage, he’s created a plush fusion of various influences. He started his career as a busker in Glasgow and formed the funk band Dopesickfly. They supported greats as Roy Ayers and Kool & The Gang. After going solo he’s played festivals like Celtic Connections and the Edinburgh Fringe. He released his debut EP “520” in 2023.

Drawing inspiration from his daughter Gaia, who he named his up-coming album after, his new single is about rising above doubt, holding on to hope and that limitations put upon us by others don’t define us. Encapsulating his sincere storytelling is a delightful folk-pop melody that feels like a welcoming hug. With an upbeat rhythm and both an acoustic and steel guitar filling the cheerful notes, it’s his heartfelt vocals that add an unwavering sense of resilience and true optimism.

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In The Spotlight

Erika Levy – “Berlin”

Grown up in Long Beach, California, this singer and songwriter was born into an artistic family. Her father was a woodworker and her mother has a background in music. Years of piano lessons followed, leading to her writing her own songs. However it was after a divorce in 2018 that she seriously started pursuing a career. Now based in L.A., she’s played The Hotel Café and the Camas Wellness Festival. Inspired by Fiona Apple and Tori Amos, she released her debut single “Kelly” in 2019.

Capturing the sheer surprise of finding love again after having given up on it before, her new single unexpectedly makes your heart sing again. Easing us into her romantic world with an understated drum stick rhythm, this lush song is an ever evolving sonic journey. A propulsive drumbeat is layered with warm electric guitars and swelling synths. And with a bit of grit in her emotive vocals, this rousing tune takes us from soft and sweet to a rock-filled passion forging a virulent groove.

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In The Spotlight

EDIE – “Girl’s Girl”

Hailing from Perth, this Australian singer and songwriter spent her childhood making up weird songs and dance moves to perform for her family. However, it was watching “Lemonade Mouth” on Disney Channel when she was 11, that allowed her to envision a potential career in music. Since then she’s been recognised by Triple J Unearthed, Rolling Stone and got nominated for a WAM award. Inspired by Olivia Rodrigo, Gwen Stefani and Harry Styles, she debuted with “Blame Me” in 2022.

Calling out the girls who don’t support other girls and, despite saying that they’re there for you, will stab you in the back, her new single encourages genuine empowering and uplifting friendships. Creating an addictive, toe-tapping melody, it’s the lively electronic drum beat, pulsating bass line and nostalgic, Hot Chocolate-like, electric guitars that paint a vibrant soundscape. And with her honest vocals coasting the sonic energy, this versatile tune is a catchy, meaningful groove.

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In The Spotlight

Parrotfish – “4K Friends”

Formed in 2017 in Florida by high school friends Matty Rodrigo, Conor Lynch and Joe Cadecha, the trio decided to attend Belmont University in Nashville together in order to hone their sound and immerse in the local music scene. At Belmont they met drummer Trace Chiappe, who completed the line-up. They’ve played various festivals like Bonnaroo and the Gasparilla Music Festival. Inspired by funk, reggae and bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, they debuted with “All The Talk” in 2017.

Emphasizing the loss of true human connection in the predominantly digital world, their new single shines a light on the reality of modern life. With a delicious and vibrant brew of pop, rock and dance, they’ve packed the song with summery vibes. Instantly gripping thanks to the funky bass plucks and driving beat, the melody coasts on a lavish ebb and flow of vivacity and smoothness. Filled with rich, virulent hooks and rousing vocals, this sizzling groove is a thrilling musical experience.

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In The Spotlight

Victoria Staff – “I Still Think You Might”

Hailing from Toronto, this Canadian singer and songwriter dealt with anxiety and depression her whole life. During her childhood music became her coping mechanism and a way to communicate with other people. She plays piano, guitar, banjo and ukulele. Although she got her degree in Behavioural Neuroscience from UBC, her passion for music led to her career as a musician. Inspired by Holly Humberstone, Stevie Nicks and Taylor Swift, she debuted with “Records & Honesty” in 2023.

Singing about a love that won’t let go, even after a breakup, and having to deal with those unresolved issues and emotions, her new single is a beautiful example of her storytelling skills. The song starts with a fragile acoustic guitar and is slowly joined by a resonant percussion. Adding warm electric guitars to the wistful chorus gives the melody a fuller sonic body. And with an emotive sensitivity in her rich vocals, this melancholic indie-pop tune takes us on a heartrending journey.

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In The Spotlight

Jonny Morgan – “Another Heartache”

Originally from Dorset, this British singer and songwriter was brought up by music-loving parents. Raised on a steady diet of classic rock and blues, his dad took him to see Eric Clapton and Robert Cray in concert when he was 7. His musical horizon broadened after discovering Ray Charles. Since venturing into music as a career, he’s played Glastonbury and Nashville’s The Bluebird Café. Inspired by Nathaniel Rateliff, Michael Kiwanuka and Alabama Shakes, he debuted with “Hurt Me” in 2020.

Telling a tale of when everything is going your way something negative is bound to happen, his new single anticipates the hurt of a breakup. With an unique blend of classic rock, honest Americana and sweet nostalgia, the song is driven by an insatiable percussion. With sanguine electric guitars, warm horns and a fierce solo on Jimi Hendrix’s Fender Jazzmaster laying down the invigorating melody, it’s his hazy vocals which remind me of Mark Knopfler, that make this tune a fiery rocker.

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