In The Spotlight

Ben Ellis – “Burner Phone”

Based in Cardiff, this Welsh singer and songwriter is no stranger to performing. Having grown up in a music-loving home with folk and classical playing, he went on to study musical theatre at university. Since then he’s amassed a massive following on TikTok. He performed at the iconic Camden Roundhouse in London, supporting Henry Moodie and played festivals such as The Great Escape. Inspired by Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran, he debuted with his EP “The Ed’s House EP” in 2023.

Wondering whether an ex-lover will still think of you and secretly want to keep in touch with you despite having entered into a new relationship, his new single is a plea to hold on to what was lost. Opening the song calmly, with some electronic elements, bass plucks and a soft rhythm, it all comes alive with a melodic, slightly retro warmth from the peppy drums and sweltering electric guitars. And with his vibrant vocals, this vivid groove is a virulent indie-pop tune.

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In The Spotlight

Kat Velasco – “Paper Boy”

Originally from South Carolina and now based in Nashville, this singer and songwriter was born with the performance gene prominently active. She signed with an agency at the age of 7, which led to musical theatre and beauty pageants. Although she also did a short stint in finance, her path would always lead to music. She started writing her own songs in 2020. Inspired by artists such as Stevie Nicks and Amy Winehouse, she released her debut single “Cliché Country Song” in 2021.

Reflecting on her own experiences with dating, her new single high-lights what is truly important in a relationship and reminds us not to lose sight of our self-worth in the illusions of romance. Fusing bouncy pop with twangy country, the song starts with a lively synth beat and electronic guitar strums, before elevating to an infectious melody. With countrified guitars and cheeky keys forging the bustling tune, it’s her heartfelt vocals that complete this invigorating country-pop bop.

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In The Spotlight

Sydney Jo Jackson – “You Should Be Here”

Born in Birmingham and based in London, this genre-hopping singer, songwriter and model studied at the famed Italia Conti Performing Arts Institute. Initially taking a different musical route, she collaborated with hip-hop and house artists, like Redondo (on “Automatic” in 2023) and Husky (on “Get Down” in 2024). She also released a solo house track “Boys Who Like Boys” in 2024. Inspired by Millie Jackson, Tina Turner and Prince, she’s reinvented herself and blends soul and blues.

Debuting her new soulful incarnation, her new single explores deep topics like confronting personal flaws and breaking unhealthy cycles. With the lyrics rooted in her own experience with domestic abuse and divorce, she turned her music into her therapy. Enveloped in a sultry soundscape, the smooth, enchanting melody wouldn’t sound out of place in a smoky basement bar. With an hypnotic rhythm, smoldering brass and beguiling vocals, this honest tune cuts straight to the heart.

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In The Spotlight

Bohardt – “ILOVEU”

Although music always had a hold on him, this San Diego-born singer and songwriter started writing metal music aged 15 in a pop-punk band called Three Seconds Notice, influenced by artists like Dio and Black Sabbath. Now based in Los Angeles, he writes emotive pop songs that touch on darker themes such as toxic relationships, drug abuse and the search for self-worth. Inspired by the likes of X-Ambassadors, Bruno Mars and Teddy Swims, he released his debut “J.A.S.Y.S” in 2019.

A declaration of love set to music, his new single encapsulates the euphoria felt when you first utter those three words to that one special person. While melodically transporting us back to the 80s, this neon-lit synth-pop tune keeps a foothold in the present as well. Immediately the first few synth chords tickle our interest and the song unfolds with a pulsating beat and a multi-layered electronic shimmer. And with his sparkling vocals, this nostalgic groove is a sonic stunner.

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In The Spotlight

Jordan Duffy – “Not Your Dream Girl”

Originally from Worchester, Massachusetts, this singer/songwriter wrote her first song on a tape recorder aged 9. In high school she learned to play the guitar and piano, but after discovering she had a 4 octave range started studying opera. Apart from her varied musical endeavours she’s also a sought-after audio engineer. At 18 she opened for The Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts. Inspired by Lake Street Dive, Adele and Charli XCX, she debuted with “No Big Deal” in 2022.

Drawing inspiration from the movie Sixteen Candles, her new single tells her own personal story of having feelings for a person that are not reciprocated. Taken from her upcoming album “Nights Like These”, expected on March 25th, she pads her heartbreaking lyrics with a synth-pop melody dripping in 80s nostalgia. Filled with shimmering synths and an invigorating beat, she forged a striking anthem. And with her soulful, empowering vocals, this is a lively retro-pop groove.

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In The Spotlight

Jon Lindsay – “Big Stage”

Hailing from Portland, this singer, songwriter, musician and producer began playing in bands like The Catch Fire, The Young Sons and more notably with Benji Hughes, with whom he still performs today. He is proficient on keys, guitar, bass and drums. Together with Caitlin Cary of Whiskeytown he co-founded the North Carolina Music Love Army, a non-profit music collective. Inspired by Freddie Mercury and Jackson Browne, he released his debut EP “Magic Winter & The Dirty South” in 2009.

Influenced by the sound of legendary 70s performers like Harry Nilsson and The Eagles, his new single is an organic, vintage-dipped rock ballad that finds its way to our soul. Starting with a delicate piano, the song exudes a welcoming warmth. A mild percussion joins the dreamy soundscape, while his emotion-laden vocals tell his intimate tale. As the melody progresses, rich strings and multi-layered harmonies are added. Heartwarming and mesmerizing, this is an extraordinary tune.

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