In The Spotlight

Brooke Surgener – “Got It Good”

Hailing from Erie, PA, this singer and songwriter was taught to play the piano by her mother, but it wasn’t until she picked up a guitar aged 10 that she found her instrument. Growing up as an introvert, music was her way of self-expression. Since then she’s performed live around her home town at venues such as Oliver’s Beer Garden and Celebrate Erie. Drawing inspiration from artists like Michelle Branch, The Head And The Heart and Gabrielle Aplin, she debuted with her self-titled EP in 2018.

Inspired by a night dancing in Nashville and filled with sheer positivity, her new single is a love song to women everywhere. Injecting good vibes into every joyous note, the song starts with seductive bass plucks and a mellow drum. With an alluring mix of retro and modern pop with a touch of folk, it expands into a slick, full-bodied chorus. And with hypnotic, beguiling vocals blending into the mirthful melody, this bubbly, inspiring tune highlights everything that’s good in the world.

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In The Spotlight

South Summit – “Exceptional”

Formed in early 2020 in Perth, this First Nation Australian band consists of Isaiah and Nehemiah Reuben, Josh Trindall, Nathan Osborne and Fynn Samorali. They met by chance at a backyard party and bonded over their diverse musical tastes. Since then they built a reputation as one of the best touring acts, playing festivals like VanFest and A Day On The Lawn, as well as playing shows in prisons. Inspired by Ocean Alley, DMA’s and Bob Marley, they debuted with their EP “Merlin’s” in 2021.

With a rather intricate blend of musical influences and lyrically trying to find a balance between two people in a relationship, their new single is a successful sonic experiment. Taken from their, recently released, album “The Bliss”, the track forges a vintage-dipped, soft-rock melody. With a foundation of a steady beat and an airy acoustic guitar, the song comes alive with the mellifluous electric guitar peaks. And with warm and harmonious vocals, this easygoing tune is a true earpleasing gem.

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In The Spotlight

Kayla Grace – “In For The Kill”

Born and raised in Watford, this British-Indian singer and songwriter began singing for fun at a young age. When she learned to play the guitar, she started writing songs for school shows. The pandemic pushed her to start releasing original songs on TikTok in 2020. Since she’s supported artists like Only The Poets on tour and played festivals like Dot To Dot and Victorious. With inspiration ranging from Nirvana to Ed Sheeran and The 1975, she debuted with “Bird In A Cage” in 2021.

Covering all the bases of self-sabotage, from relationships to life itself, her new single is searching for the point of being alive. Enveloping her words of existential angst, she forged an intricate melody blending a retro vibe with contemporary pop. Driven by a brisk beat, it’s enriched with tempting electric guitar strums and shimmering synths. And with her wistful vocals immersing in the enticing soundscape, this charming tune is a rich sonic delight, filled with melancholia and contemplation.

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In The Spotlight

Alice Phoebe Lou – “Better”

Born in Krommeltje near Cape Town, this South-African singer and songwriter learned to play piano and guitar as a child. After graduating high school she moved to Europe, first to Amsterdam and eventually settled in Berlin, Germany. She began honing her bluesy, folk sound by busking. Her first release was the EP “Momentum” in 2014, followed by an album “Live At Grüner Salon”. Inspired by Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen and Jimi Hendrix, she properly debuted with her album “Orbit” in 2016.

Telling a heart-wrenching tale of disappointment when the glorious feeling of love gets ruined by an uncaring partner, her new single tackles the intense emotions felt when betrayed, but highlights that life is better without the toxic lover. Accompanied by a mellow piano and joined by a honeyed, retro-dipped melody of a mild percussion and soft guitars, it’s her sweet and breezy vocal charm taking us by the hand through her relatable story that make this an alluring airy tune.

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In The Spotlight

Mitch Santiago – “Hiding From”

Hailing from Perth, this Australian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist found a guitar at the side of the road aged 9 and since then has been teaching himself every instrument he could find. He began honing his sound by busking on the streets of his home town. In 2020 he got noticed by Triple J Unearthed. Since then he’s supported The Dreggs and played Splendour In The Grass. Likened to Sam Fender, Tash Sultana and The War On Drugs, he debuted with “Falling” in 2020.

Singing about the need to sometimes take a step back in order to enjoy things more, his new single highlights that a different point of view can change your outlook. Driven by an invigorating indie-rock beat and padded with vivacious guitars and lively keys, he’s created a high-spirited tune that makes it hard to sit still by. And with the elation of his mighty vocals, this highly infectious groove is an engaging indie-rock earworm that is bound to become a live performance favorite.

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In The Spotlight

Elle-Marie – “Gone”

Based in London, this British singer and songwriter developed a love for music at an early age. She grew up listening to 90s pop and choreographing dances in her bedroom to every Now CD. At 17 she started recording and developing her sound at the famous songwriting and production house Xenomania. Immersing herself in the vibrant music scene of London allowed her to hone her artistry. Inspired by Aretha Franklin and Motown, she debuted with “Take Me Home” in 2024.

Telling the story about not noticing red flags in a relationship because of the rose-tinted glasses of love, her new single blends honest lyricism with a Sade-reminiscent melody. Starting with a mellow R&B rhythm and joined by mild keys and an understated guitar, the song wraps its sonic arms around you and gives you a big, comforting hug. And with her hypnotic, soul-infused vocal charisma, this enchanting tune promises many great things for this sultry, emerging songstress.

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