In The Spotlight

Dave Curl – “Riders”

Based in Winterthur, this Swiss singer, songwriter and surfer has been living his teenage daydreams of performing and playing songs for over twenty years. He started taking guitar lessons and his teacher encouraged him to write his own songs. Since then he’s performed in various clubs such as the Kulturkoller Club and racked up more than 1.5 million streams on Spotify. Drawing inspiration from Sting, Eurythmics and Bryan Adams, he released his debut “Hot Summer’s Day” in 2019.

Translating his own surfer spirit into a breezy surf-rock tune, his new single breathes the laid-back vibe of a warm summer’s day on the beach. With the waves beckoning and a surfboard at hand, he’s strumming the easygoing melody on his acoustic guitar. Accompanied by a mellow rhythm, soft electric guitar and delicate keys, he’s filling every leisurely note with relaxing sunbeams. And with the tranquil tone of his vocals, this carefree groove captures the magic of surfing.

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In The Spotlight

Cleo Sol – “Fear When You Fly”

Born in London to a Serbian-Spanish mother and a Jamaican father, this British singer and songwriter was raised on jazz music. Her parents being musicians themselves and playing in a jazz band, she inherited their love for music and performing. She started singing at youth clubs, but in 2008 found herself singing on Tinie Tempah’s “Tears”. Also a member of the music collective SAULT and inspired by Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, she debuted with “High” in 2011.

Reminding us never to give up hope, regardless how many setbacks we have to endure in life, her new single is a dreamy ballad, reminiscent of 70s Michael Jackson. Instantly putting us under her musical spell, the song bobs along on gentle sonic soundwaves of a mellow rhythm, tender keys and gentle guitars. Dipped in delicate vintage soulfulness with a touch of soft gospel, it’s her crystalline vocals touching your heart that makes this stunning hypnotic tune something truly special.

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In The Spotlight

Somebody Someone – “Better”

Born as Aubrey Hays and hailing from Gulfport, MS, this singer and songwriter grew up in a music-oriented household. By the time they were 10, they were already performing with a family band at weddings and even opened for Blake Shelton at the Crawfish Music Festival. Now based in Austin and inspired by artists like The Beach Boys, Fiona Apple and Brandi Carlile, they initially debuted under their own name on “Isn’t It Enough”. They’re now entering a new phase under a new moniker.

Based on their own experiences of finding themselves and their own identity, their new single is both deeply personal and melodically spellbinding. Starting with an alluring acoustic piano, soft strings and an angelic backing choir, this exquisite ballad is truly breathtaking. Pouring pure passion into the notes, the melody reaches down and touches your soul. And with their charismatic, melancholic vocals narrating the honest lyrics, this wistful tune is an enthralling treasure.

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In The Spotlight

Isla Rico – “Lost On You”

Formed by Cal Richards and Jasper Whitehead and later joined by Harvey Rafferty, this Manchester-based British trio was named after the homemade tiki bar where they met and connected over a shared mission to start a band. Influenced by the music they grew up with, they created their own flavour of indie Brit-Pop. They’ve shared a stage with The Grogans and performed at festivals like The Great Escape and Years End. They debuted with “Laying In The Summer Rain” in 2021.

With contemplative lyrics exploring the inner conflict between wanting and self-doubt, their new single is an upbeat fusion of alternative pop and rock. Instantly gripping from the first rolling percussion, the song bursts into a delicious brew of retro 90s and early 00s britpop. With refreshing synths, invigorating drums and joyous electric guitars laying down the sparkling melody, it’s the charismatic vocals the tie all elements together into a vintage-dipped sonic treat.

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In The Spotlight

Katie Kadan – “Unless I Fall In Love”

Hailing from Chicago, this flamboyant singer and songwriter was born into a very musical family. Her first performance was at the tender age of 3 in her church. Over time she sang in various choirs and did a short stint in a conservatory. However it was singing at the Underground Wonder Bar that started opening doors for her. She earned third place in Season 17 of The Voice. Inspired by Carole King, Gladys Knight and Smokey Robinson, she debuted with “Katie Kadan Loves Me” in 2017.

Filled with sheer empowerment and a well-earned abundance of self-worth, her new single pushes those who put conditions on love away and celebrates having an open heart to be able to love unconditionally. Melodically blending the best of passionate soul and minor touches of pop and blues, she’s created an imposing tune. Starting softly with mellow keys, the song soon erupts with a bouncy rhythm and flavorful guitar. And with her commanding vocals, this is a mighty, emotive gem.

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In The Spotlight

Never Ending Fall – “Isabel”

Formed at the age of 10 in a rural Maryland school, these five childhood friends got together for a talent show. Consisting of Jack Miller, Tommy StClair, Conrad Boyd, Pearce Eisenhardt and Johnny Hohman, they got their start playing a funky jazz style. After a move to Los Angeles they focused on an alt-rock sound and got noticed through their ‘Can It Kirkland’ TikTok series. Inspired by Phoenix, Kings Of Leon and The 1975, they released their debut single “Trisha” in 2019.

With an instant neon glow from an 80s-inspired synthpop opening, their new single found the often elusive balance between retro and contemporary. Effortlessly gliding from the era of shoulder pads and Rubik’s Cubes to the alt-pop/rock of the present, the shimmering synths are met with howling rock guitars and a driving percussion. And while lyrically chasing after Isabel, they fill this wistful tune with elated optimism and a sonic playfulness, creating a joyous pop-rock groove.

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