In The Spotlight

Harrison Lipton – “Synchronized Swimming”

Born and based in New York City, this singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer already started singing “O Sole Mio” at the top of a jungle gym aged only 2. Although he grew up with his dad’s records of James Brown and Stevie Wonder, he began singing gospel aged 9. Since the start of his career, he’s written and produced for Yot Club and MICHELLE. Drawing wide-ranging inspiration from artists like Sade and Marvin Gaye, he released his solo debut single “Pool” in 2018.

Telling the recognizable tale of a blissful summer romance spent lounging by the pool, his new single is a sultry fusion of jazz, pop and R&B. While lyrically capturing dreamy love within the metaphor of synchronized swimming, he melodically takes us on a smooth, retro-tinged sonic outing. With a gentle percussion, enticing guitar solo and dusty piano setting the flirtatious scene, it’s the honeyed and airy quality of his vocals that make this sweet tune sound truly irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

Andrew Gabbard – “Magic Taxi”

Hailing from Dayton, this singer, songwriter and musician has been on the music scene for nearly two decades. He first started writing songs at 14 and performed them at birthday parties. Professionally he got his start as the guitarist and vocalist for the band Thee Shams. After their breakup in 2006 he co-founded the band Buffalo Killers together with his brother Zachary and Joseph Sebaali. Inspired by Paul McCartney, Neil Young and Brian Wilson, he released his debut “Instant Trancer” in 2021.

Tipping his hat to his favourite songwriters, his new single is written to sound like his version of what The Beatles might’ve sounded like had they not broke up. Taken from his upcoming album “Ramble & Rave On!”, expected on November 15th, he’s created a warm and fuzzy 60s sound with room for the individual styles of the Fab Four. With a gleeful piano, skillful drums, singing electric guitars and the retro tone of his airy vocals, this vintage tune sounds like a long lost vault find.

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In The Spotlight

Isabel Wood – “Don’t Ruin My Life”

Hailing from the Sunshine Coast, this Australian singer and songwriter has always been enamoured by music, but it wasn’t until she wrote her first song aged 15 that she was truly bitten by the bug. Wanting to hone that interest she moved to the Gold Coast to study pop music at university. Since then she collaborated with BTWN US and Exence and played festivals like Caloundra Music Festival. Inspired by Sasha Sloan, Wafia and Holly Humberstone, she debuted with “Sunburn” in 2019.

Lyrically chronicling the unfounded fear of losing a lover through a breakup, only to find that they’re still there by your side, her new single captures an all too familiar emotion. Starting with a shimmering synth and a bouncy beat, the melody has early 00s flavours. The chorus takes it up a notch with a spirited pop vibe with added electric guitars and a joyous oomph. And with her multi-faceted vocals ranging from airy, Owl City-like to sparkling pop zeal, this is an infectious tune.

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In The Spotlight

Gracie Moller – “Coca-Cola Girl”

Originally from Auckland and now based in London, this New Zealand singer and songwriter received a very musical upbringing. Her dad Buzz Moller is a singer/songwriter himself and taught songwriting at university. She got her first record deal aged only 13, after which she immersed herself into her music. Since then she’s toured with Only The Poets and played her first headline show in Amsterdam. Inspired by Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey, she debuted with “Mess For You” in 2023.

Singing deeply personal lyrics about the intense emotions associated with feeling unworthy of someone’s love, her new single captures the complexities with honesty and vulnerability. Taken from her upcoming sophomore EP, expected at the end of November, she opens up her heart accompanied by an elegant piano. Later joined by a mild rhythm and gentle guitar chords, the song ascends to a velvety crescendo of pop. And with her reflective vocals, this lush tune is truly mesmerizing.

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In The Spotlight

Reeve Stimpson – “Over Me”

Hailing from Powhatan, VA, this singer and songwriter was born with a creative soul. From making movies to acting in plays and writing songs, he found a way to express himself. He moved to Nashville in 2016 to attend Belmont University with the intention of becoming a country songwriter. However his love for 70s and mostly 80s music won out in the end. Inspired by artists such as Bryan Adams, Don Henley and Huey Lewis & The News, he released his debut “Somebody Told Me” in 2023.

Although people generally view the negative side of having somebody walk all over you, his new single reminds us that there is a fun side to it as well and that fun has been generously sprinkled over the neon melody. Blending the influences of various 80s artists, it’s an amalgam of sparkling pop and melodic rock. With the radiant retro synths, effervescent drums and bright guitars sparking joy, it’s the vintage vibe of his cheerful vocals that takes us right back in time to the vivid 80s.

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In The Spotlight

Melt – “Heaven”

Based in New York City, this indie quartet of Veronica, Lucas, Eric and Marlo got together in high school, after joining forces to enter and win a battle of the bands competition. Winning allowed them to record their first song, which went viral on YouTube. Since their wild career rollercoaster started, they’ve played several tours, as well as the Ocean Mist and Levitate Music & Arts Festival. Inspired by Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder and MUNA, they released their debut “Sour Candy” in 2017.

Recorded live to tape in a cabin in the Catskills, their new single is a smooth, soulful rocker. Taken from their recently released album “If There’s A Heaven”, the song narrates the angst associated with living and the uncertainty and doubt that comes with it. With a kind of 70s warmth from the bobbing melody, it’s the lush rhythm, glowing guitars and crisp piano that forge a welcoming retro rock tune. And with soft-rock vocals binding it together, this jam is everything you could want.

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