In The Spotlight

Strange Plants – “Horseshoe Smile”

Based in Halifax and consisting of Travis Flint and Matt Brannon, this Canadian duo are no strangers to the music scene. Having met 6 years ago, they’ve been in a few musical projects together, most notably the alt-country collective Hot Mondy. Realizing their musical direction was pointing elsewhere, they combined their eclectic tastes into this new retro-dipped project. Inspired by Pink Floyd, Supertramp and Tears For Fears, they released their debut “Tell Me All Your Secrets, Pt.2” in 2025.

Shining a light on a world run by phonies and narcissists, their new single shows the truth behind the surplus of fake smiles. Taken from their upcoming, self-titled album, expected on June 6th, they created a bouncy, multi-layered melody, doused in psychedelic nostalgia. From the driving percussion, 80s-dipped electric guitars and a trippy, Beatle-esque trumpet solo to Matt’s Beach Boys-influenced vocals, this vibrant tune takes the vibes of the past and moulds them into something fresh.

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In The Spotlight

Karlie Bartholomew – “Haunted House”

Born in Baltimore and based in Nashville, this singer and songwriter battled her childhood shyness by immersing herself in music. She began writing songs at an early age and performed in elementary school talent shows. In high school she taught herself how to play guitar on the six-string of her musician dad. She went on to study Professional Music at Berklee College of Music. Inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell and Elliott Smith, she debuted with “Brooklyn Park” in 2021.

Exploring the ghosts of our past that always seem to be living rent-free in our heads, her new single is an exquisite example of her folk-inspired storytelling skills. Enveloping her poetic yet relatable lyrics is a soft, melancholic melody that, for the first part of the song, consists of merely a delicate acoustic guitar. Later joined by silky strings and an electric guitar, it’s the genuine vulnerability of her velvety vocals that makes this soul-stirring tune soothing and mesmerizing Americana.

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In The Spotlight

Natalie Bergman – “Gunslinger”

Based in Los Angeles, this singer and songwriter started playing violin aged 5, but found her instrument in the guitar. She studied at Berklee College of Music and got her start as a member of her brother Elliot’s band Nomo. They later formed the successful psychedelic pop duo Wild Belle, worked with artists such as Diplo and Shawn Lee and had songs featured in various TV shows. Inspired by Whitney Houston, Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin, she released her debut solo album “Mercy” in 2021.

Singing about a lover she just can’t seem to quit and keeps coming back to after he’d done her wrong, her new single is a cinematic, 60s-infused blend of soul with a touch of country. Taken from her upcoming album “My Home Is Not In This World”, expected on July 18th, it’s the smoky percussion, retro-styled guitars and funky bass that takes us back in time to the swinging 60s. And with her hypnotic, slightly psychedelic vocals, this spellbinding, vintage-touched groove is out of this world.

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In The Spotlight

Canyon Lights – “Seventh Son”

Formed by friends and bandmates Pat Faherty and Tim Carman, this blues-rock trio is completed with multi-instrumentalist Heather Gillis. Pat and Tim have been performing all over the world as members of the acclaimed blues band GA-20. Recognizing a mutual love of 70s rock bands, they began working on fresh song ideas. Since starting this new project, they’ve opened for George Thorogood & The Destroyers. Inspired by Thin Lizzy and James Gang, they debuted with “Let Me In” in 2025.

Grounded in the ancient mysticism that says that someone born into a lineage of only sons possesses supernatural powers, their new single actually describes a romantic encounter. Taken from their upcoming album “Breathe Easy”, expected this summer, they brewed a delicious concoction of retro rock and blues. With nostalgic 70s rock guitars, a psychedelic slide guitar solo and a jazz-infused rhythm, it’s the gritty, vintage-dipped vocals that complete the powerful blues-rock flavours.

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In The Spotlight

Ava Valianti – “Laugh Track”

Hailing from Massachusetts, this multi-talented singer and songwriter is also an actress and photographer. She started writing songs at the tender age of 9 and has since earned two New England Music Award nominations and became runner-up in the 21st annual International Acoustic Music Awards. As an actress she starred in the stage play “Moonglow” and “Terezin: Children Of The Holocaust”. Inspired by Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish and Adele, she debuted with “Bubble Wrap” in 2023.

Comparing her life to a sitcom where she becomes uncertain whether people are laughing with her or at her, her new single tackles relatable topics like self-doubt and societal pressure to perform. With an ear-pleasing blend of sparkling indie-pop with an understated element of country, she starts the song with soft keys and cheeky finger-snaps. With the energetic addition of a perky rhythm and warm guitars, it’s her authentic vocals that make this honest tune sound extraordinary.

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In The Spotlight

Fast Trains – “Where The Ocean Greets The Sun”

Hailing from Portsmouth, this is a solo project of British singer, song-writer and producer Tom Wells. He inherited the music gene from his dad, who played in a band and was also a songwriter. Since taking his first steps onto the music scene, he’s performed at festivals such as Icebreaker Winter and Isle Of Wight, opened for Turin Brakes and Apollo Ghosts and was featured on BBC Introducing. Inspired by Radiohead, XTC and Talk Talk, he released his debut “Measure By Measure” in 2019.

Paying tribute to his hometown and the escape its coastal location can provide, his new single tries to capture the calmness of the waves as they clear the unrelenting noise from your brain. Taken from his latest album “Escape To ourWorld”, the song is doused in a comforting 90s Britpop nostalgia with a touch of 80s New Wave. With shimmering synths, retro rhythm and aching guitars, it’s his effulgent vocals that weave all elements together to create a sparkling sonic soundscape.

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