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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In The Spotlight

Will Bryant – “I’ve Got Feelings”

Based in London, this British singer, songwriter and producer grew up in a musical family. His dad was in a Christian rock band at university. His sister sang with him in Cathedral choirs and he played trumpet in various orchestra’s. At 17 he changed to a modern sound and started playing covers on Instagram. Since he collaborated with Sebb Masters and played The Troubadour in London. Inspired by No Rome, Frank Ocean and The 1975, he released his first solo single “Be Mine” in 2020.

Trying to highlight youth, social anxiety and relationships in one multi-layered song, his new single blends a feeling of rich nostalgia with contemporary pop. Starting with sweet birdsong and leading to the driving retro drums, it opens with an alluring contradiction. Adding the full-bodied melody of crisp guitars, enticing keys and even some banjo, creates a delectable pop tune. Forging 80s, 90s and modern influences, it’s the comforting warmth in his vocals that makes you feel like home.

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In The Spotlight

Luna Elle – “Halfway Broken”

Hailing from Mississauga and now based in Toronto, this Canadian singer and songwriter grew up listening to the 90s R&B greats that her older sister used to play. During the pandemic as a teenager, she began recording covers like “Riot” by Summer Walker, which she posted on Instagram and landed her a record deal. Her debut single got noticed by Shaquille O’Neal who posted it on his Instagram. Inspired by the likes of Beyoncé, Toni Braxton and Sade, she debuted with “True Love” in 2021.

Singing about female empowerment within relationships by telling a lover that she won’t stand for anything other than being treated right, her new single is a silky-smooth R&B stunner. Drawing inspiration from R&B legend Maxwell, she combines sleek 90s R&B with some soft jazz tones. With a gentle rhythm, mild keys and soft bass creating a mesmerizing soundscape, it’s her velvety vocals that enchant your ears and take you on a polished sonic journey to peaceful tranquillity.

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In The Spotlight

Jessica Doolan – “Keep Looking”

Based in Dublin, this Irish singer and songwriter grew up in a very musical family and started singing when she was 3. She wrote her first song in Irish aged 10, called “Mise Sa Tochchai”, meaning Dear Future Self. In 2022 she won the International Rookie Award at the DennizPop Awards in Sweden. She’s also performed at The Folly Festival and Sea Sessions Surf & Music Festival. Inspired by Nina Simone, Etta James and Amy Winehouse, she released her debut “Stay Or Surrender” in 2023.

Singing about dates that do not live up to expectations and toxic relationships, her single is all about taking your power back from those who’ve wronged you. An ingenious musical blend of her soul-pop sound with a bit of a rock bite, the song starts with mild keys, crisp guitar plucks and cheeky violins. However, soon it explodes with sonic attitude and empowerment, while still holding true to her soulfulness. And with her dynamic vocals, this is imposing soul-pop with a twist.

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In The Spotlight

Hugo Joyce – “False Hope”

Hailing from London, this British singer and songwriter already started writing his first lyrics in primary school. He began learning jazz saxophone until he was 14 and then changed it for the piano. Soon after he combined writing lyrics with his music and wrote his first full song. He’s since went on to open for Benedict Cork and performed at venues like The Troubadour and Ronnie Scotts. Inspired by Elton John, Carole King and John Legend, he released his debut “Nervous” in 2021.

Telling the relatable story of a break-up caused by the realization that the other person didn’t feel the same way, his new single takes the experience and uses it to inspire to not settle and go and find what works for you. Starting the song with a slow, gentle piano, the song truly opens up later with a peppy beat, lively guitars and an anthemic melodic vibe. And with his emotion-laden vocals soaring over the notes, this tune evolves from warm sensitivity to spirited positivity.

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