In The Spotlight

Cristina Cherry – “Can You Be Mine?”

Born as Ana Cristina Reis Vieira in Faro, this Portuguese singer and songwriter wanted to become a singer from the age of 5. She tread the boards for the first time in a school talent show aged 10 and further honed her skills in high school. After a short stint in America, she was a contestant on the last season of Idols Portugal in 2022 and became a full-time performer. Inspired by artists like B.B. King, Amy Winehouse and Lana Del Rey, she released her debut “Girl Of Your Dream” in 2023.

Describing a deep and true love between two people from different worlds and the challenges that that romance can bring, her new single just wants to celebrates the beauty such a deep affection produces. Melodically she takes the listeners back to yesteryear, fusing 60s soul and 70s pop with a touch of blues and a layer of 00s neo-soul. Driven by a lively beat, intoxicating guitars and mellow keys, it’s the attitude in her empowered vocals that really make this track sound irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

Golden Feather – “Never Give Up On You”

Hailing from Hamilton, this Canadian five-piece band got their start when friends Steven Kiely and Bradley Germain decided to write music together in 2019. Further consisting of Ronson, Gareth Inkster and Murray Heaton, they share a love of taking the listeners on a journey, creating an energy between crowd and stage on festivals like Hillside and venues such as Bridgeworks. Inspired by The Allman Brothers and The Grateful Dead, they debuted with their EP “Light On Water” in 2020.

Initially coming across as a straightforward love song, their new single also shines a light on feeling whether you’re actually worthy of love at all. Taken from their upcoming, self-titled debut album, expected on September 20th, the song finds a balance between funk and yacht-rock. With a relentless funkalicious vibe from the bouncy rhythm, wild guitars and red-hot brass, this highly infectious groove effortlessly marries vintage funk with a touch of contemporary sophistication.

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In The Spotlight

Darling Nikki – “Elvis”

Born and raised in Germany, this singer and songwriter started making music and 5 years old. Drawn to 60s and 70s soul and funk, she always felt she was born in the wrong time and place. At 17 she left home to pursue a career in music and that led her to have been able to provide vocals and work with legendary artists such as Larry Graham, Dionne Warwick and Nelly Furtado. Currently working on her debut EP “Hippie Soul”, she’s ready to give a sneak peak of her 70s-inspired sound.

Created with multi-cultural crew of musicians and engineers from Brasil, Türkiye, Germany and the UK, her debut single may be named after the king of rock ‘n’ roll, but was actually inspired by an encounter she had with Prince in Monaco. Transporting the listener back to the 70s from the first note, it’s the funky guitars, punchy bass and full-bodied horns the form the infectious melody. And with her soulful vocals, this retro-fuelled earworm definitely leaves you wanting more.

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In The Spotlight

Bottlemoth – “You’ll Always Have Us”

Formed in January 2024, these five British friends are no strangers to the music scene, as they are all former members of the band Bridges. Under that moniker they’ve toured the UK, played main festivals such as Isle of Wight and Glastonbury and supported Slow Readers Club. Since reinventing themselves they’ve already shared the stage with Adult Leisure and The Dangerous Summer. Inspired by The Gaslight Anthem and The Wonder Years, they released their debut “Tattoo” earlier this year.

Written on a cheap nylon guitar and put together in an afternoon, their new single emphasises the importance of being there for the ones you love as best you can. Taken from their upcoming debut album “Even Us Ghosts”, expected on October 17th, they kick the track off with a stadium-sized intro. Slowing things down slightly, it’s the punchy drums and mellow guitars that lay down the melody. Returning to the indie-rock vitality, this bustling tune is a true sonic rollercoaster.

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In The Spotlight

Hannah Stow – “But I Lie”

Based in Perth, this Australian singer and songwriter started writing music when she was 12 years old after getting an electric guitar as a gift. In 2020 she made her first mark on the music scene with “Fast Cars Mash Up Cover”, a medley of Tracy Chapman songs, in collaboration with Callaa. Compared to artists like Missy Higgins and CXLOE and drawing inspiration from artists such as Chillinit, Peach PRC and Sam Fender, she debuted her own, original material on “I’m Feeling” in 2021.

Although written years ago, the subject matter of her new single, being the tribulations of having to remain hidden in a same sex relationship, remains as poignant as always. Taken from her upcoming debut EP “Sidelined”, expected on September 12th, she enriched her empowering lyrics with a nostalgia-infused melody. Setting the scene with a slow synth, the song evolves with a gentle beat and warm electric guitars. And with her emotive vocals, this is a heartfelt gem.

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In The Spotlight

Raphaela – “Be My Hero”

Born in Ottawa as Raphaela Nehme and raised in Lebanon, this Lebanese-Canadian singer and songwriter grew up in a musical family of an opera singing mum and a classics-loving dad. She’s been honing her skills since she was 7 years old, learning piano, guitar and vocals. Having returned to Ottawa at 19, she studied journalism at university to improve her songwriting prowess. Inspired by artists such as Taylor Swift, she debuted her country-pop sound on “Fifth Street” in 2022.

Emphasising the importance of self-care and the need to step away from being a people-pleaser all the time, her new single teaches the value of boundaries. Choosing to envelop her lyrics in a prominent pop melody, the influence of her country stylings is still present. Starting with an airy, celestial synth drone, the song ascends to its bustling chorus, with lively drums, fiery guitars and sparkling keys. And with her bubbly vocals, this uplifting tune is as inspirational as it is sonic fun.

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