In The Spotlight

Elliot James Reay – “I Think They Call This Love”

Hailing from Bury, near Manchester, this British singer and songwriter has built up a following of millions on social media. Recording videos of him singing 50s and 60s classics and impressing with his velveteen voice and vintage style, he went viral on his TikTok channel. Since he’s travelled across Southeast Asia, been busking in Australia and worked with The Stereotypes in Los Angeles. Inspired by Elvis Presley, Roy Oribison and Billy Fury, he’s now ready to introduce his original sound.

Telling the all too familiar tale of the overwhelming feeling you get the moment you realize you’re in love, his debut single truly celebrates the glorious sound of the 50s. Staying true to the retro techniques of the era, he’s used live instruments and vintage equipment. With a smooth piano, a laidback doo-wop cadence and gentle guitars laying down the melody, it’s his swooning vocal tone that will get the girls screaming and creates a timeless tune that sounds like a long lost classic gem.

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In The Spotlight

Yasmin Hass – “Won’t Hold My Breath”

Born in Melbourne to an opera singing German mother and a reggae-loving Jamaican father and now based in London, UK, this singer and songwriter is influenced by an eclectic fusion of varied cultures. Raised on diverse musical styles, she first got enamoured by musical theatre star Bernadette Peters. Since she’s honed a blend of soul and reggae and played the Wilderness Festival in 2023. Inspired by Angie Stone, Eva Cassidy and Olivia Dean, she ironically debuted with “Goodbye” in 2021.

Written as an anthem for the heartbroken, her new single reminds us not just to wait for promises to be kept, when we really already know they won’t. Staying true to her musical amalgamation, the song starts with a soft acoustic piano, invoking an Adele-like sense, before it develops into a more upbeat pop soundscape. With a lively percussion and multi-layered harmonies taking the listeners on a sonic expedition, it’s her enchanting voice that adds that special kind of sensory sparkle.

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In The Spotlight

Tim Chadwick – “Call Me When The Coast Is Clear”

Based in Dublin, this Irish singer and songwriter has been writing songs since the age of 14 and starting performing at 18. Since then he landed a record deal with Sony, but has since chosen the independent path. He’s supported artists such as Mabel and Rufus Wainwright on tour, played festivals like The Great Escape and had his song “Belong” featured on the Aer Lingus Christmas ad. Inspired by Hayley Williams, Fleetwood Mac and Kate Bush, he debuted with “Blindfolded” in 2016.

Wrapped around emotive, introspective lyrics about keeping falling in love with the wrong people and holding on to the hope of finding that one true love, his new single is filled with self-awareness, positivity and hope. Taken from his upcoming album “Pulverise”, expected on August 19th, the song starts off buttery-smooth with a synth drone and his honeyed vocals. It gets an additional oomph with the added rhythm and laidback guitars, while still maintaining it’s welcoming warmth.

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In The Spotlight

Simone Spittle – “Refuge”

Hailing from Melbourne, this Australian singer and songwriter has always had music in her life. She was already singing before she could speak and she’s been a classically trained pianist since she was five. She’s performed as a singer, pianist and actor since childhood from composing for international events to headlining her own shows. Drawing inspiration from Missy Higgins, Adele and Whitney Houston, she initially debuted with “Frozen” in 2017, but has now reinvented herself.

Written when reflecting on the trauma she survived as a child, her new single captures the feeling of when she finally found safety and could begin her healing. Taken from her upcoming, deeply personal debut album, “Drama Queen”, expected on September 6th, the song reflects the intense journey to being a survivor. A beautiful ballad throughout, it starts with just a delicate piano and her emotive vocals and with imposing drums grows to show the strength and light of a new future.

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In The Spotlight

Allison Leah – “Meet Me In The Garden”

Born in New York City and based in Nashville, this folk-pop singer and songwriter grew up in a musical family. Her dad is a music engineer and she’s been singing in his studio since the age of 4. When she was 8 an agent heard her sing and asked her to sing jingles. She moved into song writing aged 14. Since she’s performed at Tucson Folk Festival, The Listening Room and Sofar Sounds. Inspired by Maisie Peters, Maggie Rogers and Noah Kahan, she released her debut “A Love Song” in 2017.

Telling the romantic tale of leaving everything behind to meet your love in a rose garden and start a whole new adventure, her new single is a sunny sonic daydream. Doused in sunlit nostalgia, the ear-stroking ethereal soundscape envelops an easygoing rhythm, breezy guitars and celestial harmonies. And with her honey-smooth, sparkling vocals welcoming love’s new direction, she conjures up an amorous summer sun, radiating with endless possibilities and true, heartfelt romance.

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In The Spotlight

Shannon Smith – “Every Single Day”

Hailing from Fremantle, this Australian singer and songwriter was born to professional musician parents, so he grew up immersed in music. He started drumming at 3 years young and jammed with his dads band. The guitar followed aged 12. He began playing in cover and tribute bands, before pausing his career to be a dad. He picked it back up in his partner Helen Townsend’s band. Inspired by Crowded House and Michael Jackson, he debuted with “Dance The Night Away” in 2023.

While people often choose the grand gestures to prove their love, his new single shines a light on the beauty of small acts and everyday moments. Taken from his upcoming debut album “Out Of The Shadows”, expected later in the year, he blends 70s folk-pop with his love of retro Americana. Instantly captivating with a bobbing rhythm and inviting horns, it’s the playful keys and the rich warmth of his vocal charm that give this jaunty tune a welcoming coziness and a timeless sensibility.

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