In The Spotlight

Citizen Papes – “Unbelievable”

Born as JP O’Grady, this Scottish singer and songwriter was raised in Scotland, but moved to Texas with his American mother at the age of 16, where he worked in a country music studio under the wing of the late Dusty Hill of ZZ Top fame. Upon returning he started this musical project in his bedroom in Glasgow during the pandemic. He began uploading covers of Counting Crows and Taylor Swift to TikTok. Inspired by Bon Iver and Vampire Weekend, he debuted with “For You” in 2024.

Wondering what went wrong in a lost relationship, his new single ponders the past while realising that he’s actually fine in the present. Carrying his reflective lyrics is a delectably sweet melody, which is filled with retro vibes and a soulful warmth. With a mellow rhythm, gentle piano and a dulcet saxophone creating a smooth, velvety soundscape, the song is filled with renewed positivity. And with his heartfelt vocals, this is an exquisite example of an ear-tickling tune.

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In The Spotlight

Anna Field – “Feel”

Based in Atlanta, this singer and songwriter got introduced to music from birth through her mother who was a singer in a girl group and their shared love of musicals. She has singing class in school, allowing her to explore her vocal range and in 2009 she received her first guitar as a gift. These things developed into her pursuing a music career. She started lending her voice to local rappers. Inspired by Nat King Cole, Roberta Flack and Jeff Buckley, she released her debut “Roses” in 2020.

Filled with positive vibes, uplifting lyrics and liberating freedom, her new single celebrates life in all its facets. Giving off a buttery-smooth vintage feel, the track combines elements of 80s slow pop, 90s R&B and throws in a touch of jazz for good measure. Perfectly balanced, it’s the gentle rhythm and tender synths that create a mesmerizing and hypnotic melody. And with her honey-dipped vocal magic stroking your ears, this is an enchanted gem that will keep you under its spell.

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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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