In The Spotlight

Roisin O’Hagan – “Midnight Indigo”

Grown up in Chelmsford in a musical household, this British singer and songwriter has been writing, performing and releasing music since she was 12 years old. Since then she’s supported artists like Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters fame, Kal Lavelle and Olivia Lane. She also became a finalist in Fender’s Undiscovered Artists Of The Year awards and performed for Whispering Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2. Inspired by Counting Crows, Taylor Swift and Tom Petty, she debuted with “Blue & Grey” in 2017.

Trading her previous country-pop sound for a pop-rock vibe, her new single tells the story of the toxic dynamic between two lovers who both know their relationship has run its course, but don’t want to instigate its end. With a propulsive beat, invigorating guitars and a relentless melodic energy, the track has a taste of Coldplay to it. But it’s her powerful vocal passion narrating the tragic love’s tale, that infuses the song with an infectious intensity and makes it uniquely her own.

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In The Spotlight

Jeremie Albino – “Rolling Down The 405”

Based in Toronto, this Canadian singer and songwriter started playing the guitar aged 15. Initially not considering himself a musician, he worked on a farm, but one open mic night led to busking around the city. Since then he’s been playing festivals like Hillside and the Mariposa Folk Festival, as well as opening for Orville Peck and sharing the stage with Nathaniel Rateliff and Black Pumas. Inspired by John Lee Hooker, Neil Young and James Taylor, he released his debut “Shipwreck” in 2019.

Singing about the most notorious freeway on the West-Coast of America, his new single is an inspired fusion of styles and storytelling. Taken from his upcoming album “Our Time In The Sun”, expected on November 1st, the lively jam starts with a 60s soul vibe from the drums, seamlessly evolving to country guitars and blues piano. With a driving energy capturing the freedom of the open road and the retro sound of his captivating vocals, this groove is a trip of sonic buoyancy.

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In The Spotlight

Charley Stride – “Unappreciated”

Hailing from Southampton, this rising British singer and songwriter has been singing since she was 6 years young. She began singing in a choir and evolved to gigging all over the south coast at the age of 16 and signed her first record deal as a teenager. Since she’s supported the likes of Tom Jones, Simply Red and Anastacia, as well as play festivals like Bestival and Isle Of Wight. Inspired by Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston and Kate Bush, she released her debut single “Different Stars” in 2017.

Written to provide those who feel invisible and under-valued in the world, whether this is in relationships, work or family, with strength and acknowledgement, her new single encourages you to feel proud of who you are. Enveloped by 90s-infused R&B-pop vibes, it’s the propulsive beat, shimmering synths and electronic flourishes that create the inviting melody. And with her emotion-ladened, heartfelt vocals building your confidence, this tune is authentic and relatable.

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In The Spotlight

CATBEAR – “Rush”

Hailing from London, this British duo consisting of Zoe Konez and Sarah Smith both grew up in music-loving households. Zoe got to experiment with different instruments, like the drums, but ultimately settled on guitar and Sarah learned to play piano, brass and drums in school. They first formed the band Cat Bear Tree with a punk sound, but evolved to their current electro-pop incarnation. Inspired by Sleater-Kinney, Cyndi Lauper and Garbage, they debuted with “Beast Of The Night” in 2018.

Although written in the winter chill, their new single captures the carefree days of summer, filled with sunlit warmth, bountiful energy and endless excitement. Wrapped in the neon hues of 80s synth-pop, the song wouldn’t look out of place in a coming-of-age movie of the time. With a driving beat, shimmering synths and infectious guitars laying down the retro melody, it’s the ethereal quality of the vocals that join all the elements together to create a sonic adrenaline rush.

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In The Spotlight

The Heroic Enthusiasts – “All I Want”

Based in New York, this duo – comprised of James Tabbi and Thomas Ferrara – was born from a shared love of Brit-pop and New Wave. James started learning the piano, but found his passion with a guitar and Thomas started with the guitar aged 6. Since their start they’ve released two EPs, two covers of 80s classics, and two remixes of Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me”. Inspired by artists like Depeche Mode, OMD and Pet Shop Boys, they debuted with their EP “Memory Wheel” in 2016.

Acknowledging the darkness in a world on fire, their new single offers a ray of light and a beacon of hope. Taken from their upcoming album “Illuminate”, the song is deliciously nostalgic with a foothold in the future. With a pulsating rhythm, 80s-infused synth-pop keys and rich guitars weaving a neon-lit new-wave melody, it’s the mesmerizing vocals that guide you over the intoxicating notes that shows off their inherent musicality and fill this tune with powerful, uplifting vibes.

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In The Spotlight

Mikayla Geier – “Paris”

Born in Vancouver and now based in Los Angeles, this Canadian singer and songwriter started her career as a ballerina. Trained at the Kirov Academy of Ballet, she left the school due to the toxic environment and crushing pressure to look a certain way, leading to her developing anorexia. Now on the path of a musical career, she incorporates her past trauma’s into her music. Having covered songs by diverse artists from Billie Eilish to Edith Piaf, she released her debut “Deja You” in 2019.

Narrating a relatable tale of being in a relationship with the wrong lover, who promises you Paris, but leaves you with a broken heart, her new single is filled with resilience and self-empowerment. With an delectable brew of laid-back 60s-inspired pop and a touch of melodic jazz, wrapped in a sonic veil of mystery, it’s the bouncy rhythm, groovy keys and retro electric guitars that fill the tune with delicious vintage vibes. And with her captivating vocals, this gem is an unfiltered delight.

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