In The Spotlight

Lana Karlay – “Cross Your Mind”

Born Lana Karlusic in Geelong, this Australian singer-songwriter grew up on her parents’ record collection. She began learning the violin and piano at the age of 5, and later added the guitar and bass. Initially interested in classical music, she performed with the Opera Australia Children’s Chorus. She’s since played the Festival of Sails and venues via Breaking Sound Los Angeles. Inspired by The Rolling Stones, Madonna and Lady Gaga, she released her debut single “Won’t Be Your Victim” in 2025.

Capturing the painful realization that you are trapped in a one-sided relationship, her new single explores the heartbreak of knowing you’re the only one making the effort. Opening softly with a dreamy vibe, this pop-rock song evolves into a catchy chorus. Built on driving, spirited percussion, it’s the added soaring electric guitars and ambient piano that complete the upbeat melody. And with the emotional power of her vocals, this groove takes us from vulnerability to empowerment.

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In The Spotlight

Josie Man – “Afterparty”

Born in South East London, this British singer-songwriter grew up in a multi-cultural household, thanks to a father from Hong Kong and a mother from London. Feeling caught between two worlds, she escaped into music. At 14 she began writing songs on her guitar. She developed her skills at the BIMM Music Institute. She’s played festivals like Reading & Leeds and venues like the Camden Assembly. Inspired by Marvin Gaye, Fleetwood Mac and Rihanna, she released her debut “Colours” in 2019.

Serving as a bittersweet message to loved ones who have passed away, her new single is a tribute to her late grandfather and an exploration of the hope that heaven is a mere afterparty. Framing the emotional lyrics, this song is a nostalgic 80s-inspired pop-rock ballad. Built with punchy percussion, textured neon-dipped synths and a driving bass, the uplifting melody gives the sentiments a bit of a bounce. Guided by her stirring vocals, this retro tune deals with grief in a positive way.

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In The Spotlight

Hannes Aitman – “Cry With Me”

Born in Västerås, this Swedish singer-songwriter began writing songs at the age of 6, despite not picking up the guitar until he was 13, and grew up listening to the storytellers of rock, country and folk. When he was 17 he was discovered by producer Anders Bagge, leading to his first record deal. He’s played festivals like Way Out West and venues such as Pustervik in Gothenburg. Inspired by Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Cash, he released his debut single “Dying For A Name” in 2023.

Narrating a tale of emotional support and shared vulnerability, his new single is about allowing a loved one to let their guard down and open up about their pain. Taken from his recently released album “In The Morning”, this song is a nostalgic rock-Americana blend. Wrapped in a Dire Straits-reminiscent melody of warm electric guitars telling the story, the 70s-touched tune is enriched with a Hammond organ and a steady rhythm. And with his gravelly vocals, this is a consoling groove.

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In The Spotlight

Amber Prothero – “Love Letter”

Liverpool-born and Manchester-based, this British singer-songwriter spent her childhood nurturing a love for singing and songwriting. She especially came into her own in her teens, writing original music on her acoustic guitar and recording her first CD at Elevator Studios at 14. Since then, she’s played festivals like Festival Too, and venues like  The Camden Assembly and the O2 Academy. Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Karen Carpenter and Laufey, she released her debut single “Gabriella” in 2020.

Actually written as an ‘anti-love letter’, her new single tells a toxic ex to finally get out of her life for good. Following the transition from a broken relationship to personal empowerment, this song is a blend of sassy soulful pop and contemporary R&B. With bouncy percussion, jazzy keys and a nostalgia-dipped production, this upbeat melody has an energetic, radio-ready vibe. And with a confident vocal warmth, this assertive retro groove celebrates freedom and female independence.

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In The Spotlight

Stanley Simmons – “Cold”

Formed in Los Angeles in 2025, this duo consists of Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, sons of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of Kiss fame. Of course, they grew up together, immersed in the rock music and concert scene, but found a shared passion for acoustic Americana-folk sounds. They’ve played venues such as the House of Blues Voodoo Room and the Ventura Music Hall. Inspired by Simon & Garfunkel, the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, they released their debut “Body Down” in 2025.

Focusing on aging and the relentless passage of time, their new single uses the metaphor of transitioning into a cold winter to capture the emotions of getting older and the reflection that comes with it. Taken from their recently released album “Dancing While The World Is Ending”, the song has a vulnerable, 70s-inspired West-Coast melody. With both acoustic and electric guitars, a warm piano and a leisurely rhythm, it’s the melancholic vocals that make this soft-rock groove so irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

Amahla – “Sticky”

Hailing from East-London, this British singer-songwriter grew up in a vibrant, multi-cultural household, in which music was a permanent fixture. Although she was a shy child, she used music as an emotional outlet. She first studied Anthropology at UCL. Since the start of her career, she’s played festivals like The Great Escape, venues such as The Jazz Cafe and she opened for Beverley Knight. Inspired by Etta James, Amy Winehouse and Otis Redding, she debuted with “Old Soul” in 2018.

Exploring the connection between music and physical movement, her new single takes a lighthearted look at how melodies can affect the human body. Injecting a touch of sensuality, this song is a sleek jazz and R&B fusion. Built around a hypnotic bassline, warm jazzy horns and a Latin-infused percussion, she utilizes analog equipment and organic live instruments. And with her playful, scat-inspired vocals pairing with the melody, this smooth groove conjures a velvety sonic atmosphere.

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