In The Spotlight

Clairo – “Sexy To Somone”

Born as Claire Cottrill in Atlanta, this eclectic singer and songwriter has been self-recording and releasing songs, as well as music videos, since the age of 13. Having built a huge fanbase on YouTube, it was a video of her singing her song “Pretty Girl”, recorded in her bedroom, that went viral in 2017 and has amassed 101 million streams since. Grown up listening to a wide range of musical influences, from Al Green to Cocteau Twins, she released her debut single “Bubble Gum” in 2015.

Encouraging people to go out and find much needed excitement in their life when that is lacking, her new single highlights the benefits that a boost like that could have on a person. Taken from her upcoming album “Charm”, expected on July 12th, she blends 70s-inspired jazz, psychedelic-folk and soul as an expert sonic mixologist. Instantly vibrant with a retro drum, crisp piano and warm bass, it’s her sultry whisper, that gives this sunlit, vintage-dipped tune a sensual quality.

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In The Spotlight

Overlook – “My Woman”

Hailing from Fort Wayne and now Nashville-based, this quartet of rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts formed in 2016. Consisting of lifelong friends Sam Bellavance, Carson Bull, Colin Christenson and Jim Haines, they all grew up listening to the classic rock their dads used to play. They released an EP in 2018 and the album “End Of Summer” in 2019, before going to college put a break on. Inspired by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and B.B. King, they came back with their album “Someway Somehow” in 2020.

Born out of a desire to write a classic love song and combine it with their love for old-school rock and soul music, their new single is a deliciously blended brew of various influences. Planting their feet in the swinging 60s, the invigorating tune takes you from smooth classic soul to lively rock ‘n’ roll. With a rousing percussion, vintage organ and a surprising electric rock guitar solo creating the flavourful melody, it’s the powerful, soul-infused vocals that will pull on your heartstrings.

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In The Spotlight

Kai Mayu – “Cigarettes”

Born in Peru with a name from the ancient Quechua language meaning “I am like the river”, this German-Peruvian singer, songwriter and guitarist travelled various countries like Columbia and Egypt, all leaving their own cultural stamp on him. He first picked up his love for playing guitar in Egypt. Now based in Berlin, he played festivals like Meeresrausch and collaborated with artists like Cellxy. Inspired by John Mayer, Chet Faker and Bad Bunny, he debuted with “Calling You” in 2018.

Singing about the feeling of freedom after the end of an unhealthy relationship, his new single highlights the contradiction of sadness, while seeing a new beginning as well. Creating an unique musical experience, he forged a lively melody, starting with intricate electric guitar play. Joined by a playful percussion and a warm bass line completing the tune, it’s his refreshing vocals telling the story that tie all elements together in a smokin’ hot sonic present with a bow on top.

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In The Spotlight

Josefine Landelius – “Thinking Of You”

Hailing from Strängnäs, a town outside of Stockholm, this Swedish singer and songwriter developed her interest in music at a young age, dreaming about singing and performing. However, it wouldn’t be until she was 22 that she decided to pursue a musical career. She’s since studied at the Songwriters Academy Of Sweden in Örnsköldsvik to hone her musical skills even more. Drawing inspiration from artists such as LÉON, Coldplay and OneRepublic, she debuted with “Home” in 2018.

Telling the tale of the one that got away, but who still has a place in your mind and heart, her new single captures the constant wonder about what could’ve been. With a musical ascension, building a synth-pop melody, it’s the imposing beat, electronic wizardry of the synths and a bouncy bass line that radiates a retro-dipped familiarity and warmth. And with her enthralling vocal charm adding a genuine sincerity to the tune, this infatuating groove is a spellbinding gem.

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In The Spotlight

Sophia Lanuza – “Ben Rector”

Born in southern Connecticut and based in Los Angeles, this Filipino-American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist grew up amidst her family’s eclectic musical tastes, ranging from 80s to country. As a teenager she discovered she had a knack for songwriting. She went on to attend the Berklee College of Music and graduated with a songwriting degree. She also wrote for APG L.A. Drawing inspiration from Bruno Major, Tori Kelly and Billy Joel, she debuted with “Borrowed” in 2018.

Singing about dealing with a hurtful breakup seeing her ex ending up with a mutual friend, her new single states that they can have everything, as long as she gets to keep their shared favourite artist Ben Rector for herself. Her poignant lyrics focusing on holding on to her sense of self when life is changing, are beautifully framed in a sparkling pop tune. With a retro-touched rhythm, neon synths and radiant bass, it’s her scintillating vocals that bring the 80s sound into the present.

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In The Spotlight

Louis Croft – “I’m Going Away”

Haling from Nottingham, this British folk-pop singer and songwriter has been writing and performing since the age of 16. Honing his craft along the way, his first festival he played was the Southwell Folk Festival, followed by The Long Road Country Festival in 2019. He went on to support bands like The Coral and Ocean Colour Scene in 2022 and was featured on BBC Introducing many times. Inspired by Jake Bugg, Johnny Cash and The Beatles, he released his debut “Life Goes On in 2021.

Paying tribute to his late Irish grandfather, who went on a journey from Ireland to the UK in search of a new future, his new single is filled with personal tales and shows off his incredible talent for storytelling. Blending bustling folk-pop with spirited Irish music, he forges a Pogues-like frenzied tune. With a frantic percussion and exuberant guitars chasing the melody along, it’s his genuine, joy-filled vocals that will make you want to climb on board of this dance-inducing ditty.

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