In The Spotlight

KELS – “Worn Out Shoes”

Born in Germany and based in Atlanta, this singer-songwriter grew up in a military family. As a child she spent hours singing with her father in the car, who sparked her interest in country, opera and soul. By the age of ten, she was already writing songs and at 13 she started voice lessons. Since the start of her career, she’s played festivals such as the Atlanta Jazz Festival and venues like The Deaf Institute. Inspired by Sarah Vaughan, Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, she debuted with “Bare” in 2021.

Capturing the emotional exhaustion of giving everything to a toxic relationship, her latest single is about feeling depleted after trying to fix an already bad relationship. Taken from her EP “Dirty Blues Princess”, the song is a rich blend of blues, soul and country. With a heartfelt soundscape built on sweeping cinematic strings, a leisurely rhythm, and country elements from a fiddle and mandolin, it’s her raspy, soulful vocals that show the breaking point where love and burnout collide.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Oscar LaDell – “Tell Me True”

Born in the USA, raised in New Zealand and based in Australia, this singer-songwriter grew up in an artistic household, thanks to a poet mum and a musician dad. He immersed himself in his parents’ vinyl collection of 60’s/70’s blues, soul and folk, and at 17 ventured onto the stage at local bars. Since then he’s played festivals like Queenscliff and venues such as Yoshi’s and Biscuits & Blues. Inspired by Muddy Waters, Sam Cooke and Michael Kiwanuka, he debuted with “Loving You” in 2021.

Exploring the rough, emotional fallout that follows a painful breakup, his new single is about dealing with unresolved questions and eventual acceptance. Lyrically constructed as a last conversation with an ex-lover, the song is a vintage blend of blues and soul. With a layered rhythm section, acoustic guitars, and nostalgic keys giving the melody a welcoming warmth, it’s the grit in his soul-drenched vocals that infuses this organic, bittersweet groove with a dose of sentimentality.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

NAO – “Fly Away”

Nottingham-born and London-based, this British singer-songwriter grew up in a multi-cultural household of Jamaican, Vincentian and Grenadinian roots. Raised on music ranging from 90s R&B and Garage to classic soul, she began playing the piano early on. As a teenager, she studied vocal jazz at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. She’s played festivals like Glastonbury and Latitude. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Aaliyah, she debuted with her EP “So Good” in 2014.

Lyrically about escaping the seasonal blues to find emotional and literal warmth with a loved one, her new single captures the desire to leave the autumn cold behind and chase the sun. Taken from her recently released album “Autumn”, this song is rooted in an organic jazz-soul vibe. With a plush rhythm, fiery saxophone and sparkling synths creating a rich melody, it’s her silken vocals with her signature falsetto, that blend a sense of vulnerability with a touch of playfulness.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Alex Crichton – “Stuck On You”

Hailing from Ottawa, this Canadian singer-songwriter gradually and naturally gravitated towards a guitar, which always was a fixture in his childhood home. He studied the instrument thoroughly and taught himself how to play. In his teens he added audio engineering to his skill set. Since the start of his career, he’s played venues like the Barclays Center and State Farm Arena. Drawing inspiration from Ed Sheeran, John Mayer and The 1975, he released his debut “I’ll Wait For You” in 2023.

Capturing the isolating feeling you get when you’re unable to move on from a past relationship, while seeing the whole world moving forward with their lives, his new single explores the emotional stalemate of holding on to a past love. Driven by a cinematic blend of his acoustic alt-pop roots and modern electronic touches, it’s the punchy drums, ambient synths and warm bass guitar that forge a layered melody. And with his yearning vocals, this melancholic tune is a true healing gem.

Instagram | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Blank Instrument – “Know Nothing”

Based in Perth and born as Kim Franklin, this Australian singer-songwriter’s musical journey didn’t begin in her youth. She started as a wordsmith while maintaining a regular job. Using it as an outlet for her chaotic mind, she found her way to the piano and later the acoustic guitar, which she taught herself. Preferring tight-knit community shows, she’s performed at Clancy’s Fish Pub in Fremantle. Inspired by The Paper Kites and Mumford & Sons, she debuted with “Red” in 2020.

Celebrating the freedom of letting go and embracing the unknown, her new single reminds us that all of us are figuring life out as we go. Taken from her recently released album “Jumping At Ghosts”, this song has a warm, introspective country-folk melody. From the acoustic guitar, lively rhythm and Hammond Organ, to the unexpected glockenspiel, it’s a multi-layered soundscape. And with her honest and compelling vocals, this comforting tune opens us up to whatever the future holds.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Lucca Mae – “Is It Selfish”

Born in London and raised near Reading, this British singer-songwriter grew up in a music-loving household. Her father taught her to play guitar, but she wasn’t serious about it until she was 17. At 18, she moved to Australia and started busking. There she also fronted an Amy Winehouse tribute band. Since returning to the UK, she’s played venues like The Marquis and opened for Mavis Staples. Inspired by Nina Simone, Sam Cooke and Paolo Nutini, she debuted with “Next To You” in 2022.

Highlighting the mental exhaustion and isolation caused by unspoken truths, her new single explores the heavy toll of keeping secrets from others. Diving into a vintage melody of 60’s and 70’s soul, blues and jazz, this organic song has a haunting retro vibe. With authentic live percussion, swelling brass and swooning guitars forging the smoky, nostalgic atmosphere, it’s the gritty rasp in her melancholic vocals that turns this sweltering tune into an emotive confession about honesty.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes