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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In The Spotlight

Lizzie Hosking – “Bubble”

Based in Adelaide, this emerging Australian singer and songwriter got her musical start singing covers, performing every chance she got and uploading to TikTok. Diagnosed with Autism at a young age, she’s turned the challenges and societal misconceptions into a superpower. She’s released multiple singles to critical acclaim and played her first festival WOMADelaide recently. Inspired by the contrasting sounds of Remi Wolf and Olivia Dean, she released her debut “Numb” in 2020.

Telling the story about breaking down walls in a relationship, so that the way is clear to find safety and acceptance with your partner, her new single celebrates the freedom to be yourself completely with another person. While being a soft pop song as foundation, the melody is enriched with smooth soul and silken R&B elements. With an easy-going rhythm, sweet guitar runs and an unexpected electronic vibe, it’s her mesmerizing vocals that turn this sensual tune into a heartfelt bop.

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In The Spotlight

Sametime – “Should’ve Known Better”

Hailing from the Sunshine Coast in Australia and based in Brighton, UK, brothers Sam and Tim Aitken began their musical journey busking on the streets aged 9 and 12. They also started writing their own songs and released an album under the name “Hoo8Hoo”. At the age of 14 and 17 they signed a record deal with Sony. They’ve since started their own record label: Duckfeet Records. Inspired by The 1975, Finneas and Coldplay, they released their debut “Where The Wind Blows” in 2017.

Telling the relatable story of having expressed a thought out loud that you should’ve kept to yourself, their new single explores the heartache a hurtful comment can create. Blending an 80s vintage pop-rock vibe with contemporary qualities, the melody starts with a shimmering synth, closely followed by neon-dipped percussion and joyous electric guitars. Ascending to a crescendo of anthemic sonic heights, it’s the exuberant vocals that add a virulent sparkle to this cheerful groove.

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In The Spotlight

Charly Bliss – “Nineteen”

Centered around brother and sister Sam and Eva Hendricks, this Brooklyn-based band is completed with guitarist Spencer Fox and bassist Dan Shure. The siblings grew up in Westport with music-loving parents and started playing in their basement. However, it was Eva and Spencer who started the current band, with Sam and Dan joining later. Since then they’ve played SXSW and an European tour. Inspired by LCD Soundsystem and Lorde, they released their debut “Guppy” in 2017.

Relaying Eva’s fascination with relationships that don’t quite work and cause tsunamis of heartbreak, their new single tries to capture the juxtaposition between feelings of crushing devastation and manic joy. Taken from their upcoming album “Forever”, expected on August 16th, the song grips from the first note, starting with a lone piano and her rousing vocals and leading to an anthemic pinnacle with a rolling rhythm, soft strings and a lush sax, making this tune a tasty sonic treat.

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In The Spotlight

Keira Gray – “After You”

Raised in Red Earth Creek, Alberta, this emerging Canadian singer and songwriter wanted to be an artist since she was a little girl. She spent her childhood teaching herself to sing popular songs of the time. Currently she’s living in Slave Lake, Alberta, where she still works as a server for her daytime job. When she’s not working, she’s writing and recording her songs. Inspired by Ariana Grande, Rihanna and Christina Aguilera, she released her debut “Summer Lovin’ With You” in 2023.

Inspired by her true-life experience of dating a guy who turned out to be moving on from girl to girl without any remorse or care about their feelings, her new single is honest and therapeutic. Telling her story over an emotive melody, the song starts with melancholic guitar strums. Leading to an anthemic chorus, she adds a lively percussion, country-esque guitars and smooth harmonies. And with her infectious vocals, this radio-ready tune is a captivating piece of modern pop.

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