In The Spotlight

Phebe Starr – “One Step. Two Step.”

Hailing from New South Wales, this Australian singer and songwriter grew up in the middle of nowhere with limited access to pop culture and technology. She taught herself to how play on an old Casio keyboard and nylon guitar. Since she’s played festivals like SXSW and opened for Of Monsters And Men. Inspired by Janis Joplin, Carole King and Dolly Parton, she debuted with “Alone With You” in 2012.

Diving into deep meaningful lyrics conveying the complex emotional journey of an arduous relationship, her new single joins her poignant words with a vintage-touched electro-pop bop. With analogue synths, drum computer and retro guitars, the track has the neon feel of a tune from the 80s. And with her intricate, yet powerful vocals, this intoxicating jam takes her one step closer to stardom.

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In The Spotlight

Josh Island – “Patio Blues”

Born in England to a Dutch family, this soulful singer and songwriter has moved to Germany and The Netherlands, before settling in Luxembourg. He’s been performing all over Europe, playing headline tours as well as opening for James Morrison and Passenger, enchanting every audience with his soul, folk and pop blend. Inspired by Sting, John Mayer and Jamie Cullum, he debuted with “One” in 2018.

Creating a delicious summertime bop, his new single calls for taking your lover by the hand and dancing in the sunlit heat. Taken from his upcoming debut album “In My Head”, expected on September 15th, it’s the driving bass line, lively drums and jovial guitars that lay down the catchy melody. And with jubilant horns and his golden vocals, this radiant tune shines inviting sunbeams on the notes.

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In The Spotlight

Kids At Midnight – “The Pacific”

Melbourne-based Australian singer, songwriter, producer and DJ Jane Elizabeth Hanley has been singing all of her life. She started in dance school and played sax in her high school band. After buying her first guitar aged 16, she taught herself how to play. Inspired by various artists from Fleetwood Mac and Peter Gabriel to Kate Bush, she debuted her 80s-doused sound on “The Chase” in 2011.

Hoping for an endless summer in which she can revel in nostalgia and the emotional release of a memory, her new single is a sunlit splash of neon pastels. Sounding like it escaped from an 80s teen movie soundtrack, it’s the refreshing synths, lively beat and occasional bells that forge the retro-tinged melody. And with her melancholic vocals, this summery groove is shrouded in a wistful haze.

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In The Spotlight

Hannah Wicklund – “Witness”

Growing up in South Carolina and now based in Nashville, this acclaimed singer, songwriter and artist started piano lessons aged 3. With music in her veins, she played every show that came her way throughout her childhood. Since she’s played festivals like Firefly and Bourbon & Beyond and opened for Marcus King and Greta Van Fleet. She debuted with “Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin’ Stones” in 2018.

Showing that you can heal from the toughest times in life by embracing and owning it, her new single bears her soul in lyrics and tune. Taken from her upcoming album “The Prize”, expected on October 13th, the song starts slow with her bewitching piano playing, before showing it’s 80s-touched rock side in the dynamic chorus. And with her mighty vocals, you’re witness to a powerhouse jam.

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In The Spotlight

Jiants – “Real Easy”

Fronted by former pro skateboarder Jesse Landen, this Toronto-based Canadian indie-pop trio was formed in 2016, while Jesse was recovering from serious injuries. Together with Adam Kesek and Michael Tilley, they created a fuzzy, laid-back sound, touched by melancholy and nostalgia. Compared to bands like Keane, Travis and Band Of Horses, they released their self-titled debut EP in 2016.

Singing about learning to be alone and allowing yourself time to heal before embarking on a new chapter in life, their new single has a delicious retro vibe. Taken from their upcoming album “Tall Tales”, expected on November 10th, it’s a mellow percussion and laid-back guitars that create a honey-sweet melody, and with Jesse’s polished vocals, this serene smooth groove is real easy on the ears.

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In The Spotlight

Katie Reid – “Healing”

Hailing from Sydney, this rising Australian singer and songwriter started exploring her love of piano, singing and writing while studying at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Since graduating she’s been singing backing vocals for Guy Sebastian and Christine Anu. Inspired by artists such as Lianne La Havas, Emily King and Maggie Rogers, she debuted with “London Town” in 2021.

Written when the pandemic had just emerged and she had to fly back to Australia from London where she lived at the time, her new single is a mixture of a emotions she felt and the choice to take time to focus on herself. Intricately composed with multi-layered elements, it’s the easy-going keys, jazzy rhythm and her bewitching vocals that give this dynamic smooth groove a velveteen flow.

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