In The Spotlight

The Rions – “Take What You Want”

Consisting of the 4 school friends Noah Blockley, Harley Wilson, Asher McClean and Tom Partington, this Australian indie-rock band got together to enter a talent show in high school. In 2021 they won Triple J’s Unearthed High competition. They’ve played festivals like Bluesfest and Grapevine Gathering. Inspired by Arctic Monkeys, Dayglow and The Beatles, they debuted with “Halfway Out” in 2020.

Lyrically capturing the end of a toxic relationship, their new single joins their emotional words with a laid-back rock melody. Taken from their EP “Minivan”, it’s the retro-touched mellow rhythm and gentle electric guitars that first draw you in, before the anthemic chorus injects some added oomph. And with their 90s-sounding vocals, this lush tune takes your ears all over the indie-rock spectrum.

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In The Spotlight

Abby Helms – “Someone So”

Hailing from New York City, this impressive singer and songwriter grew up singing in church. Immersed in various forms of art, she’s studied at the School of Visual Arts and is a gifted painter. As a musician she’s performed at renowned venues such as Rockwood Music Hall and with SoFar Sounds. Inspired by Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Lauryn Hill, she released her debut EP “Neon” in 2020.

Reflecting on her past selves, while realizing how much life changed and how lucky she is to have found the love of her life, her new single combines a touch of melancholy with a buttery-smooth R&B melody. With a mellow beat, honeyed keys and sprinkled with ear-stroking sonic magic, it’s her velvety vocals enchanting every note that makes this silken smooth groove sound like a warm hug.

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In The Spotlight

Jennifer Stewart – “Someone New”

Born in Edinburgh, this rising Scottish singer/songwriter was raised by music-loving parents and started to learn how to sing and play guitar as a teenager. Wanting to bring back the joy of music, with relatable lyrics, she’s found support from BBC Introducing Scotland and several Spotify playlists. Inspired by HAIM, Fleetwood Mac and Harry Styles, she released her debut single “Cool” in 2021.

Filled with a defiant empowerment, her new single tells the tale of seeing an ex-lover with a new partner and, instead of letting it negatively affect her, she celebrates her independence. Wrapping the relatable and heartfelt lyrics in a bouncy pop tune, it’s the vivid rhythm, radiant guitars and her resilient vocals that give this infectious jam both bittersweet sensibilities and a triumphant vibe.

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In The Spotlight

Oscar Blue – “Second Nature”

Hailing from County Clare, this emerging Irish singer and songwriter started developing his interest in music as a young child and took to busking on the streets of Dublin. He also began uploading covers online, catching the ear of the likes of Spotify and other streamers. Inspired by Damien Dempsey and Snow Patrol, he created a folky indie-pop/rock blend and debuted with “Madrugada” in 2018.

Written as an uplifting message about the unexplained feeling of waiting to be with someone you love, his new single captures the warmth and excitement that comes with it. Intricately constructed from the mesmerizing guitar strums to the fiery chorus, the vivacious melody borrows from indie-pop of the early 00’s. And with his flawless vocal runs, this tune is a true ear-pleasing groove.

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In The Spotlight

Kate Cosentino – “Fighting With Myself”

Born in Kansas City and now based in Nashville, this singer and songwriter has has been performing from a young age. She’s graced stages from The Commodore in Nashville to the Kauffman Center in Kansas City. This year she was a contestant on Season 23 of The Voice, reaching the Knockouts. Inspired by Regina Spektor, Phoebe Bridgers and Norah Jones, she released her debut “Mister J” in 2012.

Highlighting the self-sabotaging inner voice, which revels in criticizing everything you do, her new single shows a rare vulnerability and a truly relatable honesty. Cleverly blending elements of jazz with alternative pop, it’s the imposing keys and haunting vibe that first grabs your attention, before jaunty drums and rousing guitars join her sassy vocals and make this groove sound irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

South Summit – “Sidelines”

Hailing from Perth, this indigenous Australian quintet formed back in 2020 at a winery in Darlington. Consisting of Zaya, Josh, Fynn, Nemo and Nathan, they have been performing at festivals such as Groovin’ The Moo and BIGSOUND, as well as a performance at Rockingham’s Casuarina Prison. Inspired by Ocean Alley, DMA’s and Sticky Fingers, they released their debut EP “Merlin’s” in 2021.

Telling the story about always finding your way back home to reconnect with your roots, no matter how long you’re away, their new single takes indie-rock to anthemic heights. Taken from their EP “Tales Of The Yeti”, they’ve created a melodic mix of 80s and 90s rock. With a driving percussion and mellifluous electric guitars, it’s the gritty vocals, that join everything into a soaring indie-rock jam.

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