In The Spotlight

Appleby – “Catch My Breath”

Born as Justin LaRoy Burns in the Mid-West and based in Los Angeles, this alt-pop singer/songwriter initially spent his youth as a competitive tennis prodigy and traveling to high-level tournaments all over the world. Following a severe burnout, he left the sport aged 17. He taught himself singing and songwriting by ear. He’s played various venues like Le Space in Beijing and House Of Blues in Chicago. Inspired by Coldplay, The Weeknd and Lauryn Hill, he released his debut “Spit On Me” in 2014.

Tackling the personal topic of anxiety, mental health struggles and burnout, his new single was written in a time when he felt like he had nothing left to give. Dedicated to anyone who’s in need of finding a moment of peace and reflection, this song blends the heavy, emotive lyrics with an uplifting soundscape. Built around an energetic acoustic guitar, the melody consists of a pulsating bass and punchy drums. And with his luscious vocals, this indie-pop groove is an imposing anthem.

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In The Spotlight

Scarlett Macfarlane – “Fireflys”

Born on an airplane and based in New York, this singer and songwriter grew up in a warm, maternal-driven household in which music and creativity was encouraged. As a child she learned flute, classical guitar and piano. She studied Music Business at Fordham College and had professional voice training. With her former band ScarlettsWeb she played The Camplified Tour and solo the FYE Tour. Inspired by Carole King, Jewel and HAIM, she debuted with “A Song About You” in 2025.

Trying to capture fleeting, beautiful memories to hold on to forever, her new single encourages us to value those brief, yet meaningful moments. Particularly delving into early memories, this song wants preserve the innocence, freedom and happiness of childhood. With a wistful, carefree and summer-dipped pop-rock melody, it’s the breezy guitars, warm rhythm and playful whistle that invoke those sunlit days. And with her comforting vocals, this nostalgia-filled tune is pure joy.

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In The Spotlight

Iz Divine – “Who Do You Think You Are”

Born in Montana and based in London, UK, this singer and songwriter was raised in a multicultural family of American, Irish, Sicilian and German roots. She first found her voice singing church hymns and in school choirs. She’s been mentored by Grammy-winning duo Stargate and performed showcases at the MIX 100 studios and a live-show for NBA team Phoenix Suns. Inspired by artists like Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse, she released her debut “Condolences” in 2024.

Embodying the boundless energy of being unbothered, undeniable and unshakable, her new single captures the empowering persistence of women who won’t let anything stop them to reach their full potential. Creating a cinematic soundscape by dipping classic big band textures in contemporary R&B, the song is finished with a layer of modern pop. With driving drums, imposing bassline and vivid brass forging a rich melody, it’s her commanding vocals that make this a true showstopper.

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In The Spotlight

The California Honeydrops – “365 Flavors”

Formed in Oakland in 2007, this genre-defying soul band got their start busking on the streets and inside subway stations. Consisting of Lech Wierzynski, Benjamin Malament, Yanos ‘Johnny Bones’ Lustig, Lorenzo Loera and Beaumont Beaullieu, they’ve become a staple on the music festival circuit, having played New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and North Sea Jazz to name but a few. Inspired by Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and Louis Armstrong, they debuted with “Soul Tub!” in 2008.

Celebrating finding the person you feel is ‘the one’, their new single is about finding all the variety, excitement and fulfilment you need in a single partner. Singing about discovering something new every single day of the year, this song creates an authentic analog sound and blends classic Stax soul and Motown R&B. With a tight percussion, bright guitars and warm vintage organ, it’s the punchy horn section and raspy, falsetto vocals that make this vibrant tune a feel-good groove.

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In The Spotlight

Julia Wolf – “Deep End”

Hailing from Long Island, singer, songwriter and producer Julia Jade Capello started playing classical piano aged 7. Suffering from severe social anxiety, she began using music and writing poetry as a coping mechanism. She got a music degree from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music. Since then she’s played various festivals such as Lollapalooza and Reading & Leeds and opened for Machine Gun Kelly. Inspired by Avril Lavigne, SZA and Phoebe Bridgers, she debuted with “Captions” in 2019.

Fueled by personal experience, her new single tackles the heavy strain felt when sacrificing your own mental health in order to save a relationship from dying. With lyrics covering doubt, overthinking and endless distractions, she’s created an atmospheric alt-pop melody. With an organic sounding guitar, dipped in melancholy, a pulsating rhythm and a touch of soft strings adding texture to the tune, it’s the vulnerable delivery of her vocals that effortlessly blend all sonic layers.

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In The Spotlight

Chris Crone – “Fragile”

Born as Christoph Cronauer in Freising, this German singer, songwriter and producer grew up in a household where music was encouraged. He and his brother Daniel started experimenting with production and songwriting from a young age. In 2015 he entered Deutschland Sucht Den Superstar. He studied at the prestigious Popakademie. His early career was collaborating with DJ’s and EDM acts. Inspired by Justin Timberlake and The Weeknd, he debuted solo with “Open Door” in 2025.

Centering on the relentless inner struggle of making the difficult decision to end a toxic relationship, his new single focuses on the painful realization that there’s nothing left to save. He’s carrying the emotional lyrics on an upbeat bounce. Padded with ambient synths, it’s the wistful piano that sonically tells the poignant story of love lost. And with his raw, conversational vocals giving the melody an intimate layer, this heartbreaking pop-ballad shows an honest vulnerability.

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