In The Spotlight

Tia Gostelow – “Sour”

Born in Mackay, Queensland, this indigenous Australian singer and songwriter started playing cover gigs in local pubs aged 12. Since then she’s won Triple J’s Indigenous Initiative in 2016 and won two Queensland Music Awards in 2017. She’s also graced many festival stages and played an European tour. Inspired by Taylor Swift, Mumford & Sons and Melody Pool, she debuted with “State Of Art” in 2016.

Narrating an actual occurrence where a guy was flirting with her and she was completely oblivious to his advances, her new single takes her back to her musical roots. Driven by sleek synths and a bustling beat, it’s the lavish guitars and her opulent vocals that give this sunlit synth-pop bop a delectable exuberance and saturates it with fun, summertime vibes that are infectiously sweet.

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In The Spotlight

Ali Rice – “In The Underground”

Hailing from Bristol, this British singer, songwriter and producer has been creating and releasing his music from the comfort of his bedroom since 2020. Drawing upon his life experiences and interactions with the world, he has developed an honest and poetic lyricism. Inspired by Sam Fender, Kings Of Leon and U2, he debuted his distinctive alt-rock sound on “Wait For The Light To Break” in 2020.

Telling the sensitive story of feeling the desire to repay your parents for everything they’ve done for you, despite not being emotionally or financially able, his new single wraps heartfelt lyrics in a full-bodied rock tune. With rousing drums, soaring electric guitars and his shining, passionate vocals balancing perfectly along the melody, this is an invigorating pop-rock gem with an intimate feel.

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In The Spotlight

The Hello Darlins – “What Is A Broken Heart For?”

Led by Candice Lacina and Mike Little, this Calgary-based Canadian collective of varying session musicians has been making music since 2016. Creating a classic sound by using real instruments and no vocal tuning, they blend Americana, gospel and blues and worked with Shania Twain and B.B. King. Inspired by Linda Ronstadt and Neil Young, they debuted with their album “Go By Feel” in 2021.

Asking the all too familiar question what the point of love is, if all you end up with is a broken heart, their new single combines classic country with a touch of soft-rock. Taken from their latest EP “In The Sundust”, it’s the lively drums, rejuvenating electric guitars, mellow organ and their dynamic vocal harmonies, that make this vintage-dipped and sun-drenched sonic hoedown easy to fall in love with.

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In The Spotlight

The Sextones – “Better Late Than Never”

Hailing from Reno, Nevada, this soulful quartet has been friends since childhood. Consisting of Mark Sexton, Alexander Korostinsky, Daniel Weiss and Christopher Sexton, they formed the band in 2007 as the Mark Sexton Band. They changed their name in 2015 and lit up many festival stages. Inspired by The Delfonics, Curtis Mayfield and The Moments, they debuted with “Moonlight Vision” in 2017.

Buttery smooth, shining in sophistication and dipped in era-defining 60s soul, their new single pays homage to the soul heroes of yesteryear. Taken from their upcoming album “Love Can’t Be Borrowed”, expected on September 29th, they begin with a sonic wake-up, before sliding into a honey-sweet ballad. With a retro rhythm, silky violins and velveteen vocals, this vintage tune is right on time.

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In The Spotlight

Sarah Klang – “Mercedes”

Born in Gothenburg, this Swedish singer and songwriter started performing in an electro band in high school. She attended the Uddevalla music school, but decided to stop performing shortly after graduating. Since restarting her career, she went on to win Alternative Pop Of The Year at the Grammis in 2019. Inspired by artists like Nirvana, Kurt Vile and Phoebe Bridgers, she debuted with “Sleep” in 2016.

Showing her most vulnerable side with deeply personal lyrics, her new single is a letter she wrote to her daughter, while she was pregnant with her, promising eternal love. Accompanied by a clip made up of home videos around the pregnancy, she tells her story over an 80s-infused synth-pop bop. With a pulsating beat, neon synths and her imposing, emotive vocals, this tune is filled with love.

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In The Spotlight

Lusaint – “Fool For You”

Hailing from Manchester, this rising British singer and songwriter has been making her mark on the music scene for many years. Initially releasing impressive covers, such as Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love” and Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” in 2021, she also lent her voice to dance tracks of DJ Franky Wah. Inspired by Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald, she debuted her original material on “Dark Horse” in 2023.

Telling the heart-wrenching story of an inherently toxic relationship, her new single shrouds her words in a classic soul-infused melody. Taken from her upcoming debut EP “Self Sabotage”, expected in October, it’s the jazzy rhythm, revivifying horns and her mesmerizing, 60s-styled vocal artistry, reminiscent of Nina Simone and Duffy, that adds a touch of class to this stunning and polished retro groove.

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