In The Spotlight

Caroline Meade – “Cut Wires”

Hailing from Staten Island, this singer/songwriter grew up surrounded by music. Both her parents worked at MTV and she performed in local musical theatre productions. After noticing the toxic environment she was in, she began veering towards songwriting and learning to play the guitar. Since the start of her new career, she’s performed at venues such as Bowery Electric and Sultan Room Rooftop. Inspired by The 1975, Bruno Major and Tyler, The Creator, she debuted with “Streetcar” in 2018.

Exploring the contradiction of cheering someone on to grow as a person, but only if they do it together with you, her new single is an ebb and flow of contrasting emotions. Wrapped in an acoustic, folky melody, the song gently bops along on the calm soundwaves. With a soft rhythm and mellow guitars creating the backbone and bright keys and silky strings enriching the sound, it’s the velveteen authenticity of her vocals that emits the intimate warmth of her honest songwriting.

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In The Spotlight

Wagner The Band – “Don’t Stop Movin'”

Based in Wiener Neustadt, this Austrian band was formed in 2018 by frontman Rainer Wagner. With over 20 years of live experience and stints in various bands like Superchild and Artett, he’s no stranger to the music scene. Infusing retro rock with vintage soul, they’ve played numerous live venues and festivals. He also completed the Complete Vocal Academy and works as a vocal coach. Inspired by Prince, Lenny Kravitz and Led Zeppelin, they debuted with “Beast Of Joy” in 2019.

Born from a moment of desperation following a serious accident, their new single is brimming with perseverance and optimism. Taken from their upcoming album “XTC”, expected on November 12th, the song is constructed with a lavish analog production. With a warm bassline, snarling guitars and full-bodied brass injecting pure adrenaline into every note, it’s the soulful power of his defiant vocals that make this infectious groove sound vibrant, anthemic and unapologetically raw.

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In The Spotlight

Frances Eliza – “Kind Of Love”

Hailing from Asheville, this rising singer and songwriter shows off her musical passion blending jazz, folk and pop. She’s been performing solo since she was 13 and went on to study Jazz and Contemporary Music at the University of North Carolina. Since then she’s played various coffee houses, breweries and vineyards, such as venues like the Sly Grog Lounge and Ginger’s Revenge. Inspired by Joni Mitchell, Taylor Swift and The Cranberries, she debuted with her EP “Sleepwalking” in 2019.

Capturing the emotional rollercoaster of idealized love, her new single explores the delicate balance between reality and fantasy; embracing a relationship that you want it to be, rather than realizing the pairing might be mismatched. Starting softly with tender guitar plucks and a shaker rhythm, she’s easing us into her jazz-infused world. Adding full-flavored guitars, lively drums and a warm electric guitar solo, it’s her hypnotic, storytelling vocals that make this tune sound like pure magic.

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In The Spotlight

Cedarsmoke – “Something Over Nothing”

Based in Brisbane, this Australian folk-rock band was formed in 2016 by singer and songwriter Jon Cloumassis. Initially a solo project, he’s since been joined by Matt Cloumassis on lead guitar and Tamala Wright on drums and vocals. Since their inception they’ve played venues such as Ric’s Bar in Brisbane and they opened for the band Fanning Dempsey National Park in May 2025. Inspired by Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Nick Cave, they debuted with the EP “False Start To The Rat Race” in 2016.

Singing about the extremes of life, their new single reflects on it being better to experience both joys and sadness rather than to suffer a life of boredom. Taken from their upcoming album “Under The Rainbow”, expected on October 31st, the song colors an upbeat vibe with a touch of melancholy. With a bustling rhythm, shimmering synth and spectral guitars giving the rich melody a nostalgic 90s feel, it’s the introspective vocals that turn this anthemic groove into something vital and alive.

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In The Spotlight

Ava Joe – “Big Beautiful Mess”

Raised in Devon, this British singer/songwriter grew up surrounded by rock music, thanks to her dad’s band rehearsals. She appeared in several school plays, but it was music that enchanted her most. She studied music performance at the famed BRIT School in London. Since she’s performed at festivals like SXSW London and is about to support Jalen Ngonda on tour and perform at The Great Escape. Inspired by Billie Holiday, Amy Winehouse and Adele, she debuted with “Try Me” in 2025.

Capturing the chaotic freedom of youth, her new single highlights the beauty in imperfection and embracing the messiness of life. Finding a soft, easy-going blend of blues, Americana and a touch of classic soul, the song has a distinct 60s vibe to it. Wrapped in a smoky haze, it’s the warm bass plucks, laid-back rhythm and an understated organ that create a trippy soundscape. And with her airy, multi-faceted vocals fusing with the melody, this tune is a hypnotic, free-spirited groove.

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In The Spotlight

Midnight Til Morning – “Heart On Fire”

Based in Los Angeles, this American-Australian boy band was formed on the Netflix series Building The Band. Consisting of Shane Appell and Zach Newbould from the USA and Conor Smith and Mason Watts from Australia, they reached fourth place in the competition. Currently they’re on a North-America and Australia tour and they will embark on an UK and European tour in January 2026. Inspired by Teddy Swims, Jonas Brothers and The Beatles, they released their debut “Bye” in 2025.

Singing about the overwhelming joyous emotions that budding romance brings with it, their new single captures the pulse-raising excitement of newfangled love. Taken from their recently released EP “Afterglow”, they enveloped their amorous lyrics in a jaunty 90s-infused melody. Starting with a perky beat and mirthful acoustic guitar, the song ascends with jovial vocals and a vivacious, fun-loving vibe. Filled with nostalgia and positive energy, this lively tune is a peppy pop bop.

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