In The Spotlight

Waiting For Smith – “Skylight Dawn”

London-born and Amsterdam-based, British singer and songwriter Harry Lloyd named his project after his original drummer who always failed to show up. Although he loved music from an early age, he became a ski instructor in the French Alps instead. After an accident broke his back, he chose music full-time. Inspired by James Brown, JJ Cale and Leonard Cohen, he debuted with “Roma” in 2017.

Shining a light on the push and pull of love and its effect on mental health, his new single blends inspirational lyrics with an euphoric melody. Taken from his upcoming EP “Trying Not To Try”, this track ascends from a mellow piano to a rousing chorus with a rolling percussion and choral backing singers. And with his impressive, emotive vocal skills, this indie-pop tune is filled with a stirring intensity.

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In The Spotlight

Saibh Skelly – “Grow Up”

Hailing from Dublin, this rising Irish singer and songwriter started as a busker on the streets of her home town aged 15. She began uploading her busking sessions to YouTube, covering songs from Lewis Capaldi and Anne-Marie to Billie Eilish’s “When The Party Is Over”. Inspired by young song-writers such as Clinton Kane and Conan Gray, she released her debut single “Come Here And Leave Me Alone” in 2021.

Always in a hurry to grow up as a child, but her new single highlights the wish for time to slow back down, once adulthood is just around the corner. Easing into the song with a mellow rhythm and mild piano, she starts telling her relatable story. And with the lush melody swelling to a full-bodied chorus, it’s her crisp, refreshing vocal tone that elevates this infatuating pop tune to sonic adulthood.

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In The Spotlight

Ben Dyleuth – “Armour”

Born and raised in New York to a Singaporean mother and a Laotian father, this gifted singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has always had music in his life. Completely self-taught, he learned by exploring diverse genres like rock, blues and hip-hop. He studied classical music and performed worldwide for 7 years. He’s opened for Lizzo and released his debut “The Sun” earlier this year.

Weaving a plethora of colorful musical fabrics into one, extraordinary sonic tapestry, his new single is an intricate amalgam of his boundless artistry. Creating an alternative R&B sound by blending a smooth West-Coast AOR vibe with a generous dose of mild jazz, it’s the mellow rhythm, flavorful keys and his soulful, velveteen vocals that give this emotive groove a delightful and unique auditory feel.

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In The Spotlight

Darcy Fox – “Ashamed”

Based in Melbourne, this Australian singer/songwriter watched her musician mum perform her whole life. As a teenager she taught herself to play Taylor Swift songs on guitar. Growing up, she listened to a lot of country music, elements of which can be found in her songs. Inspired by storytellers like Passenger, Missy Higgins and Brandi Carlile, she debuted her country-pop sound on “I’m Here” in 2010.

Narrating the emotional toll caused by being in a toxic relationship and hiding that fact for the world, her new single highlights her masterly lyricism. With an indie-rock foundation, she’s injected some country-pop elements to create a lavish sonic brew. And with a mild rhythm, crisp guitars and an earworm chorus, it’s her authentic vocals that’ll draw you in to this rich, organic and cathartic tune.

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In The Spotlight

Annika Rose – “Bruises”

Based in Los Angeles, this singer and songwriter was born to a songwriting mother and a multi-instrumentalist father with music running through her veins. Referring to her songs as ‘journal entries put to melody’, she’s devoted much of her childhood to honing her genuine lyricism and style. Inspired by Fleetwood Mac, Dave Matthews Band and Sheryl Crow, she released her debut “In The End” in 2019.

Written about a friend who was literally covered in self-inflicted bruises, as well as the metaphorical bruises we carry around, her new single shines a lyrical light on mental health. Instantly gripping from the first mellow beat, the song soon awakens with a galvanic rhythm, fiery synths and lively guitars. And with her charismatic vocals, this bubbly groove sounds both authentic and danceable.

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In The Spotlight

Joesef – “Joe”

Hailing from Glasgow, this Scottish singer and songwriter initially wanted to become a bartender, until a friend convinced him to consider a music career after a drunken karaoke night. Having sold out the famous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, without having released any music, he made his mark on the music scene. Since he’s toured with Arlo Parks and Rina Sawayama and debuted with “Limbo” in 2019.

With a candid authenticity telling the story about a past, toxic relationship, his new single highlights the effect this had on his mental health. Taken from his upcoming album “Permanent Damage”, expected on January 13, 2023, he wraps the personal lyrics in a comforting warm, soul-pop blanket. With a West-Coast vibe from the rhythm, guitars and his buttery vocals, this rich tune is a melancholic gem.

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