In The Spotlight

grentperez – “Wishful Thinking”

Born in Sydney in a Filipino family, this soulful Australian singer, songwriter and producer grew up as the youngest of three children. Throughout his childhood he immersed himself in music. He posted his first video to YouTube aged 12. Since then he’s achieved well over 30 million views. Inspired by music of The Eagles, Queen and Musiq Soulchild, he debuted his laid-back vibe on “Confusing Girl” in 2021.

Singing about a relationship that is yet to be, his new single is a love-filled daydream set to music. Embracing your ears with a breezy acoustic guitar, this song is spell-binding from the first note. Joined by a buttery-smooth rhythm and his easygoing vocal magic, he injects the airy melody with pure joy. Conjuring a feeling of freedom and romance, this bewitching tune is all you could wish for.

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In The Spotlight

Isabel Wood – “Run & Hide”

Raised in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, this Australian pop singer and songwriter grew up in a musical family. Although she wanted to be a soccer player, she played saxophone in her school jazz band, until settling on guitar aged 15. She went on to study pop music at University on the Gold Coast. Inspired by the likes of The Beatles, Taylor Swift and Sasha Sloan, she debuted with “Sunburn” in 2019.

Relaying the message that you should live in the moment, rather than only chase goals and live up to expectation, her new single effortlessly blends a rich, contemporary production with touches of retro-pop. Whether it is the playful guitar chords, the infectious beat or the subtle keys, it’s her delicate vocals that dance over the notes and make this sparkling groove an uplifting, yet emotive jam.

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In The Spotlight

Hayley Marsten – “I’m Fine, Thanks”

Hailing from Queensland, this Australian country belle wrote her first song aged 7 and explored musical theatre while in high school. Since embracing her country sound, she’s played festivals like Norfolk Country Music Festival and got nominated for The Queensland Music Awards in 2020 and 2022. Inspired by Loretta Lynn, The Corrs and Taylor Swift, she debuted with her EP “Lonestar” in 2017.

Fed up with having to seek approval of others and being told how to feel, her new single encourages the listener to find their own strength within. While still keeping her country style in the background, this tune also delves into the neon sparkles of 80s pop-rock. With invigorating drums, shimmering synths and stirring guitars supporting her mighty vocals, this rousing groove is very fine indeed.

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In The Spotlight

Flow Tribe – “Keep Pushing”

Hailing from the Crescent City of New Orleans and growing up in the heart of its rich music scene, this funky sextet of friends got together in 2004 to jam. Since then they’ve grown into a high-energy live act, playing festivals like the Jazz & Heritage festival and the Voodoo Experience. Influenced by The Meters, Dr. John and Allen Toussaint, they debuted with “Pregnant With A Baby Called Funk” in 2008.

Collaborating with singer and multi-instrumentalist Ivan Neville, their new single is captivating from the very first 70s-styled wah-wah guitar chord. Dragging us into their kinetic, funkalicious musical world, it’s the mighty beat, spirited keys and possessed-by-the-funk-Gods vocals that turns this insatiable slice of retro-dipped sonic power into a ferocious and high-octane soul-funk groove.

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In The Spotlight

My Dear Wendy – “Not Wasting Any Time”

Born in Atlanta as Amanda Gunnels, this singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist always had a passion for music. She began classical piano lessons at a young age, but now also plays bass, guitar and drums. She attended Musicians Institute in Los Angeles and has had songs featured on The Young And The Restless. Inspired by Sara Bareilles, Larkin Poe and Haim, she debuted with her self-titled EP in 2012.

Conveying the message that you don’t have to wait start achieving your dreams, her new single empowers you to not let anything stop you from reaching your goal. Wrapping her words in an infectious blend of folk, Americana and pop, which is slightly reminiscent of 90s female songwriters, it’s the crisp guitars and her multi-level vocals that make this tune sound joyful and timeless.

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In The Spotlight

Only The Poets – “Every Song I Ever Wrote”

Based in Reading, this British quartet got formed when front man Tommy Longhurst wanted to play the Reading & Leeds festival as a band. Further consisting of Andy (Roo) Burge, Jarred Phillips and Marcus Yates, they’ve played sold-out headline tours and opened for Louis Tomlinson on his tour. Inspired by 90s britpop like Blur and Oasis as well as Twenty One Pilots, they debuted with “Ceasefire” in 2017.

Instantly grabbing our attention with a riveting ascending tone, their new single fuses retro sounds from 80s pop and 90s indie with a rich, contemporary production. The melody opens up with a bouncy beat, crisp guitars and a touch of shimmering synths. And with storytelling vocals adding a freshness to the melody, this groove blends new-wave and Britpop into modern guitar pop at its finest.

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