In The Spotlight

Fantasic Cat – “Donnie Takes The Bus”

Formed in New York City and named by a waitress in a restaurant they visited, this collective of songwriters consists of Anthony D’Amato, Brian Dunne, Don DiLego and Mike Montali. Giving an unexpected twist to 70s Americana and folk-rock, they’ve made their mark at venues like The Met In Pawtucket and Brooklyn Made as well as prestigious festivals like the Sundance Film Festival. Inspired by artists such as The Band and the Traveling Wilburys, they debuted with “Fiona” in 2021.

Telling the tale of a wayward vagabond pass-stamping his way through life via public transportation, their new single is a high-energy 70s throwback that blends lively Americana with spirited folk-rock. Taken from their upcoming album “Cat Out Of Hell”, expected on April 10th, the song is driven by guitars, jangling their way into our ears. And with the addition of the retro drums, sprightly keys and their enthusiastic vocals, this cheeky tune combines a life-lesson with a superb melody.

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In The Spotlight

Ellis King – “Nosedive”

Hailing from Melbourne, this Australian singer and songwriter found her passion for music when her brother started playing guitar. She went on to study music, focusing on production and mixing. Although she didn’t have a demo at the time, she recorded her debut single and was promptly signed by Nettwerk. She’s performed at venues around town as well as the Bigsound Festival. Inspired by Gracie Abrams, Lizzy McAlpine and Maisie Peters, she debuted with “Better Luck” in 2024.

Reflecting on a recent breakup, her new single takes us through all the stages she’s experienced since that night; from guilt and shame to understanding and acceptance. Taken from her upcoming EP “All That Comes After”, expected on February 20th, the song is doused in folk-pop goodness. Driven by chugging guitars and evolving with a fiery rhythm, the riviting melody perfectly captures the various stages of emotions. And with her freeing vocals, this is an empowering tune.

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In The Spotlight

Jim Gardner – “Better Man”

Born as Jim van Hooff in The Netherlands and now based in Berlin, this singer and songwriter’s career had an unexpected start when he was singing between the lockers in college and a friend pointed out that he could sing. He posted cover video’s on Instagram, catching the ear of a Belgian producer. This led to him collaborating with DJ’s like Martin Garrix, Hardwell and Lucas & Steve. Having moved to Berlin to focus on a solo career, he debuted with “Don’t Leave Because I love You” in 2025.

Trading the dance scene for an authentically honest indie-folk sound, his new single chronicles his personal journey from his past to his future and all emotional obstacles along the way. Melodically the song starts pleasantly simple with a warm acoustic guitar and leads to a stirring chorus with the addition of soft drums and rousing keys. With his rich, compelling vocals filled with a genuine humility, this imposing, intimate tune with a slight anthemic edge is a sincere beauteous gem.

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In The Spotlight

Avery Cochrane – “Griever”

Based in Seattle, this singer and songwriter discovered her musicality slowly. Although she sang in jazz choir in middle school, her insecurity held her back until she started learning guitar at 17. She also found her love for writing songs. Since the start of her music career she’s played festivals such as Bumbershoot and the Capitol Hill Block Party, as well as opening for AJR. Inspired by artists like Chappell Roan, Phoebe Bridgers and Frank Ocean, she released her debut single “Chelsea Boots” in 2021.

Capturing the complicated emotions such as rage and sadness that follow meeting someone from your past that has wronged you, her new single tells the tale of turning unresolved pain into a cathartic experience. Pouring every ounce of that anger into the stirring melody, it builds up from emotive keys to a passionate rhythm. With powerful synths, an imposing bass and her empowering vocals adding a feverish fierceness, this turbulent tune is a forceful release of that resentment.

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In The Spotlight

Lauren Minear – “Perfect Girl”

Nashville-born and New York-based, this singer and songwriter grew up memorizing lyrics from artists like Eric Clapton and Garth Brooks. She wrote her first song aged 14 and studied piano at the Vanderbilt School of Music. She also worked as a psychotherapist before returning to music. She’s played venues like The Bitter End and reached the semi-final of the International Song Competition twice. Inspired by Alanis Morissette, Joni Mitchell and Dido, she debuted with “Soul Tied” in 2022.

Highlighting the unjust expectation of women to adapt in order to please others, her new single shines a light on the absurdity of what is viewed as ‘perfection’. Starting with a drum drone beat and a swelling synth and leading to the addition of electric guitars and bass plucks, the imposing melody is built on a robotic sounding production. And with a liberating defiance in her striking vocals, this commanding tune blends razor-sharp lyrics with an equally impressive instrumentation.

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In The Spotlight

Zee Machine – “Magnetic”

Based in Los Angeles, this flamboyant singer and songwriter was born in Milwaukee but lived in Beijing from the age of 9 to 18. While in school in China his love for music emersed and he started playing guitar. Back in the USA he studied vocal performance at Berklee College Of Music. Since then he’s played at various Pride festivals across the country, as well as Coachella and Lollapalooza. Inspired by Prince, Jeff Buckley and MUNA, he released his debut EP “Brainchemistry” in 2018.

Singing the praises of the electric excitement of falling in love, his new single is a celebration of 80s pop-rock nostalgia. Gently guiding us into his retro sonic world with a mellow synth drone, the song ascends into a neon euphoric soundscape. With invigorating percussion, bouncy bass and soaring electric guitars creating the anthemic, stadium-ready melody, it’s the captivating joy in his convincing vocals and the rich, infectious hooks that make this opulent trip to the 80s sound timeless.

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