In The Spotlight

BAILEN – “Send Me Off”

Based in New York City, this band consists of siblings Daniel, David and Julia Bailen. Raised by classically trained parents—a flute-playing mother and a cello-playing father—they grew up surrounded by music. Since forming as a band in 2014, they have performed at festivals like the Newport Folk Festival, played venues like Rockwood Music Hall and opened for artists such as Hozier. Inspired by Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell and Carole King, they debuted with “I Was Wrong” in 2019.

With introspective lyrics about severe depression and mental health struggles, their new single describes the basic survival skills needed to help deal with a dispiriting state. Taken from their upcoming album “SWIM!!!”, expected on September 25th, this song is a luscious blend of dream-pop with a cinematic flair. With a sleek rhythm, shimmering guitars and a sonorous bass laying down the dreamy, 60s-touched melody, it’s the soaring falsetto vocals that make this a slick groove.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Ruby Roberts – “Magnetic Love”

Hailing from Midsomer Norton, this British singer-songwriter started singing along to Frank Sinatra and Michael BublĂ© with her father during car rides, which led to karaoke nights. As a teenager, she began writing songs in her bedroom and uploading them to TikTok. Since then, she’s played festivals like Reading and Leeds and venues such as The Roundhouse and King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. Inspired by David Bowie, Lana Del Rey and Kate Bush, she released her debut “Trampoline” in 2025.

Bringing to life the all-consuming attraction and the rush of early love, her new single captures the carefree feeling of a typical summer romance. Inspired by the vibrant, coastal atmosphere of Brighton, this song conjures up images of vintage convertibles and relaxed, sun-drenched afternoons. Joining the flirtatious lyrics is an infectious, euphoric melody of driving percussion, dreamy synths and bright guitars. And with her playful vocals, this is a celebration of young love.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Pedro Santos – “Should Have Known Better”

Born in Portugal, this Caversham-based singer-songwriter relocated to the UK at 5 years old. Fascinated by music from a young age, he joined the LUSO Academy. As a teenager he used TikTok and Instagram to hone his musical skills. He made his first career move as a member of the band Here At Last. Since going solo he’s played festivals like BST Hyde Park and venues like Paradiso in Amsterdam. Inspired by Coldplay, Hozier and Tom Odell, he debuted with “Someone I Don’t Know” in 2025.

Singing about the frustration of falling back into toxic, yet familiar habits, his new single reflects on a decision to return to vices that are ultimately harmful. Lyrically exploring the challenging move to break free of those unhealthy shackles, this song is a high-energy, anthemic pop groove. With pulsating percussion, wall-of-sound synths and classic pop dynamics, it’s his emotion-filled, soaring vocals that will guide you through the pain of heartbreak towards a peaceful future.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Thalassa – “Petting Pantry”

Based in Bangkok, this Thai singer-songwriter was born into a diverse heritage of Spanish, French and Hong Kong roots. She began training in classical music and opera at just 4 years old. By the age of 8, she was performing in operas and musicals on stage. She’s proficient on piano, guitar, bass and flute, and studied at the Rangsit University’s College of Music. She performed at local venues such as Decommune. Inspired by artists like Clairo and beabadoobee, she debuted with “Hey Girl” in 2020.

Inspired by the movie “When Harry Met Sally”, her new single explores the bittersweet frustration of getting stuck in the friend zone with someone you have feelings for. Blending retro jazz-pop with modern indie-pop, this lively song gives a contemporary twist to some delicious vintage vibes. Giving the feel of a live band, it’s the syncopated drums, bright organic keys and cheerful guitars that raise our spirits. And with her bright, honey-sweet vocals, this bouncy groove is an absolute joy.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

David Kushner – “Ritual”

Hailing from Chicago and based in Los Angeles, this singer-songwriter grew up in a music-loving family, with his four sisters playing the piano and a brother playing in a band. He took guitar lessons aged 9, but didn’t pursue music at first. He returned to it after high school, taking vocal lessons and starting songwriting. He’s played festivals like Rock Werchter and Bonnaroo, as well as venues like The Troubadour. Inspired by Hozier, Bon Iver and Adele, he debuted with “Miserable Man” in 2022.

Singing about feeling trapped in a painful vicious cycle of a toxic relationship, his new single explores the emotional exhaustion of going through the same hurtful patterns over and over again. Taken from his upcoming album “Devotion”, expected on November 13th, this song blends gothic-touched, orchestral pop with melancholy. With a somber piano, cinematic strings and rising percussion padding the anthemic vibes, it’s his gravelly baritone voice that makes this a dramatic tune.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Lana Karlay – “Cross Your Mind”

Born Lana Karlusic in Geelong, this Australian singer-songwriter grew up on her parents’ record collection. She began learning the violin and piano at the age of 5, and later added the guitar and bass. Initially interested in classical music, she performed with the Opera Australia Children’s Chorus. She’s since played the Festival of Sails and venues via Breaking Sound Los Angeles. Inspired by The Rolling Stones, Madonna and Lady Gaga, she released her debut single “Won’t Be Your Victim” in 2025.

Capturing the painful realization that you are trapped in a one-sided relationship, her new single explores the heartbreak of knowing you’re the only one making the effort. Opening softly with a dreamy vibe, this pop-rock song evolves into a catchy chorus. Built on driving, spirited percussion, it’s the added soaring electric guitars and ambient piano that complete the upbeat melody. And with the emotional power of her vocals, this groove takes us from vulnerability to empowerment.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes