In The Spotlight

Matt Hansen – “Unspoken”

Born in San Rafael and based in Los Angeles, this singer-songwriter grew up in a supportive home where music was always playing. He participated in school theatre productions to overcome shyness. At 9 he discovered a passion for singing. He moved to L.A. aged 18 to study ethnomusicology at UCLA. He’s played festivals like Lollapalooza and Pinkpop and opened for artists like Teddy Swims. Inspired by Coldplay, Brian Eno and Bon Iver, he debuted with “Without You With Me” in 2021.

Singing about unwavering devotion, his new single is about being a safe haven for someone in their darkest moments. Lyrically honoring a bond so strong that words are unnecessary, this song is an uplifting, cinematic pop anthem. Starting with ascending synths and acoustic guitar, it leads to the stadium-sized chorus with thunderous drums and shimmering synth-pads. And with his signature rasp in his expressive vocals, this triumphant groove is full of unlimited love and friendship.

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In The Spotlight

Lucy Sugerman – “Friends To Lovers”

Born in Canberra, this Australian singer-songwriter’s musical talent was evident from a young age. Obsessed by the violin, she started classical lessons aged 4. By the age of 9 she was playing live gigs and a year later she started busking. In 2017 she entered The Voice Australia, reaching the Top 4. She’s played festivals such as SXSW and opened for artists like Del Water Gap. Inspired by Carole King, Elton John and Missy Higgins, she debuted with “I Wanna Kiss Boys Cos I’m Bored” in 2020.

Capturing the messiness of a situationship, her new single explores the regret of transitioning from platonic friends to lovers. Despite singing about the emotional toll of a failed romance, this song is a sparling, upbeat country-pop track. With a punchy rhythm, a slide and twelve-string guitar and a mandolin injecting some sonic energy into this spirited tune, it’s her expressive, slightly cheeky vocals that give this bright, playful groove an undeniable and highly danceable vibrancy.

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In The Spotlight

Derik Fein – “Push You Away”

Originally from Florida and Nashville-based, this singer-songwriter grew up in a turbulent household causing childhood anxiety. Finding an escape in music, he began writing songs as a form of self-therapy and taught himself to play guitar aged 13. He started to play small local gigs and open mics. Since he’s played venues such as Miami’s Wynwood Yard and Whiskey a Go Go in L.A.. Inspired by Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Amy Winehouse, he released his debut “Chanel Perfume” in 2018.

Singing about the destructive combination of self-sabotage and personal insecurity, his new single is about feeling regret about hurting someone you love as a defense mechanism. Taken from his recently released EP “Ultraviolet”, the song captures the vulnerable and deeply personal lyrics in a 1950s-inspired fusion of modern pop and classic soul. With moody synths, luscious strings and his raspy, soulful vocals, this cinematic slice of retro rawness is a real emotional rollercoaster.

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In The Spotlight

Amalia Fleming – “Can’t Fight The Future”

Raised under the Californian sun, this singer-songwriter was making up songs before she could read. She taught herself to play guitar and made her stage debut at the Live Oak Music Festival aged 9. She had her first official  gig aged 11. She moved to Nashville to study songwriting at Belmont University. She’s played the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and venues such as The Siren. Inspired by Joni Mitchell, Maggie Rogers & Lizzie McAlpine, she released her debut single “Last Summer” in 2020.

Capturing the inevitable ebb and flow of life, her new single reminds us that although happy times may be fleeting, darker days will also pass. Lyrically nudging us to live fully in the moment, this song is an indie-pop track dipped in organic folk hues. With acoustic instruments like the guitar, banjo and mandolin as well as a heartbeat rhythm creating an understated melody, it’s her honey-sweet vocals adding an intimate vulnerability that give this polished tune a soothing natural warmth.

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In The Spotlight

Erin LeCount – “The Cinema”

Raised in Chelmsford, this British singer and songwriter grew up in a creative and artistic household. Her mother was a professional ballet dancer and watching her sparked her love of performing. Self-taught, she wrote her first song aged 8. In 2017 she became a finalist on The Voice Kids. She’s performed at festivals such as Montreux Jazz Festival and The Great Escape. Inspired by artists like Kate Bush, Imogen Heap and Fiona Apple, she released her debut single “Killing Time” in 2022.

Written during a time she experienced a creative block, her new single explores the bittersweet feeling of encountering incredible music or films and feeling resentment and envy instead of enjoying them. Taken from her recently released EP “PAREIDOLIA (Deluxe)”, this song is an imposing synth-pop tour-de-force. Layering analog synths, a tight electronic beat and classic acoustic piano forging a punchy backdrop, it’s her expressive stacked vocals that make this an infectious groove.

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In The Spotlight

Dan Sultan – “Forgiveness”

Hailing from Melbourne, this Australian singer and songwriter was born to an Arrernte/Gurindji mother and grew up surrounded by the indigenous culture. He started playing guitar aged 4 and wrote his first song aged 10. Although he started in a punk band, he chose the blues and roots his dad showed him. He’s played festivals like Splendour In The Grass and Byron Bay Bluesfest. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Sam Cooke and Buddy Holly, he debuted with “Your Love Is Like A Song” in 2006.

Showing the importance of forgiveness and letting go of past regrets, his new single highlights how not to run away from old mistakes but to accept them. Taken from his upcoming album “Little Miracles”, expected on October 23rd, this anthemic song blends classic rock with gospel-tinged soul and a stadium-sized, Coldplay vibe. With imposing drums, soaring orchestral strings and gritty electric guitars filling the euphoric melody, it’s his weathered vocals that give this groove true gravitas.

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