In The Spotlight

Nathan Sykes – “Butterflies”

Born in Gloucester, this British singer and songwriter began singing at 6 years young and attended Sylvia Young Theatre School from 11. In the early 00s he won various singing competitions and in 2004 entered the national selection in order to represent the UK at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. He became member of the successful band The Wanted in 2009 and when the band went on hiatus in 2014 he started a solo career. He released his solo debut single “Kiss Me Quick” in 2015.

Describing the sheer joy of feeling butterflies in your stomach when falling in love, his new single perfectly captures the nervous giddiness that overwhelms you. Taken from his upcoming album “Ultraviolet”, to be released on October 17th, the song has a delightfully nostalgic pop vibe. First teasing our ears with a synth and guitar strums creating a soft soundscape, it opens up with a laidback rhythm and a glittering pop sparkle. And with his alluring vocals, this is a sophisticated tune.

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In The Spotlight

Ria Hanley – “Golden Girl”

Hailing from Liverpool, this British singer and songwriter grew up with music in her life. She sang in soul choirs and at the age of 11 wrote her first lyrics. At 13 she performed her originals on stage for the first time. Since the start of her career she’s performed at Carnival Cruises, as well as festivals like Victorious Fest and Liverpool Celebrates Festival. Inspired by artists such as Shania Twain, Stevie Nicks and Maren Morris, she debuted her rich country-pop blend on “Hell For Leather” in 2022.

Appreciating both the beauty and chaos that comes with living life to the full, her new single celebrates the wild and messy moments freedom can bring. She’s weaving a colorful sonic tapestry of an effulgent driving piano, a punchy beat and infectious guitars. Adding another layer of a steel-guitar gives the pop-infused sound a touch of country. Filled with empowerment, it’s her silken vocals spinning a golden weave through the warm notes, that make this tune irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

Fanny Lumsden – “Look At Me Now”

Grown up on a farm, this award-winning Australian singer/songwriter was definitely influenced by her musical family, which includes opera singers and musical theatre performers. Since the start of her career she’s performed all over the world, including at Glastonbury, UK and the Tamworth Country Music Festival. She also won 2 ARIA awards, 9 Golden Guitars and 3 AIR awards. Inspired by artists such as Laura Marling and Josh Pyke, she released her debut album “Small Town Big Shot” in 2015.

Reflecting on the struggles of the sheer amount of rejections she got in building her career, her new single is filled with gratitude for those hard moments as they shaped who she is now. Recorded on the road in Europe, the song eases us in with some bass plucks and a soft rhythm, before the sonic brightness starts to radiate. With a bustling beat, joyful guitars and a cheeky banjo creating the dynamic melody, it’s the twangy sparkle and her blissful vocals that make this a celebration.

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In The Spotlight

Al Sunny – “Goodbye”

Based in Nimes, this French blue-eyed soul singer and songwriter moved from learning to play the guitar to composing and has since worked on numerous projects and collaborations. He honed his musical skillset thanks to his conservatory studies and subsequent live performances at, for example, New Morning in Paris. Having created his blend of AOR, classic soul and pop and inspired by Al Jarreau, America and Al Green, he released his debut album “Time To Decide” in 2017.

Singing about the complexities of communicating with others when you’re not feeling well, his new single sonically carries his tale through several emotional states. Taken from his upcoming album “Summer End”, expected on October 15th, this soulful song starts with a touch of melancholy and introspective verses and embraces us in the chorus. With a buttery-soft melody of sunlit keys, mellow rhythm and his easy-going vocals, this smooth groove reminds us we’re never truly alone.

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In The Spotlight

Laura Lucas – “Woman”

Canadian-born and Australia-based, this singer and songwriter picked up a guitar aged 10 and got into songwriting a year later. Also a poet, she got enamoured by the story-telling aspect of songwriting. In 2019 she moved to Melbourne and immersed herself in the bustling local music scene. Since then she’s collaborated with artists like Lawson Hull and supported Harrison Storm and LANKS. Inspired by Phoebe Bridgers, Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift, she released her debut “Poetry” in 2019.

With philosophical musings about the still present patriarchal culture and how this shapes the self-perception of women, her new single questions that status quo. Taken from her upcoming album “There’s A Place I Go”, expected on November 14th, the song takes elements of folk and pop and fuses them together. Starting with a calm electric guitar, that guides us through the melody, it’s joined by driving drums. And with her authentic vocals, this tune is filled with emotional depth.

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In The Spotlight

Benjamino – “Own Two Feet”

Born as Benjamin Cauduro, this Australian singer and songwriter grew up being engrossed by the vast variety of music they heard on the radio. At 14 they realised they wanted a career in music. Apart from performing, they’re also a seasoned audio engineer, having mixed live broadcasts from Sydney Opera House, as well as recording Voice-Overs for Disney and Netflix. Inspired by Father John Misty, Billy Joel and Rex Orange County, they released their debut “To My Future Self” in 2019.

Singing about the sheer liberating freedom that’s felt when leaving a toxic environment, their new single is a celebration of that new-found independence. Taken from their upcoming album “Cucino”, expected in November, the song blends feel-good R&B with neo-soul and a dollop of nostalgia. Starting with a cheesy muzak beat, it evolves with a 70s vibe from the cheery piano and a punchy rhythm. And with an ear-stroking flute solo and their warm vocals, this tune is a bubbly treat.

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