In The Spotlight

Nelson Sobral – “Love Is A Fools Game”

Based in Toronto, this Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist grew up with a passion for music, partially fuelled by the 60s and 70s music that was always playing around the house. Although he veered off into a short stint as an MMA fighter, music remained his staple. He’s since shared the stage with diverse artists like Jeff Healey and played various festivals and venues like The Bluebird in Nashville. Inspired by KISS, Otis Redding and Willie Nelson, he debuted with his album “N3lly” in 2018.

Dipped in nostalgic melodic rock vibes, his new single is an invigorating blend of retro rock, stirring Americana and gritty blues. Taken from his recently released third album “três!”, the song instantly pounds our senses with some fiery electric guitar riffs. Joined by vivacious drums, each layer adds a sonic touch of the 70s. And with an inspired howling guitar solo, rich harmonies and passionate vocal power, this groovy rocker brings the vivid sound of yesteryear back to the here and now.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Salarymen – “Let Me Go”

Based in Sydney, this Australian duo consisting of Renee de la Motte and Thomas Eagleton was formed in 2019. Thomas started out playing drums in various bands, but longed for more creative control. Renee is a vocalist, but decided to learn to play the bass as well. Since their start they’ve played at festivals such as SXSW and Lost Paradise and opened for artists like Royal Otis and San Cisco. Inspired by 60s and 70s bands as well as The Strokes and Foxygen, they debuted with “Please” in 2019.

Singing about staying in an unhappy relationship or limiting yourself because what you know is comfortable, their new single encourages us to face our fears, rip the band-aid off and start afresh. Taken from their upcoming album “Take It Or Leave It”, expected on October 31st, the song is laced with luscious nostalgia. With a touch of 60s psychedelia, retro pop and a sprinkling of 70s disco, it’s the scintillating synths, bright guitars and sumptuous vocals that make this a lavish groove.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Rachel Leo – “Nightfall”

Hailing from Auckland, this New Zealand singer and songwriter was born into a musical family. She began learning to play the piano from an early age and nurtured a dream to becoming a performer. She studied a Bachelor of Music at the University of Auckland. Since the start of her career, she’s been playing festivals, such as SoundSplash and Auckland City Limits Music Festival. Inspired by artists like Maggie Rogers, Taylor Swift and LÉON, she debuted with “Conversation” in 2021.

Inspired by the book series “A Court Of Thorns And Roses” by Sarah J. Maas, her new single captures the anticipation felt knowing you’re going to see someone you feel connected to. Telling her story wrapped in a seductive melody, the song is a hot-spot of sweltering energy. Driven by a vigorous percussion, it’s the shimmering synths that forge the sizzling soundscape. And with her sultry, flirtatious vocals enticing you into her colorful world, this bouncy pop groove is truly irresistible.

Instagram | Facebook | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Drew Elliott – “I Hope I Never Leave Your Mind”

Born in Pittsburgh, this singer and songwriter grew up listening to the 80s music his parents were playing, from Prince to Def Leppard. He asked for a guitar and lessons and in high school started writing songs. After a move to Nashville to study business at Belmont University, despite wanting to chase a music career, he immersed himself in the bustling local music scene to hone his craft. Initially inspired by AC/DC and later by blues and pop, he debuted with “From Bonfires” in 2019.

Lyrically trying to let go of a long distance relationship you don’t really want to let go of, his new single is filled with hopes, dreams and dealing with complex emotions. Creating a multi-layered, dynamic melody, the song start with a single soft guitar, forging a soothing soundscape. Soon the pace picks up with mellow percussion, but still maintains its airy feel. And with his soft, hypnotic vocals and an 80s-inspired electric guitar solo, this mesmerizing groove shows off his luscious sonic world.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Elfi – “Don’t Look Now”

Born as Elfi Voorhuis in Utrecht, this Dutch singer and songwriter grew up thinking that her dream of a musical career was unachievable. So she studied for and worked as a Marketing Manager for a big coffee company for many years. In 2023 she decided to take a leap of faith, quit her job and moved to London in order to attend the Academy of Contemporary Music and to pursue her dream. Inspired by Taylor Swift, Adele and Sabrina Carpenter, she debuted with “Dream Of Me” in 2024.

Telling the tale of girls who fall in love with a crush but still wanting to hide that fact, her new single captures the moment of shy panic when they look at you. Dipped in slightly nostalgic-sounding pop vibes, the song starts with a soft, shimmering synth. Arriving in the sparkling chorus, bursting with joyous zeal, it’s the pounding beat, glittery keys and silky strings that forges the catchy melody. And with her alluring vocals and layered harmonies, this swanky tune is a stunning pop gem.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Young Martyrs – “Everyone Else Disappears”

Based in Bath and formed in 2020, this British Alt-Americana band consists of Tom Cornell, Rich Beeby, Lee Cole and Simon Whitehead. They’ve been touring since their inception, playing headline tours as well as festivals such as Glastonbury and Rock Oyster, sharing the stage with artists like Badly Drawn Boy and McFly. In 2023 they’ve performed all over New York City. Drawing inspiration from The Eagles and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, they released their self-titled debut album in 2020.

Singing about having to have loved someone from afar for way too long, wondering about having a life together, that there are too many obstacles in the way to make it a reality, their new single captures their reflective lyrics in an imposing melody. Fusing elements of Americana with a touch of slow-burning 80s rock, it’s the analogue feel of the propulsive drums and warm guitars blending with emotive, aching vocals, that make this nostalgic groove sound personal and passionate.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes