In The Spotlight

Little Quirks – “Honey”

Formed in 2015 in Gosford by sister Abbey and Mia Toole when they were only 15 and 11 years old and their cousin Jaymi aged 17, this Australian band was later joined by Jaymi’s brother Alex in 2019 and Jordan Rouse in 2021. In the early years they started busking covers by The Cranberries and Vance Joy. Since they’ve played the National Folk Festival in Canberra and SXSW in Texas. Inspired by The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons, they released their debut EP “Where We Hide” in 2016.

Telling the story of a complicated relationship where the love is still there but somehow things are just not working out yet, their new single merges the emotional lyrics with a fun-filled, nostalgic melody. Enveloped in a 60-inspired, summery soundscape, the song starts off with a fresh acoustic guitar and develops into a vibrant, retro-dipped chorus. With lively drums, spirited guitars and a whole lot of sunlit jollity, this sprightly folk-rock groove celebrates joyful summer love.

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In The Spotlight

Jack Watkins – “Hurt By My Healing”

Born with a love for music in his veins, this British singer, songwriter and producer asked his parents for piano lessons aged 6 and was classically trained. Just graduated from SAE Institute in Liverpool, a competition took him to L.A. which led to him becoming a sought-after producer. Temporarily suspending his career for a stint in web design, he returned to music aged 30. Inspired by George Michael, Boy George and Adam Lambert, he debuted with his EP “Light In The Dark” in 2022.

Singing about choosing to find comfort and peace instead of chaos and strife in life, his emotive new single embraces the mental freedom that a healing process can bring. Wrapped in a dreamy melody, the song has an impressive cinematic flair. Starting with a lavish heartbeat drum, it evolves with mesmerizing synths and enchanting guitars. Layering celestial harmonies on top of the melancholic notes, it’s the intimacy of his vocals that make this beauteous tune sound authentic and warm.

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In The Spotlight

Jacquie Roar – “Boots In The Sand”

Born in Chicago, this singer and songwriter shares her love for music with her brother, who is a singer and multi-instrumentalist in his own right. Although originally wanting to be a chef, music won out in the end. She was a member of Lace+Thorn before going solo and entered Season 24 of The Voice reaching 4th place. Having created a fusion of rock and country and inspired by Heart, Gretchen Wilson and Carrie Underwood, she released her debut “Fire On The Mountain” in 2023.

Trading in her signature rock-infused firepower for summertime, beachy vibes, her new single is a country-pop ditty that is ready for sunlit road trips. Instantly cheeky and cheery, the song starts with a jaunty acoustic guitar and a laid-back rhythm. Injecting some buoyant fun, she steps it up with a perky percussion and a singing slide guitar. And with the addition of a jolly tambourine and her sun-filled vocals, this breezy, feel-good groove captures the carefree days of summer.

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In The Spotlight

Ant Thomaz – “Believe”

Based in Glasgow, this eclectic singer and songwriter is a self-taught artist, who began writing his own songs at the age of 12. Delving into his rich multi-cultural heritage, he’s created a plush fusion of various influences. He started his career as a busker in Glasgow and formed the funk band Dopesickfly. They supported greats as Roy Ayers and Kool & The Gang. After going solo he’s played festivals like Celtic Connections and the Edinburgh Fringe. He released his debut EP “520” in 2023.

Drawing inspiration from his daughter Gaia, who he named his up-coming album after, his new single is about rising above doubt, holding on to hope and that limitations put upon us by others don’t define us. Encapsulating his sincere storytelling is a delightful folk-pop melody that feels like a welcoming hug. With an upbeat rhythm and both an acoustic and steel guitar filling the cheerful notes, it’s his heartfelt vocals that add an unwavering sense of resilience and true optimism.

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In The Spotlight

Erika Levy – “Berlin”

Grown up in Long Beach, California, this singer and songwriter was born into an artistic family. Her father was a woodworker and her mother has a background in music. Years of piano lessons followed, leading to her writing her own songs. However it was after a divorce in 2018 that she seriously started pursuing a career. Now based in L.A., she’s played The Hotel Café and the Camas Wellness Festival. Inspired by Fiona Apple and Tori Amos, she released her debut single “Kelly” in 2019.

Capturing the sheer surprise of finding love again after having given up on it before, her new single unexpectedly makes your heart sing again. Easing us into her romantic world with an understated drum stick rhythm, this lush song is an ever evolving sonic journey. A propulsive drumbeat is layered with warm electric guitars and swelling synths. And with a bit of grit in her emotive vocals, this rousing tune takes us from soft and sweet to a rock-filled passion forging a virulent groove.

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In The Spotlight

EDIE – “Girl’s Girl”

Hailing from Perth, this Australian singer and songwriter spent her childhood making up weird songs and dance moves to perform for her family. However, it was watching “Lemonade Mouth” on Disney Channel when she was 11, that allowed her to envision a potential career in music. Since then she’s been recognised by Triple J Unearthed, Rolling Stone and got nominated for a WAM award. Inspired by Olivia Rodrigo, Gwen Stefani and Harry Styles, she debuted with “Blame Me” in 2022.

Calling out the girls who don’t support other girls and, despite saying that they’re there for you, will stab you in the back, her new single encourages genuine empowering and uplifting friendships. Creating an addictive, toe-tapping melody, it’s the lively electronic drum beat, pulsating bass line and nostalgic, Hot Chocolate-like, electric guitars that paint a vibrant soundscape. And with her honest vocals coasting the sonic energy, this versatile tune is a catchy, meaningful groove.

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