In The Spotlight

Rachel Curtis – “Upswing”

Hailing from Lansing and based in Nashville, this singer and songwriter got her start singing in church at the age of 5. Channeling her personal journey with several health issues, she began writing songs in middle school. In 2018 she auditioned for American Idol, winning the golden ticket. Since she’s played CMA Fest and Common Ground Music Festival and opened for artists such as Gladys Knight. Inspired by Alicia Keys, Fleetwood Mac and Brandi Carlile, she debuted with “Senses” in 2018.

Singing about choosing hope and a renewed faith in the future, her new single deals with finding positivity despite living with the fear of chronic illness. Immersing her deeply personal lyrics in a cinematic alternative-pop melody, it’s the ambient textures of soft piano, dreamy synths and a steady percussion that forge an organic sonic whole. And with an upbeat bounce in the chorus, it’s the lush harmonies and her ethereal vocals floating over the notes that make this tune irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

The Wldlfe – “Heart”

Formed in Indianapolis in 2015, this indie-pop trio consists of Jansen Hogan, Carson Hogan and Jack Crane. Forged during their university days, they created a sound blending alt rock with 80s-touched synth-pop. Known for their energetic live shows, they’ve played festivals like the Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival in Tennessee, as well as renowned venues such as the House Of Blues in Chicago. Inspired by John Mayer, Journey and The 1975, they debuted with their EP “New, 2016” in 2016.

Telling the emotional tale of the toxic nature of an on-again, off-again relationship, their new single highlights that what the heart wants is not always healthy for you. Pairing melancholic undertones with an upbeat indie-pop vibe, the multi-layered melody displays a perfectly balanced contrast. With a fast-paced beat, rhythmic rock guitars and soft synths masking a lyrical sadness, it’s the conflicted yet vulnerable vocals that make this atmospheric groove both bittersweet and lively.

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In The Spotlight

Fleurie – “If I Was A Bird”

Born as Lauren Strahm in Michigan, this singer and songwriter was introduced to music through singing in church and learning classical piano. She started writing her own songs aged 11 and began sharing them aged 17. At 21 she moved to Nashville in order to pursue a music career. She’s played venues like Melkweg in Amsterdam and La Cigale in Paris and opened for artists like NF and Owl City. Inspired by Imogen Heap, Coldplay and Bob Dylan, she debuted with “All The Lines” in 2013.

Dedicated to anyone who has ever experienced profound loss, her new single captures a longing to physically reach out, connect with and hug someone who’s no longer with us. Lending itself perfectly for the deeply emotional lyrics, her dreamy indie-pop sound feels like a warm and comforting embrace. With an intimate piano and ethereal synths shaping a cinematic soundscape, it’s the heavenly harmonies and the delicate tone of her airy vocals, that make this an astonishing song.

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In The Spotlight

Betty Bass – “Shame On You”

Born in Vejla, this Danish singer and songwriter grew up in a multi-cultural household, strongly influenced by her African roots. Despite not feeling confident in her abilities as a child, her music teacher encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Now based in Copenhagen, she’s played various festivals such as Roskilde, Smukfest and Heartland and opened for Danish pop artist Soleima. Inspired by Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin and Solange, she debuted with “The Sweet Role” in 2019.

Choosing to embrace holding a grudge and refusing to forgive a partner who treated her badly, her new single tells the tale of a heartbroken victim looking for revenge. Wrapping the raw, passionate lyrics in a vibrancy-filled R&B-pop melody, this sassy song is a fierce, empowering tune. Driven by a punchy rhythm, it’s the balmy synths and smooth, yet crisp electric guitar that forge a vivid soundscape. And with her brazen vocals, this emotive groove is brimming with attitude.

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In The Spotlight

Liv Dawson – “Electrify”

Born in Shepperton and raised in West-London, this British singer and songwriter grew up in a music-loving household. With an organic penchant for music, she’s completely self-taught. She wrote her first song aged 13 and by 14 she was performing in pubs and clubs. Since then she’s evolved to playing festivals such as Latitude and The Great Escape and opened for Tom Walker and Jessie Ware. Inspired by Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé and Amy Winehouse, she debuted with “Tapestry” in 2016.

Singing about igniting the spark of a new relationship, her new single celebrates coming out of a dark emotional place in order to find a bright and vibrant version of yourself. Accompanied by a high-energy, funkalicious dance-pop vibe, the song is running on a dynamic sonic voltage. With a pulsating bassline, snappy drums and sparkling synths filling every crevice of the melody, it’s the R&B-tinted warmth of her vocal optimism that gives this fast-paced groove its floor-filling vitality.

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In The Spotlight

Toast Club – “Mean Girl”

Based in London and formed in 2014, this British duo consists of Tommy Villiers and Chuck Smythe. Since their start they’ve honed their sound by performing on the grassroots live circuit at venues such as The George Tavern in London and Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds. They’ve recently made their festival debut at The Great Escape in Brighton and are due to play Wales’ Gottwood Festival in June. Inspired by Steely Dan, Casiopea and Pat Metheny, they released their debut “Skate In” in 2024.

Narrating the story of someone who’s navigating the dating scene in a big city, their new single follows a wild night out with a high-energy girl. Deeply dipped in nostalgic yacht-rock hues mixed with a jazz-pop flair, the song gives a contemporary twist to the warm sounds of the 70s and 80s. With vintage-sounding synths, jazzy guitars and a soaring sax solo forging a sun-drenched melody, it’s the slick harmonies and smooth vocals that make this funky groove sound like sanguine silk.

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