In The Spotlight

Firebird Union – “Stand & Wait”

Hailing from Watford, British brothers Ross and Matt Churchill grew up with music like Queen, Elton John and The Beatles. Ross is classically trained in piano, guitar and cello, but Matt is a self-taught guitarist. Since they’ve followed separate paths. Ross co-founded Pariis Opera House and released solo material as Hyper Lion. Matt released solo material under his own name. Inspired by Noel Gallagher, Fleet Foxes and HAIM, they debuted their new moniker on “Higher Ground” in 2023.

Originally written in 2005 and matured for 20 years before releasing it into the world, their new single is an anthemic and energetic throw-back. From the multi-layered instrumentation of soft synths and mild guitar at the start, the song explodes into high gear with a red-hot, nostalgia-ladened melody. With a boisterous rhythm, euphonic guitars and a touch of horns creating a stadium-sized banger, it’s their stirring vocals that elevate this infectious, electro-rock tune to new heights.

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In The Spotlight

Charlotte OC – “Romeo”

Born in Blackburn, this British singer and songwriter began playing the guitar at the age of 15 and started weekend classes at the Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts. She initially signed a record deal with Columbia Records in 2008, which led to performances in the United States. Now independent, she’s performed at festivals like Glastonbury and opened for Tom Walker and James Arthur. Inspired by Alicia Keys, Stevie Nicks and Lou Reed, she debuted with “Treasure Island” in 2011.

Injecting some flirtatious fire into romance, her new single tells the tale of falling in love when you least expect it. Taken from her upcoming EP “Seriously Love, Go Home”, expected on July 11th, she forges an alluring melody that blends sentimentality with some pop power. With a driving percussion, layered guitars and bewitching harmonies leading to a slightly psychedelic finale, it’s her mighty rock vocals that fuel this tune with sheer confidence and cinematic flair.

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In The Spotlight

Alexa Kate – “Isn’t Over”

Hailing from New York City, this up-and-coming indie-pop singer and songwriter started writing her own songs at the age of 10. Over the years she’s lived in Nashville and Los Angeles in order to hone her craft and her enthralling sound. Since returning to New York, she’s built a passionate audience on Social Media, most notably TikTok, but draws energy from her invigorating live shows. Inspired by Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams and Tate McRae, she released her debut single “Why?” in 2016.

Telling a story about heartbreak, where you’re stuck between holding on to the memories or moving on to a new chapter, her new single shows off her authentic and relatable songwriting. Giving a sparkle to the contemporary pop melody, the song is driven by a pulsating beat and shimmering synths. And with the radiant guitars and breathy harmonies highlighting the resonant lyrics, it’s her impressive vocal range that ties this auditory gift together with a bright bow on top.

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In The Spotlight

Lew Apollo – “No Room In Hell”

Born and raised in rural Minnesota, this singer and songwriter grew up on a steady diet of the music his parents played like Bob Dylan and The Beatles. At 15 he picked up the guitar and discovered Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan in his dad’s CD collection, leading him to blues. A move to Austin later he expanded his craft with rock and soul as well as writing lyrics about mental health. Inspired by Hozier, Leon Bridges and Labrinth, he released his debut “Trouble On My Mind” in 2023.

Singing about the complex realisation that beauty and pain can blur together, his new single is a rose-tinted dreamscape inspired by the band Jungle. Taken from his upcoming album “Fool’s Gold”, expected on August 8th, this song is a soft amalgamation of mellow soul, velvety funk and a touch of Latin flavours. Starting with a bouncy beat and a fresh acoustic guitar, it’s joined by peppy, honey-dipped keys. And with his soothing vocals, we’re floating through his seemingly rosy world.

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In The Spotlight

Jessica Lá Rel – “Trademark”

Based in Chicago, this award-winning singer and songwriter began singing at the age of 10. She trained in opera for 4 years, starred in musical theatre productions and sang in rock bands and choirs. She started her musical career after graduating Stanford University. Since then she’s earned a Best R&B song award at the 2019 Independent Music Awards and she’s opened for artists such as Macklemore, Omarion and Angelique Kidjo. She released her debut EP “Four Freedoms” in 2016.

Celebrating our own personal trademarks of joy and soul, her new single jubilates our uniqueness and individuality. Taken from her recently released album “Three Sisters”, the song is an exuberant blend of joyous soul and elated gospel. Teasing the senses from the start with a cheeky piano and exulted hand claps, the melody unfolds with an energetic rhythm and funky wah-wah guitars. And with spirited horns and her powerful vocals, this bubbly groove is pure sonic indulgence.

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In The Spotlight

Niklas Vaupel – “Dance With Me”

Hailing from Kassel, this German singer and songwriter was born with a fascination for music and a dream to become a musician. First having taken recorder lessons in school, he began learning the guitar aged 12. He’s also taken singing lessons with opera singer Thomas Wiegand and singing teacher Nicole Jukic. Apart from creating his own music, he’s a music teacher in Guxhagen as well. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Ed Sheeran, he released his debut single “Raise Me Up” in 2021.

Singing about the moment when that one special person catches your eye with their beauty across the dancefloor while out partying, his new single is a sunlit, feel-good pop song. Starting with a mellow percussion and an acoustic guitar, he first captures our ears with his creamy and emotive vocals, before adding sonic sunbeams into the chorus. Slowly falling in love lyrically, the song exudes an inviting warmth from the addition of smooth strings and leads to an enticing, upbeat crescendo.

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