In The Spotlight

Darcy Fox – “Lifting Weights”

Based in Melbourne, this Australian singer and songwriter grew up in a musical family and was always singing, partially thanks to her mum, who is a musician and singing teacher. She then taught herself to play the guitar. As a teenager she started taking any gig she could in order to hone her craft. She started her career with a country sound but later added folk-pop and indie-rock. Inspired by Taylor Swift, Maggie Rogers and Phoebe Bridgers, she released her debut “I’m Here” in 2010.

Lyrically conveying that someone who’s having a hard time does not have to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders alone, her new single shows that there are people to help you, support you and, if needed, be your strength. With her emotive lyrics wrapped in a warm, intimate soundscape, the comforting melody is created using a mellow guitar and an easy percussion. And with her soothing vocals reaching deep down to your soul, this vulnerable tune takes your breath away.

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In The Spotlight

JB Elwood – “Visiting Hours”

Based in Austin, Texas, this singer and songwriter grew up bouncing around the country from West Virginia to Nashville. Influenced by hearing Slash play guitar on “Appetite For Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses and the gift of a 1960s Gibson Dove guitar from his grandfather Eugene ‘Poppy’ Jackson, who was a self-taught musician in his own right, first set him on his musical path. Inspired by artists like Tom Petty, Michael Jackson and The Eagles, he released his debut single “Say Oh” in 2022.

Written while in hospital and conveying the devastating feeling of abandonment by the person you believed would always be there to support you, his new single takes that heartbreak and douses it in sheer positivity. Blending lively pop with rousing Americana, the song starts with a driving beat and an emotive electric guitar. Ascending to the rock-infused chorus adds another cinematic layer to the melody. And with the raw ache in his vocals, this is an anthemic experience.

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In The Spotlight

Francesca Fuentes – “I Just Wanna Be Your Lover Again”

Born and raised in New Jersey, this singer and songwriter’s musical journey began at the age of 12, when she started playing guitar and writing songs. She continued to hone her diverse sound after finding a like-minded musical community while studying English and Spanish at Monmouth University. Inspired by Taylor Swift, Amy Winehouse and Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society and winning Best Film at the 2019 Lovesick Film Festival for its video, she released her debut “Rock W Me” in 2018.

Putting an optimistic spin on heartbreak, her new single tells an endearing tale of missing someone without being angry with them. Taken from her EP “Can’t Hide” and soaked in a sweet nostalgia, the irresistible melody is a sleek brew of retro and modern sounds. With a slick beat and lustrous guitars enchanting every note, she’s created a lush, hypnotic tune. And with the sheer elegance of her dreamy vocals, this rich smooth groove equally captures confidence and vulnerability.

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In The Spotlight

Oscar Stembridge – “Dead Man Walking”

Despite being only 17 years young, this Swedish singer and songwriter has been making his mark on the music scene for most of his life. He began playing piano aged 5 and since added guitar, bass and drums and by age 7 he was sharing covers on social media. He got his first record deal aged 10. Since he’s performed in arena’s, on TV and in 2024 was a contestant on America’s Got Talent. Inspired by Queen, Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes, he released his debut single “Hold My Hand” in 2018.

Capturing the confusing emotions when you have strong feelings for a person, but they’re not requited, or you just don’t want to risk ruining a friendship, his new single tells a highly relatable story of heartbreak. Balancing indie-pop with a touch of rock, the song starts with mellow guitar strums and is joined by a bouncy rhythm and a hint of synths. Coming together in the explosive rock chorus, it’s his passionate vocals and perky harmonies that show an enviable talent beyond his years.

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In The Spotlight

Julia Kahn – “Nonchalant”

Originally from Indianapolis and now based in Nashville, this singer and songwriter grew up singing blues and soul music and sang in a blues band throughout her school years. Slowly finding her niche in writing and producing, she developed a blend of soulful pop and lo-fi electric music. She’s performed at both US and UK festivals like All-In, LeeStock and Sofar Sounds. Inspired by varied artists like Stevie Wonder, Janis Joplin and Lana Del Rey, she debuted with “Fly Away” in 2019.

Lyrically standing up against apathy and reminding us that feeling vulnerable and emotional is a strength, rather than a weakness, her new single fuses her empowering words with a retro-dipped melody. Slightly reminiscent of the Eurythmics, the hypnotic production has a haunting electro-pop sound. With a pulsating beat to lead the way, it’s the captivating synths that take us from soft verse to punchy chorus. And with the gentle touch of her vocals, this gem is an alluring anthem.

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In The Spotlight

Laura Adeline – “501s”

Born and raised in Perth, this Australian singer and songwriter loved music from a young age and was dancing around in cowboy boots to Taylor Swift at 7. She began writing her own lyrics on her bedroom floor at 11. Now based in Melbourne, she’s known for her enthralling live shows. She’s opened for the band Storefront and performed at festivals such as Kizomba Luxembourg. Inspired by Omar Apollo, Anderson .Paak and Tyler The Creator, she released her debut “Educate Yourself” in 2021.

Lyrically making the honest comparison between imagining a lasting connection with a potential perfect match and the feeling of sheer comfort you get from a perfectly fitting pair of jeans, her new single is a velveteen slow jam. Drawing us in with mesmerizing guitar licks, the song soon expands with a smooth rhythm, crisp tambourines and a touch of violins. And with her intoxicating vocals gently stroking every single note, this chilled out R&B smooth groove is an irresistible tune.

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