In The Spotlight

Canyon Lights – “Seventh Son”

Formed by friends and bandmates Pat Faherty and Tim Carman, this blues-rock trio is completed with multi-instrumentalist Heather Gillis. Pat and Tim have been performing all over the world as members of the acclaimed blues band GA-20. Recognizing a mutual love of 70s rock bands, they began working on fresh song ideas. Since starting this new project, they’ve opened for George Thorogood & The Destroyers. Inspired by Thin Lizzy and James Gang, they debuted with “Let Me In” in 2025.

Grounded in the ancient mysticism that says that someone born into a lineage of only sons possesses supernatural powers, their new single actually describes a romantic encounter. Taken from their upcoming album “Breathe Easy”, expected this summer, they brewed a delicious concoction of retro rock and blues. With nostalgic 70s rock guitars, a psychedelic slide guitar solo and a jazz-infused rhythm, it’s the gritty, vintage-dipped vocals that complete the powerful blues-rock flavours.

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In The Spotlight

Ava Valianti – “Laugh Track”

Hailing from Massachusetts, this multi-talented singer and songwriter is also an actress and photographer. She started writing songs at the tender age of 9 and has since earned two New England Music Award nominations and became runner-up in the 21st annual International Acoustic Music Awards. As an actress she starred in the stage play “Moonglow” and “Terezin: Children Of The Holocaust”. Inspired by Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish and Adele, she debuted with “Bubble Wrap” in 2023.

Comparing her life to a sitcom where she becomes uncertain whether people are laughing with her or at her, her new single tackles relatable topics like self-doubt and societal pressure to perform. With an ear-pleasing blend of sparkling indie-pop with an understated element of country, she starts the song with soft keys and cheeky finger-snaps. With the energetic addition of a perky rhythm and warm guitars, it’s her authentic vocals that make this honest tune sound extraordinary.

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In The Spotlight

Fast Trains – “Where The Ocean Greets The Sun”

Hailing from Portsmouth, this is a solo project of British singer, song-writer and producer Tom Wells. He inherited the music gene from his dad, who played in a band and was also a songwriter. Since taking his first steps onto the music scene, he’s performed at festivals such as Icebreaker Winter and Isle Of Wight, opened for Turin Brakes and Apollo Ghosts and was featured on BBC Introducing. Inspired by Radiohead, XTC and Talk Talk, he released his debut “Measure By Measure” in 2019.

Paying tribute to his hometown and the escape its coastal location can provide, his new single tries to capture the calmness of the waves as they clear the unrelenting noise from your brain. Taken from his latest album “Escape To ourWorld”, the song is doused in a comforting 90s Britpop nostalgia with a touch of 80s New Wave. With shimmering synths, retro rhythm and aching guitars, it’s his effulgent vocals that weave all elements together to create a sparkling sonic soundscape.

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In The Spotlight

Mikayla Menzies – “Misery”

Originally from Ottawa and based on Vancouver Island, this Canadian singer and songwriter grew up surrounded by tragedy in both her childhood and teenage years. Using music as a refuge as well as a form of therapy, she started channelling her reality into her lyrics. Covering topics as mental health, grief and resilience, she created an indie-pop-rock sound which is honest and meaningful. Inspired by Avril Lavigne, Phoebe Bridgers and The Lumineers, she debuted with “Wildfire” in 2020.

Telling the story of a particularly nerve-racking cross-country road-trip in which she was plagued by a mysterious illness, her new single describes the scary feeling of feeling trapped in her own body, not knowing the origin of the physical and emotional pain. Starting with a 90s-inspired beat and warm guitar, the song leads to a chorus of stalwart percussion and powerful electric guitars. And with the mighty honesty of her vocals, this cathartic tune is poignant and bittersweet.

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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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