In The Spotlight

Cris Cap – “Young Gun”

Based in Düsseldorf, Germany, this prolific singer, songwriter, musician and producer’s life has been immersed in music since he was young. First taking classical piano lessons, before his dreams grew to include pop and rock. Although he studied sound engineering, he started working as a TV director. Never forgetting his music, he blends soul, R&B, jazz and pop. Inspired by legends such as Steely Dan and Stevie Wonder, he debuted with “Brighter Day” featuring Anna Teers in 2020.

Reflecting on his own personal experiences with shyness and self-doubt in his teenage years, his new single is a 70s-styled sonic brew of pop and yacht-rock. Featuring the vocals of Nashville singer Hudson Hayes, the song instantly captures our attention with a sunlit piano and warm organ tones. Creating a complex melodic soundscape, while still sounding smooth and laid-back, is a reminder of artists like The Doobie Brothers. Filled with nostalgia, this velveteen groove is a heartfelt gem.

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In The Spotlight

Kari Lyn – “Fall (I’m Not Ready)”

Born and raised on Prince Edward Island, this Canadian singer and songwriter’s life has always been intertwined with music. Merging the influence of her grandfather’s storytelling skills with melodies, her passion was ignited. After first backpacking the world for five years, she studied Music Business at the famed Harris Institute and honed her songwriting skills at a retreat. Inspired by artists like Amy Winehouse and Johnny Cash, she debuted with her album “Hit The Ground” in 2020.

Capturing the fear and excitement of stepping into the unknown, her new single reflects on her own struggles with change and self-doubt. Her first release in two years, she blends her introspective lyrics with a soul-stirring melody. Driven by an emotive piano, it’s joined by a spirited rhythm and invigorating bass line. And with her impassioned vocals narrating her honest tale, this poignant folk-rock groove mixes raw vulnerability and authentic courage with a rousing, anthemic tune.

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In The Spotlight

Rikas – “Bike In L.A.”

Based in Berlin, this German four-piece was born out of friendship and a shared drive to make something special. Consisting of Sascha Scherer, Sam Luca, Ferdinand Hübner and Chris Ronge, they’ve made their mark on the world music scene with their phenomenal live performances. They’ve collaborated with Benny Sings, played Fusion Festival and SXSW and supported Alt-J and Alice Phoebe Lou. Inspired by artists such as Talking Heads and Mark Ronson, they debuted with “Picasso” in 2018.

Written while being in Southern California and realizing that a car was key and a bicycle simply won’t do in the City Of Angels, their new single shines a light on the differences between the USA and Europe. Taken from their album “Soundtrack For A Movie That Has Not Been Written Yet”, the song is filled with breezy, sun-drenched melodic warmth. With a soft drum beat, mellow keys and light-hearted guitars, it’s the laid-back vocals that bind this irresistible airy tune together.

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In The Spotlight

Koosje – “Beyond My Control”

Born into a theatrical family of a director dad and a drama teacher mom, this Dutch singer and songwriter started acting lessons aged 11 and was performing by 14. She studied jazz vocals at the Conservatory of Amsterdam and developed her skills more at the Conservatory of The Hague. Since then she’s supported Poppy Ajudha and toured with the Nederlands Studenten Jazz Orkest. Praised by artists like Gregory Porter, David Crosby and Robin Thicke, she debuted with “Growingwise” in 2018.

Singing about the overwhelming emotions felt when you have undeniable chemistry with a person, her new single is brimming with infatuation. Taken from her upcoming album “One More”, expected on May 9th, it’s a soft blend of neo-soul and luscious jazz tones. Starting with an hypnotic synth and mesmeric siren song, the track evolves with an ebb and flow rhythm and spellbinding bass line. And with a charming harmonica and passionate vocals, this is an enthralling tune.

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In The Spotlight

Brielle Kaga – “Thinking About You”

Hailing from Singapore, this rising singer and songwriter took classical piano lessons as a child. At 13 she taught herself to play the guitar and wrote her first song. Continuing to hone her songwriting skills, she started filming herself singing her songs and upload them to YouTube. An exchange program in the US introduced her to electronic music, elements of which are still found in her songs. Inspired by Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Gryffin, she debuted with “Friends” in 2020.

Capturing a longing for a past life and romance, her new single takes a lyrical step into the feelings of pure nostalgia. The title track of her recently released EP, the song feels like a warm, comforting blanket in the cold of winter. Guided by a mellow acoustic guitar, she picks up a retro-touched rhythm and shimmering synths along the way. Finding a way to merge a soft indie-pop ballad with electronic hints, it’s her alluring vocals that take you by the hand into her sentimental world.

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In The Spotlight

Copper Lungs – “Broken Beautiful”

Hailing from Dundee, this Scottish band, consisting of Darren Lindsay, Liam Thompson, Inaxio Abecia and Brandyn Murphy, got their start in 2012. They played hometown shows and festivals such as T In The Park and Wickerman and shared the stage with bands like Fatherson and The Xcerts, before taking a lengthy hiatus. They returned in 2023 with a reinvented indie-rock sound. Inspired by Nothing But Thieves and The Band Camino, they debuted their return on “Free World” in 2023.

Reminding us that life is filled with duality and that love, pain, struggles and happiness all go hand in hand, their new single shows that, as well as complicated and heartbreaking, life is precious. Taken from their upcoming album “Broken Beautiful”, expected on May 16th, this anthemic song hooks the listener from the very first note of the melodic electric guitar. Driven by a punchy rhythm, textured synths and emotional harmonies, this catchy tune is a lively indie-rock banger.

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