In The Spotlight

Hope Wilkins – “hope u came”

Hailing from Canberra, this Australian singer and songwriter is a self-taught musician, whose musical journey began in high school, where she discovered a passion for writing poetry. When she picked up a guitar, she found the combination an outlet for her personal struggles. Since she’s been noticed by Triple J Unearthed and got a nomination for Best Live Act in the ACT National Live Music Awards. She’s supported Greta Stanley and Hands Like Houses and debuted with “Waste” in 2019.

Chronicling the devastating feeling of betrayal caused by the discovery of infidelity by your partner, her new single is a deeply personal account of her own experiences. Written and recorded in her garage, she captures the melodic passion in every note. With an intensifying driving beat, shimmering synths and captivating guitars forging an invigorating soundscape, it’s the raw emotion of her vocals that fill this tale of heartbreak with the courage to face a new future.

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In The Spotlight

Ben Key – “James Dean”

This Toronto-based Canadian singer and songwriter is no stranger to the world of music. He is a founding member of platinum-selling band New West and has toured the world. They’ve played notable festivals such as Reading and Leeds, Lowlands and Osheaga, shared the stage with artists like X Ambassadors and Kodaline and in 2024 won a Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year. Inspired by Tame Impala, Alabama Shakes and Chet Faker, he’s now ready to debut his new solo project.

Drawing inspiration from the reckless romance and timeless energy of late 50s cinema, his debut single embodies the rebellious streak of the golden age of Hollywood. Intricately merging classic Motown-infused grooves with his own contemporary touches, he’s created an unique fusion of sounds. With an invigorating rhythm, wild piano chords and a buoyant synth-based horn section, as well as his impassioned vocals, this captivating tune is filled with nostalgia, defiance and artistic flair.

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In The Spotlight

Francesca Tarantino – “Hold On To Me”

Based in Orlando, Florida, this indie pop-rock singer and songwriter fell in love with music at a very young age, thanks to her music-loving parents. Getting her first taste of performing in a school talent show, she got involved with musical theatre. She’s taken singing and guitar lessons and now is honing her craft as part of the Artist Development Program at Dreamwalker Music Evolution. Inspired by artists like KISS, The Beatles and Paramore, she debuted with “My Runaway” in 2023.

Telling the emotional and relatable tale of a feeling of desperation knowing that a loved one might leave and feeling helpless to stop them, her new single is an impassioned pop-rock power gem. Starting the song slow with a mellow rhythm and a stirring electric guitar draws us in and leads us to the vigorous chorus where both the drums and guitars get some added oomph. And with her authentic and rousing vocals and an invigorating fiery guitar solo, this vivid groove has it all.

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In The Spotlight

Majelen – “Stuck With You”

This Australian singer and songwriter is paving her own, unique path in the music world. She studied jazz guitar at the Conservatorium Of Music in Sydney and since then she’s been nominated for Musician Of The Year and Breakout Artist Of The Year at the 2024 Gold Coast Music Awards. She also started her own record label, Liondance Records, and Cole Clark Guitars named a guitar after her. Inspired by Tommy Emmanuel, Mariah Carey and Ed Sheeran, she debuted with “Angels In The Dark” in 2018.

Celebrating love and wanderlust, the title track of her recently released album shines a light on the deep affection she feels for her wife, while the rest of the album takes the listener along on their wild adventure across Australia and beyond. Capturing true romance in a complex, yet minimal melody, her insanely skillful guitar play is all she needed. Strumming and drumming on her acoustic guitar with ease, it’s the raw honesty of her vocals that displays her authentic affection.

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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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