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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In The Spotlight

Your Smith – “Peaches”

Born in Detroit Lakes as Caroline Smith, this singer/songwriter grew up with music, being taught the guitar by her father aged 8. At 16 she began performing in public leading to opening for B.B. King. She released a self-titled album under her own name in 2006. She then performed with her band The Good Night Sleeps from 2008. After a move to L.A. she reinvented herself again and, inspired by artists like Alanis Morissette, she debuted her new moniker on “The Spot” in 2019.

Reflecting on her own relationship with her brother, her new single explores the kind of connection that doesn’t require many words, but a glance or simply each others company speaks volumes. Creating her own breezy sonic world, the rich, easy-going melody sounds like she captured summer itself. Built on a foundation of a gentle rhythm and warm, mellow guitars, the song embraces us fondly. And with her folky, lustrous vocals, this sunlit tune is steeped in lyrical and aural nostalgia.

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In The Spotlight

Tors – “I Don’t Wanna Know”

Hailing from Devon, but now based in Guildford, this British trio was named after ancient stones found on Dartmoor. The brothers Matt and Theo Weedon grew up surrounded by music. Their grandfather wrote a book teaching guitar and had an extensive guitar collection. Joined by drummer Jack Bowden, they’ve played festivals such as Glastonbury and supported James Blunt and Welshly Arms. Inspired by Paul Simon, The Gipsy Kings and The Beatles, they debuted with “Hold Me” in 2016.

Telling the story of two friends who are in love with each other, but are afraid to tell the other person out of fear it will ruin their friendship, their new single is a love song with a twist. Taken from their recently released EP “Never Give Up”, they narrate their tale on the back of stadium-ready anthemic pop-rock. With a bustling percussion, melodic electric guitars, cheeky handclaps and their imposing vocals, this sing-along, invigorating groove is as infectious as it is highly memorable.

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