In The Spotlight

Alice Phoebe Lou – “Better”

Born in Krommeltje near Cape Town, this South-African singer and songwriter learned to play piano and guitar as a child. After graduating high school she moved to Europe, first to Amsterdam and eventually settled in Berlin, Germany. She began honing her bluesy, folk sound by busking. Her first release was the EP “Momentum” in 2014, followed by an album “Live At Grüner Salon”. Inspired by Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen and Jimi Hendrix, she properly debuted with her album “Orbit” in 2016.

Telling a heart-wrenching tale of disappointment when the glorious feeling of love gets ruined by an uncaring partner, her new single tackles the intense emotions felt when betrayed, but highlights that life is better without the toxic lover. Accompanied by a mellow piano and joined by a honeyed, retro-dipped melody of a mild percussion and soft guitars, it’s her sweet and breezy vocal charm taking us by the hand through her relatable story that make this an alluring airy tune.

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In The Spotlight

Mitch Santiago – “Hiding From”

Hailing from Perth, this Australian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist found a guitar at the side of the road aged 9 and since then has been teaching himself every instrument he could find. He began honing his sound by busking on the streets of his home town. In 2020 he got noticed by Triple J Unearthed. Since then he’s supported The Dreggs and played Splendour In The Grass. Likened to Sam Fender, Tash Sultana and The War On Drugs, he debuted with “Falling” in 2020.

Singing about the need to sometimes take a step back in order to enjoy things more, his new single highlights that a different point of view can change your outlook. Driven by an invigorating indie-rock beat and padded with vivacious guitars and lively keys, he’s created a high-spirited tune that makes it hard to sit still by. And with the elation of his mighty vocals, this highly infectious groove is an engaging indie-rock earworm that is bound to become a live performance favorite.

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In The Spotlight

Elle-Marie – “Gone”

Based in London, this British singer and songwriter developed a love for music at an early age. She grew up listening to 90s pop and choreographing dances in her bedroom to every Now CD. At 17 she started recording and developing her sound at the famous songwriting and production house Xenomania. Immersing herself in the vibrant music scene of London allowed her to hone her artistry. Inspired by Aretha Franklin and Motown, she debuted with “Take Me Home” in 2024.

Telling the story about not noticing red flags in a relationship because of the rose-tinted glasses of love, her new single blends honest lyricism with a Sade-reminiscent melody. Starting with a mellow R&B rhythm and joined by mild keys and an understated guitar, the song wraps its sonic arms around you and gives you a big, comforting hug. And with her hypnotic, soul-infused vocal charisma, this enchanting tune promises many great things for this sultry, emerging songstress.

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In The Spotlight

Dave Curl – “Riders”

Based in Winterthur, this Swiss singer, songwriter and surfer has been living his teenage daydreams of performing and playing songs for over twenty years. He started taking guitar lessons and his teacher encouraged him to write his own songs. Since then he’s performed in various clubs such as the Kulturkoller Club and racked up more than 1.5 million streams on Spotify. Drawing inspiration from Sting, Eurythmics and Bryan Adams, he released his debut “Hot Summer’s Day” in 2019.

Translating his own surfer spirit into a breezy surf-rock tune, his new single breathes the laid-back vibe of a warm summer’s day on the beach. With the waves beckoning and a surfboard at hand, he’s strumming the easygoing melody on his acoustic guitar. Accompanied by a mellow rhythm, soft electric guitar and delicate keys, he’s filling every leisurely note with relaxing sunbeams. And with the tranquil tone of his vocals, this carefree groove captures the magic of surfing.

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In The Spotlight

Cleo Sol – “Fear When You Fly”

Born in London to a Serbian-Spanish mother and a Jamaican father, this British singer and songwriter was raised on jazz music. Her parents being musicians themselves and playing in a jazz band, she inherited their love for music and performing. She started singing at youth clubs, but in 2008 found herself singing on Tinie Tempah’s “Tears”. Also a member of the music collective SAULT and inspired by Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, she debuted with “High” in 2011.

Reminding us never to give up hope, regardless how many setbacks we have to endure in life, her new single is a dreamy ballad, reminiscent of 70s Michael Jackson. Instantly putting us under her musical spell, the song bobs along on gentle sonic soundwaves of a mellow rhythm, tender keys and gentle guitars. Dipped in delicate vintage soulfulness with a touch of soft gospel, it’s her crystalline vocals touching your heart that makes this stunning hypnotic tune something truly special.

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In The Spotlight

Somebody Someone – “Better”

Born as Aubrey Hays and hailing from Gulfport, MS, this singer and songwriter grew up in a music-oriented household. By the time they were 10, they were already performing with a family band at weddings and even opened for Blake Shelton at the Crawfish Music Festival. Now based in Austin and inspired by artists like The Beach Boys, Fiona Apple and Brandi Carlile, they initially debuted under their own name on “Isn’t It Enough”. They’re now entering a new phase under a new moniker.

Based on their own experiences of finding themselves and their own identity, their new single is both deeply personal and melodically spellbinding. Starting with an alluring acoustic piano, soft strings and an angelic backing choir, this exquisite ballad is truly breathtaking. Pouring pure passion into the notes, the melody reaches down and touches your soul. And with their charismatic, melancholic vocals narrating the honest lyrics, this wistful tune is an enthralling treasure.

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