In The Spotlight

Isabel Wood – “Don’t Ruin My Life”

Hailing from the Sunshine Coast, this Australian singer and songwriter has always been enamoured by music, but it wasn’t until she wrote her first song aged 15 that she was truly bitten by the bug. Wanting to hone that interest she moved to the Gold Coast to study pop music at university. Since then she collaborated with BTWN US and Exence and played festivals like Caloundra Music Festival. Inspired by Sasha Sloan, Wafia and Holly Humberstone, she debuted with “Sunburn” in 2019.

Lyrically chronicling the unfounded fear of losing a lover through a breakup, only to find that they’re still there by your side, her new single captures an all too familiar emotion. Starting with a shimmering synth and a bouncy beat, the melody has early 00s flavours. The chorus takes it up a notch with a spirited pop vibe with added electric guitars and a joyous oomph. And with her multi-faceted vocals ranging from airy, Owl City-like to sparkling pop zeal, this is an infectious tune.

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In The Spotlight

Gracie Moller – “Coca-Cola Girl”

Originally from Auckland and now based in London, this New Zealand singer and songwriter received a very musical upbringing. Her dad Buzz Moller is a singer/songwriter himself and taught songwriting at university. She got her first record deal aged only 13, after which she immersed herself into her music. Since then she’s toured with Only The Poets and played her first headline show in Amsterdam. Inspired by Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey, she debuted with “Mess For You” in 2023.

Singing deeply personal lyrics about the intense emotions associated with feeling unworthy of someone’s love, her new single captures the complexities with honesty and vulnerability. Taken from her upcoming sophomore EP, expected at the end of November, she opens up her heart accompanied by an elegant piano. Later joined by a mild rhythm and gentle guitar chords, the song ascends to a velvety crescendo of pop. And with her reflective vocals, this lush tune is truly mesmerizing.

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In The Spotlight

Reeve Stimpson – “Over Me”

Hailing from Powhatan, VA, this singer and songwriter was born with a creative soul. From making movies to acting in plays and writing songs, he found a way to express himself. He moved to Nashville in 2016 to attend Belmont University with the intention of becoming a country songwriter. However his love for 70s and mostly 80s music won out in the end. Inspired by artists such as Bryan Adams, Don Henley and Huey Lewis & The News, he released his debut “Somebody Told Me” in 2023.

Although people generally view the negative side of having somebody walk all over you, his new single reminds us that there is a fun side to it as well and that fun has been generously sprinkled over the neon melody. Blending the influences of various 80s artists, it’s an amalgam of sparkling pop and melodic rock. With the radiant retro synths, effervescent drums and bright guitars sparking joy, it’s the vintage vibe of his cheerful vocals that takes us right back in time to the vivid 80s.

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In The Spotlight

Melt – “Heaven”

Based in New York City, this indie quartet of Veronica, Lucas, Eric and Marlo got together in high school, after joining forces to enter and win a battle of the bands competition. Winning allowed them to record their first song, which went viral on YouTube. Since their wild career rollercoaster started, they’ve played several tours, as well as the Ocean Mist and Levitate Music & Arts Festival. Inspired by Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder and MUNA, they released their debut “Sour Candy” in 2017.

Recorded live to tape in a cabin in the Catskills, their new single is a smooth, soulful rocker. Taken from their recently released album “If There’s A Heaven”, the song narrates the angst associated with living and the uncertainty and doubt that comes with it. With a kind of 70s warmth from the bobbing melody, it’s the lush rhythm, glowing guitars and crisp piano that forge a welcoming retro rock tune. And with soft-rock vocals binding it together, this jam is everything you could want.

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In The Spotlight

Will Bryant – “I’ve Got Feelings”

Based in London, this British singer, songwriter and producer grew up in a musical family. His dad was in a Christian rock band at university. His sister sang with him in Cathedral choirs and he played trumpet in various orchestra’s. At 17 he changed to a modern sound and started playing covers on Instagram. Since he collaborated with Sebb Masters and played The Troubadour in London. Inspired by No Rome, Frank Ocean and The 1975, he released his first solo single “Be Mine” in 2020.

Trying to highlight youth, social anxiety and relationships in one multi-layered song, his new single blends a feeling of rich nostalgia with contemporary pop. Starting with sweet birdsong and leading to the driving retro drums, it opens with an alluring contradiction. Adding the full-bodied melody of crisp guitars, enticing keys and even some banjo, creates a delectable pop tune. Forging 80s, 90s and modern influences, it’s the comforting warmth in his vocals that makes you feel like home.

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In The Spotlight

Luna Elle – “Halfway Broken”

Hailing from Mississauga and now based in Toronto, this Canadian singer and songwriter grew up listening to the 90s R&B greats that her older sister used to play. During the pandemic as a teenager, she began recording covers like “Riot” by Summer Walker, which she posted on Instagram and landed her a record deal. Her debut single got noticed by Shaquille O’Neal who posted it on his Instagram. Inspired by the likes of Beyoncé, Toni Braxton and Sade, she debuted with “True Love” in 2021.

Singing about female empowerment within relationships by telling a lover that she won’t stand for anything other than being treated right, her new single is a silky-smooth R&B stunner. Drawing inspiration from R&B legend Maxwell, she combines sleek 90s R&B with some soft jazz tones. With a gentle rhythm, mild keys and soft bass creating a mesmerizing soundscape, it’s her velvety vocals that enchant your ears and take you on a polished sonic journey to peaceful tranquillity.

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