In The Spotlight

Jessica Doolan – “Keep Looking”

Based in Dublin, this Irish singer and songwriter grew up in a very musical family and started singing when she was 3. She wrote her first song in Irish aged 10, called “Mise Sa Tochchai”, meaning Dear Future Self. In 2022 she won the International Rookie Award at the DennizPop Awards in Sweden. She’s also performed at The Folly Festival and Sea Sessions Surf & Music Festival. Inspired by Nina Simone, Etta James and Amy Winehouse, she released her debut “Stay Or Surrender” in 2023.

Singing about dates that do not live up to expectations and toxic relationships, her single is all about taking your power back from those who’ve wronged you. An ingenious musical blend of her soul-pop sound with a bit of a rock bite, the song starts with mild keys, crisp guitar plucks and cheeky violins. However, soon it explodes with sonic attitude and empowerment, while still holding true to her soulfulness. And with her dynamic vocals, this is imposing soul-pop with a twist.

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In The Spotlight

Hugo Joyce – “False Hope”

Hailing from London, this British singer and songwriter already started writing his first lyrics in primary school. He began learning jazz saxophone until he was 14 and then changed it for the piano. Soon after he combined writing lyrics with his music and wrote his first full song. He’s since went on to open for Benedict Cork and performed at venues like The Troubadour and Ronnie Scotts. Inspired by Elton John, Carole King and John Legend, he released his debut “Nervous” in 2021.

Telling the relatable story of a break-up caused by the realization that the other person didn’t feel the same way, his new single takes the experience and uses it to inspire to not settle and go and find what works for you. Starting the song with a slow, gentle piano, the song truly opens up later with a peppy beat, lively guitars and an anthemic melodic vibe. And with his emotion-laden vocals soaring over the notes, this tune evolves from warm sensitivity to spirited positivity.

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In The Spotlight

Charli Adams – “Airlifter”

Originally from Alabama and now based in Nashville, this singer and songwriter discovered her passion for music at a young age. After moving to Nashville at 17, she immersed herself in the vibrant local scene in order to test out songs. Since then she’s collaborated with Novo Amor and Nightly and wrote songs for Chloe Moriondo and Valley with whom she’s about to go on tour. Inspired by The Cure, Avril Lavigne and The 1975, she released her debut “Good At Being Young” in 2020.

Written as an ode to friendship and a reminder to cherish those who are always there for you and for you to return that kindness by trying to make their life better, her new single wraps her heartwarming lyrics in 90s nostalgia. Immediately gripping with a fierce rhythm and lavish guitars, it calls on its retro vibes from the first note. Dipping into a tender verse gives her words ever more meaning. With a 90s-touched ebb and flow and her luscious vocals, this affectionate tune is stunning.

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In The Spotlight

Liang Lawrence – “Out Loud”

Having grown up in 8 different countries before she was 18, this UK-based singer-songwriter picked up a lot of multi-cultural influences to incorporate into her music. She taught herself to play guitar and write songs in her bedroom. Since starting to release her music to the world, she’s played a BBC Introducing showcase and supported artists such as Will Joseph Cook and HONNE. Inspired by Clairo, The Japanese House and boygenius, she released her debut single “Santa Cruz” in 2020.

Capturing the butterflies you feel when fancying someone and the inability to speak that they cause, her new single is a playful love song that combines alt-pop and folk. With a 90s female singer/songwriter melodic vibe, it’s the sprightly guitars, full-bodied drums and even a touch of steel guitar that feed a joyous, feel-good ambience. And with the happiness-inducing sound of her enchanting vocals, this glowing tune combines lush nostalgia with a sense of contemporary warmth.

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In The Spotlight

Tara Van – “Glow”

Based in Toronto, this Canadian singer and songwriter started writing songs at the young age of four. She attended Rosedale Heights School of Performing Arts, studying vocals, drama, dance and musical theatre. Unfortunately, anxiety caused by years of school bullying, abusive relationships and undiagnosed ADHD prevented her from sharing her music with the world. Inspired by David Bowie’s performance brilliance and the folk-rock vibe of Melanie, she debuted with “Kicks” in 2023.

Filled with the vibrancy of the feeling of being your most authentic and unguarded self, her new single is probably the most empowering and freeing song you’ll hear this year. Celebrating bringing out that special glow in yourself, she combines lighthearted pop with 70s-touched folk joyousness. With an upbeat rhythm and bright guitar starting the track off, they’re joined by fresh keys and gleeful horns. And with her cheery vocals, this feel-good tune is brimming with positivity and self-love.

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In The Spotlight

Brett Matthews – “Lucky Ones”

Originally from Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, this Canadian singer and songwriter began writing music at the young age of 13, but it would be much later until he would pursue it as a career. He joined hiphop artist Classified’s touring band in 2019 and played over 40 shows. His song “If I Die Today”, featuring Classified, got to the final top 25 of the American Songwriter Contest. Compared to artists such as Bon Iver, City & Colour and Novo Amor, he released his debut single “All That I Ask” in 2022.

Singing about realizing how precious our loved ones are and the gratitude we should feel for having them in our lives, his new single pays tribute to those who are most important to us. With an exquisite blend of various genre’s – from country and pop to R&B and jazz – this uplifting song starts with a smooth guitar and mild rhythm. The honeyed melody is later joined by a peppy beat and lively retro keys. And with his velvety vocals, this rich tune is a true feel-good anthem.

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