In The Spotlight

Bailey Perrie – “No Main Character”

Hailing from Perth, this rising Australian singer and songwriter started performing in her school choir and wrote her first song aged 11. She’s won multiple awards such as ‘International Rising Star’ from the International Singer Songwriter Association and ‘Youth Songwriter Of The Year 2024’ from the Australian Songwriters Asscociation, as well as gaining 1.6 million streams on Spotify. Inspired by Avril Lavigne, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift, she released her debut single “Surely” in 2020.

With deep meaning lyrics reminding us that just because we’re in the background of someone else’s life, it doesn’t mean we have to be a background character in our own, her new single was written as if it was a movie scene. Melodically the song follows her journey from vulnerability to gaining self-confidence. Starting with a mellow piano, the song unfolds into a bouncy, retro-touched pop vibrancy. And with her bright vocals, this fun-filled bop is filled with empowering vibes.

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In The Spotlight

Absnt Mind – “Special”

Reinventing the boyband for the modern era, this British five-piece group hails from all over the UK and comprises of Alex, Ashton, Conor, Freddie and Oscar. Creating an honest lyricism, they open up about mental health and emotional vulnerability and blend it with pop vibes. They got their start uploading covers to YouTube and racked up nearly a million views in just six months. Inspired by Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Gracie Abrams, they released their debut “No Strings” in 2024.

Exploring themes of self-discovery and the fleeting moments that make life extraordinary, their new single is an uplifting and relatable pop bop. With a slick, high-energy melody, from the heartbeat drum and bass plucks to the hook-laden chorus, this infectious song celebrates the best of the classic boybands, generously doused in a contemporary layer. And with a synth sparkle, fresh guitars and their charismatic harmonies, this sonic earworm is an outstanding groove.

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In The Spotlight

Riley Michaels – “Story Of My Life”

Originally from a little town called Beamsville, this Canadian singer and songwriter discovered his love for playing music aged 7 after the gift of Guitar Hero. He entered a singing competition and won. Honing his skills from then on, he began taking guitar lessons. Since then he’s been performing in venues like Olee’s Ale House and the Winona Peach Festival and won the Niagara Music Awards twice. Inspired by Prince, John Mayer and James Bay, he released his debut “Now I Know” in 2020.

Telling the honest story about a period in his life in which his creative juices weren’t flowing, his new single explores feeling lost and not knowing how to reignite his inspiration. Shelving the high-energy anthems he’s known for, this song takes on a stripped-down acoustic feel to match the emotional lyrics. With a mellow percussion, soft piano play and laid-back guitars creating an enchantingly soothing soundscape, it’s his heartfelt vocals that give this tune a calming vibe.

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In The Spotlight

Lucy Korts – “Stronger”

Hailing from Brisbane, this award-winning Australian singer and songwriter always loved music, but never thought of a musical career. A spontaneous decision to go from singing in the shower to an open mic night changed all that. Since then she’s performed at festivals like the Queensland Flower Festival and won the QUBE Effect Award for ‘Best Original Song’ and ‘Best Performance’. Inspired by artists like Gabrielle Aplin and Maggie Rogers, she released her debut “Cold Hands” in 2018.

Written to provide strength to those who need it and are fighting a silent battle, her new single is an empowering pop anthem. Driven by a pulsating beat, the invigorating melody guides us to a fierce chorus, that fills us with a vivid energy to keep going while dealing with our struggles. Completed with some melancholic piano chords throughout, the song adds a sentimentality to the fiery tune. And with her soaring vocal power, this uplifting groove is an impressive ode to survival.

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In The Spotlight

Noa Lauryn – “Please Don’t Make Me Choose”

Hailing from Amsterdam, this Dutch singer and songwriter was born into a family of musicians. She studied philosophy, but after graduation decided to follow a career in music. Since then she’s performed at various Dutch festivals, such as Grachtenfestival and venues like Red Light Jazz, got picked up by national radio stations and released a single with saxophone legend Candy Dulfer. Inspired by artists like Jazmin Sullivan, Anderson .Paak and Mahalia, she debuted with “Care” in 2020.

Singing about the precarious balance women still struggle with striking between family and career, her new single champions female empowerment in a short-sighted society. Forging her own Neo-Soul blend of R&B and hip-hop, she created an enchantingly hypnotic melody. Merging acoustic and electronic elements with a 90s-touched hip-hop beat and jazzy keys, it’s her mesmerizing R&B vocals that give this beguiling smooth groove some Lauryn Hill-laced sonic flavours.

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In The Spotlight

Newbridge – “Howler”

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this Canadian rock band has created a vibrant blend of Americana and 70s rock. Comprised of Keith Maddison on lead vocals and guitar, Warren Robert on guitar, Glen Nicholson on drums and Jeff Mosher on bass, they travelled to Nashville to hone their roots-rock sound and record their album in the renowned Creative Workshop Studios. Inspired by legendary artists like The Band, Tom Petty and John Hiatt, they released their debut “San Somewhere” in 2024.

Following the metaphor of a lone wolf tearing through emotional landscapes, their new single tackles the sensitive subject of reckless behaviour in relationships. Taken from their upcoming debut album “Past Lives”, expected later in the year, they infuse the song with a 70s-laced rock vivacity. With invigorating drums, howling electric guitars and retro organ chords, they celebrate the classic rock sound of the era. And with captivating vocals, this groove is filled with sonic gusto.

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