In The Spotlight

Julia Logan – “Top Of The World”

Hailing from Dalarö, an island outside of Stockholm, this Swedish singer and songwriter got her start singing in a church choir. She began learning to play guitar aged 13 and, thanks to an American mom, she’s spent some of her teenage years in California. Since she’s played renowned Stockholm venue Nalen, performed with First Aid Kit in the studio and duetted with Nina Persson. Inspired by Patti Smith, Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Springsteen, she released her debut “To Be True” in 2020.

Covering various subjects, from personal growth to dealing with life’s ups and downs, without feeling the lyrics to be overloaded, her new single wraps her relatable words in a sweet, 70s-inspired melody. Taken from her upcoming album “Faraway and Nearby”, expected later this year, it’s the beauteous piano, alluring acoustic guitar and laidback rhythm that create a luscious soundscape and the sincerity of her tender vocals that give this dreamy folk-pop tune an intimate warmth.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Tommy Newport – “All My Time”

Born as Oliver Milmine in Manchester, UK and now based in Kansas, USA, this rising singer and songwriter picked up a guitar and taught himself how to produce music on his computer. Over the years he’s created an unique sound blending 90s Britpop, blues and soft rock and has toured extensively in North America and Europe, as well as collaborated with Grammy nominees EARTHGANG Inspired by MGMT, The Killers and Phoenix, he released his debut “Violet Days” in 2018.

Showing his impressive musical versatility, his new single brews a sonic tonic of various, ear-stroking ingredients. Layering a sundry of delicious auditory flavours, the song incorporates a taste of late 60s pop-rock and a dash of classic soul as well as a drop of Britpop. Starting with retro keys and a rolling rhythm, they’re late joined by a mellow guitar. And with his soulful, falsetto vocals binding all elements into a tasty melange, this delectable groove is pure auditive nectar.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Tora Daa – “Sugar”

This Norwegian pop-rock band is formed around front-woman and world renowned guitarist Tora Dahle Aagård. Initially she didn’t want to become a guitar player, but watching “School Of Rock” changed all that. Since then she’s performed with legends like Joe Bonamassa and Carlos Santana, played at London’s Royal Albert Hall and got nominated for a Norwegian Grammy Award. Inspired by Michael Jackson, John Mayer and Rage Against The Machine, she debuted with “Never Let Go” in 2015.

Showing off her incredible talent of making a genre blend her own, the band’s latest single is an ingenious fusion of both modern and retro touches of blues, rock, funk and soul. With a dark blues guitar and a Prince-like swagger, the song progresses to a wild electric guitar solo. And with the addition of a funky section, soul lyrics borrowed from The Four Tops and her imposing vocals, this timeless tune is a mesmerizing amalgamation that shines bright like the sonic diamond it truly is.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

The Palms – “Jesse Jane”

Born and raised in Los Angeles, West-Coast duo Ben Rothbard and Johnny Zambetti both grew up in music loving families. Ben was made to take piano lessons, where as Johnny’s parents were both musicians. They met in 2009 as extra’s for a TV commercial. A year later they co-founded the band Terraplane Sun. In 2015 they changed sounds and started this new venture. Inspired by wide-ranging genres from The Beatles to Kanye West, they debuted with their self-titled EP in 2015.

Spinning a tale of perseverance and the often life-changing discovery of self-belief and self-worth, their latest single blends fiction with a touch of their own reality. Taken from their recently released album “Wonderland”, they’re telling her empowering story on a foundation of an easygoing melody, blending sunlit West-Coast vibes with a taste of 60s slow rock. And with a mellow beat, reverbing electric guitars and retro-touched vocals, this titilating tune is a mesmerizing sonic saga.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Ivery – “On Fire”

Born as Verena Koppendorfer and hailing from Steinakirchen, this Austrian singer and songwriter has been taking singing lessons since the tender age of 5. Also a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, she plays piano, flute and guitar. She began her career in different bands, like the cover band Carlos she’s been playing with since 2015 and attended an International Songwriting Camp in Estonia. Inspired by Feist, Fleetwood Mac and Phoebe Bridgers, she released her debut “Lost Dreams” in 2021.

Teaching how to let go of not just toxic relationships, but toxic situations as a whole, her new single is all about improving yourself and your life. Lighting a sonic flame under her fiery lyrics, the track is instantly gripping with an imposing beat. Fusing several elements, from an 80s-inspired synth sparkle to an electric rock guitar, this is an infectious, retro-dipped banger. And with her commanding vocals and playful harmonies, this brisk tune is a multi-layered pop-rock groove.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

Tori Cross – “Deepest Fear”

Hailing from Birmingham, this British singer and songwriter attended a performing arts academy in her hometown, before making a move to Liverpool to study music at university. She’s established herself on the music scene as a backing singer and songwriter for various artists. Also a LIMF Academy alumna, she’s performed at the LIMF Festival, as well as Sofar Sounds. Inspired by strong voices like Corrinne Bailey Rae, Amy Winehouse and Lianne La Havas, she debuted with “Looking Up” in 2018.

Chronicling the complex ups and downs and emotional turmoil relating to toxic relationships, her new single weaves a delicate sonic tapestry of smooth R&B and silken soul. Starting the song with a mild, minimal beat and her enchanting voice, it soon picks up tempo with lively drums, striking guitars and luminous piano chords. Accompanied by luscious backing harmonies, it’s her ravishing dreamy vocal tone effortlessly gliding over the tune that makes this an ear-catching pearl.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes