In The Spotlight

Jessica Doolan – “Love Always Knocks Me Out”

Hailing from Dublin, this emerging Irish singer and songwriter was born into a very musical family. Her brother plays piano, her mother is a singer and her dad a multi-instrumentalist. She wrote her first song in Irish aged 10, called “Mise Sa Todhchai” and grew up listening to the soul of Nina Simone, Etta James and Amy Winehouse. In 2022 she won International Rookie Award at the Swedish DennizPop Awards. Inspired by Adele and Alicia Keys, she debuted with “Stay Or Surrender” in 2023.

Telling a tale about being perpetually heartbroken, because she keeps falling for the wrong guys, her new single captures how a guy starts off as Prince Charming, before reality kicks in. Lyrically having a high relatability factor, she envelops her words in an imposing, vintage R&B/soul shroud. Starting with a crisp piano and a gentle bass, the song evolves with a commanding rhythm and striking strings. And with her mighty, attitude-filled vocals, this is an anthemic, soul-stirring jam.

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In The Spotlight

ISHAN – “Make Up Moves”

Born in France and based in Melbourne, this Australian singer and songwriter credits his musicality to be having a multi-cultural heritage, of Indian, Swiss and Spanish roots. He first picked up a guitar aged 7, but it was after spinal fusion surgery that he found a passion for songwriting. Although mostly found busking at Bourke Street Mall, he’s also played at the renowned Workers Club. Drawing comparisons to artists like Ed Sheeran and Noah Kahan, he debuted with “Go” in 2022.

Singing about people who are discovering each other and their feelings in a new relationship, his new single captures the carefree feeling of new and exciting love. A delicious blend of sonic flavours, it’s his spirited guitar strums, funky beat and infectious keys that add a level of pure joy to the sunlit melody. And with the lighthearted warmth of his vocal tone, fusing all elements together to reflect a blossoming romance, this rosy tune takes the listener past every tender moment.

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In The Spotlight

Corzine – “A You Problem”

Born as Hayley Lewis and hailing from Minneapolis, this singer and songwriter started writing songs on ukulele and piano at the age of 15. Although having graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Colorado State University, she decided to pursue a career in music. She began playing farmer’s markets and Open Streets, but soon played venues like Acadia and Hook & Ladder. Inspired by Sara Bareilles, Betty Who and Ingrid Michaelson, she debuted with “And There It Is” in 2019.

Singing about the complications a relationship can bring where one person is more emotionally immersed than the other, her new single highlights the desire to resolve the issues and finding the strength to do so. She’s created a fun, multi-layered soundscape to accompany her lyrics. Starting with a soft synth chord and cheeky fingersnaps, soon the track burst to life with a chorus brimming with lively pop sparkles. And with her crystalline vocals, this is a cheery tune full of sonic quirks.

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In The Spotlight

Allie Dunn – “Subway Surfing”

Born and raised in New York City, this singer and songwriter grew up listening to a potpourri of different musical styles, from Frank Sinatra to The Sugarhill Gang. Although her love for music was clear from a young age, she decided to study to become a sports medicine doctor. After graduating she moved to Nashville trying to define her sound. Now she’s back in New York with a retro-soul/pop sound. Inspired by Lake Street Dive and Allen Stone, she debuted with “Tom Petty” in 2021.

Sharing the relatable situation in which you see the world throwing obstacles on your path, while you’re just trying to live your life the best way possible, her new single encapsulates the feeling of letting go and enjoying what you can. Clearly having found her niche in the retro-soul/pop sound, it’s the funky bass line, invigorating wah-wah guitars and peppy percussion that give this jubilant groove a highly danceable vibe, while her spirited vocals inject a sense of joyous spontaneity.

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In The Spotlight

MANJA – “My Oh My”

Rooted in the paradisal vibrancy of Bali, this pop-rock trio is a blend of both Indonesian and Caucasian heritages. Comprising of vocalist James Sukadana, guitarist Nick Pratama and keyboardist Mark Saputra, they created an unique fusion of Eastern and Western influences. They’ve performed at festivals such as Soundrenaline and Tokopedia MAKERFEST, as well as opening for UK band PREP and Indonesian band Elephant Kind. They released their debut single “Rise” in 2020.

Written from a feeling of disillusion, their new single reminds us to take a moment and reflect on what is truly important in life. They recognise that society’s craving for cheap thrills, fame and wealth has overtaken values like kindness and community. They capture their reflective lyrics in an sunlit sonic buoyancy from the joyous guitars, bustling drums and perky keys. Blending radiant pop with a touch of Indonesian aubade and a hint of retro vibes, this is a catchy groove.

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In The Spotlight

Summer Bennett – “Just A Phase”

Hailing from Paradise, Newfoundland, this award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter has been singing and playing music her whole life. Having written her first song aged 6, she’s also proficient on guitar, ukulele and piano. In 2021 she won MusicNL’s Newfound Talent Contest and the 2022 Arts And Letters Award. She was also selected as one of just 15 female artists to perform at HoneyJam 2022. Often compared to Lorde and Kate Bush, she released her debut single “Carsick” in 2021.

Offering a teenage perspective of the toxicity and negativity of social media and the internet as a whole, her new single dares to hold up a mirror to her contemporaries. Taken from her recently released EP “One Thousand Fahrenheit”, the track starts with playful piano chords and develops into an infectious, high-octane pop tune. With a bracing beat, electronic runs and unexpected violins, it’s her formidable vocal range that makes this enthralling groove sound infectious and unique.

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