In The Spotlight

Sophia Petro – “Exit Plan”

Growing up in Melbourne surrounded by music, this Australian singer and songwriter caught the bug from her musician dad, who taught her piano and guitar at a young age. Also loving writing and storytelling, she began writing songs aged 11. Since she’s been shortlisted in the International Songwriting Competition and placed 2nd in the Australian Songwriter Association Contest. Inspired by Taylor Swift, Gretty Ray and Maisie Peters, she released her debut single “Memory Of You” in 2023.

Capturing the uncertain feeling when infatuated with someone, which leaves you wondering what to do next, her new single offers a guiding hand in these matters of the heart. Expertly blending rich, infectious pop vibes with country and folk elements, the track starts with a driving beat and slick electric guitar strums. Unpacking a sprightly, singalong chorus, fuelling a cheerful summery feel, it’s her sparkling vocal flair that fuses it all together into this catchy, energetic groove.

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In The Spotlight

The Cheap Thrills – “Calypso Blue”

Hailing from Liverpool, this British indie-pop band consisting of four school friends Lewis Pike, Anton Eager, Terry Eaves and Callum Fitzpatrick was formed in a basement in 2010. They began making themselves known playing festivals such as Kendall Calling and Liverpool Sound City, as well as playing venues like the Cavern Club and opening for DMA’s and Cast. In 2022 they won the Liverpool Band Of The Year Award from Sound Music Group. They debuted with their EP “Oparadise” in 2014.

With emotive lyrics telling the moving tale about losing someone close to you, their new single is an introspective and touching tune. Taken from their EP “Mind Metro”, the song eases you into their emotional world with a mellow guitar and laid-back vocals. Despite the poignant lyrics, the track soon opens with upbeat drums and additional guitars. Joining a sunlit vivacious melody with Lewis Pike’s sentimental story-telling, this seeming contradiction blends together quite naturally.

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In The Spotlight

Eloise Viola – “Delicate”

Raised in Brighton and based in London, this emerging British singer and songwriter has been captivated by music from a young age and is a self-taught pianist. Believing a music career was likely unrealistic, she studied Psychology at University. However, a meeting with Grammy-nominated producer Brandon Friesen changed all that. Now sharing her time between London, L.A. and Nashville and inspired by Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Adele, she released her debut EP “I Am Enough” in 2019.

Written when she was feeling low and was wondering whether the grind of the music industry was still worth it, her new single is a lesson about remembering where you came from and how far you’ve come. Taken from her album “Glasshouse”, expected on May 10th, it’s her feeling rejuvenated that shines through the melody. With a bouncy dance beat and sprightly synths accompanying the empowering lyrics, her electrifying vocals illuminate every note of this infectious gem.

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In The Spotlight

Donny Benét – “So Long”

Born as Ben Waples and based in Sydney, this Australian recording artist was exposed to music from a young age as his dad was an Italian Disco accordionist and taught him to play accordion and electric bass. He started his career playing bass in jazz bands. Since going solo, he’s devised his own take on neon, synth-based 80s music. He plays all instruments, bar the horns, himself. Inspired by Jan Hammer, Prince and Lou Reed, he released his debut album “Don’t Hold Back” in 2011.

Although written as a breakup song, this track is wrapped in dynamically upbeat vibes. Taken from his recently released album “Infinite Desires”, the sparkling melody is infused with retro funkalicious flavours. Starting with a shimmering synth, the tune leads to a scintillating brew of a virulent funky rhythm and glittering keys. Forging an 80s feast, with elements of synth-pop, disco and funk, and his silky smooth vocals, this bouncy groove is an infectious vintage trip.

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In The Spotlight

Katie Pruitt – “All My Friends”

Born in Atlanta and based in Nashville, this award-winning singer and songwriter grew up in a religious family. She took on roles in musical theatre productions and her mom taught her simple hymns on the guitar. Expanding her skills, she started to play Green Day covers and studied John Mayer tunes. In 2017 she won the Buddy Holly Prize from the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. Inspired by artists like Dave Matthews and Brandi Carlile, she debuted with her EP “OurVinyl Live Session” in 2018.

Drawing inspiration from a Christian Wiman poem about getting older, her new single explores the change of the beliefs of friends based on their journey of self-discovery. Taken from her upcoming album “Mantras”, expected on April 5th, this powerful track combines the rich, reflective lyrics with a soft rock vibe. With soaring electric guitars and an imposing beat creating a punchy melodic base, it’s her towering and authentic vocals that encourages kindness and understanding.

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In The Spotlight

Cee Blu – “Quite Like You”

Hailing from South-Auckland, this versatile New Zealand singer and songwriter grew up with a dad who was a lead-singer and guitarist in country-rock bands. With her sister and a few friends they did Smokefree Rockquest and road-tripped around the country entering competitions. She collaborated with drum & bass artists Rei, Donell Lewis and Sly Chaos. Inspired by the likes of Kehlani, Aaliyah and Kiana Ledé, she debuted her own R&B sound on her single “Wave” in 2018.

Written as a love letter to true romantics, her new single highlights an unbreakable bond between two lovers. With an endearing purity and vulnerability in the lyrics, the silky-smooth R&B melody blends together beautifully with her poignant words. Drawing us into a velvety musical world, full of cherished sentiments, it’s the laid-back guitar, drum and bass rhythm and her captivating vocals, filled with a fragile tenderness, that make this alluring tune a delicate R&B gem.

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