Rising Star #64

This edition pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, drawing you into a world where sound becomes storytelling and every note carries emotion. Rising Star 64 isn’t just a performance—it’s an experience that resonates long after the last chord fades.

Envision a stage alive with energy, where emerging artists step into the spotlight, sharing their journeys through melodies that uplift, inspire, and move. From anthems of triumph to soul-stirring ballads, every performance is a testament to passion and raw talent.

At Rising Star 64, music is more than entertainment—it’s a force that unites, sparks creativity, and redefines the future of sound. This is where fresh perspectives meet bold innovation, shaping the voices that will lead the industry forward.

Be part of this unforgettable journey. Witness the rise of tomorrow’s icons and experience the magic of music in its purest form.

Are you ready to feel the music? 🌟🎶

Step into a world where the next generation of stars takes center stage.

Reb Parker – Getting Close

Norwegian R&B/neo-soul duo Reb Parker makes an unforgettable entrance with their debut EP, Getting Close, a project that unpacks the complexity of human intimacy in its most beautiful and unsettling forms. Across three immersive tracks, the duo explores connection in all its shades—tender and intoxicating, yet sometimes confusing and even toxic. It’s a sonic journey wrapped in soulful chords, groovy basslines, and hip-hop-inspired rhythms, effortlessly blurring the line between warmth and unease.

The title track, Getting Close, sets the tone with its layered textures of deep bass and dreamy synths, balancing between lush vulnerability and raw honesty. The duo’s vocal approach shifts fluidly, alternating between soft, melodic delivery and an almost spoken-word style—giving weight to each lyric while keeping the atmosphere intimate.

If There Ever Was leans into a more melancholic groove, carried by steady percussion and harmonies that feel both haunting and hypnotic. There’s an emotional tug-of-war here, reflecting the uncertainty of relationships that teeter between passion and disillusionment. The closing track, The Best Person I Know Wears Your Name, is the EP’s most emotionally charged moment, a deeply personal confession wrapped in rich instrumentation, where the weight of connection is felt in every beat.

Reb Parker has already built buzz with previous releases, including the well-received Multitask, which found a home on Norwegian radio. With Getting Close, they solidify their place in the contemporary R&B and neo-soul landscape, crafting music that doesn’t just sound good—it resonates. This EP isn’t just about relationships; it’s about the way they shape us, for better or worse. And in that vulnerability, Reb Parker finds their strength.

⭐ Standout Track: Getting Close

🔥 For Fans Of: Solange, Frank Ocean, Erykah Badu

Sarah Pearson - "Tainted Heart"

For those who appreciate music that tugs at the heartstrings while maintaining a modern polish, Sarah Pearson’s debut single, "Tainted Heart," is a striking introduction to the Cape Town-based singer-songwriter. Released independently via PULSE MUSIC on March 3rd, 2025, this track is a taste of what’s to come from her forthcoming album, FAUXstalgia—a project that promises to blend past and present influences with a deeply personal touch.

From the first note, "Tainted Heart" establishes an atmosphere of understated elegance. The delicate piano arrangement serves as the backbone of the track, allowing Pearson’s evocative vocal delivery to take center stage. There’s a raw sincerity in her tone—one that conveys both vulnerability and quiet strength. She doesn’t overpower the melody; instead, she lets the emotions seep through, making the song feel intimate yet universally relatable.

Lyrically, "Tainted Heart" delves into themes of love, loss, and emotional turmoil, offering words that feel both personal and universally resonant. Pearson’s writing is reflective yet accessible, painting vivid pictures of heartache without slipping into melodrama. It’s this balance between authenticity and mainstream appeal that makes the track stand out. There’s a nostalgic quality woven into the song’s DNA, a subtle nod to retro influences, yet it never feels trapped in the past—rather, it reinvents classic storytelling for a modern audience.

What makes "Tainted Heart" particularly compelling is its restraint. Instead of relying on grand production flourishes, Pearson allows the simplicity of the arrangement to carry the weight of the song’s emotion. This choice not only enhances the depth of her lyrics but also sets her apart from a crowded field of overproduced ballads. It’s a song that doesn’t need to shout to be heard—it lingers, it stays with you, and it invites you to listen again.

With "Tainted Heart," Sarah Pearson makes a strong and memorable debut. If this single is any indication, FAUXstalgia will be an album worth anticipating—one that bridges the warmth of nostalgia with the freshness of contemporary songwriting. Pearson’s ability to craft a song that feels both deeply personal and widely resonant suggests she’s an artist with staying power. "Tainted Heart" isn’t just a song—it’s a statement, and a beautifully crafted one at that.

Erik Sköld - GOLD COIN BLUNDERBUSS

Stepping into the world of Erik Sköld’s GOLD COIN BLUNDERBUSS feels like opening a door to a sonic landscape where classic and contemporary influences collide in the most seamless way. As the first single from his upcoming debut album HEKATE, this track serves as an electrifying introduction to Sköld’s artistic vision—one that fuses mythology, esoteric philosophy, and raw musicality into a compelling auditory experience.

A solo endeavor in many ways, GOLD COIN BLUNDERBUSS is a testament to Sköld’s meticulous craftsmanship. Handling production and mixing himself, he builds a soundscape that is both intricate and deeply immersive. But while he commands the foundation, the track also benefits from key contributions—Maria del Mar Becerra lends her evocative vocals, while Arvid Divra’s keyboard work adds a layer of warmth and dynamism. The result? A song that feels alive, pulsing with intention and energy.

Sonically, Sköld draws inspiration from the gritty aesthetic of Griselda’s production style, weaving in the storytelling finesse of Kendrick Lamar and the bold creative choices reminiscent of Ye. The beat-driven structure is counterbalanced by the organic textures of analogue instrumentation, with acoustic guitars and electric bass bringing a sense of timelessness to the recording. This blend of digital precision and analogue soul gives the track an almost alchemical quality—exactly in line with the themes of transformation and mysticism that underpin the HEKATE project.

But what truly sets GOLD COIN BLUNDERBUSS apart is its conceptual depth. The lyrics, steeped in esoteric traditions and hermetic philosophy, invite the listener into a narrative of self-discovery and inner evolution. Yet, while deeply tied to the overarching themes of HEKATE, the single stands firmly on its own, offering a compelling preview of what’s to come without feeling incomplete.

Sköld’s approach to recording also adds to the track’s unique character. His studio—a self-built creative space—served as the perfect environment to experiment with unconventional techniques. By integrating lo-fi elements recorded directly through a phone mic alongside high-fidelity studio takes, he achieves a rawness that makes the song feel both intimate and expansive. The result is a track that bridges eras, refusing to be confined to any one genre or time period.

As anticipation builds for the album’s fall 2025 release, Sköld is also preparing a live show that promises to be more than just a concert. He envisions a multi-dimensional experience that intertwines music with other artistic elements to create a fully immersive narrative. If GOLD COIN BLUNDERBUSS is any indication, these performances will be something truly special—more than just a showcase of songs, but a journey into a meticulously crafted world.

With GOLD COIN BLUNDERBUSS, Erik Sköld has set the stage for an album that could redefine the intersection of mythology, philosophy, and modern music production. If this is the first taste of what’s to come, then HEKATE is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing debuts in recent memory. Keep an eye on Sköld—his artistic vision is just getting started.

AutoCrush – "Breathe"

AutoCrush is back, and they’re making sure everyone knows it. The Northern Irish duo of John O’Neill (vocals) and Darren McCallister (guitars) have returned to the studio with a fresh sense of purpose, delivering Into the Light, a 15-track album that signals a new chapter in their musical journey. Among its highlights is the infectious single Breathe—a song that doesn’t just demand attention but lingers long after the final note fades.

From the opening moments of Breathe, it’s clear that AutoCrush has mastered the art of crafting an earworm. The track’s shimmering melodies and magnetic hooks give it an undeniable staying power, the kind that has listeners unconsciously humming the tune days after their first spin. This ability to create memorable, yet nuanced, music is a testament to the duo’s seasoned songwriting skills, honed over years of writing both for themselves and other artists.

Stylistically, Breathe sits comfortably within the alternative and indie rock sphere, yet it avoids sounding derivative. There’s a freshness to AutoCrush’s approach—perhaps a result of their time away from the studio—blending sharp, contemporary production with a classic sensibility that recalls the golden era of anthemic rock. Recorded at Studio 2 in Portadown, the track carries a polished yet organic energy, striking the perfect balance between modern production values and raw musicality.

What makes Breathe truly stand out is its ability to feel both familiar and entirely new at the same time. The track’s soaring chorus and evocative instrumentation bring a sense of nostalgia, while its crisp execution cements it firmly in today’s sonic landscape. It’s the kind of song that feels destined for repeat plays, whether on radio waves, streaming playlists, or live stages where its anthemic qualities will no doubt shine.

For AutoCrush, Breathe isn’t just another single—it’s a statement. It’s a reintroduction, a reaffirmation of their musical identity, and a bold step forward. With Into the Light set to make waves upon release, Breathe serves as the perfect preview of what’s to come. It’s catchy, it’s compelling, and above all, it’s AutoCrush at their best.

Fake Plastic – Awake in the Night

An album that pulses with raw emotion, unfiltered energy, and a fearless spirit of experimentation.

In an era where overproduction often dulls the edges of rock, Fake Plastic comes roaring through the static with Awake in the Night—a record that’s equal parts visceral and poetic, blending raw intensity with anthemic ambition. It’s an album that doesn’t just demand to be heard but felt, channeling the restless energy of garage punk while embracing the soaring choruses of classic rock’s golden age.

From the opening chords, Awake in the Night sets its own terms, unafraid to fuse jagged experimentation with indie authenticity. The band navigates a fine line between unpolished grit and stadium-sized melodies, crafting a sound that feels both urgent and timeless. There’s a magnetic push-and-pull at play—one moment, a track explodes with the reckless abandon of a dive-bar anthem; the next, it swells into something almost cinematic, as if echoing through the rafters of an arena.

But what truly sets Fake Plastic apart is their lyrical depth. This isn’t just rock for the sake of rebellion—it’s introspective, poetic, and deeply in tune with the contemporary condition. Each song is performed straight from the heart, capturing the anxieties, hopes, and raw emotions of modern life. Their words don’t just sit on top of the music; they cut through it, adding layers of meaning to the sonic chaos beneath.

In a world that often feels oversaturated with trend-chasing sounds, Awake in the Night is refreshingly authentic. It’s rock music in its purest, most passionate form—driven by instinct, stripped of pretense, and crafted with an unwavering dedication to artistic expression. Fake Plastic isn’t just a band to watch—they’re a band to believe in.

THOMASG – Dawn Star/Hollow Light Drifter

THOMASG’s latest single, Dawn Star/Hollow Light Drifter, isn’t here to demand attention. It won’t fight for a place in algorithmic playlists or chase trends. Instead, it exists in its own quiet space—a meditative, deeply personal creation from an artist who makes music purely for the love of it.

Hailing from Burton on Trent, England, THOMASG operates entirely on his own terms. There’s no flashy production team, no elaborate studio setup. Just a laptop, a pair of headphones, and an artist intent on capturing a feeling. That sense of intimacy permeates every note of Dawn Star/Hollow Light Drifter, drawing the listener into a soundscape that feels less like a performance and more like a solitary night under the stars—distant yet deeply connected to something larger.

The dual-track release leans into atmospheric electronic music, crafting an experience that prioritizes mood over movement. Dawn Star floats in with an airy, almost weightless quality, like an early morning haze stretching over a vast horizon. There’s no urgency, no need for resolution—just a patient unfolding of sound, allowing space for reflection. Hollow Light Drifter takes a slightly darker, more introspective turn. Echoes of distant melodies ripple through the mix, layered over subtle textures that feel both melancholic and comforting, like the quiet realization that even the most fleeting moments hold meaning.

For an artist as self-effacing as THOMASG, this release isn’t about recognition. “This release doesn’t stand out and will most likely get lost into the abyss,” he admits. But therein lies its charm. There’s an honesty in his approach, an unwillingness to force significance where there isn’t any. Instead, he creates simply because he must—because music is a form of expression that needs no justification beyond itself.

In an industry oversaturated with noise, Dawn Star/Hollow Light Drifter is a quiet anomaly. It won’t shout to be heard, but for those who stumble upon it, THOMASG’s latest work offers something rare: a space to simply exist, to listen without expectation, and to drift into whatever atmosphere he’s carefully woven together.

UPHORIA – "Don’t Wanna Catch Your Disease"A Rock Revival with an Unapologetic Edge

UPHORIA makes a fearless entrance into the rock scene with her debut single, Don’t Wanna Catch Your Disease, a track that merges raw emotion, infectious energy, and a gripping narrative. Hailing from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, the rising artist channels the essence of classic rock while injecting a modern pop-punk flair, proving that rock’s resurgence is in full swing.

From the very first note, Don’t Wanna Catch Your Disease grips listeners with its dynamic instrumentation, striking a delicate balance between anthemic power and emotional vulnerability. UPHORIA’s commanding vocals soar over gritty guitar riffs and punchy percussion, delivering a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly innovative. Her unapologetic lyrics paint a vivid picture of self-liberation, tackling the aftermath of an abusive relationship with bold, unfiltered honesty. The song's title serves as a metaphor for breaking free from toxicity, refusing to let someone else’s destructive traits define or consume her.

What sets UPHORIA apart is her ability to fuse elements of pop rock and pop punk without diluting the essence of rock’s raw edge. The song’s infectious hooks and high-energy delivery create a sense of catharsis, making it not just a personal anthem but a rallying cry for anyone reclaiming their power. It’s clear that her passion for storytelling fuels her songwriting, offering a deeply personal yet universally relatable experience.

Beyond her music, UPHORIA embodies a vision of transformation and empowerment. She embraces the duality of light and dark emotions, channeling them into music that uplifts and inspires. With Don’t Wanna Catch Your Disease, she cements herself as an artist unafraid to push boundaries, redefine expectations, and breathe new life into rock music.

As rock continues its much-needed revival, UPHORIA emerges as a force to be reckoned with. Her debut single is more than just a song—it’s a statement. And if Don’t Wanna Catch Your Disease is any indication of what’s to come, the future of rock is in powerful hands.