Global Artists Spotlight: Veronica Fusaro, Olivia Castriota, Hot Flash Heat Wave And More
Hear new tunes by musicians from across the world
This week's Global Artists Spotlight features musicians (from left) Veronica Fusaro, Olivia Castriota, Hot Flash Heat Wave and more. Photos: Courtesy of the artists
Veronica Fusaro – “Better With You”
Swiss singer-songwriter Veronica Fusaro has released a saccharine ballad titled “Better With You.” The track features warm guitar tones, the musician’s passionate lyrics as well as her quaint voice and harmonies. The artist said in a statement, “It felt truly great to write this song. I love singing it so much. It’s very laid-back, nothing is forced. It’s my first real love song. No roller coaster complications. A beautiful moment. Pure joy, simple as that…”
Hot Flash Heat Wave – “Bay Boys”
The latest single from San Francisco-based indie trio Hot Flash Heat Wave is the pop-tinged dreamy number entitled “Bay Boys.” The airy track features an open groove, lush production, a bouncy bassline as well as plenty of vocal harmonies. In a statement, the band said, “’Bay Boys’ is a biker gang allegory — the story of a wandering character who’s always seeking escape. The voice in the pre-chorus is like his conscience telling him he’s unfulfilled, but he’s idealized this life on the road and just keeps running away. A particularly dark twist in a story I was reading left me in a heavy mood that inspired this song’s sort of ironic and a bit tragic Eighties romance narrative.”
Bara Jonson and Free – “TIRO II”
Swedish singer-songwriter duo Bara Jonson and Free dig into their storytelling instincts with folksy/Americana rock influences intact on their latest single “TIRO II.” Short for “Time Is Running Out,” the pacey rock song brings together singer-guitarist Jonas Tancred and singer-mandolin player Malin Östh as they unfold a story pertinent to youth all over the world.
Face – “I Need You”
Kuwait-origin R&B singer Face aka Faisal Marei first rose to acclaim after being part of the group Army Of One, coming out of the Middle East. With the pop/R&B act members diverging into their own solo careers, Marei too launched his solo career in 2021. Songs like “My World” and “Diamonds” showcase diversity, and he perfects his R&B croon best on “I Need You.”
Hiding In Shadows – “This Time”
Released in January, India/U.K. rock project Hiding In Shadows seemingly channels the likes of U2, Bryan Adams and more on the uplifting yet introspective debut single “This Time.” The artists say in a statement, “It reflects how life can sometimes feel in a crazy modern world and how we must keep pushing forwards. As in life we have to always find our way and persistence is the key to enable us to realize our goals and dreams.”
Harry Katz and the Pistachios – “Oh Yes”
Los Angeles rock act Harry Katz and the Pistachios have a playfulness that comes through right from the get-go on their latest single “Oh Yes.” From the gravelly vocals of Katz and theatrical flourishes to springy guitar work, “Oh Yes” is about “affirmative consent.” The frontman of the 10-member band adds, “It’s a love song in the modern context of encouraging communication through every turn,” Harry says, “It’s the trust that makes the love real.”
Olivia Castriota, KittyGun – “Nightmare”
Singer-songwriter Olivia Castriota brings out her most visceral voice to go over blazing, distorted bass lines provided by producer KittyGun on “Nightmare.” Oscillating between cool and composed in the pre-chorus to waging all-out war in the chorus, Castriota brings out a new side to her. She sums up in a statement, “When it’s time to get even, time for payback; ‘Imma be your worst Nightmare.’”
