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Tampa Bay Musician Emerges as a Pop Contender with “His Platonic Love” and America’s Next Top Hitmaker Nod

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With heartfelt lyrics, an ear for melody, and a uniquely cinematic sound, Luciano Mendonca is quietly becoming one of the most intriguing voices in indie pop. The Florida-based artist just dropped a shimmering new single titled My Platonic Love — a soaring blend of nostalgic textures, live instrumentation, and raw emotional storytelling — a heartfelt song that feels both personal and universally relatable.

But there’s more to Luciano’s momentum than a great song.

He’s been officially selected to compete in America’s Next Top Hitmaker, a national competition spotlighting rising talent, powered by Colossal in partnership with Rolling Stone, Global Citizen, SoundCloud, and Fender. Voting kicked off Monday, May 27, and fans can rally behind him by casting their vote and sharing support across social media.

Luciano’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. His 2024 debut album Sign in the Stars (Alternative) received praise from niche outlets like Obscure Sound, Music Crowns, Backseat Mafia, and Return of Rock, but its reach was limited by a modest marketing budget. Still, the album’s emotional depth and genre-blending experimentation laid a strong foundation for what’s become a steady evolution. His recent singles — including the mysterious Rollo of Normandy (EDM/Progressive House), the uplifting Never Ever Give Up (Pop), and the catchy House of Hope (Pop, with a subtle touch of country) — show an artist unafraid to explore, refine, and expand.

My Platonic Love might be his most accessible and radio-ready work to date — but don’t mistake it for safe. It’s a song about longing, connection, and the kind of love that transcends romantic labels — wrapped in infectious hooks and sun-soaked production.

Luciano is also preparing to bring his studio creativity to the stage. In upcoming shows, he hints at incorporating a special electronic segment, setting aside the band momentarily while he builds layered soundscapes live using a looper and multiple instruments — accompanied by a DJ. “Think Justice, but with a multi-instrumentalist’s touch,” he says.

With My Platonic Love now streaming on all major platforms, a national spotlight via Next Top Hitmaker, and a growing fanbase rooting for him, Mendonca is poised for a breakout moment. And whether he wins the competition or not, this chapter feels like the beginning of something much bigger.

If you’d like to support him — and perhaps see him live on the Global Citizen Festival 2025 stage on September 27 at Central Park’s Great Lawn in New York City — you can cast your vote here: https://tophitmaker.org/2025/luciano-mendonca

Luciano is definitely an artist to watch. Whether you’re into pop, alternative rock, or electronic music, his versatility may surprise you. Even across multiple genres, his work maintains a strong and unmistakable identity. You can listen to My Platonic Love on all major music platforms — and if you love discovering new music, his catalog is worth diving into. You might just end up adding more than one track to your favorite playlists.

🎶 Stream My Platonic Love now: https://hypeddit.com/yondwk

Want to explore more of Luciano’s music?
Here are direct links to his artist profiles on four major platforms: