First Listen Fridays 10/4/26 – The Strokes, Wesley Joseph, and More New Music
Welcome back to First Listen Fridays! Editor Kloe is flying solo this week, picking out ten tracks that she thinks are worth your time. From R&B greatness like Kehlani, some country with Ella Langley, and UK rap with Rico Ace and EsDeeKid, we have plenty that you’ll enjoy. Let’s get right into it.
Wesley Joseph and Jorja Smith – July
This multifaceted Brit has landed with a serious bang. Today, Walsall singer/rapper/producer Wesley Joseph finally drops his debut album, ‘Forever Ends Someday‘. No two songs sound alike with this artist, in the best possible way. My personal favourite off the record on first listen is his collab with Jorja Smith, which is an intimate and emotional ode to growing up and grief.
Buy the album here.
JAE5 FT. Skepta, Lojay, and Skillibeng – MINK SB
If you need a bit of energy to get you out of bed this weekend, I have got you covered with this song. Expect a groove-led fusion of pulsating electronic production from the East London production master JAE5. Adding to his stream of international hits, he brings three top artists on board that bring a London edge, warm Afropop, and dancehall bounce together.
Buy the track here.
Royel Otis – Sweet Hallelujah
Indie pop fans can rejoice with a new drop from Royel Otis. The Australian duo are building on the momentum of a breakthrough 2025 with a romantic song that’s effortlessly cool. Royel Otis has made a song about paranoia in relationships sound fly, and makes every guitarist want to instantly play along.
Soul Mass Transit System – Talking Nonsense
If you haven’t already checked out our Purple List 2026, you should. Particularly because one of our top picks, Soul Mass Transit System, is already proving why they’re worth your listening time. One of the top producers in UKG right now, they know how to make a banger and have done it again. ‘Talking Nonsense‘ perfectly illustrates their creative mastery.
Buy the track here.
Rico Ace FT. EsDeeKid – Dope Boyz
After going viral for their track ‘Phantom‘ last year, this duo is back at it once again. The undeniable chemistry has been reignited for Rico Ace’s new project. From the moment you press play, it immediately sets the tone with a cold, gritty beat. It’s rough, rude and rebellious, with a hook that keeps you hyped.
Buy the track here.
Kehlani FT. Missy Elliott – Back and Forth
I see Missy Elliott, I hit play – it really is that simple. Whilst I was always going to listen to Kehlani’s upcoming self-titled project from front to back, this newest teaser single has me absolutely hooked. ‘Folded‘ is one of the best R&B tracks in the last few years, in my opinion, and the singer is not slowing down. She’s continuing that early 2000s energy with an infectious empowerment anthem that makes me feel like the MTV days.
Buy the track here.
Jack Savoretti FT. KT Tunstall – Tempting Fate
As a fan of KT Tunstall (and a proud fellow Scot), I’m delighted to see her pair up with acoustic musician Jack Savoretti. This song is a masterclass in songwriting and is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates raw vocals at their very best. “When I’m with you / I feel like I’m tempting fate.“, they croon. This takes romantic songs to a new level.
Buy the album here.
The Strokes – Going Shopping
The Strokes are one of those bands that rarely misstep, and they have once again proved their mastery on their new single, ‘Going Shopping‘. The NYC band are prepping for a comeback that they hope will top 2020’s ‘The New Abnormal‘. This is going to be some feat. However, this new single is a warm indie jam that gives me some hope. Its lyrical content is political and anti-capitalist, resulting in a very interesting listen.
Buy the track here.
Ella Langley – Bottom Of Your Boots
I’ve been in my country bag heavy lately, and Ella Langley is one of the biggest stars to know. ‘Choosin Texas‘, a previous single, has gone viral and become a big crossover hit that defies genres. Her new album ‘Dandelion‘ has dropped today, which is a confident, polished snapshot of her life right now. ‘Bottom Of Your Boots‘ is a standout track and is rightfully getting a lot of love from industry tastemakers.
Buy the track here.
Mae Muller – Tell You That
Mae Muller has stepped into her new era with ‘Tell You That‘. A very catchy, summer-ready anthem, she has put herself back on the map with a radio-ready single. It’s not easy to reinvent yourself after performing at Eurovision and parting ways with your former label, but she is doing it well. It’s a nice shot of pop to set your weekend up the right way.
Follow IndustryMe on Instagram, Threads, X, or YouTube. Press play on our First Listen Fridays playlist below to enjoy all our top picks. Don’t forget to follow the playlist on Spotify below or on Apple Music.
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