First Listen Fridays – New Music to Know – 14th November 2025
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Get ready for another round of fresh Friday picks from IndustryMe Editors and music-obsessives Tom and Kloe. This week, we have some new heat from Charli xcx, Jae Stephens, and Elmiene for your listening pleasure. Whether you’re in the mood for some R&B, rap, pop, or some feel-good indie, these are the ten tunes that you simply cannot miss. Let’s dive right in.
Tom’s Picks
Charli xcx – Chains of Love
With the ‘BRAT‘ era drawing to a close, we now have a new project from Charli to soundtrack the latest adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights‘. The production, courtesy of Finn Keane and Justin Raisen, is very dramatic, as are the lyrics. It actually reminds me of some of her material from ‘Pop 2‘, as she documents her love for this person. This, alongside ‘House‘ with John Cale, is the first taste of what is to come, and I am intrigued to hear more.
Robyn – Dopamine
After three years, the pop icon that is Robyn is back with new solo material. Produced alongside Klas Ahlund, this track’s electronic instrumental with its consistent drum pattern gets stuck in your head. On the performance front, the Swedish singer brings the energy and charisma needed for an addictive banger. That repetition of ‘dope’ will not leave your head today, and you will be returning to this track again and again.
Buy the track here.
Elmiene FT. Ghostface Killah – Miss Hot July
Having dropped an EP of new tracks that didn’t make ‘Heat The Streets‘, Elmiene teams up with the legendary Ghostface Killah. He flows so nicely over this soulful piano production, sounding just as smooth as he’s always done. The topic of this desirable woman is met well by both, with this feature, a great addition to the lead’s velvety and angelic vocals. A great remix for this already great track, a lovely crossover.
Buy the track here.
Jacklyn – Speechless
If you need a new pop star in your life, then give Jacklyn a listen. Immediately, the dance-pop sound grabs your attention, as does this singer’s confidence and catchy delivery. This is all about not knowing what to say when you have someone on your mind, which this artist sells to a tee. This is an artist who knows how to make music that will have you stand at attention.
Ceebo – the gospel (as according to tony blair)
One of the most anticipated projects to drop from a U.K. up-and-comer, ‘blair babies‘ from Ceebo is here. The gospel choir kicks things off before sirens and a soulful rap instrumental ease you in. But what makes this song is the storytelling that flows nicely and keeps you listening. This song has so many things going on, from the pitch-shifted, autotuned chorus to the tales of the struggle, but all fit together like glue. I can’t wait to delve into the rest of the project.
Kloe’s Picks
Lola Brooke – Pain
If you’ve got a Mary J Blige sample, you’ve got my attention. A life-affirming R&B classic gets a modern twist by one of the most exciting new rappers, Lola Brooke. Looking very Mary J Blige inspired on the cover of her new album ‘iight bet!’, the MC cuts to the chase with a scornful break-up track that feels so good. Sharp delivery, boastful bars, and a ‘try me’ attitude, Brooke is here to snatch the NY rap crown.
Buy the track here.
Gabriel Jacoby FT. Tom. G – bootleg
I’m so excited about Gabriel Jacoby, who lends his Southern swag with some really funky, exceptionally produced R&B that makes you screw your face up (in the best way). It’s impossible to not want to move to his newest track, and I expect this song to really take off for the self-taught musician. He’s bringing the groove back in this instant mood lifter off of his new album, ‘gutta child‘. It truly deserves a spot on your playlist.
Buy the track here.
Anna of the North – No One Knows You Better
If you want a good cry this weekend, this is your jam. Whilst that might not be the best sell, let me assure you that this track is like a long walk where you take time to think. Every lyric is wrapped in an innocence, as Anna looks back on times with her love and yearns to rekindle a closeness they once shared. This is the title track from her new EP which dropped today, which will speak to pop fans who need something a bit more melancholic in their rotation.
Buy the EP here.
Jae Stephens – Freakie
I cannot think of another artist more primed and prepared to be a poster than Jae Stephens. She has the look, the energy, and the musical sensibilities to make chart-topping, ultra-catchy R&B. ‘Freakie’ is a teasing track that reminds me of a Tinashe or Victoria Monét, of whom she is often compared. Her debut album, ‘TOTAL SELLOUT’, is for high heels, full glam, and club nights. I’m sold.
Buy the track here.
Nina Nesbitt – Scotland In The Snow
“I’ve seen the lights at the Rockerfeller glow / But nothing compares, nothing comes close to Scotland in the snow.”. Sigh. Nina Nesbitt has my heart with a love letter to her home country that is warm and homely in time for the festive season. Whilst I am completely biased being Scottish myself, I think this record will resonate with anyone who loves snowy hills, thick scarves, serene landscapes, and that inescapable divine feeling that comes from living in the north.
Follow IndustryMe on Instagram, Threads, X, or YouTube. Press play on our First Listen Fridays playlist below to enjoy all our top picks. Read last week’s picks here. Don’t forget to follow the playlist on Spotify below or Apple Music.
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