First Listen Fridays (18/2/25) – Yebba, kwn, and More New Music

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Welcome back to another edition of First Listen Fridays! New music moves fast — and we’re here to keep you ahead of it. Editors Tom and Kloe return with a selection of standout drops from big names and rising stars, setting the tone for your weekend. This week, Tom vouches for Leigh Anne’s new record, whilst Kloe wants to put you onto Nicole Blakk and spill tab. Let’s jump right in.

Tom’s Picks

Lana Del Rey – White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter

With her 10th studio album on the way, Lana Del Rey has given fans their first taste of the new record since last year. It has a very eerie sound, with her delivery very whispery and slightly unnerving, despite being an ode to her new husband. There is a lot of whimsy and somewhat kookiness to this track, which feels like a breath of fresh air for this artist. It almost feels like something Ennio Morricone would produce, giving it a film-score aesthetic. We’ll have to see if it appears in any pictures, but this artist still knows how to make atmospheric music.

Buy the track here.

kwn – hopeless romantic

This Purple List 2025 alum is back and starting off the year with a showing of love. The production has a bit of a grunge edge, but still has that autotuned ballad-like delivery, as she states her feelings for this person. In particular, the background harmonies are used very nicely behind the primary vocals on the chorus. This rockier edge certainly gives that track a bit of grit, most notably when she hits the higher notes, showcasing this artist’s ability to meet the moment, whatever the sound.

Buy the track here.

Essosa – Touch bby

This artist brings funky production and smooth singing for a top-tier love jam. Those wavey synths sound so nice alongside her crisp vocals that really bring the personality needed for a song of this nature. Essosa is no stranger to doing this, but it feels so effortlessly done here in creating atmosphere and having you glued to your seat for the just over 2-minute runtime.

Genesis Owusu – STAMPEDE

This has always been a creative and intriguing artist, whatever they drop, and with album no. 3 on the way, that remains the case. The energetic drums match the grit in his performance, which is exactly what you need for an alt-rock anthem. Whether the emotive side of the second verse or the more melodic showing on the chorus, Genesis Owusu knows how to use his pipes in the right way. The guitar solo towards the end is a nice touch, concluding a track that is going to hit during festival season.

Leigh-Anne – Goodbye Goodmorning

The debut album from Leigh-Anne has finally landed, with this just one slice of new material from ‘My Ego Told Me To‘. The booming bass and electric guitars alongside the warbly synths is definetly not something I was expecting, but I ain’t complaining either. The more raw delivery and the instrumental matches this tale of toxic, passionate romance. An artist who has shown many different sides to them, the former Little Mix star certainly has stood out from her former peers.

Buy the album here.

Kloe’s Picks

Chloe Qisha – YDH

The magnetic Chloe Qisha has returned with her first drop of 2026, making her mark as a frontrunner in the pop genre. After the success of her ‘Modern Romance’ EP, she delivers something in a similar vein, building a distinct style for herself. ‘YDH‘ is an injection of bold, memorable, and glossy production atop some pretty hot under-the-collar lyrics. It’s a Rated R pop princess speaking her mind, and I am all for it. 

Buy the track here.

Jorja Smith – Don’t Leave

Jorja Smith has always had my heart, and this song reminds me why. In a very Amy Winehouse-esque track, the Brit lays her trademark lush vocals atop vulnerable lyrics. Like all her records, you can tell this is a personal story, as it is told in such intimate detail. She speaks of a man trying to leave, who is it – her father, her brother, her partner – it’s left for you to decide. “You belong in your home / You’re not alone.“, she sings. This one will pull some heartstrings.

Buy the track here.

spill tab – Roamer

One of the most exciting up-and-comers, the dreamy spill tab is a name you should know. Today, she drops a superb four-song addition to her debut record, ‘AngieAngieAngie’. My recommendation of the four tunes is ‘Roamer’, a slow-paced, alt-pop rhythm whose instrumentation truly makes it. The drumming is brilliant throughout, giving energy to a super laid-back record that is ultra-melancholic.

Buy the album here.

Yebba – Yellow Eyes

Yebba has a sacred voice, and she certainly knows how to use it. Her raw, breathtaking tracks have given her a phenomenal reputation in the industry, and she is keeping this up with her new single, ‘Yellow Eyes’. This is the first track off her upcoming album ‘Jean’, and it plays like finding old pictures from years ago you forgot you had. That heartbreaking fact of never being able to rekindle a relationship you had with one person at one particular time, or grieving a life you previously had, is a human feeling. This song will speak to every person who has ever felt that way.

Buy the track here.

Nicole Blakk – Money (On My Mind)

British breakout rap star Nicole Blakk has dropped a record for the hustlers. With its fast-paced, funky production, Nicole spits sharp bars with slick confidence. She is getting us all into a ‘wealthy’ mindset, with a flow that makes you screw your face up. If you’re unfamiliar, this artist featured on Dave’s ‘Fairchild’ record on his masterful last album and has performed alongside the likes of DJ AG and Lady Leshurr. It’s time to take note.

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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