First Listen Fridays (18/9/26) – Say Now, dexter in the newsagent, and More New Music

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We are now halfway through and while the weather looks like it’ll be more Autumn-like, the music on offer continues to heat up. Whether our Purple List picks dexter in the newsagent and The Mercians, a future hit from Say Now, or a Anderson .Paak and Cordae collaboration, the variety we have means you’re taking away at least one new favourite. But enough chat, let us get into the music!

Anderson .Paak & Cordae – A Good Day

Anderson .Paak is no stranger to a collaboration album, and this week marked the release of the first single from that project with Cordae. The beat has a real bounce to it, driven by the sample of one of my favourite songs of all time, ‘Lovely Day‘ by Bill Withers. They use the structure of the original song but in their own creative way to go back-to-back, with punchy bars about the women they like. Providing some nice singing on the chorus and a Fatman Scoop soundbite, this track screams fun and delivers on that front.

Buy the track here.

dexter in the newsagent – Fantasy

Fans have been waiting patiently for a new drop from this Purple Listed artist, and it has finally arrived. The production is just a vibe with blaring synths and a great keyboard melody, which our lead sounds glorious over. The percussion then comes in to bring some oomph as she details wanting to be rich (her Fantasy). This is a truly addictive anthem that is equal parts fun and arrives just in time to soundtrack your weekend. As it slows down at the end, you’re just sad this track finishes so quickly.

Buy the track here.

Say Now – Met my match

From a current Purple Lister to a previous one, this trio is back with a bang. The production has some great synth work and a real bounce to it, courtesy of Oscar Scheller and Maestro, with help from Count Baldor and PinkPantheress. The girls really match the tempo of this beat with the peppy but harmonic vocals that shine. Ysabelle, Amelia, and Madeliene all have their moments to star and make the most of this beat. Truly, this is a hit in the making that is sure to get play after play.

Buy the track here.

Ayanna Witter-Johnson – Equinox

The sophomore LP from this multi-faceted talent has dropped today, providing a personal and intriguing record. My pick of the new stuff is ‘Equinox‘, a piano ballad that allows this artist’s vocals to truly shine. It really hits home with thoughts on life, mortality, and sharing it with someone. The synthy keyboard is a lovely touch halfway through that takes the instrumental on a different journey as more instruments are added in. Not only does this track keep your brain working on an instrumental front, it makes you think about its words too, which is what some of the best art does so well.

Buy the track here.

Lambrini Girls – Bang Bang Bang

After announcing a new album and tour, it is only right we get some new music from the Brighton punk duo. The riffs are heavy and the mosh-pit energy is there as leader singer, Phoebe Lunny, belts out a call out to the rich profiting off the poor. This feeling is kept up throughout and delievred with a fire in her belly, as is Selin Macieira-Boşgelmez’s guitar contributions. Glad to have these guys back and can’t wait to catch it live on the tour.

Buy the track here.

The Mercians – The Man

The second single from the debut album from this Purple Listed group is here and it commands your attention from the start. Bringing weighty guitar playing and booming drums, Matt Cominotto is brought in nicely to showcase his vocal abilities. He sings with viguor about inner turmoil, hitting those high notes on the chorus. Everyone goes for it at the end, concluding another great tease towards January.

Buy the track here.

Tianna Thomspon – Bye

It has been a consistnet year for Tianna Thompson, and that ain’t stopping anytime soon. ‘Bye‘ provides a smooth, but wavey beat from Miecciii that is led by the drums. Our lead then comes in to say how fed up she is of being cheated on, but stays due to loneliness. The chorus is staright-to-the-point but memorable and aided by the use of strings. It almost feels like a conversation with one of the girls, as the visuals also dipict. Another quality release from this upcoming talent.

Flo Wilkes – Guilty

And our final pick comes from alt-pop artist, Flo Wilkes, who is one to keep your eye on. The acoustic guitar, soaring harmonies, and soulful, but slightly grungy vocals come in nicely, before the bass brings a bit of oomph. Flo is clearly an artist who knows how to make anthemic music, with this a song about heartbreak and betrayal. Clearly, this is someone who knows how to express themselves both passionately and musically pleasing. We at IndustryMe will be keeping our ears glued to what this artist does next.

Buy the track here.

Follow IndustryMe on Instagram, Threads, X, or YouTube. Press play on our First Listen Fridays playlist below or via YouTube Music to enjoy all our top picks. You can also check out previous editions here.

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