First Listen Fridays (20/3/26) – ALT BLK ERA, Tia Gordon, & More New Music

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It’s time to delve into another round of First Listen Fridays! This IndustryMe feature sees Editors Kloe and Tom team up every week to deliver the ten new tracks you need to hear. This week, Kloe puts MUNA‘s new jam on your radar. Meanwhile, Tom has some soothing material from the likes of MRCY and Tia Gordon.

Tom’s Picks

Ego Ella May FT. J Warner – Good Intentions

Today, Ego Ella May has dropped her sophomore album, with the title track released prior on Monday. Her soothing vocals against the acoustic guitar are so pleasant on the ears, as May talks about wanting enemies to fail and an uncertain future. The message of being unsure about legacy feels very timely, with the world in a state of flux and impending doom constantly on the horizon. J Warner is a great guest, with both coming together vocally in the latter stages of the track. A lovely bit of soul with some reflective messaging.

Buy the track here.

MRCY FT. Yazmin Lacey – Better Days

Having seen this duo live at Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival last year, I was eager to hear their first drop of 2026. Yazmin Lacey starts off the track and sounds great over this late-night jazz club style sound. Kojo Degraft-Johnson then comes in to make this a top-tier duet between two sensational vocalists. This tune will have you mesmerised and wanting more collaborations between these two and producer Barney Lister.

Buy the track here.

Tia Gordon – should i give it up?

A new year means another new EP from Tia Gordon, and 2026 is no different. Before ‘i asked the stars for this. x‘ releases in May, we get the project’s second single today. The blaring horns kick things off, before the thumping percussion gives the track a real rhythm. Tia is very real as she questions herself and whether she should continue her music career. It is a sadbut insightful look at artistry in the modern day, where a lack of financial opportunities can make the artist question whether this life is for them. Fortunately, this artist is still here, and to answer the question, no, you shouldn’t.

mustbejohn – From The Start

An artist who knows how to make good music in a variety of genres, mustbejohn continues to make creative music. Blending catchy indie-rock with confessional songwriting, this track is an earworm that is sure to go down a treat during festival season. While this artist first caught my ear by blending dance and rap music, they have proven to be musically adventurous.

Yaya Bey FT. NESTA – Egyptian Musk

This singer is known for their short but sweet slices of whatever genre they decide to make. This one fits into the Reggae category, and the mellow sound fits her calming delivery. They are an artist who knows how to keep you invested throughout and alongside NESTA, sounds spellbinding. “The world is cold, but baby its warm in here.” are fitting words for getting through these times with the one you love. A song to keep you going and remind you of the power of companionship.

Buy the track here.

Kloe’s Picks

MUNA – So What

Indie pop band MUNA is building up the hype for their newest project coming in May. Fans are reeling after this new release, which has a cocky, indifferent attitude to love. If you are trying to move on and live your best life, this is your new anthem. “The fangirls and the harshest critics / Are all in agreement / It’s our best work without you in it.”.

Buy the track here.

Rvssian, Rauw Alejandro, and Wizkid – Pongo

In this fun Afrobeats-meets-reggaeton single, Jamaican producer Rvssian recruits a Puerto Rican superstar alongside Nigeria’s finest. This song is just pure vibes with a seductive beat that is practically impossible not to move your body to. I’m so glad that Wizkid stans are going to be pulled into listening to Rauw. He really makes this song and needs more love from the mainstream.

Buy the track here.

The Black Keys – Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire

Fresh off their upcoming album ‘Peaches!‘, this new single by the Ohioan duo is a gritty and stripped-back offering. Very catchy and bluesy, this track makes you feel like you’re sitting on a porch in Nashville, watching the world pass you by. Fans feel like the legendary band are getting back to their essence here, and similarly, I am all for it.

Buy the track here.

ALT BLK ERA – Lost In The Back Of My Mind

The dazzling duo has hit us with a major jam I’ve got on repeat. I’d recommend jumping on this track before it blows up on social media, as it kills with a glitchy pop feel and delicious hook. This is edgy girl, Y2K music, and is going to be a stratospheric hit for Nyrobi and Chaya.

Buy the track here.

Alok and Khalid – Dive Into Me

Do you need a bit of EDM for your weekend? If you’re heading out, get this on the speakers to get you into the mood. Khalid kills every track he’s on with his immense versatility, and he has yet again proven this with his collab with Alok. The lyrics take a backseat with this one; it’s all about Khalid’s pitch-perfect tone and that thumping beat.

Buy the track here.

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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