First Listen Fridays (24/7/26) – Leah Cleaver, Nanette, and More New Music

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As we get into the height of summer, the heat doesn’t stop, and neither does the great music on offer. This week, First Listen Fridays provides great music from our Purple Listed artists Leah Cleaver, Precious Pepala, and Hollie Gautiér. Also, with a new banger from Chase & Status and top-tier R’n’B from Nanette, there is plenty on offer, so have a gander and listen.

Chase & Status FT. J Hus & IRAH – Disgruntled

It has been a busy 2026 for this duo, collaborating with every U.K. rapper under the sun. Now, they bring back a man who has been on some of their biggest hits, and one of the scene’s biggest stars of the last decade. The guitars really bring the energy, and Hus matches that with a persistent flow full of passion. Then we get another great chorus from IRAH, before those drums really hit. Alongside some whirring synths, this is another Chase & Status anthem that is set to shut down the rave. But I most emphasise that those guitars are used expertly.

Leah Cleaver – COUNTRY CLUB

This Purple Listed future star knows how to make an anthem, and this is certainly the case on ‘COUNTRY CLUB‘. A celebration of queer love in the Black community, it packs a minimal dance beat and a performance full of enthusiasm. Whether the more sultry, downtempo singing at the start or bringing it up a notch with the chorus, this is an artist who knows how to use their vocals. The beat uses drums, keyboard, and other instruments that will have you dancing along to this celebration of being you. Despite this being a time of increased hostility towards the LGBTQIA+ community, do what the song says and get your arse down to that club. Songs like this are more important than ever, so it is a bonus when they slap.

Buy the track here.

Danny L Harle & Doss – Up and Up

One of hyperpop’s most prominent producers, Danny L Harle has built his name with PinkPantheress and Dua Lipa collabs, to name a few. However, he has remained as creative as ever and teamed up with the very much underrated Doss for an absolute treat. The distorted production at the start is somewhat calming, before the equally scattered keyboard melody comes in. This is about as tranquil as this type of production can get, with the background vocals lying nicely in the melody. While not the banger I was expecting, this was a nice, creative two and a quarter minutes. I can’t wait to delve into the rest of this EP.

Buy the track here.

Gotts Street Park FT. Celeste – Easy

Two artists who are no strangers to collaborating, Gotts Street Park and Celeste, have whipped up some more good music. The soulful sounds at the start are a perfect match for the feature’s gorgeous vocals that shine brighter than ever. A tale of unrequited love and how ‘Easy‘ it could have been, this is a reminder of why she is a top-tier vocalist. But let us not forget that this trio brings great percussion, bass, and melody to the table, driving this song forward. Lovely stuff, and those high notes, sensational.

Precious Pepala – Aphrodite

Despite releasing a new EP just a few months back, Precious Pepala still has plenty in the tank this year. The production from Jordan Rabjohn is great here, especially the roaring guitars, bassiness, and keyboard melody. Precious’s commanding presence and lyrics really meet the criteria of this rousing number. The la-la-las are a nice touch that add to the catchy quality of this song, making for another great addition to this artist’s discography.

Buy the track here.

Nanette FT. Mbryo, Christer, and MashBeatz – Taking Me Places

One of South Africa’s biggest R’n’B names, Nanette, is back with the deluxe edition of her latest album, ‘Painfully Happy‘. Along with two prior singles, we have two other new additions; this is my standout (although you should also listen to One Life). The melodic production fits our lead’s stunning vocals as they detail a journey with a lover, with Mbryo sounding equally as good alongside her. But the production of Christer and MashBeatz has to be highlighted, with that great sax, drum pattern, and more. This is a great blending of R’n’B and dance music that is sure to get the couples moving in the club.

Buy the track here.

Hollie Gautiér – GIVE IT UP

Speaking of Purple Listed artists who have been productive, Hollie Gautiér is back with another banger. The pop-D’n’B vibes will get you grooving, and the addictive vocals will keep you coming back for more. Those blaring drums really hit on the chorus, making for a sensational drop as the energy picks up. This singer knows how to get the best out of this genre, and has made something fitting for the summer sun that is sure to go down well across the festival fields.

Buy the track here.

namesbliss FT. Vagrant Real Estate & Alamay – Tabula Rasa

The new album from namesbliss dropped on Monday and is packed with great tracks from the MOBO Award-nominated rapper. I have gone with ‘Tabula Rasa‘ for the infectious keyboard melody and great wordplay. Like the best rappers, this artist has a knack for storytelling with references to school, the barbers, and performing to highlight his growing career and the realities of life. He flows so smoothly over this beat with nice uses of horns and background vocals. Alamay provides lovely vocals on the chorus, adding the cherry on top of just one of a whole host of great new material.

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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