First Listen Fridays (27/2/26) – Ezra Collective, Nectar Woode, and More New Music
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Another Friday has rolled around, which means another drop of brand new music. This week, IndustryMe Editors Tom and Kloe have delved deep, pulling out only the finest tunes that deserve a listen. Indulge yourself in some new finds, such as NNENNA King, or let the impressive vocals of Elmiene transport you to your happy place. Whatever your vibe, we have you covered.
Ezra Collective & Greentea Peng – Helicopters
Another song from the upcoming War Child compilation album, this is a record I was very excited for. As soon as that bass and reggae-esque sound comes in, you know this is going to be great stuff. Greentea Peng delivers in her soothing tones about the war crimes being committed from the skies above. It is as poignant and insightful as you’d expect, with dub and reggae used once again to give voices to the voiceless.
Buy the track here.
NNENNA King – So What
The first release of the year from this East Londoner kicks off with smooth, emotive vocals and some soothing piano playing. Her ability to vibrate her vocals at the end of each line is an excellent display of vocal skills. The title is also used as an earworm of an ad-lib, while she really pushes into the high notes effortlessly. This tale of feeling disappointed by a declining relationship, but not quite being ready to move on, is delivered so nicely.
SIPHO. FT. Ayeisha Raquel & nikhil – COLD WEATHER
Immediately this track has your attention with the atmospheric, blarey synths, before our lead comes in on the vocals. SIPHO. brings passion, performance, and top-tier singing to highlight his feelings for this person. The harmonising choir in the background is a great choice, that is equally matched by that great guitar solo. Adding on two well-utilised guests in Ayeisha Raquel and nikhil, this is another great example of what Birmingham has to offer.
KNEECAP – Smugglers & Scholars
With their new album out in April, we have another taste of what is to come from the Belfast trio. That heavy distortion and electro drum-pattern makes for an exciting, but horror-esque beat. Everyone matches the beat nicely with their flows, with topics from their recent court case and reflecting on their beginnings. A great track that has me even more excited for the new record.
Buy the track here.
Jayda G – Uncomfortable
An artist who is no stranger to making bangers, Jayda G kicks off 2026 by continuing that trend. The pounding drumbeat and wavey synths, alongside her pleasant vocals, lure you in before the drop. Then it is the keyboard melody that carries the euphoria, and the delivery of the title will be stuck in your head. This is perfectly made for a boogie and is sure to be one to get you grooving during festival season.
Buy the track here.
Kloe’s Picks
Nectar Woode – Lights Off
One of Britain’s finest musical exports, Nectar Woode is back with more reflective songwriting and her trademark jazzy style. ‘Lights Off’ is a dramatic statement from a woman OK with being self-sufficient. This is a liberating listen when you concentrate on the lyrics, however this just sounds gorgeous sonically too. You can’t really go wrong with Miss Woode; she is so consistent.
Buy the track here.
Precious Pepala – Too Good To Die
As one of our Purple List picks for 2026 (stay tuned, dropping very soon!), Sheffield’s Precious Pepala is one of my favourite up-and-comers that I’m telling everyone about. With over 13 million Spotify streams in the past year and getting ready to tour alongside Nova Twins, this is shaping up to be her year. This newest track has me so excited for her upcoming EP ‘Rosey‘, which I have had the pleasure of getting a sneak listen of some unreleased tracks. Safe to say, buckle up!
Buy the track here.
CHASE B FT. Big Sean – Facts
Allegedly a ‘throwaway’ record that Travis Scott recorded several years ago, ‘Facts’ is a Chase B orchestration of the highest calibre, bringing Detroit Don Big Sean into the mix. Chase B is a New Yorker that does it all in the music business, and has been riding with Travis from the early days. Whilst this record isn’t too bar-heavy, it sets a serious vibe. Sean spells it out best, “The feelin’ y’all been missin’ from this s**t, we restorin’ those.“. I’m looking forward to delving into the entire project.
Elmiene – Honour
Elmiene makes music that feels like a deep exhale at the end of a long day. Today, he drops two tracks, ‘Honour’ and ‘I Want In’, and after much deliberation, I’ve chosen the former as my pick. Honestly, this track could be as much a Bryson Tiller track as anything I’ve heard from Elmiene. It has an energy of modern sexy R&B but with real instrumentation. Strong drumming keeps your head nodding as he lays his effortless (and occasionally breathy) vocals, which results in one of his most seductive songs yet.
Buy the track here.
Tone Stith – FLY
Tone Stith deserves more love. I said it. If you are not on the Tone Stith train, I invite you to get on board with his freshest release, ‘FLY’. If you are tired of hearing all the noise, and want a weightless and refreshing song that encourages you to leave all your worries behind – take a listen. This young man has one of the best voices in R&B.
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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