First Listen Fridays (27/3/26) – RAYE, Mychelle, and More New Music
Another First Listen Fridays has landed, and this week we have even more spectacular songs to put you onto. Every week, Editors Tom and Kloe team up to pick the top ten tunes in the world right now that have just dropped. Spanning multiple genres, we have an eclectic offering this week including some new heat from Nia Archives and Jungle.
Tom’s Picks
Mychelle – Personal Attack
After a very successful 2025 for one of the standouts from our Purple List alumni for last year, Mychelle is back. Continuing with the mellow soul vibes, her emotive singing and lyrics showcase her artistic talents. I particularly like the bit where she matches the oomph of the brass on the chorus. There is also a confidence and a swagger here, showing someone who is continuing to grow following ‘Good Day‘. The bassline at the end concludes things nicely, and we can’t wait to hear more from this artist’s next chapter.
Buy the track here.
Jungle – Carry On
Yes, they are back! After just one release in the last annum, the soul 3-piece are here to brighten up your weekend. The velvety vocals against the pleasantly strummed guitar is such a tranquil listen, which is elevated nicely by those background choir vocals. This could easily be the soundtrack for a film or maybe even your life, but whatever the case may be, it is certainly a lovely listen, besides being somewhat sad in nature. A great first taste of the new record and an example of truly lovely musicality.
Kali Claire – Happier Than Ever
One of the most consistent, whatever genre she touches, Kali Claire is preparing for warmer times ahead. That vocal flexing at the start alongside the Spanish guitar sets the mood, before delivering a tale of finally finding happiness. Clearly, there has been a lot of waiting and turmoil before this point, but this artist is looking ahead to brighter days, and it feels like a very honest reflection on relationships. Having collaborated with Nanette recently (whose new track ‘Baggage‘ you should also check out), this singer is expanding and looking to reach a wider audience.
Tia Lowe – See Me
We’ve been following Tia Lowe for a few years now, and she once again continues to grip us. ‘See Me‘ is a smooth piece of R&B/soul that has the singer showcase sensational vocals, particularly when the note is held on the title during the chorus. This is truly one that has you feeling like you are floating in the clouds, and I’m sure whoever it is about feels very special. Go show this talent some love.
Jordan Rakei & Nubya Garcia – Monsters
Having released a sensational collab with Jalen Ngonda at the end of last year, Jordan Rakei gives us another great team-up. ‘Monsters‘ is a showcase of some epic sax playing and top-tier jazz, that will have you on your feet. Jordan’s voice against this atmospheric playing, whatever the instrument, is such sensational musicality. Truly, it will blow your socks off. I can’t wait for the rest of the ‘Between Us‘ EP at the end of April.
Kloe’s Picks
Jim Legxacy – idk idk
Gen Z emerging rap star Jim Legxacy is back with his new single ‘idk idk‘. I didn’t know what to expect when I hit play on this one, and that’s part of what makes this artist so special. Here, he brings an almost Bryson Tiller-esque tune to us this week. This is a fun, more pop side of Jim that has him in his R&B bag. You can throw this one on for a fun time, or delve into the melancholic lyrics hidden beneath it all – he’s really just trying to figure it all out. Also, check out the music video for some incredible visuals.
Buy the song here.
Justine Skye – Heart Attack
American singer, songwriter, and actress Justine Skye has blessed us with an absolute dance banger. Actually, she has blessed us with eight dance bangers. Her newest EP, ‘CANDY‘, is a hyperactive, ultra feel-good dose of serotonin in music form, and ‘Heart Attack‘ has already got me hooked. Whilst I have liked her R&B records in the past, her distinctive voice and energy fit dance music like a glove. She has been signed to four different labels since she was a teenager, and only now do I feel like she’s finally found where she truly belongs.
Buy the EP here.
RAYE FT. Al Green – Goodbye Henry.
It’s finally here, and I am so happy. I have been counting down the days till ‘THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.‘ lands, RAYE’s newest album since her breakout record ‘My 21st Century Blues‘. Whilst it will always be a hard follow-up to such a sensational project, I am not disappointed with what I have heard so far. Whilst I’m getting through the new tracks as quickly as I can, I’ve chosen ‘Goodbye Henry.‘ to highlight today as it truly struck a chord with me. My jaw was on the floor when I saw she had a duet with the legendary Al Green, and this song captures the soulful sound he is known for. On the surface, this song sounds like a warm yet heart-wrenching goodbye to an old lover, but I know it is layered in deeper meaning.
Buy the album here.
Nia Archives – Danger
Revitalising jungle and drum & bass for a new generation, listening to Nia Archives always feels like listening to the future. This week, she invites us into her world with ‘Danger‘, a bold, hedonistic, and definitely X-rated jam. Nia is exploring her sexuality fully here, with her trademark electrifying sound armed with lyrics to get you hot under the collar. This may be her most sexually liberating song so far, and I love that for her. In a scene historically dominated by men, she has always represented a shift in electronic music culture for me, and I am loving what I am hearing.
Black Sherif – PopStar
Black Sherif is entering a new chapter in his musical journey, and it’s all lights, fame, and gold. However, it’s extremely reflective. Moving on from the success of ‘IRONBOY‘, the Ghanaian star speaks with confidence about his ambitions for the future and his time in the spotlight. His ability to break out of the music one expects him to make and defy genre boundaries has made him a firm favourite in the world music scene. This new track deserves a listen and is a great indicator of the music to come.
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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