First Listen Fridays (3/7/26) – Madonna, DESTIN CONRAD, and More New Music

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A new month is here, and the weather has cooled down for a bit (for now). But we still have plenty of great new tunes to get ready for the peak of summer on First Listen Fridays. Whether it’s dancefloor fillers from Madonna and Malika, poetic storytelling from NUBIA, or DESTIN CONRAD proving his versatility, we have plenty on offer. As usual, let us delve into the picks and then listen to them afterwards via our playlist.

Madonna – Good For The Soul

The queen of pop is back as she releases the sequel, 21 years later, ‘CONFESSIONS II‘. While this record is packed with dancefloor fillers, this track earlier on in the schedule has caught my ear. Working alongside Stuart Price, the mix of distorted autotune and bouncy house-like drums makes for that repetitive, earworm of a beat you crave. Every time that drop hits, you get a sense of euphoria, with the track’s title highlighting why so many love dance music. The addition of a violin and the more up-tempo keyboard melody at the end keep you on your toes, making for a great moment. I will delve into the rest of the LP later, but from what I have heard so far, Madge has still got it.

Buy the track here.

NUBIA & STEEZE FACTORY – Mary

We are back with this Purple Listed artist, and they are once again proving their quality on one of the best freestyle platforms. ‘Mary‘ has a very bare-bones approach with the kick drums and piano, allowing the words to take centre stage. NUBIA shows her qualities here as a storyteller of a girl who is taken advantage of by an abusive partner. This artist has a real knack for emotive lyricism, using her vocal tone to convey this and drawing attention to necessary topics. A true wordsmith, if you aren’t already on board with this artist, then get on it.

A Class FT. Remtrex & K2 – Charge

Birmingham producer A Class is here with his debut mixtape featuring the likes of MIST, Jaykae, and Mayhem NODB. But the standout from the new material sees him bring forward Remtrex and K2. The beat is backed by West Coast kick drums and erratic synths that bring a melodic production that fits the two guests. Both bring witty bars about street life and having no teeth like Dame Dash. They keep up with the beat and have your head bobbing throughout. A showcase of why the second city is so full of talent.

DESTIN CONRAD – NERVOUS

DESTIN CONRAD has been a busy bee this year, and despite dropping an album deluxe, he still has new tunes. That bass, the sample, and those drum patterns really bring the vim before he hits you with the Patois. Certainly, this is a change in sound from what I expected, but he fits the energy and gives you some reggae and dancehall vibes. A man of many talents, expect this artist to be good on any genre.

Children of Zeus – Weed & Rum

This Manchester duo have always been rated by those in the know, and that shall continue with output like this. Their first release of the year has some smooth and vibey synths that match those sensational Tyler Daley vocals. The glittery sounds on the chorus are a great touch, before Konny Kon’s brings his raspy voice and a mellow performance. A tale of just relaxing and enjoying time with someone, this is a more low-key, but still summery anthem.

Buy the track here.

Phoenix Laoutaris – About You

A rising star from Devon, Phoenix Laoutaris has a voice that commands attention. That classic-sounding, tape-recorder production has you intrigued before she sings about her desire for this person. We then get some brass and bubbly synths, mixing the old-school with more modern music techniques. Clearly, this is an artist who respects the past, while using today to their advantage. That sax solo towards the close is a great ending, putting the cherry on top of this tune.

Malika FT. Kairo Keyz – Go (Rudimental Remix)

Having recently gone Silver for selling over 200,000 units in the U.K., Malika has celebrated the resurgence of ‘Go‘ with another remix. Adding to what made the original special is Rudimental’s rave-ready production and a guest verse from Kairo Keyz. The loud, bassy drums and Keyz’ carefree flow give it a new energy for the ravers of today. While the Crazy Cousinz funky house remix remains elite, new versions like this allow the track to cater to new audiences and showcase its versatility.

Buy the track here.

Jon Hopkins & Imogen Heap – Reckoning

Two very creative artists who have always gone under the radar in their respective genres? Count me in. Imogen’s gorgeous vocals are just showing off here over this whimsical and mesmerising electronic production. When the beat drops, that repeating drum pattern builds and builds, bringing more energy and keyboards into the mix. Across this almost 6-minute track, you are hypnotised into a trance, almost like you are on a spiritual journey. That bass at the end is naughty, concluding this beautiful, danceable moment.

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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