First Listen Fridays (30/10/26) – Skye Newman, Tsatsamis, and More New Music
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For one final time in October, before you celebrate spooky season, First Listen Fridays closes the month with a bang. We have glorious vocalists in the form of Skye Newman, Mariella, Romy Dya, Becky Hill, Debbie, and more. Meanwhile, Tsatsamis and Hollie Gautiér bring the bangers, while BexBlu and Paul Stephan provide some great rap music. Whatever you desire, we have the goods, and make sure to add our playlists at the end to get all our picks from across the last 30 days.
Skye Newman – Survival
It has been a huge year for this artist, with a new EP release, BRIT Award nominations, and performing at the Amy Winehouse – Back To Black 20th anniversary gig, to name a few. Now, ahead of a huge U.K. tour, she gives fans a new single, ‘Survival‘. That atmosphere-setting piano is a fitting backdrop to her powerful vocals and words. I have always been impressed by this artist’s ability to express themselves, and you can hear all that pain in every high note. The drums then come in on the second half to add a bit of energy, without detracting from the song’s message. This is a reminder of not only the power of music, but the human being behind the microphone. Yes, they are entertainers, but they also experience traumatic events just like you and me.
Buy the track here.
Mariella – Isn’t It Funny
Finally, we have another great single from this talented Purple-listed singer. A companion piece to her other 2026 release, ‘Room For You‘, the cinematic beat and her soulful tones are the perfect match. You can truly hear the passion in each line delivery, particularly when that chorus hits. Whether it’s the acoustic guitar or background choir vocals, every part used in this track is intentional and adds to the listener’s enjoyment. Another great moment from Mariella, and we can’t wait to hear more when the time is right.
Buy the track here.
Becky Hill – l0st the pl0t
With her new album mere weeks away, Becky Hill has dropped another teaser towards the record. Keeping with the more introspective theme, the words reference a state of disarray within herself and the stress of success. Neave Applebaum and Michah Jasper’s dance-pop production fits the peppy flow of Hill. What has always made this artist stand out in the dance scene is her vocal range, but adding this more personal lyricism adds another string to their bow. “I’m just another popstar that lost the f*****g plot.” Maybe it is time we listened to their concerns.
Buy the track here.
Romy Dya – Cosmic Love
In what has been a busy year for this artist, they give the listening public another slice of their upcoming record due in less than a month. The riffing at the start instantly has your attention, over that guitar playing and those addictive clicks. Truly, Romy Dya is a top-tier singer who knows how to showcase her feelings on this ‘Cosmic Love‘. The production by Krunkadelic, Salvador Cassiel Moratillo, and Daniel Yves Escalente is truly something that adds to an already great performance. If you need some gorgeous R’n’B in your life, press play on this one.
Tsatsamis – Masochist
And now for a previous Purple-Listed artist. Despite releasing his new mixtape in April, he still has bangers in the vault. The bouncy beat will get you straight to the dancefloor, and is fitting for our lead’s addictive performance. Whether it’s the groovy bass, the pounding keyboard, or the subtle kick drums, Tsatsamis has made the right beat for his display. This is truly a showcase of how to make the best kind of dance-pop, leaving you wanting more.
Buy the track here.
Hollie Gautiér – EGO
Described as an evolution of her sound, this new one from Hollie Gautiér had me interested. It is safe to say that this member of the Purple List class of 2026 still knows how to make a banger. Those blaring synths are how to kick off a track before her direct delivery seems like a call-out. Produced by Rob Southby, the beat is absolute filth, and certainly the most bassy track I have heard from this artist thus far. Still keeping pop sensibilities in the songwriting, but upping the ante on the sound front, fans will be eager to hear what is to come.
Buy the track here.
Debbie – Superwoman
We’ve been blessed with plenty of great music from this artist this year, and after a Chase & Status collab, she will have certainly found some new fans. Hearing the raw vocals at the start over the acoustic guitar is a great move that shows what a talent Debbie is in that department. The riffing and slight strains throughout the track really show the emotive nature of this number, which builds to a commanding chorus. Credit has to be given to Luis Navidad for putting everything into place on the instrumental front, but it is our lead who reminds R’n’B fans what a star they are.
BexBlu & Paul Stephan – SOUND OF THE SOUTH
To close out today’s list is one of the most-talked-about duos to make their presence felt in 2026. After several projects released over the years, their debut album is on the horizon, with this track another example of why you should be excited. I just love the production’s blend of 808s, synths, and grime with the fast-paced and punchy flows. It calls out those pretending to be gangsters and the snakes, while referencing Batman villain Harvey Dent. This feels like one of those songs that take you into the place they come from, giving a true insight into these artists’ mindsets.