First Listen Fridays (31/07/26) – Rachel Chinouriri, Odeal, and More New Music
July is coming to an end, and what a month of music it has been. However, it is not over just yet, and First Listen Fridays is back again to soundtrack the week ahead. Whether great pop from Rachel Chinouriri, Odeal and Jorja Smith getting you grooving on in the evening, or a rock anthem from The Mercians, we’ve got all bases covered. So sit back, stick your headphones on, and get ready for some phenomenal tunes to close out the month
Rachel Chinouriri – One song away from crying
Former Purple List alumni, Rachel Chinouriri, is back with the opening track from her upcoming sophomore album. Co-written and solely produced, this artist has shown their talents here on this fun synth-pop beat. Still sounding as smooth as ever vocally, she details feeling ‘blue’ whilst appearing good on the outside. It appears this may be a theme of the new record, especially with that lovely use of blue on the cover. I’m loving the sound of this new era, and the songwriting is still up to scratch, so roll on October.
Buy the track here.
The Mercians – Little Story of Mine
From a former Purple List member to a current one, this group gives us its second release of 2026. Those classic alt-rock guitars get the party started before lead singer Matt Cominotto comes in with a passionate performance. The high notes are hit, and the instruments all go in on the chorus, making for an undeniably euphoric moment. A track that has anthem written all over it, this is sure to be a fan favourite and bring the house down at live shows.
Buy the track here.
Karis Amber – Breaking Out
Hailing from Leeds, Karis Amber is the latest upcoming talent you need to know about. That neo-soul production from Morgantankard . is so wavey and is the perfect fit for this singer’s smooth vocals. What this track brings is cinematic qualities in the sounds and performance, from an artist who knows how to use all the right vocal tones at the right times. Providing a tale of honesty and self-reflection, this is someone who knows themself at their best and their worst. If you’re looking for the next thing in this genre, keep your ears pointed in this singer’s direction.
FKJ FT. Lucy Park – How Much Does It Take To Shift It All
This blending of electronic music and R’n’B from the well-regarded French multi-instrumentalist FKJ is a soothing listen. Full of tranquility, with intriguing uses of guitars, synths. and more, it is lovely stuff. And the harmonising between himself and Lucy Park is absolutely sensational, as well. This is a top-tier duet, full of beautiful musicality and two great performers who complement one another to the best of their abilities.
Pre-order the album here.
Odeal FT. Jorja Smith – Coming Home
Odeal’s new project dropped today, and while I am sure it is full of summer bangers, one track caught my eye. That funky guitar and those bouncy drums will have you dancing from the get-go, while our lead’s sweet vocals flow so nicely over this beat. He just has a way of soothing you into a track, whatever the genre. In particular, that addictive chorus and those bassy synths are a match made in heaven. Jorja does her thing, matching those drums by giving her all vocally. A great partnership, and a sure-fire hit that was made for a late July/August evening.
Buy the track here.
Soul Mass Transit System – Deejay
Another day, another Soul Mass Transit System wobbler. That pounding beat, the groovy background vocals, and synthy keyboard melody all come together to make for a midtempo raving anthem. It brings in some elctro-esuqe keyboard melodies and airy synths on the second drop, keeping you on your toes both in reality and metaphorically speaking. A top-tier slice of UKG, this one will have you skanking to your heart’s content.
Buy the track here.
Slayyyter – brand new chanel$
It has been a huge year for this pop star, and still, we are being treated to new music. A sequel to ‘BEAT UP CHANEL$‘, this is immediately a much more mellow, rocky number. In a way, this feels like a throwback to the pop-rock ballads of yesteryear, which really hits on the chorus. This artist is giving their all on the vocal front, bringing passion and high notes to showcase their frustration for being used by a previous partner. Ending with a great guitar breakdown, this is a great extra from this era.
Buy this track here.
KeepVibesNear – Get It Right
And concluding our picks today is some bouncy, soulful vibes courtesy of KeepVibesNear. The funky percussion, sleek vocals, and pacey piano melody make for a great introduction to this artist for myself, and maybe you. Bringing in violins as well is the cherry on top from Subculture, who also uses distortion well. This feels like a very heartfelt tale of the feelings one gets from making sure they get it right with a person. As this artist’s title suggests, the vibes are certainly present, and I am certainly intrigued to hear more.
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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