First Listen Fridays (6/11/26) – Skepta, Winny, and More New Music
A new month is here, and while some are already playing Christmas music, we are here to provide some of the best non-festive tunes. Whether it’s a huge new song from Skepta’s latest album, current members of the Purple List like Miller Blue and The Mercians, or previous alumni like Winny, we have plenty on offer. So get your hot drink ready, headphones on, and sit down for some great new music from artists new and old.
Skepta FT. Central Cee & Jorja Smith – Broken Hearts
After 7 long years, we finally have a new solo album from one of the U.K.’s most iconic rappers and MCs. Alongside plenty of new tracks and a feature on Novelist’s new single ‘DIAMONDS DANCING‘, there was plenty to choose from. I have gone with what might be one of the most eagerly anticipated songs.
The soul samples and the more melodic tones ease you into this one as Skeppy looks back at his come-up and his relationship with his friends and a girl. The peppy drum beat adds a bit of energy to this one, with the synths adding atmosphere to what is a well-done instrumental by our lead with help from DJ Zinc. Jorja Smith does her thing with a short but sweet contribution while Central Cee flows sleekly over this sound. There was a bit of hype for this one, and every artist plays their part in creating a great cut and a potential hit.
Buy the track here.
Miller Blue – great day
In what has been a busy year for this Purple-Listed artist, both solo and as part of Rastreep, we have another single from Miller Blue. That vibrant bass and keyboard really create an upbeat atmosphere that reminds you of summer days. His performance and delivery match this, along with his words referencing the flowers and the sunshine. The chorus, in particular, provides an earworm of a singing performance. The more direct, almost sing-rap style in the second half gives a bit of change, before that chorus comes back in. A nice reminder of better days in this cold and somewhat miserable time of year.
Winny – One Day
From a current to a former Purple-Listed artist, we are excited for this new Winny release. After having a lot of success in the dance music scene alongside the likes of Fred again.. and Rudimental, this marks her first solo release in almost two years. That acoustic guitar and bouncy trap drums begin proceedings, before her smooth and passionate vocals match the beat to a T. The more breathy and lower-down delivery is a nice touch on the chorus, with her performance maintaining a quality standard throughout. Equal parts mellow and danceable, Puffybeatz’s production makes this a track made for many moments and settings.
Buy the track here.
edbl FT. Elli Ingram & Kofi Stone – Personal Drama
You can always rely on edbl to come through and make the most of his collaborators. So when I saw the multi-instrumentalist was working with Elli Ingram and Kofi Stone, I pressed play. The airy and acoustic guitar-led instrumental is very soothing and is a perfect fit for the gorgeous vocals of Ingram. Those background choir ooos are the perfect backdrop to our guest, as she talks about having to pull her life together behind the scenes. Kofi then comes in with a contribution fitting of the topic at hand, that sounds and is delivered so well. Make sure you give these three great artists a listen this week.
Buy the track here.
Django Django FT. Hak Baker – Little Me
Today marks the release of album No. 6 from Django Django, with this collaboration catching my eye in the tracklist. The lengthy pressing of each piano note creates a moody scene before the soothing sounds of Hak Baker come in. The rising synths then come in as he discusses the death of someone close to him and his experience of depression. It is really heartbreaking stuff that highlights that you don’t really know what is going on in someone’s head. The emotive nature continues as the instrumental plays with whistling in the background. Truly powerful stuff from two underappreciated artists.
Buy the track here.
The Mercians – Bluebird
As we gear up for the release of their debut album, The Mercians are back with a new single. This Purple-Listed group comes through with a more back-to-basics number that starts off calmly before hitting you with some anthemic sounds. Matt Cominoto then arrives with a melancholic tone, building towards that chorus once again. In the second half, he really goes for it on the high notes, showcasing his abilities on the singing front. Right at the end, the guitars go all in before one final chorus. Another great slice of what is set to be a good debut record.
Buy the track here.
Ojerime – Somebody
Back with a new EP, Ojerime is here to fill your R’n’B needs. Out of the latest batch of tracks, I have picked this one for the addictive melody and the soulful singing on display. The reverberating effect on her vocals is a great touch, which, alongside the synths and drum beat, makes for one you come back to again and again. The background bass licks are another fine touch to this instrumental, with each line delivered with fervour. Make sure you give this EP your full attention this week.
Buy the track here.
IDER – Horny, Grieving
And to conclude today’s picks is IDER with their 2nd single release ahead of their latest record, which is due in April 2027. The bounce of Dann Hume’s beat alongside the raspy vocals eases you in, as the intensity ups and ups. Then the harmonising between the two comes in, before the techno-pop beat takes centre stage once again. This was intended to be a catchy pop hit, and it is certainly ticking those boxes. Great vocals, memorable lyrics, and a beat that makes you want to move those feet- this one does the job.
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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