First Listen Fridays 8/5/26 – Little Simz, Leah Cleaver, and More New Music
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Welcome back to First Listen Fridays, everyone! If you don’t know already, this series spotlights the freshest sounds shaping the future of music every week. From genre-bending newcomers to rising voices making serious noise, we are all about discovery at IndustryMe. Today, Tom kicks us off with Tamera’s new banger, whilst Kloe (sadly for the final time) thinks Leah Cleaver’s new jam is worth your time. Let’s jump into it.
Tom’s Picks
Tamera FT. Aitch – Undeniable
After a relatively quiet 2025, Tamera has been busy this year and has dropped a big new collaboration. Teaming up with Aitch, ‘Undeniable‘ is undeniably (sorry, had to) a catchy banger. The chipmunk vocal samples and the brass really drive the beat, while the Manny rapper flows well over the kick drums. As for our lead, she sounds great, particularly when she shows off her vocals on the chorus. She has a real swagger in her delivery, making this an anthem with a lot of panache.
Calvin Harris & Jazzy – Satisfy
What has kept Calvin Harris going strong for 20 years is knowing how to make a banger and who to collaborate with. Therefore, working alongside Jazzy is a no-brainer. This track was made for Ibiza and festival nights, with a real bounce and some wavey synths alongside smooth vocals. Calvin is still on top, and Jazzy remains one of the best dance vocalists at this present time.
Buy the track or pre-order the Vinyl.
Scorcher FT. K-Trap – Comfy
A grime OG and a drill legend on the same track, and it indeed sounds nice. Scorcher has such a crisp flow as he details his past and the street life, while K-Trap matches the vibe with his distinct vocal tones. The beat from Lucas Dante and Froduction is very mellow with the background vocal samples, allowing each artist to take centre stage. A straight-to-the-point track, this shows both are capable and attention-grabbing rappers, whatever the beat they bar over.
Buy the track here.
La Roux – Cabin Fever
Yes, she is back! With a first album in 6 years on the way, La Roux gives fans the first bite of that record, and I am liking it. Their vibrating falsetto is complemented by the keyboard melody at the start, before the 80s-esque synths come in. This is someone going through hard times and feels isolated, with the eerie instrumental matching the sentiment. Closed nicely by the guitar solo, this has me excited for what is to come.
Buy the track here.
Boards of Canada – Prophecy At 1420 MHz
The legendary Scottish electronic duo, Boards of Canada, is back with their first original material in almost 13 years. Their new stuff sounds just as cutting-edge and mesmerising as what came before. The track starts off nicely with the drums and wind instruments, but really kicks in with the guitars. There is a real atmosphere to this number that showcases why people were excited for their return.
Buy the track here.
Kloe’s Picks
Leah Cleaver – LIKE, YEH
Fun, audacious, and bound to be a breakthrough track, Leah Cleaver has dropped a siren call to all the girls here for a good time. We chose Leah as one of our Purple List picks for this year, expecting the East-Londoner to be a rising star to watch. She has proved it here with a pop hit that dials up the bass for a club-ready hit, which is exactly what I want to hear from the blossoming young star.
VILLANELLE – Opportunity Arising
Part of a broader revival of guitar-driven indie and grunge music, rock trio VILLANELLE have dropped their debut EP. Fronted by Gene Gallagher, as in the son of Oasis legend Liam, the trio of friends had a lot of hype to live up to. Whilst this music isn’t my traditional go-to style per se, ‘Opportunity Arising‘ has struck me as a standout track, reigniting 90s rock energy. The group’s music really has that Oasis energy baked in – whether that’s a comparison that’s welcomed by the young Gallagher, I’m not sure. One thing is clear, however, the apple certainly doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Buy the track here.
Little Simz FT. JT – Game On
Two of my favourite female rappers on one track is something I was delighted to wake up to. The Mercury Award-winning rapper, Little Simz, returns in all her glory with an EP that leans more toward the experimental and club-ready, while still keeping her introspective style intact. Simz previewed this song with the former City Girls spitter at Coachella recently to much celebration. This stylish and unexpected collab is a high point in what is a compact, all-female EP that is bold and brilliant.
Buy the EP here.
Tia Gordon – friends
This U.K. neo-soul artist has dropped a luscious six-track EP today, entitled ‘i asked the stars for this. x‘. A celebration of the connections that make our lives worthwhile, the focus single, ‘friends‘, is a touching track that illustrates the breadth of Tia’s talent. Alongside long-time creative partners such as Pip Millett and new collaborators like TAVE and Brasstracks, this EP feels like the start of a new chapter. If you want to feel warm and rich in life because of your inner circle, press play on this sweet track.
Kyle Dion – Nature’s Perfume
Last but certainly not least, I have to bring you a bit of soul for your weekend. Known for his silky vocals and intimate songwriting, Kyle is giving me present-day Usher-level vocals on his newest release. ‘Nature’s Perfume‘ is sure to get you hot under the collar as he hits riffs and runs, ironically without breaking a sweat. This is a type of record that feels both futuristic and old-school inspired. Chef’s kiss!
Buy the track here.
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.
About The Author
