First Listen Fridays (9/10/26) – Joyce Wrice, Chase & Status, and More New Music
The weather is starting to feel a bit more Autumn like, and Halloween is on the horizon. But while the weather is calming down, the amount of new music worth your time is not. Joyce Wrice and Sensuré are showing why good vocals are essential, while Chase & Status and Takuya Nakumra show two different sides of drum’n’bass. There is plenty more to check out on top of this, but let us get into the music.
Chase & Status FT. Little Simz – Carnage
Today marks the release of the 7th studio album from this iconic duo, and it is packed to the teeth with bangers. With collaborations with the likes of Debbie, Col3trane, and Giggs, to name a few, there is much to choose from. I have gone with this number featuring Little Simz. The blaring horns, guitars, and somewhat eerie choir set a moody atmosphere before our guest comes in full of vigour alongside the drums. The blaring bass matches the punchy delivery, and the fast-paced bars meet the mark, showing that Simz knows what time it is. The erratic nature of the ending closes proceedings nicely, with this as a reminder of why both artists are respected names in their respective genres.
Buy the track here.
Sensuré – Ocean By The Fire
The 2nd EP from Purple Listed artist Miller Blue and Rastreep is here, and we have picked out one of the two new tracks. The acoustic guitar alongside the harmonising duo sounds so lovely, and just leaves a warm feeling inside. Their singing sounds great around the chorus and really articulates their love for one another. I have never been in love, but one can imagine that feeling this song creates will be relatable to many a couple.
Takuya Nakamura FT. Greentea Peng – Shape The Future
An artist well-respected in the worlds of jazz and jungle, Takuya Nakamura continues to create exciting blends of jazz and electronic music. The wavey keyboard melody alongside the persistent symbol hit had me intrigued, but once the drums and Greentea Peng come in, I am certainly sold. Her lyrics reference the need to make decisions now so that the next generation has a chance, with the intensity of the production matching that feeling. We then get some brass and bubbly synths which take the beat to a cool new direction. This sounds so fresh and vibrant, showcasing where a bit of creativity can go to create something that blows you away.
Buy the track here.
Ewan Moore – Guitara
This isn’t the first time we have covered Ewan Moore on First Listen Fridays, and I doubt it’ll be the last. That guitar playing really sets the mood, while the percussion and eerie synths up the intensity as the track goes on. As the proceedings continue, you see each instrument played to the max, showcasing Moore as someone who knows how to get the most out of his abilities. When an instrumental takes you on a musical journey, it is just as good, sometimes better, than words that try to do the same thing.
Joyce Wrice FT. Odeal – Wish I Knew
And coming through with their sophomore release today is Joyce Wrice. There is plenty of great new material such as ‘Dangerous‘, but we are going to highlights this U.K./U.S. crossover. That drum beat and vocals at the start show producers Mack Keane and Joe Harrison know how to set the tone. Odeal really commands your attention sounding very nice, with the background singing really amplifying his performance. When Joyce comes in, she sings gorgeously and effortlessly as hell, while giving a bit of oomph when necessary. The harmonising on the chorus is great too, showcasing why this is a duet you need to add to your playlist.
Buy the track here.
James Emmanuel – Living and Winning
Someone I discovered at Mostly Jazz, Funk, and Soul this year, if you don’t know James Emmaneul, then today is the day you tune in. The upbeat and funky band kicks things off, before his voice shines through alongside the background vocalists. This really feels like a get up and go anthem, showcasing that living is winning, and you can get through the bad times.Whether the bass, brass, or percusssion, all instruments succeed in complimenting it’s lead and creating the perfect ambience for what was needed.
Buy the track here.
Champion FT. Jolie P – How U Like It
Champion has remained a producer who knows how to make a tune, as long as I can remember. Here, he teams up with Jolie P for a nice bit of UKG. It eases you in with some repeated vocals and a pacey drum beat, before our guest comes in with the vim. Joining her is that usual Champion sound, with the confidence and rave-ready instrumental fitting like a glove. This one is sure to get you skanking over the weekend.
Buy the track here.
NNENNA KING – On My Own
And we finish off today’s picks with some new NNENNA KING. Those vocals sound so smooth alongisde the airy synths and the percussion whihc drives the beat forward. This is a performer full of passion, as she talks about moving on from someone who did her wrong. You can feel the pain this caused in this singer’s voice, which really hits home the effects of this tale. Once again, this rising star proves not only do they sound good, but they have something to say.
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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