First Listen Fridays – Mariella, Ms Banks, and More New Music (13/2/26)

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First Listen Fridays has returned with song recommendations to spice up your Valentine’s weekend. IndustryMe Editors Tom and Kloe have decided upon the best releases of the week, and have chosen very different vibes. Tom is keen to share rising star Mariella’s new record, whilst Kloe is diving headfirst into the R&B world, praising the soothing vocals of Shaé Universe. There’s plenty to sink your teeth into this week, so let’s jump right in.

Tom’s Picks

NORA – bittersweet

A first EP release since 2022, ‘happy f****g valentines day‘ is perfectly timed for all those going through it. The standout from the new tracks is ‘bittersweet‘, with the almost robotic autotune used well to emphaise this artist’s feelings. The track feels chaotic from the warbly vocals to the bassyness, which feels appropriate for a person coming to terms with the ending of a relationship, and everyone else’s thoughts and feelings on the matter. It is a great slice of alternative-pop that, through its musicality and performance, shows its ok to struggle to come to terms with things.

Mariella – Room For You

Soul is truly getting some love of late, and Mariella is one of its brightest stars, who is about to take over. We begin with a mesmering guitar and this artist’s lovely vocals, as she reflects on thinking about someone whom she can’t quite forget. The track adds some background vocals here and a bit of brass there, which adds to what makes this sound so good. This provides passion, good use of instruments, and top-tier singing that showcase an artist who just knows how to make great music.

Buy the track here.

Knocked Loose FT. Denzel Curry – Hive Mind

As he showed on his ‘Bulls On Parade‘ cover, Denzel Curry knows how to make a rock jam, so this team-up with Knocked Loose was eagerly anticipated. The heavy and wild guitars are pounding and loud af, before Bryan Garris gives his all on the vocals. As expected, Denzel flows nicely here and gives a great feature. If you like your rock music loud and wild, turn the volume up to maximum.

Buy the track here.

Sun-El Musician FT. Deborah Cox – Love Is Love

South Africa is full of top-tier musicians right now, and Sun-El Musician is another I have just come across. ‘Under The Sun‘ has plenty of good music, but ‘Love Is Love‘ is one of the highlights. The soothing water sounds alongside the kick drums, which increase in intensity as the track goes on, lay the foundations of a melodic banger. Deborah Cox sounds great here, hitting the high notes when necessary and meeting the assignment to a tee. The drop does its thing with Cox’s vocals faded into the background nicely. Whether a set closer or as something to listen to when relaxing, this is a vibe.

Buy the album here.

Baby Rose FT. Leon Thomas – Friends Again

I was immediately hooked by Baby Rose’s voice when I came across this track, and continued listening on. This classy, old-school vocal style truly stands out and sells her passion and lyricism about two friends having an intimate moment. Man of the moment, Leon Thomas, does his thing, and when they come together, chef’s kiss. The piano and brass-led production is the perfect mood setter, with everything here top of the range.

Buy the track here.

Kloe’s Picks

Jill Scott FT. JID – To B Honest

The unapologetically divine Jill Scott has paired up with the greatest rapper of the age (in my opinion), JID. You know I had to crank the volume all the way up! Her first album in over a decade is finally here, and it is a comeback record that will remind many of her timelessness. Jill spreads her creamy vocals over this track in that hypnotic way she does. While I was waiting for JID’s verse to come in like a cold shower and feel slightly out of place, it did not at all. JID brings a softer-spoken energy where he’s tapping into some soulmate talk. P.S – that bass at the end is simply perfection. 

Buy the record here.

Shaé Universe – D’ANGELO’S JOINT

In honour of Black History Month in the US, and the late great D’Angelo’s birthday – the sensational Shaé Universe has gifted us a classic. Written the day after his passing, Shaé brings us a buttery smooth record that pays homage with heart. The lyric video is also stunning, displaying an ode to the beauty of Black hair and the significance of soul music. 

Buy the track here.

Tiana Major9 – desire.

Not many artists can make such a splash in music with only EPs to their name, but Tiana Major9 has done that. Her debut album has been long overdue, and today we can finally celebrate it. Inspired by astrology and laying feeling bare, this R&B songstress has gifted fans with ‘November Scorpio’. I’d recommend listening to this record all the way through, but tracks 8 and 9 are back-to-back bangers, with ‘Always’ featuring Yebba and ‘desire.’. The latter is a confident, slick track that puts the spotlight on the one she wants. It’s a perfect Valentine’s Day jam.

Buy the album here.

Brent Faiyaz – other side.

Detached, honest, and a little toxic – that’s the Brent Faiyaz I know. However, from the moment I hit play on this LP, I was pleasantly surprised. His third studio album, ‘Icon’, dropped today, and it is clear he has levelled up. This is a major rebuttal to criticisms that he’s one-dimensional and shows his diversity in a concise, classic way. Raphael Saadiq executive-produced this record, and you can hear that throughout. My personal favourite so far is ‘other side.’. I did not expect this Michael Jackson, Off-The-Wall era record, and I am completely here for it.

Buy the record here.

Ms Banks – SOUTH LDN LOVER GIRL

South London’s icy queen is back with a record to pull at your heartstrings, reminding us why she is one of the most prominent voices in U.K. rap. With the kind of pen that makes you rewind, Ms Banks takes charge in a scene that often sidelines women. In this record, she touches on a personal story about domestic violence, manipulation, and mental health issues that is very personal. This titular single from her upcoming album tells a harrowing tale, showing that this album is about to be her most vulnerable and honest yet. 

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.

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