First Listen Fridays – New Music To Know – 11th July 2025

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Welcome back to First Listen Fridays! This feature is your ultimate source of the ten freshest tracks to know every week. It’s not just the weather that’s bringing the heat this week, as music fans are served a healthy dose of R&B, grime, pop and everything in between. IndustryMe Editors Tom and Kloe have curated this eclectic mix of new music just for you, so kick back and enjoy.

Tom’s Picks

Danny L Harle FT. PinkPantheress – Starlight

The former PC Music member has been making more waves in the mainstream, but he seems to be back to the sound he was known for. Immediately, those spacey synths have your attention, with guest PinkPantheress’ autotuned vocals floating nicely over them. The beat then begins to pick up, with Pink matching the intensity as the beat drops into this happy hardcore-esque/flute-based rhythm. I love how wild this production sounds, and the choice of guest is the perfect match.

Mahalia – Instructions

People have been asking for the sound of the summer, and maybe this has provided that. The dancehall sound and Mahalia’s confident delivery about enticing someone feels perfect for the dancefloor. This is equal parts catchy and groovy, with the Leicester singer proving her genre versatility once again. Once again, we get another flavorful slice of the upcoming project that we are anticipating.

Craig David FT. JoJo – In It With You

Two noughties icons on one track? Ok then! This one takes us back about 20 years with that classic ballad sound mixed with some trap drums. Craig and JoJo showcase their vocal range, and on the chorus, they harmonise expertly. This is a tale of love, and both artists showcase their chemistry and talents with a bit of country twang mixed in.

Amber Mark – Sweet Serotonin

I’m always hype for some new Amber Mark, and this one, which feels very Amy Winehouse-esque, delivers. The late-night jazz club setting this projects allows the singer to showcase those high notes, while giving you a bop to sway to. This is certainly a finger clicker and is the perfect love jam to groove into the weekend.

Rizzle Kicks FT Rachel Chinouriri – Follow Excitement!

Not a collab that I expected, but it makes so much sense. The playful flows from Jordan and Harley go over this bossa nova-esque beat nicely, with Rachel’s energetic chorus matching the vibe to a tee. With the sun out and summer in full flow, this track and all artists involved aced the assignment.

Kloe’s Picks

FLO and KAYTRANADA – The Mood

What is better than a collab you don’t expect, but actually makes perfect sense when you hear it? A rare producer that never makes a mis-step, KAYTRANADA invites Jorja, Renée and Stella to a glittering track that surprisingly feels feels very calm and nostalgic. With a fresh take on relationships and intimacy – in short, reminding us permission is sexy – FLO bring their trademark harmonies to a radio-ready single for the summer. Prepare to hear this song everywhere.

Shorty FT Boy Better Know – Family Tree

Where would Grime be without BBK? It’s a world I don’t want to imagine. Despite not being lucky enough to see them light up the stage this weekend at Wireless, this new track almost makes up for it. The Grime pioneers have stepped back into the spotlight with a special track, aptly titled ‘Family Tree‘. ‘BBK stepping out like when the Avengers assemble‘ they rap, and it couldn’t be more true. Also, with Skepta laying down the foundations of a potential US/UK rap beef with his new track this Friday, keeping it close knit is more important than ever.

Odeal FT Leon Thomas – Miami

Global artist Odeal returns this week with his fresh EP ‘The Summer That Saved Me‘. It features his single ‘London Summers‘ – a previous First Listen Friday pick from me – plus this new smash with R&B man of the moment Leon Thomas. Housing a brilliant blend of Afrobeats, soul, R&B, and Afro-Latin sounds, this personal project houses six soulful tracks. However, ‘Miami‘ is the single set to take off. The pair romanticise summer flings with their lady loves, and curate a dizzyingly swoon-worthy sound with a sun soaked, laid back vibe.

Jaz Karis – On My Way

We voted and she listened! After getting fans to decide on her next single via her socials, Jaz has released a sweet-like-honey summer anthem. With one of the most soothing voices in the UK music scene, this BRIT school alumnus knows how to make great R&B pulling in reggae and afro influences. This song is about giving into the emotion of it love and letting it wash over you. It’s a great addition to her strong discography.

Syd – Die For This

We missed you Syd. In their first drop in several years, The Internet vocalist drops one of the most heartfelt songs I’ve heard this year. Teeming with emotion, Syd offers the ultimate sacrifice for a partner – ‘Really love of my life but I would die for this‘ they croon on the stripped back track. Gearing up for a year as a special guest on tour for both Billie Eillish and Renée Rapp, the LA-bred singer has left us feinding for more with this new release. Put plainly, new Syd is to die for.

Follow IndustryMe on Instagram, Threads, X, or YouTube. Press play on our First Listen Fridays playlist below to enjoy all our top picks. Read last week’s picks here.

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