First Listen Fridays – New Music To Know – 15th August 2025

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Welcome back to another edition of First Listen Fridays, your ultimate source of the hottest new singles of the week. IndustryMe Editors Tom and Kloe are serving up a treat this week, with fresh picks from the worlds of pop, reggae, rap, and more. Enjoy this eclectic mix of recommendations to suit every taste as you dive into a weekend soundtracked by some epic new tunes courtesy of IndustryMe.

Tom’s Picks

Lethal Bizzle & Zero – Bun It Down

With it being the summer of bassline, and Zero usually dropping a seasonal banger like last year’s ‘Watch The Skank‘ with Tempa T, this has come at the right time. I have been eagerly awaiting this release since it was first teased, and I can say it has not let me down. The wavey production has that wobbly effect the Sheffield sound brings, and Bizzle’s fast-paced flows match it to a tee. This one will have you going all in and getting your skank on at the rave, which I will be doing when I hear this drop.

Everything Is Recorded FT. Sampha, Florence Welch, Danielle Ponder & Jah Wobble – Wear and Tear

Richard Russell, the head of XL Recordings, has always used this project to put together great artists alongside the next generation. The instrumental uses warbly synths, a simple drum pattern, and water drops to bring atmosphere. Every artist here shines by showcasing their vocals (especially Florence) and words of a tale of pursuing against forces trying to stop them. Sampha is the highlight, but everyone has their moment, and the trumpets at the end are a lovely touch. We’ve already had two projects from EIR this year, could we be about to have number 3?

Steve Lacy – Nice Shoes

Three years after the success of ‘Bad Habit‘, Steve Lacy makes his long-awaited return. The first taste of their new record, the breakbeat sound with the use of whistling, provides a very intriguing production. Lacy’s vocals, which are faded into the background, tell of being careful of time and feeling claustrophobic. This leaves a very eerie impression which matches the sentiment that the singer is expressing, particularly when he echoes, “Make it stop”. However, the track switches near the end, providing a more dreamy soundscape. Certainly, this marks a change in direction, leaving me excited to hear the rest of the new LP.

Mahalia FT. Tanya Stephens – Pity

The much-desired ‘Luvergirl‘ EP from Mahalia has finally dropped, including previous singles like ‘Pick Up The Pace‘. One of the new tracks to drop today, the reggae beat courtesy of IzyBeats, oozes rhythm and vibes. The title is appropriate considering the sample of Stephens’ ‘It’s A Pity‘, as the singer details it is a shame she isn’t available. The Leicester songstress brings aura and confidence to this song, making for a fun track for those who don’t mind a bit of infidelity.

Swimming Paul & Junior Simba – Holly

It may be a busy festival season, but the French producer Swimming Paul still has time to drop bangers. Teaming up with Zimbabwe-raised and now Leeds-based producer, Junior Simba, this is a mellow piece of house. The beat feels melancholic, but uses sampled vocals and words alongside wavey synths to create a set-closing mover. Swimming Paul continues to be one of the more creative people in electronic music, and I will be checking out more from Simba.

Kloe’s Picks

LeoStayTrill – PRAYER

UK rap prodigy LeoStayTrill delivers an ode to his faith via a flip on Aretha Franklin‘s timeless classic ‘I Say a Little Prayer‘. Here, the rapper opens up on praying for his loved ones as an act of loyalty and respect, urging listeners not to forget God even when times are good. This extremely personal flip of the script serves as motivation – “They hate that a young brother succeedin’ / I wake up and give ’em more reasons.“. Enjoy this uplifting spiritual jam from a young man determined not to be swayed by the trappings of success which is currently coming to him in spades.

TAVE featuring Tia Gordon – Fly Away

Grammy nominated Londoner TAVE is a well-known industry songwriter and producer. Moreover, he has delivered hits for the likes of Eric Bellinger and 6LACK. However, it’s his own record that has caught my attention this week. This is the title track from their debut EP of the same name, and is completely mesmerising. Alongside the enchanting Tia Gordon, this soulful matchup provides a song that celebrates the beauty and effortlessness of true love. This is comfort food in audio form.

Elmiene – Useless (Without You)

It’s official, Elmiene only knows how to make hits. As the world prepares for his 12-track mixtape dropping next month, the R&B crooner drops a lead single sure to pull at your heartstrings. This ballad hears the young man declare his life pointless without his partner. Torn up over the demise of a life changing relationship, the singer delivers a relatable and emotional track that hits you hard. This is that classic R&B sound that I can never get enough of.

Cat Burns – All This Love

One of Britain’s finest musical prodigies is back and is brilliant. Cat is keeping fans fed with a moving ode to love, loss, and healing in ‘All This Love‘. This single acts as a teaser for her rumoured forthcoming album. In this refreshingly honest record, she articulates grief in a poignant and positive way. Further to this, she examines where to redirect ‘all this love‘ now that someone isn’t around to receive it. This is a captivating listen from the moment you hit play and sure to resonate with those who have lost loved ones.

Full Blown, Yung Bredda, Chlöe, & MOLIY – The Greatest Bend Over (Take It Easy)

This is a major moment for fans of reggae. This certified summer smash hit by Caribbean hit makers Full Blown and reggae star Yung Bredda turns a new page as they let the hot girls take the wheel. Chlöe and MOLIY bounce onto this new club classic, bringing a sexy energy to the addictive Soca banger. Let the carnival vibes wash over you this weekend and move your body to this irresistible feel good rhythm.

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. Don’t forget to follow the playlist on Spotify below or Apple Music.

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