First Listen Fridays: New Music to Know – 20th June 2025
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Welcome back to First Listen Fridays! This feature sees IndustryMe Editors Thomas Atkinson and Kloe Paton share the newest tracks they’re most excited about. Always on the lookout for rising talent, Tom and Kloe are keen to share the freshest new tracks you have to check out.
This week, expect an eclectic mix of super singles to add to your weekend playlist, from rap worthy of a few fire emojis to some pop that packs a punch.
Tom’s Picks
Fred again.., Skepta, and PlaqueBoyMax – Victory Lap
Created during one of Max’s popular Twitch streams, this release was highly anticipated. The production seamlessly blends a bassy mixture of dubstep and grime vibes with Fred’s exceptional use of sampling. Skeppy comes in with a braggadocious verse that flows nicely over this beat, making this a collab to remember.
Sofie – Rendezvous
This one feels perfect for Summer with the bouncy beat and the singer’s uplifting delivery. Bringing the sweetness, confidence, vocals, and brass, Sofie delivers another slice of bright R’n’B. It reminds listeners that she is a name to be reckoned with and is timed perfectly with the gorgeous weather.
Amaarae – S.M.O.
Those deep keys at the start let you know this singer means business. Her soothing vocals have you floating through the clouds but the heavy and bouncy beat has you rooted to the dancefloor. With a sprinkling of 80s influence, this one will be coming through the speakers of a club near you.
Kesha, Slayyyter, and Rose Gray – ATTENTION!
As the title suggests, this one has your complete focus with its pulsating house beat. The fast-paced delivery matches the energy as everyone brings their A-game on this addictive piece of dance-pop. This track is simply a lotta fun. The beat goes into overdrive at the end, concluding proceedings nicely. Everyone is having fun here and so am I!
Jaykae FT JME –Let’s Talk
We’ve had one Adenuga brother, so why not two? The orchestral production is somewhat chilling as the 0121 icon spits about real life and what is troubling him. JME brings a simple, but effective chorus, a nice break between Jay’s personal and hard-hitting verses. Proving once again that he is one of Birmingham’s finest, it is another great song from the Small Heath MC.
Kloe’s Picks
Clipse – So Be It
Is the return of Clipse the most exciting news for hip-hop this year? Possibly. It wasn’t until I heard Push and Malice glide back to their winnings ways with their recent singles that I was reminded of the unique space they occupy in rap. This ruggedly competitive track fires a few shots on top of a stellar sample of Arabic music by Pharrell.
Maria Heivang – Crazy for You
I love a good pop banger. Make way for Norwegian-born pop artist Maria Heivang, who has just dropped a crowd-pleasing upbeat summer single. This is a song for the summer romancers, who see nothing but blue skies and flowers blooming. It’s also great if you just need a pop pick-me-up.
Erykah Badu and The Alchemist – Next to You
I read a commenter online saying the upcoming The Alchemist x Erykah Badu album might change their life. I do not feel this is an exaggeration. Listeners, let the legendary beat of Mobb Deep’s ‘The Realest‘ radiate through your speakers this weekend, and appreciate what producer extraordinaire The Alchemist can curate. Abi and Al have cooked up a track that feels very ‘Badu-esque’ in it’s wavy, feels-like-you’re-floating style. Yet, it has a rugged edge. This is the pairing we didn’t know we needed.
KATSEYE – Gabriela
What do Jessica Alba, telenovelas, and a global girl group have in common? A campy chaotic single called ‘Gabriela‘. The multi-cultural collective are gearing up for their upcoming EP and have dropped a ‘Jolene‘ type record for the Gen Z crowd. This music video is a must-watch. It’s a celebration of Latino culture, and features the first Spanish verse from the group via Cuban/Venezuelan-American member Daniela.
Joy Crookes – Perfect Crime
It’s tough to put yourself out there on the dating scene – but not to worry, jazzy gem Joy Crookes has an anthem to get you in the right headspace. This song marks a turning point in her romantic life. She isn’t going to get caught up in another bad relationship or half-hearted attempt at love. No, she’s going in for the kill this time. Her self confidence is completely infectious on this track and has got me so excited for her upcoming album.
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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