First Listen Fridays – New Music to Know – 25th July 2025

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That Friday feeling is upon us, and we have the perfect playlist to kickstart your weekend. Every week, IndustryMe Editors Tom and Kloe decide their top ten must-hear songs that dropped today. Hot off the press, we have Melica, Tyler, The Creator, and Tame Impala returning to the radio waves. Whether you’re in the mood for Arya Starr or feeling Jorja Smith, you’re sure to find a song to obsess over from first listen in our list of recommendations.

Tom’s Picks

Rée Celine – Hit My Ex

With her first release of 2025, this R’n’B singer is dropping a summery jam. The blending of the choir and Celine, the vibey and boppy beat, and the earworm of a chorus combine to make an addictive track. This track feels fun with its wit while documenting the perils of dating in 2025. As the first taste of a new EP, I can say I’m impressed.

Jamie xx – Dream Night

I’m always here for new Jamie xx, and this track is no different. His first material post-In Waves, the soulful-sampled vocals of Terry Callier against the dreamy-melodic beat make for a slow but danceable track. This feels more in line with the ‘In Colour‘ era’s take on melodic and chilled out dance music. As a result, I am interested to see what direction he goes in.

Jorja Smith – With You

The Walsall artist seems to be in her dance/rave music bag right now, and that continues here. Ed Thomas, Maverick Sabre, and Jakwob deliver some melancholic garage that is complemented nicely by the electronic guitar in the background. UKG is perfect for summer, but Jorja’s emotional delivery of her bond with this person makes this fit in every season. Smith has been on a run of late and will have fans excited for new drops and projects.

Tame Impala – End Of Summer

This title feels a little premature, but this definitely feels intended for festival season. Mr. Parker’s first release since his collaborations with Justice, this is moving in a tech-house direction. It keeps your attention for the entire 7 minutes, as he delivers a tale of his infatuation with this person. While starting off melodic and even at times wavey, the beat really kicks in during the latter part. As people celebrate a decade of ‘Currents‘, many of those same people will be grooving towards this new era.

Melica – Mr Scorpio

After teasing this for a while, we got that new Melica drop. Those glistening synths, the afro-house-esque production of Sampl, and those top-notch vocals are a great combo. This number was made to dance to and get the party going for loved-up couples. This artist is back, and it has certainly lived up to the hype.

Kloe’s Picks

TABI – Leaving

With a voice fit for retro-soul – Brighton born newcomer TABI is giving me Duffy vibes with new track ‘Leaving‘. Playing with the concept of not knowing what you’ve got till it’s gone, this indie-pop up-and-comer is one to watch. This is an infectious, empowering track that is sounds so different to everything else on the radio right now.

Ayra Starr – Hot Body

The undeniably irresistible Afrobeats superstar is back and better. Body positivity is on the agenda for the Nigerian songstress, as she delivers a sultry, slow whine worthy track sure to light up club dance floors worldwide. This is exactly what I look for when I tune into Ayra Starr, and she really delivers here. In short, she really is ‘that girl’.

Lady Wray – My Best Step

Lady Wray has been delivering tune after tune this year, and this is my favourite one yet. This is a soulful ode to love’s up and downs and finding the beauty in the difficult times. This is a gospel inspired, rich record that touches the heart. I love this side of Lady Wray, and it has got me even more excited for the release of her forthcoming album ‘Cover Girl‘ in September.

CeCe Teneal – Can’t Get Over You

Let me pepper some rich soul into your weekend playlist. ‘This feels like a plate of collard greens and cornbread‘ is how Cece described this single on her socials, and I completely agree. This is soul food in music form. Her voice feels like a warm hug – so smooth and heavenly. This is peak audio pleasure.

Tyler, The Creator – Ring Ring Ring

For Tyler, The Creator fans, today feels like Christmas Day. Before I have time to fully unwrap his new album ‘DON’T TAP THE GLASS‘, a quick follow up to his revolutionary album ‘CHROMAKOPIA‘, I’ll point you to this funky single. Longing for a love that’s walked out his life, the LA rapper employs an eighties groove on this track. With a Quincy Jones production style and a vibe that feels somewhat reminiscent to ‘IGOR‘, he’s snatched up the summer spotlight. Sorry everybody else.

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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