First Listen Fridays – New Music to Know – 28th November 2025

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Welcome back to the final ‘First Listen Fridays’ for November! As we creep towards the Christmas period, artists are dropping plenty of new music in this final quarter. As always, music super-fans and IndustryMe Editors Tom and Kloe have handpicked their favourite records this week. Tom shares his love for Jordan Rakei and Jalen Ngonda’s new song, puts us on to Catching Cairo, whilst Kloe thinks Jessie J’s new record is worth your time. Read on to uncover the full list!

Tom’s Picks

YONAKA – Hit Me When I’m Sore

I’ve been keeping my ears tuned to this trio since my uni days in 2019, and now they are gearing up for a new album in 2026. The distortion is an interesting start, before Alex Crosby’s bass and George Edwards’ guitar kick in, as well as Theresa Jarvis’ melodic delivery. That keyboard on the chorus is also sensational. Jarvis delivers a really passionate performance talking about having to deal with fame and fans when being left sore. It is a great piece of alt-rock that is anthemic in sound and personal in nature.

Jordan Rakei & Jalen Ngonda – What It Gave Me

A first release post-The Loop era, Jordan Rakei has teamed up with Jalen Ngonda for a great collab to ease us into December. That production really captures a mood with the piano playing and persistent percussion, before both vocalists shine one after the other. The harmonies on the chorus are truly top-tier, proving why I was excited about this track. A great duet from two artists who deserve more recognition.

Buy the track here.

Skream & Benga FT Emily Makis – Midnight Control

The legendary dubstep duo is back with one of the most talented vocalists in the rave scene. Makis shows off her vocal chops over these blaring synths as the beat builds up to the drop. And that drop does certainly hit that sweet spot, showing the wub wubs are back in fashion. The bass, as well, is the icing on top of the cake that just gives this one a bit of oomph. The former Magnetic Man members haven’t lost their touch, and I can’t wait to hear more in the new year.

Buy the track here.

Catching Cairo – High Speed Chase

Speaking of top-tier dance vocalists, Catching Cairo ain’t done just yet with 2025. Alongside Born On Road, that guitar and reverberating synths make for an earworm jungle/D’n’B production. The vocals are equally catchy, full of charisma, with everything feeling perfect to soundtrack a late-night drive. This artist delivers on all fronts and proves once again that they deserve more acclaim.

Buy the track here.

Manga Saint Hilare & Lewi B. FT. Kruz Leone & Scrufizzer – U Get It

Four grime heavyweights on the same track? That’s insane! Peep Show puns aside, Manga Saint Hilare and Lewi B. have just dropped a new EP, and this is the track I have picked out. The bass is certainly wobbling as Manga flows nicely, giving us the video game-esque 140 BPM that takes you back. Kruz Leone and Scrufizzer flow just as well. Punchy bars and smooth flows, this is what one of the U.K.’s greatest exports was made for.

Buy the track here.

Kloe’s Picks

Fred again.. FT. BIA – ..FEISTY

Fred again.. has done it… again. Today he’s dropped two fresh tracks with rapper and model BIA at long last. This electrifying release continues his ‘USB‘ era with weekly drops with interesting collaborations that showcase the best of him and the artist he’s working with. This new track was one fans have been begging for since September, when he shared a teaser of this from a set he did in Italy. With a dirty bass drop and hard drums that compliment BIA’s vocal delivery, this song is about to be everywhere.

Buy the track here.

Nafe Smallz – Shot Caller

Warning: this song is super catchy. Nafe is owning the melodic rap scene right now, keeping his finger on the pulse with multiple releases this year. On ‘Shot Caller‘ he yet again brings his “wavey” energy to a trap-wave sound that just feels so “UK”. 

The rapper brings an oversized ego to this track, so it’s a fun listen lyrically. However, what really caught me were his melodies. Get familiar once again with this MC, he’s gaining plenty of momentum. 

Jessie J – FOR THIS LOVE

There’s no denying the talent of Jessie J. There’s also no denying her resilience. In a triumphant return to the pop scene, today she steps out with, ‘Don’t Tease Me With A Good Time‘. This marks her first album in seven years, and first album with new tracks (not covers) in over a decade. This is a new era for the Brit, and I truly feel her singles ‘LIVING MY BEST LIFE‘ (which I adore) and ‘H.A.P.P.Y‘ this year have rightfully brought her back into the pop conversation, with what feels like a total reinvention of her artist identity. There’s plenty of new tracks to love on her new record. But, the one that’s stood out for me so far is ‘FOR THIS LOVE‘. It’s got that powerful vocals that she’s known for, with gospel influences and a thumping beat. 

Buy the new album here.

Marlon Hoffstadt x Peter Xan – Hold You Close

It’s top producer meets ‘Afrogrunge‘ star in this new single that is a must-hear dance record. The beat thumps as Peter adds his signature relentless raps to a track that builds and builds. This is sure to kick your weekend into high gear, and deserves to be played at max volume only. It’s got a relentless attitude that is very infectious and will be a real treat for dance fans.

Buy the track here.

Marti Perramon – Mutual

I had never heard of Marti Perramon until today, and I’m liking what I’m hearing. This young man was born in Barcelona but now resides in London. After a slew of singles over the last few years, this self made artist has now stepped into the limelight with his new EP, ‘Boy from Barcelona, Baby‘. This is a five song fusion of alt pop, R&B, and a bit of rock-tinged energy thrown in for good measure. Think Dominic Fike, or Omar Apollo in terms of closest artist comparisons. Marti is an exciting fresh face I’m going to keep my eye on.

Buy the track here.

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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