First Listen Fridays – New Music to Know- 5th September 2025
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Welcome to another edition of First Listen Fridays! This is your ultimate source of the hottest new music that has just dropped. IndustryMe Editors Tom and Kloe have sifted through the new tunes and pulled some they think you’ll love. This week, we are treated to new music from Venna, Miguel, and Queen Naija. Turn your speakers up to full volume and enjoy these fresh releases.
Tom’s Picks
Miguel – New Martyrs (Ride 4 U)
After 8 long years, we are finally getting a new album from Miguel, with this being the second single from ‘CAOS‘. Those electronic guitars set the scene nicely as he sings about ‘Wearing his heart on his sleeve’. This feels like a very ride or die relationship on display as he brings passion to the chorus. In the second half the energy is brought up a notch, before it concludes in style. I’m loving the rocky energy of this track and can’t wait for more from this new era.
dexter in the newsagent – Eighteen
A very much underrated artist, dexter is finally getting the attention they deserve after features with the likes of Jim Legxacy and Niko B. This is her 3rd drop of the year so far, bringing an indie-pop energy that shows off their vocal chops. This brings the catchiness you want from a bop, and just has a vibe that keeps you coming back for more. With this being different from previous tracks I have heard, the versatility on display has me excited for a future body of work.
Kofi Stone – Rainfall
Having seen this Brummie rapper this summer, I was once again made aware of what a talented MC he is. Those choir vocals really soothe you into this one alongside the beat, with the kick drums providing the bit of oomph to complete droppedmilk’s production. Kofi then flows superbly over this beat, telling tales of his internal feelings while at University and during previous Christmas’. This is proper wordsmith and storytelling hip-hop that hooks you in and keeps you engrossed. I cannot wait for the next album!
Celeste – Woman Of Faces
With the title track of her sophomore release, this singer continues to show why she is an elite vocalist. The demo came in August, but now we have the finished article, and it was worth the wait. With just a Piano in the background initially, Celeste takes center stage and delivers her passionate words. Adding the brass elevates the importance of this track, feeling straight out of a concert hall. Her music was born to be delivered from an opera house to a delighted audience, and that remains the case here. Oh, and the way this closes vocally, chef’s kiss.
Modestep FT. Cassyette – Limerence
I will always hold a soft spot for anyone from that era of dubstep in the late noughties to early 2010s (nostalgia, I suppose). And here, Modestep has teamed up with former Purple List alumni Cassyette for this slice of Drum’n’Bass. Starting off with a melancholic sound with the plucked guitars, while both artists harmonise, is a nice foundation, before that drop hits. The bass and the drums then come in, and while turning up the tempo, still allow the more rock-oriented elements to feel fitting. A nice collab from the group’s upcoming record.
Buy the track here.
Kloe’s Picks
Ego Ella May – What We Do
The award-winning British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Ego Ella May has resurfaced with a fun and uplifting new record. This feel-good track feels light and enjoyable, whilst still keeping the star quality that simply radiates from this young talent. Fans have been waiting a long time for a follow up from her debut effort ‘Honey For Wounds‘ and relish this new release, setting the tone for her highly anticipated sophomore project which is in the works.
Buy the track here.
Venna FT. Jorja Smith – Myself
South London-based saxophonist and producer Venna has teamed up with the inimitable Jorja Smith to make music magic. This sumptuous single flies the flag for putting yourself first in a relationship where it’s easy to get lost. “Choosing myself before I lose myself,“, Jorja croons. The scattered drum sounds and lush instrumentals give this single a timeless quality. Venna’s album ‘MALIK‘ is out today, filled with tracks as precious as this one.
Buy the track here.
Empara Mi – It Was Always You
When is the last time you listened to a song and the vocals made you stop what you were doing to say ‘wow‘? Empara Mi has one of those voices, and it is on full display on her new single ‘It Was Always You‘. This is a lighters up ballad that feels extremely personal. The freshest track from her upcoming debut album ‘Monsters & Masochists‘, this musician brings a cinematic feel to all the music she makes.
flowerovlove – I’m your first
flowerovlove is a superstar waiting on the sidelines. The 20 year old artist has had an unbelievable 2025, having opened for Olivia Rodrigo and is set to open for HAIM and Khalid very soon. Today, she is cementing her breakout status even further with a super catchy single. Packed with energy, she brings her kaleidoscopic energy in this fun-loving track. Draped in gold medals, this artist is a glitter ball of glamour as she congratulates her partner for securing her. The confidence here is over-flowing and it is a truly liberating listen.
Queen Naija – rain…
Let the reign of Queen Naija pour over you as she returns to the music scene in style today. Her newest single reminds us how dangerously talented she is vocally, and their ability to make tantalisingly sexy R&B is powerful. A soul star of the social media generation, this is a new era that sees the young starlet get back to her R&B roots. Setting the tone for an upcoming EP, this is her new chapter – stepping out with a new confidence that feels cleansing.
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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