First Listen Fridays (6/3/26) – Sampha, Jorja Smith, and More New Music
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Welcome back to First Listen Fridays, and we have a scorching hot playlist for you this week! Readers, buckle up as Editor Tom shares new Sampha for you to check out. Meanwhile, fellow Editor Kloe is completely obsessed with a new Headie One track. There’s plenty to sink your teeth into, so let’s jump right in.
Tom’s Picks
Sampha – Naboo
The ‘HELP(2)‘ compilation album from War Child Records is finally here, packed with great music from great artists, for a noteworthy cause. We’ve already highlighted tracks from Arctic Monkeys and Ezra Collective alongside Greentea Peng in previous editions, but this week is Sampha’s turn. The ethereal, unnerving production and bouncy synths have you gripped, before his velvety tones come in. His words about belonging and having to feel important in society feel very relevant to the fame-heavy society we live in. In a world where war continues to rear its ugly head, make sure to support this record, you won’t be disappointed.
Buy the track here.
DJ Zinc X Duppy – Beware
This iconic DJ and producer has been tearing up raves and clubs since the 90s, and to this day knows how to make a tune. Here, he teams up with one of grime’s shining lights, Duppy, and it does indeed go off. The breakbeat production, mixed with the blaring siren-esque synths, and this MC’s fast-paced flow, just fit together perfectly. Get your screw face on and your gun fingers out, this one is gonna have you on your feet.
Buy the track here.
Matt Hansen – SAME TIME
Having garnered an audience via covers on TikTok, this artist is now gearing up for their debut album. What sticks out is Matt’s powerful, almost operatic delivery that allows him to express his emotions very well. The simple, but effective piano playing allows his words and terrific vocals, particularly on the chorus, to take centre stage. This singer is clearly going to keep getting noticed by the general public.
Wesley Joseph – Pluto Baby
Speaking of debut LPs, we are finally getting the first one from Wesley Joseph. The Midlands’ future star has already teased towards the record with a couple of tracks, but ‘Pluto Baby‘ is another great slice. Those energetic guitars at the start and pounding drum beat, alongside the synths, make for a mesmerising beat. Wesley flows so cleanly over this, highlighting his varied flows and ability to create an earworm of a song. Particularly, his second verse hits the sweet spot; I can’t wait to hear the full release.
Buy the track here.
Lost Girl – Romeo
I first came across this artist when they collaborated with Hardy Caprio back in 2021, and they are clearly here to stay. The mood is clearly set by the whispery background vocals and the piano, before our lead really holds those notes. Passionate, impactful, and attention-grabbing, this artist knows how to showcase her abilities, even when that bass comes in. The rap-singing part is just another example of this singer’s talents, who I’m sure will continue to showcase on future releases. This is someone putting the mood in moody R’n’B.
Kloe’s Picks
Jorja Smith and Havoc – Blue Lights [Havoc Remix]
Firstly, I can’t believe ‘Blue Lights‘, is ten years old. Secondly, I can’t believe how good this remix is. Whilst I knew Jorja was officially part of the Mobb Deep family after she spectacularly featured on the ‘Infinite‘ album last year, I did not see this one coming. One of the greatest hip-hop producers to ever do it, Havoc, has given Jorja’s classic a new lease of life. This is my new favourite mix, and it has reignited my obsession for this song. I just need to hear Jorja on an Alchemist beat now to make my life complete.
Jessie Ware – Ride
Save a horse, ride a cowboy. That is the message from our good mother Jessie Ware. Whilst I would listen to this artist singing her shopping list, I think everyone can appreciate her newest single. Armed with a slow-burning, hypnotic groove, you can really hear Jessie step into her highest self. Sexy, confident, and ultra-feel good, it’s exactly what the doctor ordered.
Buy the track here.
Nia Smith FT. DESTIN CONRAD – Tough
Brixton meets Florida in this crossover that R’n’B dreams are made of. The emerging singer-songwriter Nia Smith showcases her vocal chops and ability to make a slow-dance jam. This song sounds like a first dance song, one to sing along to in the car, or put on in the background to relax. The pair sing about a lover who puts up a tough exterior, reminding them that when they’re around their love, they can be vulnerable. It is a must-listen.
Buy the track here.
Headie One – You’ve Changed
One of my favourite Headie tracks in a minute, Rich Uncle Headie hits back at fake friends who claim he’s changed since he got famous. This reminds me of something Jay-Z once said, that when you get famous, it’s often the people around you that change how they treat you, rather than the other way around. This is Headie hitting back at the haters from his block who are throwing dirt on his name. ‘Don’t tell me I’ve changed and try and manipulate me’, he raps. I love this energy.
Sebastian Croft – Better than ever
Where are my ‘Heartstopper‘ fans at? Actor and singer/songwriter Sebastian Croft has given us a lively slice of pop today. A bittersweet break up song about their partner thriving without them is a teen dream of a song. However, don’t be fooled by the sweet voice of this young talent; his storytelling is superb. Sebastian perfectly articulates the feeling of being left behind, which will speak to so many.
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. Don’t forget to follow the playlist on Spotify below or on Apple Music.
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