First Listen Mondays – FKA twigs, Ama, and More New Music (22/6/26)
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So, for one time only (maybe), First Listen Fridays becomes First Listen Mondays, as we bring the best new music from last week. The weather is quite hot right now, but we have plenty of great music to distract you from melting away. Whether anthemic bangers from FKA twigs and Clean Bandit or passionate R’n’B from Ama and ANJXLXE, get straight into these picks, and listen afterwards via our playlist.
FKA twigs FT. Lil Yachty – On Your Mind
Despite effectively releasing two albums of new material last year, FKA twigs is here to leave her mark on 2026. The distorted bass alongside Lil Yachty’s autotuned delivery is a calming start, but when that beat kicks in, it’s pure filth. Twigs’ fast-paced singing matches this loud and brash sound from Manni Dee and DJH, making for a banger that will get the people dancing. Clearly, there is some U.K. bass inspiration here, and I am loving it. Whether this is a continuation of the ‘EUSEXUA‘ era or something new, I am here for it. P.S. Yachty and Twigs make for a great duo.
Buy the track here.
Q – hey there [i have a compulsive complex]
Time for our Purple List pick, and this week, we have the first release of this year from Q. Those guitars bring a real energy, before those drums come in nicely, really bringing a repetitive, stick-in-your-head kind of melody. He brings the mojo on the singing front, giving that grungy-esque initially, before being more soulful. The passion comes through for this person, he wants to be loved by, but the instrumental, whether the keyboard or the distortion effect, just keeps giving. I love how this track keeps changing things slightly, but not just for show; it is purposeful and effective. A great start to the year for this talented person.
Buy the track here.
ANJXLXE – Destin, pt. II
For those in the know, French R’n’B is an area of the genre of love that you need to check out (may I recommend mademoiselle lou). But today is all about ANJXLXE, who has released a reworked version of this track from her debut album. Those smooth keyboard notes ease you in, before her tranquil delivery soothes you for the rest of the track. There are high notes, melody, and from my GCSE French skills, a story of longing and passion. If, like me, this artist is new to your ears, I suggest you keep an eye on what they do next.
Buy the track here.
SABRI – With You
This artist has always been consistent in her quality of output, and ‘With You‘ is no exception. Those electric guitars alongside her ooo’s at the start: absolutely magical. She really gives her all on the vocal front, almost straining, as she highlights the feeling this person gives her. This is an impressive display of singing ability and a crash course in how to implement different vocal techniques in a top-class manner. Take note, artists, this is how you sang!
Buy the track here.
Clean Bandit FT. Biig Piig – I Don’t Wanna Hurt You
While this trio may no longer be one of the hot shots on the chart, they continue to make great classical/electronic crossovers. When I saw they were collaborating with Biig Piig, I was eager to hear the results. The blending of 2-step kick drums and the harp is beautiful, with the guest’s angelic delivery floating so smoothly on this beat. That drop, though, with the blaring synths and reverberating vocals, is sensational and will certainly get people hyped at festivals. Fantastic stuff, and a great example of what this group brings to both classical and dance music.
Buy the track here.
Ama FT. Bryson Tiller – Aura
Ama (the artist formally known as Ama Lou) has returned with a deeply personal sophomore self-titled LP. From what I have heard, it is pretty raw and shows an artist who is confessional and emotive. While fans were treated to some great singles prior, this one with Bryson Tiller does the business. Prep Bjain and Dpat really bring the atmosphere on the production front, with the bass and synths giving it some oomph, and nicely leading into the chorus. Our lead gives an intriguing tale of someone who is open and honest about who they are, and knows their ‘aura’. The Tiller feature is the cherry on top of this great, moody piece of R’n’B.
Buy the track here.
Fedge – Through It All
The debut EP from Fedge is packed with anthemic pop, big guitar licks, and heavy 80s influence. The one new track, which shares its name with the EP title, is, however, a classic piano ballad. His vocals and the use of autotune feel impactful, with each line almost vibrating back at you, like an echo in an underpass. Those synths then come in on the chorus, as does the guitar after, bringing some positivity to the track. While a tale of unrequited love, this artist stands tall despite it and closes out this project with the promise of brighter days ahead.
Toshiki Soejima FT. Carrie Baxter & edbl – Good Thing
While Carrie Baxter is the featured guest on this track from the Japanese guitarist, Toshiki Soejima, I was excited to hear this Purple Listed artist on this genre. This was particularly the case when I saw that edbl was involved, as well. The funky, but mellow vibes here are on point with a great use of horns. Carrie also sounds amazing on this production, floating over it like a plane hovering through the clouds. Her vocals sound very jazzy here and are a nice touch to a track where everyone plays their part well.