Amaarae shares an album of the summer contender, PARTYOF2 bend hip hop’s rulebook and Sasha Keable keeps it soulful: it’s Wonderlist.
Amaarae – BLACK STAR
Ghanian-American superstar Amaarae cements her name as one of global pop’s most evocative and visionary talents with excellent new album, BLACK STAR. Boasting features from Bree Runway, PinkPantheress, Naomi Campbell and more, the record is sonically wide-spanning and thematically focused.
PARTYOF2 – “JUST DANCE 2”
One of US hip hop’s most exciting new presences, PARTYOF2 — a duo of LA artists Jadagrace and Swim — are putting their own spin on the sonic zeitgeist. New single “JUST DANCE 2” is as playful as rap can be, with rip-roaring production and great performances.
Sasha Keable – “act right”
The undeniably decadent Sasha Keable has delivered the goods on long-awaited project “act right”. The London artist’s new opus brings rich soulful timbre, emotional depth and stunning vocals.
Night Tapes – “storm”
London-based dream pop trio Night Tapes will be sharing their debut album in late September. Latest single is another glistening, hazy gem — a genteel anthem of wistful wanderings and definitive moments.
Wolf Alice – ‘White Horses”
The latest teaser single from their fourth studio album, The Clearing, due 29th August, “White Horses” shows the band’s musical fluidity. Drummer Joel Amey takes the vocal lead for once, offering a personal narrative about identity, dueting seamlessly with Ellie Rowsell.
Westside Cowboy – “Drunk Surfer”
It’s difficult to think of a more provoking UK rising band than Westside Cowboy. Debut EP “This Better Be Something Great” is here, alongside video for live set favourite “Drunk Surfer”, a heady, rousing and heartrending effort.
Kofi Stone – “Heartlands”
Birmingham’s finest Kofi Stone is back with the first new music since last year’s critically decorated A Man After God’s Own Heart. He drops double single, the standout of which, “Heartlands” comes augmented by vivid, intelligent visuals.
Mechatok ft. Isabella Lovestory – “She’s A Director”
Underground savant Mechatok has dropped an incredible new album in the shape of debut full-length Wide Awake. Lead single “She’s a Director” is among the strongest cuts, borrowing the absorbing charm and craft of Isabella Lovestory.
Chy Cartier – “Miu Miu”
One of UK rap’s most exciting new wave stars, Chy Cartier comes to assert her dominance with “Miu Miu”. It’s a sleek joint that flaunts the breadth of the London riser’s musical ability, and the hook is instantly memorable.
Deki Alem – Forget In Mass
Criminally under-appreciated Swedish sonic racketeers Deki Alem have unleashed a raw and cinematic debut album. Forget In Mass is unfiltered in its genre-bending, potent in its lyrical messaging and purposeful in its artistic decisions.
Only Fire ft. Cortisa Star – “Dumb”
Underground favourite Only Fire is set to share his new EP “Sex Demon” on 12th September via Epic UK. Second teaser single borrows the idiosyncratic energy of rising star Cortisa Star; inspired by Brazilian funk with a jaw-dropping electronic gusto, the track hits heavy and is suitably evocative.
Ed Sheeran – “A Little More”
There’s new music from pop heavyweight Ed Sheeran, who continues to raise hype for new September album Play with the release of teaser “A Little More”. The video with Rupert Grint is jolly good fun.
Grumpy – “Bird Parts”
The video is fabulously weird, the sonics are tender and idiosyncratic — Grumpy feels like an underdog to watch. “Bird Parts” is taken from forthcoming EP “Piebald”, out late September.
dust – “Drawbacks”
Aussie disruptors dust have become synonymous with head-swirling post punk excellence. Their debut album is due in October, and new single “Drawbacks” is mind-bending and engrossing.
JayWood – “PISTACHIOS”
With a new record on the way, Montreal-based rapper and artist JayWood pushes boundaries with complex new single “PISTACHIOS”. Loose in its structure yet razor sharp in its delivery, it’s a real statement cut.
Gordi – Like Plasticine
Australian indie pop star Gordi has delivered her third and best album Like Plasticine. Bustling with anthemic hooks, emotional richness and soaring vocals, it’s a testament to the artist’s recent growth.
Rochelle Jordan – “Doing It Too”
British-Canadian talent brings daring disco-tinged deftness on new cut “Doing It Too”. New record Through The Wall is set to drop in late September.
KTmelodies – “put ya hands in the air”
One primed for some Friday night fun, party instigators impress again with new club anthem “put ya hands in the air”. Nifty sampling and sophisticated rhythms bring together a classy cut.
Cosmorat – “Gimme Whatcha Got”
Alt pop riser Cosmorat is gearing up to share new EP “POOSHKA”. Intimate vocals, delicate guitar passages and bittersweet lyricism make this is a winner.
Reuben Aziz – “city girls“
Incorporating his ability to sing and rap, Reuben provides a modern-day love-ballad which is equally late-night drive music as it is a usable for get ready with me content. Reuben’s signature duality is at the centre of “city girls” as he delivers a poignant verse, woven between 90s-inspired R&B textures
JayO – “Hue”
British-Nigerian artist bolsters big streaming figures and co-signs from Stormzy and Popcaan, and culminates his rise with sophomore EP, “Hue”. Vibrant and energetic, it’s an R&B-Afrobeats delight.
Kali Claire – “WEAK”
Rising London artist, producer, and songwriter Kali Claire returns with her brand-new single “WEAK,” a romantic UK Garage-infused track. The song opens with emotive strings before transitioning into energetic UKG percussion, creating the perfect backdrop for Kali’s expressive vocals and heartfelt lyrics about love and distance.
LUXE – “Silk Wound”
London-based producer, composer, and DJ LUXE shares a newest single in her new sonic era. It’s a glistening, beautiful listen with a tender, psychedelic edge and some gorgeous piano cadence.
Nate Smith ft. Jermaine Holmes, Charlie Hunter & DJ Harrison – “Juke Joint”
Ahead of his new studio record LIVE-ACTION dropping this month, Nate Smith unleashes “Juke Joint”. Enlisting a lineup of musical excellence – including Jermaine Holmes, Charlie Hunter, and DJ Harrison – the track lands with the kind of mastery you’d expect, giving us another glimpse into the sprawling jazz sonics still to come.
Isabel – “Playing God”
Rising pop artist Isabel continues to carve out her space in the music scene with her latest single, “Playing God,”. The track opens with ethereal harmonies and builds into a sleek, introspective pop sound, anchored by Isabel’s intimate vocals and the resonant chorus. It’s a powerful reflection on the human desire to control our own narratives, blending vulnerability with quiet confidence.
