Nia Archives and Jorja Smith are emotional junglists, Role Model brings us joy, and Joe James drops the most important UK rap album of the year so far: it’s Wonderlist.
Nia Archives ft. Jorja Smith – “Get Me Down”
Nia Archives and Jorja Smith are truly a match made in UK music heaven. Ahead of them both taking over Victoria Park for All Points East next month, the magnetic pair deliver the immersive and ethereal “Get Me Down”. The track is plucked from Nia’s forthcoming record, emotional junglist, set for release next Friday.
Joe James ft. Dave – “Same Emotions”
One of the UK rap’s most respected yet underrated players, Joe James has long been an essential voice in the British scene. His biggest moment to date has arrived with his flawless debut album, The Ends, Never Ends. If in doubt of his impact and reach, just look at the project’s features – from Loyle Carner to Hak Baker and Dave. The latter features on “Same Emotions”, among the dense, intellectual LP’s breezier and lighter moments.
Role Model – “Joy”
Tucker Pilsbury, aka ROLE MODEL, chases “Joy” on his latest sun-soaked pop anthem. Finding beauty in the search for happiness, even when it feels just out of reach, he balances heartfelt lyricism with breezy melodies and an irresistibly uplifting chorus. It’s a track that captures the bittersweet optimism that’s somewhat become his signature. Serving as a gentle reminder that brighter days have a habit of returning, we’ll catch you on the flip side.
Confidence Man – “Young London”
Maximalist, unfiltered and very fun, London’s favourite Aussie contingent, Confidence Man, continue to be the party starters in the UK capital. They return with “Young London”, an absolute melter fit for these balmy conditions. Get on your feet and feel the beat.
LIA LIA – “Audacity”
The immensely impressive LIA LIA is stepping into the next era of her artistry, and this one feels like a breakthrough. The German-Chinese creative delivers an emotionally articulate and sonically soaring new single in “Audacity”, a sure-fire anthem and a clear sign of the goods to come.
Suki Waterhouse – “Notting Hill”
Suki Waterhouse’s new album, Loveland, is here, and the boho-chic queen of west London is giving it one final push with a video for “Notting Hill”. Filmed, of course, in the area, the nostalgic track serves as a love letter to the London flat where Waterhouse spent most of her twenties.
Little Grandad – “Babe, We’ve Run Out Of Time”
As hotly tipped as any rising UK band right now, Little Grandad delivers another excellent single in “Babe, We’ve Run Out Of Time”. Nostalgic, musically progressive, with a rousing lead vocal performance in tow, it’s the work of a confident, charismatic outfit who are only going to get better.
Nate Sib – “Face Card”
Fresh from supporting 2hollis across Europe, Nate Sib has released his debut album, Reborn, alongside a new video for “Face Card”, directed by none other than Morgan Maher. Drawing influences from everyone from Justin Bieber to Skrillex, Sib is carving out his own lane at the intersection of pop, EDM, hyperpop and trap.
LIM KIM ft. Bree Runway – “INSA”
The lead single that came out on 9th July offers a taste of what we can expect from LIM KIM’s upcoming album, Exit to Nowhere, out 22nd July via Universal Music Korea. Collaborating with Bree Runway, of whom she was already a fan, KIM kicks off a new chapter with a song that explores the dichotomies of being a performer.
Nippa ft. BLXST – “Homegrown”
On Nippa’s “Homegrown”, it’s coming home. As he celebrates the home he came from, he links up with LA’s Blxst on a soulful track that bridges two cities through stories of community, ambition and staying true to your roots. Built on hazy production and effortless harmonies, the track’s message resonated long before its release, soundtracking Tottenham Hotspur’s 2026/27 Home & Away kit campaign in a fitting tribute to the North London neighbourhood that Nippa calls home.
Portraits of Tracy – “This Song May Or May Not Be About An Alt-Right Influencer”
Louisiana artist Portraits of Tracy returns with “This Song May Or May Not Be About An Alt-Right Influencer” written after discovering that a neo-Nazi influencer was a fan of her music. The provocatively titled single is taken from her forthcoming project, Q: From Where Do Our Primal Instincts Originate? A: MTV!.
Ceebo – “Revolut”
Rising London rapper Ceebo is in untouchable form on his latest sonic steamroller, “Revolut”. Revamping the swirling ambience and booming percussion that the UK underground movement has made its own, the MC is dominant and playful, undoubtedly one of the finest tradesman in his sonic lane.
Ruti – “FLOWERS”
Ruti lets her voice do the heavy lifting on “Flowers”, an emotionally charged anthem that blossoms from hushed vulnerability into a soaring, cathartic release. Co-written with Theo Hutchcraft, produced by Will Bloomfield, the track pairs deeply personal songwriting with cinematic, expansive production, giving every lyric room to land. It’s another striking showcase of the singer-songwriter’s gift for making heartbreak feel beautifully human.
Slow Pulp – “Not For Nothing”
Chicago’s indie-rock band Slow Pulp unveil “Not for Nothing”, the latest single and video from their forthcoming third album, Melodie, due for release next year. This piano ballad was written by Henry Stoehr in the wake of a series of heartbreaks.
Sarah Meth – “Horses”
London’s Sarah Meth returns with “Horses”, a tender yet witty meditation on letting people go. Using a horse as its central metaphor, the track reflects on the impossibility of truly taming something wild at heart. Written largely in her bedroom, it showcases Meth’s intimate songwriting.
Olympia Vitalis ft. Maverick Sabre – “Don’t Cry”
Rising British soulstress Olympia Vitalis is playing a winning hand on “Lady Luck”, her most fully realised project to date. Reflecting on the delicate balance between ambition, timing and self-belief on the EP, she pairs introspective lyricism with producer Charlie Perry’s rich, soulful production. Of the standouts, “Don’t Cry”, featuring Irish music maverick Maverick Sabre, offers one of the EP’s most affecting moments, unpacking men’s mental health through the lens of both masculine and feminine perspectives.
Grace Carter – “Bittersweet Escape”
Grace Carter’s “Bittersweet Escape” sounds like your prefrontal cortex maturing. The singer-songwriter brings lightness when dealing with the complexity of growing up and figuring things out through light vocals and a string musical backdrop.
Pamela – “Pandemonium”
Pamela is making the most of their “Pandemonium”, emitting a vibrant first impression on debut EP, “IT’S NICE TO SEE YOU HERE”. It’s a sun-drenched indie-pop record with effortless charm and shimmering melodies. On this carefree single, the duo’s knack for crafting hooks becomes central focus, lingering long after the final chorus. Bright, breezy and made for summer soundtracks, meet one of Australia’s most exciting new indie acts.
Cutscene – “Imperium”
In Manchester-born Cutscene’s “Imperium”, things get explosive. A brooding collision of distortion, tension and controlled chaos, the final preview from the quartet’s upcoming EP, “A Piece of Life” builds from flickering sparks of noise into a full-blown sonic wildfire, unpacking power, manipulation and masculinity.
Catch ft. Young Adz – “Target”
South-East London-hailing rapper Catch and rhyme spitter fellow Young Adz are “Target”-ing Lewisham on Catch’s forthcoming mixtape, “The Elephant In The Room”. On this gritty South London link-up, they reflect on life, struggle and survival on the road. Set against a smooth yet hard-hitting backdrop, the pair trade sharp, punch-packed verses and effortless flows, capturing the weight of their experiences while unlocking a powerful new chapter for Catch.
MANSO̶U̶R̶ ft. prettyboyface – “ITHINKTHEYLIKEME”
Parisian DJ and producer MANSO̶U̶R̶ returns with his brand-new heater “ITHINKTHEYLIKEME”, tapping UK rap talent prettyboyface who quickly commands the soundscape with the bravado of a boxer’s ring walk. The seismic sub bass rumbling beneath his punchy, polished delivery, the rising vocalist celebrates his ambition and Midas touch.
Charlie Jeer ft. Simone Ashley – “SO GOOD”
Charlie Jeer and Simone Ashley have teamed up to bring us an upbeat song of the summer. It’s impossible to listen to “SO GOOD,” out today via Capitol Records UK, without getting up to dance – undeniable bliss.
Alex Amor – “Aquamarine”
Alex Amor teases her upcoming debut album, Heavenly Bodies, out 21st August via VERO Music, with her newest single “Aquamarine.” Inspiration struck after an impromptu encounter with a tarot card reader who told her she’d “find answers near a body of water.” The music video is the epitome of midsummer, and when Amor asks, “don’t you want to go for a swim?” the answer is always yes.
Burgundy – “Sunbleach”
With warm, velvety R&B and alt-pop sensibilities, “Sunbleach” firmly establishes Burgundy as a significant new prospect on the rise. Navigating the push and pull between lingering love and the spark of something new, his tenderness and shadowed confidence shine front and centre, confessing his affinities in a voice that sounds ever sweeter even in the face of unfamiliar love and the confusing yet exciting emotions that follow suit.
