s your playlist in need of some refreshment? We have some suggestions.
Stormzy – The Weekend (feat. RAYE)
Two of South London’s biggest exports, Stormzy and RAYE are no strangers to each other, collaborating on their song Ambition back in 2016, when both artists were still early in their careers. Seven years later, both now bonafide stars, the two come together again for a slick, R&B-infused track, oozing a smooth 90s vibe that keeps your head bopping throughout.
Beabadoobee – the way things go
Fresh from her headline Somerset House show, and supporting Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour, Beabadoobee shines in her latest release, with mellow acoustic guitar chords allowing her softly sung vocals to take centre stage. The twinkling track has acceptance at its heart, with the London-based singer-songwriter conceding, “I guess that’s just the way things go”.
The Gaslight Anthem – History Books (feat. Bruce Springsteen)
The Gaslight Anthem are back in full swing following their reunion, releasing first album in ten years, History Books, on October 27. In the lead-up to the new project, the band has released the title-track, featuring none other than the legendary Bruce Springsteen, with The Boss being a longtime champion of the band. The heartwarming and energetic track is about letting go of what no longer serves you, and with echoes of a Springsteen classic, searing guitars and drums lead up to a powerful chorus “I just brings me down, when I think of you now” they proclaim.
Noah Kahan – Dial Drunk (feat. Post Malone)
American folk-pop singer Noah Kahan gets an unlikely collaborator on his latest track, in the form of chart-topping artist Post Malone, known widely for his hip-hop material. Post Malone’s raspy vocals and southern state accent are both naturally suited to folk music and add a new dimension (and mainstream appeal) to Noah Kahan’s already solid solo effort.
Troye Sivan – Rush
Aussie pop star Troye Sivan seems to just keep on raising the bar. Cheekily named after a popular brand of ‘room deodoriser’, Rush is a big old hunk of house-inflected greatness, and a promising first glimpse at his first album in five years
The Streets – Troubled Waters
Fresh from their new album announcement, Mike Skinner gives fans a taste of what’s to come with the first single from their seventh studio project, The Darker The Shadow, The Brighter The Light, out October 20. The track begins with a trance-like intro, building up to Mike Skinner’s signature spoken word lyricism before the song launches into a high tempo drum and bass beat.
Coach Party – What’s The Point In Life
Oxford-based band Coach Party released a teaser track from their upcoming album KILLJOY, out September 8. Despite the title, the track is a high-energy upbeat pop-rock anthem, with searing guitars and hard drums throughout, with its uplifting nature sharing the message that life is for living before breaking into a high-tempo drum and bass beat.
Fredo – Scoreboard (feat. Tiggs The Author)
Chart-topping West London rapper Fredo brings some realness into his latest release, with the recently BRIT-Billion certified artist showcasing his successes against the odds. “I’m from where they don’t make it – but 100 man try” he proclaims over a mellow trap beat, his track acting as a rebuttal of his doubters.
Taylor Swift – Mine (Taylor’s Version)
Taylor Swift has been on a mission to reclaim her masters, and her third Taylor’s Version release, Speak Now is one of her classic albums, famously written solely by Swift, marking a significant milestone in her career. The star’s already stellar, energetic country anthem, Mine, is revisited by a more mature and assured Taylor Swift, singing with more passion and purpose than before, with vocals audibly richer.
Hayden James & Bob Moses – Do You Want Me
Australian DJ and producer Hayden James collaborates with Vancouver-based Bob Moses for a dreamy dance record, perfectly crafted for the summertime season. The two clearly took inspiration from LA weather during their US recording session, with the track layered with warm minimal synths, over a soothing two-step house instrumental, combined perfectly with Bob Moses’ raspy vocals to make an all round euphoric listen.
Lauran Hibberd – Honda Civic
Isle of Wight-born Lauran Hibberd brings back the iconic sounds noughties pop-punk back to life in her latest release, packed with searing guitars, hard drums and heaps of character as she takes down an eco-manic with tongue-in-cheek insults “so woke, dirt broke, get back in your Honda Civic” she proclaims, as outrageous as it is catchy, the track is a true earworn with instant replay factor.
Meernaa – As Many Birds Flying
LA-based singer-songwriter Meernaa releases her latest track, a love song which feels like psychedelic folk-rock, but also incorporates winding country melodies. The track maintains its enchanting aura, with Meernaa’s light and minimal vocals draped over a searing guitar instrumental, creating a celestial listen.
Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
Olivia Rodrigo makes her return to music with a sure-fire monster-hit, referencing a leeching ex-lover, as the singer-songwriter launches aim at the “bloodsucker, fame f**ker” in a piano-led pop rock ballad that gains tempo with every verse. The track begins with Rodrigo sounding soft and vulnerable, and ends with a powerful, confident and assured finish, with Rodrigo belting out her final lines to a crescendo of piano and drums, marking the star’s triumphant comeback, in the run up to her highly anticipated follow-up album.
Natalie Rushdie – Tell Me It’s Not True
Natalie Rushdie partners up with the Bowelbabe Fund for a charity single in honour of Dame Deborah James, who passed away one year ago, after raising almost £10M for bowel cancer awareness. Rushdie, a close friend of Dame James, was asked by the late campaigner to sing the song at her funeral. A single version, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, was made available on July 3, the one-year anniversary of Dame James’ death. Proceeds from the track will go directly to the Bowelbabe Fund.
Zakhar – Overready
North London’s Zakhar has already become one of the leading figures of the country’s melodic rap scene at just 18-years-old. His sound, which echoes US superstar Post Malone, takes an R&B-hybrid direction, and with his new release, his raspy vocals are showcased over minimal production, which sees the singer/rapper pour his emotion into the track, penned about finding yourself when meeting the so-called one.
Blur – St. Charles Square
Blur return with their second single from their upcoming project, The Ballad of Darren, out July 21. The Brit-pop legends, who release their track before taking to Wembley Stadium on July 8 and 9, show their cool factor still live on, with the explosive new track opening with the line “I fucked up, I’m not the first to do it”, with Albarn’s audible East End charm riding on top of a crescendo of drum beats, raging electric guitars and light synths. The album’s second single will be the perfect warm-up for fans leading up to the band’s long awaited Wembley stint.
Jamie T – Hippodrome
South London native Jamie T releases his new single ahead of a headline show at Finsbury Park this Friday, his biggest show to date. The indie-rock favourite’s track is packed full of his signature wit and grit, storytelling about a night out at London’s famous Hippodrome, to the sound of thunderous drums and heavy synths. His new track is the perfect addition to a set that will have droves of Londoners singing along.
Demi Riquísimo – Talk To Frank
London based DJ Demi Riquísimo has seen his latest track gaining momentum in the past few days, following multiple plays at Glastonbury which included a nod from legendary selector Pete Tong in his set at the festival. The bouncy dance track, with its hypnotic “If you need me, call me” vocal, and enchanting acid house break, is one to keep the party moving into the late hours.
Skepta and Jammer – Touching My Body (feat. Etta Bond)
UK rapper Skepta and his fellow Boy Better Know member Jammer continue their dance music exploration via their recently founded Mas Tiempo label. The two prove their new joint electronic venture is no gimmick, with seamless production, thumping drums and minimal tech house melodies, topped off with vocals from soul sensation Etta Bond, providing a sunset anthem for the season.
M24 – Neighbourhood Hero
M24 has built a legion of fans as one of the capital’s most popular drill rappers, but here he departs from his signature sound, choosing to slow things down, with a raw and honest track that drapes his poetic wordplay over a noughties style West Coast beat.
Peggy Gou – (It Goes Like) NANANA
After teasing the track in multiple sets around the world, including the closing party of London’s iconic Printworks, DJ Peggy Gou proves she’s a jack of all trades, taking on vocals and production on her first release in two years. Gou provides one of the soundtracks of the summer in the shape of a nineties-inspired dance anthem, which has shades of ATB’s classic 9 PM (Till I Come).
Venbee x Rudimental – Die Young
Driving the sounds of drum and bass into the mainstream, Venbee has become a leading name in the genre, and teaming up with legendary D&B trailblazers Rudimental for an electrifying track. While the singer says the track was written when she says she was at her lowest, she ironically spins her sadness into happiness, transitioning from a slow guitar-led intro into jump up rave-ready wobbler.
Róisín Murphy– Fader
Róisín Murphy continues to build the hype for her upcoming album Hit Parade, out September 8, with her third release from the upcoming project. Produced by tech-house selector DJ Koze, the track showcasws Murphy’s soulful vocals, complimented by a flurry of brass instruments and funky basslines, underneath breakbeat drum instrumentals. Koze’s production matched Murphy’s uplifting prophetic lyricism provides a feel-good experience for listeners..
Tara Lily – Double Time
South London singer-songwriter Tara Lily explores a darker sound, in her first track since last years’ Last Flight Out EP. The classically trained jazz musician delves onto a jump-up jungle-style instrumental, which oozes mystique from start to finish. The singer proclaims “I’m not afraid to die”, layered over heavy drum beats and ethereal synths. The anthem is another example of the growing appetite of jungle & drum and bass, from the capital into the mainstream.
Neon Waltz – A Million People
Scottish band Neon Waltz release their latest track from their upcoming second album, Honey Now, out September 1. Launching with psychedelic rock melodies reminiscent of fellow indie-rockers Blossoms, the track blasts into an infectious indie earworm, with lyrics based on the mixed feelings that characterised life in lockdown, paired with a sing-along hook.
Bombay Bicycle Club – My Big Day
Indie rockers Bombay Bicycle Club herald the announcement of their sixth album, out October 20, with this first single. Taking a new direction, the left-field pop track, laced with blues rhythms and guitar chords, has a whiff of Glass Animals.
CamelPhat – Hope (feat Max Milner)
Grammy-nominated Liverpool duo CamelPhat return with an exhilarating and uplifting summer anthem, with help from London singer-songwriter Max Milner. To the sound of shuddering synthesisers and thundering piano chords, the track launches into a blast of euphoric house basslines, oozing feel-good vibes.
J Hus – Who Told You (feat. Drake)
UK rap and Afroswing maestro J Hus bags a superstar collaboration, with Grammy-winning Canadian rapper Drake, who has frequently dipped into the UK scene. The funky track enjoys light melodies and heavy afro bass, with tropical rhythms that ooze summertime appeal. Both Drake and J Hus are on vocals, and you gain a sense that after some past troubles, J Hus just wants to have fun on his track, “Had a mad life I could write a journal”, he raps, after earlier declaring “who told you bad man don’t dance”.
Sam Smith & Madonna – VULGAR
To the sound of thumping electronic basslines, two of the most boundary-pushing artists in pop music, Sam Smith and Madonna, team up together on this racy track. The collaboration sees the duo trade sassy bars, which sounds tailor-made to Vogue till the early hours. The track stays true to its name, but behind its aesthetic, it carries a message of empowerment, in an explicit rebuff to their respective critics.
Ezra Williams – Skin
Irish singer-songwriter Ezra Williams gears up for their debut album Supernumeraries, out June 16, with the fourth single from the LP. Poignantly declaring in the opening line, “I’ve never felt this type of cold”, Williams sets the tone of the indie-folk track, with looped guitar chords and minimal production allowing Williams post break-up lyrics and emotional delivery take centre stage.
PJ Harvey – I Inside the Old I Dying
Dorset singer-songwriter PJ Harvey releases the second single from her forthcoming album, I Inside the Old Year Dying, a soft-natured folk anthem, stoked with feelings of melancholy, yearning for her saviour, “He will rise again”, she sings passionately in whispered tone before launching into an enchanting hook.
Romy – Loveher
The XX’s Romy continues her run of sublime floorfillers as she releases further material in the run-up to her debut solo album, Mid Air, out September 8. The dance banger starts slow with merely a dub beat overlayed with piano chords, erupting into a synth-laced hook with thudding baselines and topped off with Romy’s hypnotic vocals.
Latto – Put It On Da Floor (feat. Cardi B)
Two of the US’ biggest female rappers of the moment, Latto and Cardi B, collaborate for a remix of the former’s viral track Put It On Da Floor. The release marks Cardi B’s first guest appearance of the year, and the two combine their brash, hard-hitting bars – packed with clever one-liners – over a heavy trap beat that will be filling up clubs through the summer.
Dave & Central Cee – Sprinter
Dave and Central Cee team up for one of the most highly anticipated UK rap collaborations of the year, with the pair trading punchy tongue-in-cheek lines over a Latin-infused drill instrumental. The eclectic track marks a significant moment for the UK rap scene, as two of the biggest rappers in the country join forces, and the pairs collaboration lives up to expectations.
Barry Can’t Swim – Woman
Ever-experimental Scottish DJ and producer Barry Can’t Swim drops his new release following the announcement of his debut album When Will We Land? due October 20. The disco-influenced anthem is laced with an infectious piano-driven instrumental, perfect for summer chillout playlists.
Connie Talbot – Easier Pretending You’re Dead
Singer-songwriter Connie Talbot’s new track is a dark but tongue-in-cheek lullaby-like send off to an ex-lover, akin to the earlier material of Billie Eilish. The laid back production allows Talbot’s vocals and song-writing skills to shine.
Krillz – Boujee
North London rapper Krillz follows up his viral hit TopG with a punchy, catchy drill anthem, confidently delivered with enough one-liners to send social media into a frenzy. At just 1 minute 38 seconds, the track has an instant replay factor that should see the rapper infiltrating everyone’s consciousness.
Sam Fischer – Alright (feat. Meghan Trainor)
Aussie singer-songwriter Sam Fischer steps away from his more acoustic vibe and onto the dancefloor, with a drum-heavy radio-friendly pop banger, accompanied with All About That Bass chart-topper Meghan Trainor. His lyrics manifest positivity over a laid back guitar-looped bassy instrumental, allowing both artists’ vocals to shine.
Dua Lipa – Dance The Night
The pop superstar is still in her disco era as she provides a contribution to the Barbie soundtrack that could easily have been a bonus on her Future Nostalgia album. Infused with funky baselines, it continues Dua’s winning formula of sassy dance floor sounds.
Olivia Dean – Carmen
Dean releases the third single from her upcoming album Messy. The London-born singer brings her jazz and soul influences into play in this love letter to her grandma, who moved to the UK from Guyana as part of the Windrush generation. Dean displays her emotion with silky smooth vocals.
Guvna B – U Get Me (feat. Ghetts)
The London rapper brings back the original sounds of grime with well-known act Ghetts in a baseline-heavy earworm, featuring Noughties-esque flows packed with punchlines.
KAYTRAMINÉ – Rebuke
American rapper Aminé and Grammy-winning Canadian producer KAYTRANDA team up together for the second instalment of their KAYTRAMINÉ collaboration, with KAYTRANDA’s laid-back production perfectly complimenting Aminé’s soothing vocals, topped off with an intoxicating guitar riff that will get stuck in your head)