In one of the most unexpected but surprisingly effective collaborations of the year – nay, the decade – alternative hero YUNGBLUD enlists the increasingly eclectic Lil Yachty for a slow-tempo’d pop ballad with a killer chorus. “When We Die (Can We Still Get High?)“ sees the two develop impressive vocal chemistry atop a mild-mannered and moving instrumental.

Mancunian soulstress Pip Millett has grown into one of the finest songwriters within her scene, and continues to refine her sound on “Eating out”. Her first track of the year is an introductory teaser for her next EP, “Tell Jimmy”, set for release on 15th February, and features an impressive contribution from Rae Khalil. Brimming with buttery sonics, expressive lyricism and excellent performance, Millett won’t be criminally underrated for long, we think!

Returning with their fresh taste of new music for two years, multi-Grammy-nominated band Hiatus Kaiyote sound as hungry, fresh and downright cool as ever on “Everything’s Beautiful”. A teaser single from a forthcoming new body of work, the track radiates effervescence, with its intricate instrumentation, textural impeccable production and stunning vocal from lead singer Naomi “Nai Palm” Saalfield.

Swiftly rising Jamaica-born singer-songwriter Jada Kingdom continues to flourish with her masterfully dancehall-infused R&B sonics. She returns with “Top Tier”, a striking, cerebral and colourful offering that sways Kingdom’s acclaim further into the mainstream’s eye-line with its luscious vocals and captivating lyricism.

Medium Build, the alias of singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Nick Carpenter, is an exciting and intriguing project, born from his departure from the church and odyssey to Anchorage, Alaska to find his voice. “Crying Over U”, his new single, is as sonically disparate as ever; with influences of emo, pop and country, it’s a melting pot of influence full of memorable moments.

Paris-based emerging singer-songwriter Ethel made a statement of intent with her debut single “Pixie Dust”, a sonic message she has now solidified with her sophomore effort. Plucked from her forthcoming EP, “Passing Ships” is ambient, moody and ethereal, with Ethel’s gorgeous vocals piercing through the murky brilliance of the Banshee (The Great) produced soundscape.

West London’s FelixThe1st is back with new single “Swan Song’” The bedroom-pop influenced track takes us on a journey following the most vulnerable version of Felix to date which we can expect on his highly anticipated debut project “i hope you never fit in’” The project – which is out next month – blends Felix’s own signature style that fuses Rock, Pop and Shoegaze influences.

Fresh from a captivating performance at ESNS, Estonian singer-songwriter Kitty Florentine continues on her artistic odyssey with an immersive new cut, “Balance”. Backed by experimental production from Czech producer Aid Kid, Florentine serenades, slick in her performance and creative in her songwriting.

Surinamese-Dutch artist néomií has been consistently impressive since her 2022 emergence, and shows superb artistic progression with a terrific new single. Sublime harmonies, intricate instrumentation and a rousing chorus mean “somebody’s daughter” is an undeniable success.

Gearing up for the release of his forthcoming debut album with Ghostly International, British producer and songwriter Bullion partners with pop force Carly Rae Jepsen for the record’s lead single, “Rare,” out now. A multi-layered and genre-defying artist at heart, the single is a new and much more pop-infused take on Bullion’s musicality, exploring a more emotionally present and playful sound. The track gives us a taste of what to expect from “Affection,” a warm, occasionally off-kilter, and beautifully realised pop record, set to be out in late April.

Quebec-based singer-songwriter Margaux Sauvé is starting 2024 in full force. Unveiling the latest single of her musical project Ghostly Kisses, “On & Off”, with producer and partner Louis-Étienne Santais, as the duo warms up for the release of their sophomore album, Darkroom, out in May. The track is a pop masterpiece, woven from the tumultuous fabric of inconsistent and complex love, signalling a more introspective and emotion-infused approach to their music in the upcoming album. “On & Off” depicts a complex and tumultuous cyclical relationship where two people constantly break off and get back together. The lyrics draw inspiration from a revelation in the “Box Of Secrets” – which was the conceptual inspiration behind her new album “Darkroom,” Margaux shares.

Announcing her self-titled debut album, visionary creative Fabiana Palladino shares a groove-laden, focused and cinematic teaser single, “Stay With Me Through The Night”. The track is grand, 70s-inspired and features an effortless vocal performance from the high-flying talent.

2023 was a big year for London-based Canadian singer-songwriter Cate, and she doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Her highly anticipated single, “Rock Science”, is officially out — along with a surprise track “You Don’t Love Me” — and we’re obsessed with both. With a country edge and a melancholic undertone, they show a new dimension to her artistry, one we hope we get more of soon!

Ahead of a forthcoming album, rising Nigerian-American singer and rapper Shaboozey has gifted us with a new single. Titled “Anabelle”, the track is a haunting metaphor for the artist’s past heartache and toxic relationships and, in his own words, “serves as a reminder to others that they’re not alone and to move on when you’ve reached that breaking point.”

Hot on the heels of his recent single “Get Deady” alongside rapid-riding NY drill collective 41, Fivio Foreign shows a different side to his artistry with this reflective new offering. Piano keys and slow-paced percussive elements take charge of the soundtrack, enabling Fivio to deliver thought-provoking lyricism regarding his uphill battles in recent years, topped off with a trademark verse from Philly-favourite, Meek Mill. Paired with an official video shot and directed by Kid Art in Fivio’s hometown of NYC, “Same 24” proves to be a refreshing release from Brooklyn rapper, showcasing his versatility and ability in crafting some of the most poignant rap music emanating from the US right now.

Written and produced by Leo whilst over in the US, “Glee” switches up the tempo and continues to put the rap landscape on notice — his unique cadence, flow and ear for a hook finding a perfect bed in the bouncy percussive elements and xylophone-infused notes. The precocious talent has already received significant co-signs from UK icon JME and viral fashion sensation Corteiz founder Clint. Add to this a recent appearance on America’s coveted On The Radar Radio — performing a live version of his viral debut single “Honeybun”. The sixteen-year-old’s abundance of character and knowing lyricism marks Leostaytrill as one of the hottest new names to emerge from our shores last year.

iagö continues to tap into his background in design, and his regard for a ‘total work’ – which looks at transcending the dividing lines between the various art forms, from the videos, sleeves and graphics – the complete package is stronger than the sum of its individual components. His latest single “Last Ashes” heralded the arrival of his most complete project to date, with the techno-leading single providing another innately powerful soundtrack, littered with smart percussive elements and sleek instrumentals throughout. Shrill bass notes and heavy electric guitar riffs dominate his new single “Chemical Wedding”, creating a unique potency noticeable within iagö’s latest output, and laying the perfect foundation for north London vocalist Tommy Saint to deliver his poignant lyricism.The track comes alongside a captivating official video, directed by Dom Sesto (LOEWE, Skepta, Gosha) and produced by PRETTYBIRD (Kendrick Lamar, Apple), featuring London artist SOLDIER, aka Soldier Boyfriend, (Louis Vuitton, Supreme, Stüssy) and model Max Ciesielski (Balenciaga).

Erick the Architect continues to gear up towards his highly-anticipated debut solo album, I’ve Never Been Here Before, releasing a brand new single titled “Instincts” featuring WESTSIDE BOOGIE. The track explores the idea of trusting our intuitions without second guessing ourselves, opening with a 60s sweet-soul intro and snaps into a bright, ecstatic beat with a refrain sung by Erick: “Save me from this darkness I see, ‘cause I won’t feel at home ‘til I’m free.” Erick has also just announced a 39-date international tour spanning March through May of this year to celebrate his new album and includes multiple dates across Europe including, London, Manchester, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Oslo, Zurich and more.

A dazzling exploration of self-love and enlightenment, “Who We Are” effortlessly encapsulates Ashley Henry’s thoughtful, free-form artistry. Flaunting his dream-like falsetto that playfully intertwines with emotive piano licks and warm percussive textures, the jazzy self-produced backing stands as a canvas for the South East London musician to express his unshakeable self-belief. He utilises the force of his past and present experiences and delivers serenity towards faith and togetherness that elevates us to believe in what we love. An inspired lightning rod for Black artists finding solace in their creative and ethereal journeys, Ashley is quickly becoming one of the most important figures across the UK jazz landscape.

CKay’s latest singles, “MYSTERIOUS LOVE” and “IS IT YOU?”, showcase his diverse musical talent, blending Amapiano, Afrobeats and Pop into captivating and unique Emo-Afrobeats. Enchanting and mesmerising, two must-listen tracks for the weekend!

Magnetic duo Flyana Boss drop their new single “Candyman”, a dynamic single hinting at their exciting upcoming EP. With echoes of early Doja Cat days, their style truly energises and captivates. Add this to your weekend playlist, now!