Kristin Kontrol – Show Me

If “Show Me” doesn’t make you insanely excited about Kristin Kontrol’s debut solo LP then we give up because nothing will. It’s probably the best use of saxophone on a pop record since Gaga’s 2011 masterpiece Born This Way LP. Think a 2016 Pat Benatar – bombastic and brilliant. Pop is all too often dismissed as lightweight but records like “Show Me” are reminders that when it’s done right, pop is a glorious and timeless thing. “Show Me” is the second single from X-Communicate which drops on 26 May via Sub Pop Records.

Bishop Nehru – It’s Whateva

“It’s Whateva” is the latest track to drop from Bishop Nehru’s forthcoming mixtape Magic 19. Aged 19, Bishop Nehru is one of the most exciting names in hip-hop. His music has an incredible amount of depth- both lyrically and sonically. Magic 19 is released on 3 June.

Wolfie – Outta Earth

South London’s Wolfie has shared the video for “Outta Earth” a warped, shimmering fusion of R n’ B and pop. Wolfie’s delivery is insanely relaxed; this is an artist who has emerged fully realised – entirely at ease and aware of her position in the pop landscape. It’s pretty easy to understand why she’s been tipped by almost everyone to emerge as one of the UK’s next great popstars. Wolfie is a refreshing and much needed new voice.

Ash Koosha – Mudafossil

Ash Koosha is a beat maker who fuses disparate and disjointed beats to form glitchy electronic tapestries. Fragments pieced and woven together to create something entirely new. He’s a beat maker who sees the bigger picture, using music to take listeners on a journey. “Mudafossil” is taken from I AKA I which is out now on Ninja Tune. The video was directed by long-time collaborators Hirad Sab and Dalena Tran.

Naomi Pilgrim – Sink Like A Stone

New music from Naomi Pilgrim is always welcome. “Sink Like A Stone” is the title track from new EP which is released on 3 June. Pilgrim is capable of extreme introspection in her music, incredible self-analysis but never falling into a solipsistic trap —her output shaped equally by her own experiences and the world around her. Storytelling of the highest order.

Otzeki — Falling Out

London duo Otzeki, comprised of two cousins, is set to release their debut EP Falling Out on 27 May. To warm you up they’ve dropped the visuals for the title track. The track slowly unfurls, its beats slowly churning and building. It’s a delicate mix of guitar and electronic beats and a rhythm that that has the space to breathe.

Mitski – Your Best American Girl

Mitski has shared the video for “Your American Girl”, the first single from new album Puberty 2. The track and video tackles the frustrations of a Japanese woman in a genre dominated and saturated with white American men and never quite fitting in. Mitski has a presence that commands your attention, which will shake the ennui out of you. Puberty 2 is released on 17 June.

DJ Shadow – Nobody Speak feat. Run The Jewels

DJ Shadow returns with new album The Mountain Will Fall and to whet your appetite has shared new track “Nobody Speak” which features Run The Jewels. Speaking about the track, DJ Shadow said: “Occasionally, I make a beat that demands a specific vocal treatment and attitude. In the case of ‘Nobody Speak,’ I wasn’t going to settle for anyone other than Run The Jewels; in my mind, it was them or no one…” From the opening bar, this is a collaboration that makes perfect sense. Each artist bringing an energy that fuses to form something really special. The Mountain Will Fall is released on 24 June.

Boys – Happy Hour

“Happy Hour” is the lead single from Boys’ EP Love On Tour. Boys is the solo project of HOLY guitarist Nora Karlsson. The track was recorded following an intense tour of the UK and addresses the struggles of returning to “normal” life following time on the road – the depression and confusion that comes with not knowing exactly what comes next. Karlsson has a gift for expressing the everyday, those feelings we’ve all experienced. Love On Tour is released by PNKSLM Recordings.