Wolf Alice storm into a new era, Aminé shares his most effervescent record to date, and Lola Young is back with purpose and potency: it’s Wonderlist!
Wolf Alice – “Bloom Baby Bloom”
One of Britain’s most quintessential bands from the last decade, Wolf Alice are so very back. With a new home in Sony, the revered four piece will share their fourth studio album, The Clearing, in late August, and deliver a stunning first teaser single. “Bloom Baby Bloom” is vocally mercurial, brimming with nous and drama, the work of a band who are unstoppable from indie rock’s summit.
Animé – 13 Months of Sunshine
One of the USA’s most undeniably bankable and backable rappers Aminé has put together the best marketing campaign of the year for his new album, 13 Months Of Sunshine. The music itself? More than matches up. Sun-drenched sonics, charisma-fuelled verses and a dazzling encapsulation of good times — he has well and truly done it again. That’s not even mentioning the features.
Lola Young – “One Thing”
After a meteoric 12 months, South London supernova Lola Young now sits as one of Britain’s brightest sparks. She returns with “One Thing”, kicking off a new era following her excellent 2024 record This Wasn’t Meant For You. The new cut feels zeitgeist-adjacent, carefully measured, but doesn’t lack the emotional gusto of Young at her best. Sky’s the limit.
Little Simz – “Young”
Little Simz goes full Mike Skinner on the third single from her fourth coming sixth album, Lotus. “Young” sees London’s leading polymath in raucous, characterful form, quite unlike anything you’ll have ever heard from her before. It’s messy, erratic, and off the rails.
Arca – “Puta // Sola”
The quality and duality of Arca’s double-sided single “Puta // “Sola” is stunning. The softness and intoxication of “Puta” counteracts the spiky, idiosyncrasy of “Sola” Returning with solo music for the first time this year, Arca continues to reign supreme.
Obongjayar – “Jellyfish”
Without doubt one of the most innovative and chameleonic artists releasing an album this year, the highly talented Obongjayar further raises the roof with “Jellyfish”. The cut is frantic and punk-edged, with hectic rhythms and droning synths bringing urgency to the artist’s deft and daring delivery. His second record, PARADISE NOW, will be with us on 30th May.
Joy Crookes – “Carmen”
Continuing her peerless run of singles, and collaborations with rap moguls from both sides of the Atlantic in Kano and Vince Staples, London’s Neo-soul soarer Joy Crookes delivers “Carmen” a biting and quite beautiful takedown of societal standards. The offering finds Crookes as dazzling vocally as ever.
Laufey – “Tough Luck”
Sharing news of her third studio album, A Matter of Time, global sensation Laufey delivers a sentimental-drowsed, imagination-capturing new single “Tough Luck”. There’s a cinematic edge to the rousing backdrop, whilst the singer-songwriter’s lyrical control and vocal quality is clear to hear.
Rico Nasty – LETHAL
The unique and essential Rico Nasty reaches for a creative high point with her new full-length record LETHAL. There’s signs of Nasty’s impressive versatility across the opus, reinterpretating an array of genres within the Rico framework. Perhaps her most diverse yet widely-listenable work yet.
Rubii ft. Amaria BB – “Keep Hush”
Birmingham-born singer-songwriter Rubii is causing quite a stir in the UK alternative space. Building out a discography of vibrance, craft and charisma, she links up with creative force Amaria BB for “Keep Hush”, a sensual, atmospheric and gently groove-laden new single.
anaiis – “To Zion”
Polymath anaiis always grants us the unexpected. With an album coming later this year and a support slot for Mereba on her US tour this spring, she unveils a tender and piercing cover of the Lauryn Hill classic, “To Zion”.
Nation of Language – “Inept Apollo”
An off-kilter and nostalgic blend of synth pop ambience and snappy punk-tinged songwriting, Nation of Language return with a corking new single. “Inept Apollo” finds them signed to legendary States-side imprint Sub Pop, and finding that gorgeous balance between a sonic snapshot in time and something fresh and unfounded.
Chet Baker Re:imagined
A flavourful reinterpretation of classic tracks from one of the pioneers of jazz, Chet Baker Re:imagined sees a plethora of modern favourites taking on tracks from the legend. There’s Matt Maltese, grentperez, Matilda Mann, and many more.
Home Counties – “Spain”
London sextet Home Counties share a first look at their forthcoming second album with “Spain”. It’s an oddball odyssey of inner voices, a canopy of synths and naturalistic sonics amalgamating into a progressive and thrilling musical escapade.
Baobei – “Sync / Cheap Talk”
London-based, British-Chinese DJ, producer and songwriter Baobei looks set to continue to garner significant attention with “Sync / Cheap Talk”—a scintillating, genre-bending, double-track release spanning elements of pop, bass and dubstep, highlighting the young artist’s versatility in crafting some of the most forward-thinking music emanating from the pop/ dance landscape.
J.I.D – “WRK”
Atlanta rapper J.I.D finally returns with “WRK” – incendiary trap textures burst into life as the post-apocalyptic visual embodies the raw, chaotic sound waves still to come. With his new album God Does Like Ugly dropping this year, the 3x GRAMMY-nominated artist affirms his place as one of the most talented and influential rappers in the game.
Jay Prince – Shine
East London-born songsmith and rapper Jay Prince has unveiled his highly awaited 14-track album Shine. The feature list is sensational—from Yussef Dayes to Sam Wise and Estelle, blends a coterie of styles from jazz to hip hop, and sees Prince exploring love, religion and self through a personal and potent lens.
GEE LEE – “Late Checkout”
London-based DJ-producer GEE LEE returns with a surprise tape titled “Late Checkout”. Comprising 12 intricately woven tracks, the project was conceived during GEE LEE’s time in Australia and is infused with the energy of his live shows and late-night studio sessions. Expanding out from his signature London house sound, the tape explores a broader sonic palette—spanning garage, ambient, grime, and beyond.
ONEFOUR – “Luxford”
ONEFOUR deliver real street reflections across their latest offering “Luxford”. Capturing Sydney’s most infamous suburb, perils of brotherhood and confrontation shine through, alongside the militant’s mentality needed to effect serious change on a day-to-day basis.
Blair Davie – “Butterflies”
Scottish singer-songwriter and Ivor Novello Rising Star nominee Blair Davie has delivered a snapshot of emotion with heartfelt new single “Butterflies”. Showcasing their flawless yet raw vocals and pensive songwriting, the new cut is a rewarding and resonant listen.
Lucy Park – “Good Graces”
Building significant momentum this year, London-based alt-R&B artist Lucy Park returns with her sophomore EP Good Graces. Bold, soulful, and deeply introspective, the project explores friendships, relationships, and the growing pains of life in your mid-twenties.
Skye Newman – “Family Matters”
Rising singer-songwriter Skye Newman follows the success of her debut single “Hairdresser” with a more mature and musically developed breakthrough, “Family Matters”. Her voice is stunning, enveloping the listener into her authentic and humanistic lyrical acumen.
Soane – “Bluer Skies”
Delicate instrumentation sets the stage for Soane’s smooth vocals and evocative tone on “Bluer Skies.” Blending melancholic minimalism with sensuality and poetic depth, the track’s intricate melodies make it a sincere and refreshing addition to the Parisian’s refined discography.
Elle Shimada – “ANSWERED PRAYERS”
Tokyo-born, Melbourne-based multi-hyphenate Elle Shimada continues to affirm her status as one of the most exciting and singular talents in the musical landscape with her upcoming album—a fourteen-track sonic journey serving as a safe space for emotional processing. With LULLABY FOR THE RIVER IN MY DREAMS, Shimada invites listeners to join her in embracing softness as strength, and vulnerability as resistance. Ahead of release, Shimada has released “ANSWERED PRAYERS”, which combines a multitude of genres from drum and bass to jazz, displaying Shimada’s creative talent in full force, creating textured soundscapes and emotive cinematic compositions.
Papa Nugs – “Move It Or Lose It”
Shared via Sally C’s imprint Big Saldo’s Chunkers, London producer Papa Nugs drops his classy new beat-driven EP “Move It Or Lose It”. Melding together sonic tendencies from breakbeat, trance, tech house and more, the new work shows the musician’s ambition and quickly growing sonic identity.
MARI – “last talk”
Plucked from her recently released project, rising singer-songwriter MARI shares a timely and personal single and visual for “last talk”. With maximalist pop songwriting, nuanced melodic work and relatable lyricism, the cut delivers the goods.
