It’s been a minute but we are back! Tom Misch sets the tone with his warm, sunlit blend of jazz and soul, while Ezra Collective bring that restless London energy — where improvisation and rhythm collide in celebration. LedByHer reminds us this is only the beginning, as Larry June glides through with his laid-back confidence and sharp perspective. Bringing it all back to soul, Jill Scott reminds us that honesty, depth and feeling are always at the centre of the music.

Words: Georgia Mwangi

#1 Tom Misch – Slow Tonight

Moving away from bedroom productions and funk-influenced electric guitar grooves, Tom Misch is set to release his 11-track album Full Circle, leaning into the classic ’70s singer-songwriting of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and JJ Cale. ‘Slow Tonight’ takes us on a journey that feels like a countryside adventure, while ever so slightly echoing the spirit of Fleetwood Mac. After stepping away for three years to surf, travel, and work a succession of jobs, the Londoner is back — and has repaired his relationship with music.

Full Circle is set for release on March 27. It’s good to have you back, Tom.

#2 Ezra Collective ft. Greentea Peng – Helicopters

The well-known British jazz band Ezra Collective collaborated with Greentea Peng and War Child, protesting ‘in the hope of peace‘. The lyrics are inspired by real protest experiences, where Greentea Peng noticed helicopters hovering above crowds. These helicopters become a symbol of authority watching over and controlling people. Reflecting on government inaction and global oppression, the song leans into dub, reggae and jazzy textures, creating a hypnotic groove.

#3 LedByHer ft. 5EB – The Same

The emerging artist LedByHer returns with her new single ‘The Same’, featuring 5EB.  Built around a reflective and emotionally direct tone, the track explores the feeling of moving through life while patterns and relationships seem to repeat themselves. Through honest lyricism, the song touches on themes of self-awareness and growth, questioning whether change is truly happening or if things remain the same.

Blending smooth production with subtle underground R&B trap soul influences, ‘The Same’ allows both LedByHer and 5EB to move effortlessly between vulnerability and quiet confidence.

#4 Larry June ft. The Alchemist, Curren$y – Everything Allocated

Highly acclaimed independent rapper from San Francisco, Larry June gives us ‘Spiral staircases’  a 7-track EP released on the 20th February produced entirely by his good friend The Alchemist. The project features smooth, laid-back and luxurious, soul-sampled beats, shining a light on the duo’s signature conversational flow about wealth and lifestyle. Larry delivers slick understated bars, his flow doesn’t chase the beat–it floats across much like Curren$y who leans into painting a picture of the life of luxury he lives. The track plays like a quiet affirmation of a career built on patience and precision. Everything allocated. Larry wouldn’t have it any other way. 

#5 Jill Scott ft. JID – To B Honest

The renowned American singer, poet, and actress Jill Scott has returned. Following a ten year hiatus from the studio, she released ‘To whom this may concern’  a 19-track album with themes of growth and reflection. ‘To B honest’  features JID who’s known for his gymnastic flow, intricate wordplay, and storytelling. This track is a perfect blend of elevated neo soul, r&b and trap. A duo who needs no introduction.