Bringing you a pick of the month’s best releases, Maria Hanlon presents 10 tunes that hit her decks – and got a reload – in June. Starring Marla Kether, Naima Adams, Somewhere Soul, Melé, Karen Nyame KG, Yazmin Lacey, Juls, JONES, Isaac Carter, Mom Tudie, Nectar Woode, Nightmares On Wax, Eléwa & Ruby Francis…
Marla Kether, Naima Adams, Somewhere Soul
Morning Light
RE:WARM
For fans of… Jimpster, Nubiyan Twist, WheelUP
Why listen… Naima Adams and Marla Kether are a dream team – soulful vocals meet flawless production.
London based session bassist, DJ and producer Marla Kether has teamed up with Naima Adams to create the stunning ‘Morning Light’. The track was released on Rituals, a new compilation series from the curator and DJ, Josh Mason-Quinn, aka Somewhere Soul. Speaking about ‘Morning Light’ on socials Marla says, “It was an honour to be asked to create a track for Somewhere Soul’s debut compilation, and even more of an honour for it to be chosen as a lead single”.
Melé, Karen Nyame KG
Beat Up The Drum
Club Bad
For fans of… Hagan, Juls, BenjiFlow
Why listen… This is the summer scorcher you need to play through your speakers right now.
Renowned percussive and tribal house DJ, artist & innovator Melé has joined forces with ‘Goddess of Rhythm’, Karen Nyame KG for ‘Beat Up The Drum’. The track was released on Melé’s label Club Bad and is just over three minutes of pure energy. On Instagram speaking about the tune Melé says, “So proud of this one I made with my sis Karen Nyame KG. Making music with people you are fans of first is so sick man…we were both in the studio trying to channel some Missy & Timbo vibes on this one for real.”
Yazmin Lacey
Ain’t I Good For You
AMF Records
For fans of… Cleo Sol, Ego Ella May, Adi Oasis
Why listen… Yazmin Lacey is back with the bold and brilliant ‘Ain’t I Good For You’.
Soul singer and songwriter Yazmin Lacey shares her first release of the year, ‘Ain’t I Good For You’. The track is a playful blend of confidence and charm, showcasing Yazmin’s signature rich vocals and sharp lyricism. Reflecting on the song, Yazmin shares, “I’m really excited to be at a stage in music where I can just be having fun, being cheeky and having lines like ‘I bet your life was dry without me…’ It’s fun, it’s sexy, it’s cheeky and it’s confident.”
Juls
Batida do Sol
TABOM RECORDS
For fans of… K.O.G, Kokoroko, Khruangbin
Why listen… This song transports you to a sun-soaked summer holiday.
Juls is a British born Ghanaian producer who’s produced music for some of the biggest acts around including Lauryn Hill, Burna Boy and Tyler the Creator to name a few. He’s back with the warm and sunny ‘Batida do Sol’ which means ‘the beat of the sun’ in Portuguese. Speaking about the track he says, “It’s the sound of sunlight hitting skin, of open windows and barefoot dancers, of memory wrapped in melody. No lyrics — just feeling. Just spirit. Just the sun, speaking in drums and strings.”
JONES
In The Moment
Unity Records
For fans of… Nectar Woode, shiv, Sophie Faith
Why listen… JONES’s new song manages to feel old-school and brand new all at once.
Singer/songwriter JONES returns with her second single of the year, the beautiful ‘In The Moment’, following May’s ‘Sunshine’. Her effortlessly soulful vocals, laced with a vintage warmth, immediately draw you in. Reuniting with Aaron Taylor on production, the track shines with intricate layers that perfectly complement her stunning voice. With two standout releases already this year, here’s hoping there’s even more music from JONES on the horizon.
Isaac Carter
Dance Trippin
Ochi
For fans of… Ash Lauryn, Moodymann, Make A Dance
Why listen… This house heater is built to move dancefloors.
DJ & producer Isaac Carter’s signature sound seamlessly fuses Deep Chicago and Detroit House with the energy of modern UK dance. In 2023, Carter launched his record label Ochi, a name inspired by his Jamaican heritage. Kicking off Ochi’s 2025 output, ‘Dance Trippin’ delivers an irresistible deep house groove. Following an Ochi takeover at Glastonbury and a packed schedule of DJ dates this summer it looks like another big year for Isaac Carter.
Mom Tudie
Bloodshot
Lordship Loft Recordings
For fans of… Quinn Oulton, edbl, Joe Armon-Jones
Why listen… ‘Bloodshot’ shows just how boundless Mom Tudie’s talent really is.
Mom Tudie has released his second single of the year and the first tune from his next project, called ‘Bloodshot’. The British producer, multi-instrumentalist, and singer fuses together jazz horns and drums with his recognisable vocals to create a stand out track. Speaking about the inspiration behind the track he says, “After I went on tour earlier this year, I went and hibernated in the country with Eddie and began to work on new music. I really wanted to level up the production, and take some time to think about what I wanted to put out after last year’s album. The fruits of that trip can be heard in Bloodshot.”
Nectar Woode
Ama said
Since 93
For fans of… MRCY, JONES, Yazmin Lacey
Why listen… Nectar Woode continues to shine, offering another soulful gem with ‘Ama said’.
Nectar Woode shares a glimpse of her upcoming EP ‘it’s like i never left’, with her beautiful new single ‘Ama said’. The track spotlights her younger sister and how she calms Nectar down in situations because she gives amazing advice. The song also features Nectar’s Dad on saxophone so it really is a family affair! Nectar Woode’s six-track EP will be released on July 18th via Since 93/RCA and I can’t wait to hear it.
Nightmares On Wax, Eléwa
Waiting A Minute
Warp Records
For fans of… Mr. Scruff, HNNY, Romare
Why listen… The legendary production of Nightmares On Wax combined with rising star Eléwa’s vocals creates something truly special.
Nightmares On Wax celebrates 30 years of his iconic 1995 album ‘Smokers Delight’. To mark the occasion he decided to invite some contemporary artists to bring their vibes and jam on a track of their choice from the album. Speaking about how the collaboration with Eléwa came about he says, “I discovered the amazing Eléwa on YouTube, asked her to pick a song, and she chose “Wait A Minute.” Her rendition gave the track a fresh new flavor, she’s truly an incredible artist, and I’m proud to shine a light on her as part of this celebration.”
Ruby Francis
Lanzarote
Ruby Francis
For fans of… Sipprell, Nyah Grace, Saïna
Why listen… Ruby Francis is back with new music, just in time for summer!
Ruby Francis is a North London artist, producer, singer, songwriter, and DJ, blending ’00s R&B, neo-soul, and jazz influences. Her latest single ‘Lanzarote’ is the fourth track taken from her upcoming EP ‘Pages of Philosophy’ which is set to release on July 18th. The track was written on a girls trip to rest, reflect and write. Ruby says, “It’s one of my faves! Hope you like it as much as I do.” Make sure to check out the incredible music video below too!
Words: Maria Hanlon @mariahanlon Listen to The Voices Breakfast Show with Maria Hanlon every Friday 9-11am on voicesradio.co.uk.
