New year, new playlist. Throughout 2026, I want to push myself to really listen to more music. I am going to get stuck in, do my homework and really get some ratings down for new albums as they come out. Eventually anyway. January was no doubt going to be one of the slower months, but it’s still a start, so without further ado…

We’ll kick it all off with an unlikely first look at music in 2026 for me, A$AP Rocky. I might not have been waiting eight years like his longtime fans for the release of his fourth album Don’t Be Dumb, but the psych-pop tone of ‘Punk Rocky’ had me hooked and eager for more. As much as I was genuinely interested in checking out the new material in general, A$AP Rocky’s collaboration with Tim Burton on the album artwork and having Winona Ryder and Danny Elfman feature in his music video certainly made me pay a little more attention.

‘HELICOPTER’ was released a few days ahead of the album, assuming more of the sound I had expected, but having now listened to the album it is clear A$AP Rocky doesn’t put himself in a box. With a great mix of featured artists and a sweet selection of samples used throughout, Don’t Be Dumb has turned out to be a fun comeback that is never one note. I have a new favourite track with each listen, but a something about the Doechii collab on ‘Robbery’ scratches an itch every time.

We might as well talk about Harry Styles. I for one am very down with the new direction he is going in with ‘Aperture’ and the upcoming album Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally. It is still very much in the realm of mainstream pop, I’m not sure this man will ever not be that, but it already sounds like way more of a passion project than a product of a big radio hit machine. Looking at the support for his upcoming tour, outside of the London residency he has a lot of dance-based icons who I would not have necessarily expected prior to hearing ‘Aperture’. I heavily considered whether I could afford a trip to New York for the Jamie xx run, but I think if I’m being realistic, I’d more likely go to Amsterdam to see him with Robyn. Alas, I could not win the ticket war either way, so for now I will enjoy the new Styles sound from the comfort of my headphones.

While we are talking about comebacks, we absolutely need to discuss Arctic Monkeys. The fact that it is 20 years since the release of their first album makes me feel a little bit ancient but also explains exactly why their sound might have changed over the years. I don’t mind the changes they have made, but I do of course hold a place in my heart for the earlier material. So, when I heard ‘Opening Night’ I was very happy with its little nods to each era throughout. It is still very much crooner-Alex vibes but also has bites of Humbug in it which excites me deeply. It has got me hoping for some more new stuff in the near future, but more importantly, this track comes as part of the upcoming album HELP (2), which sees a monstrously good selection of bands and musicians coming together in support of War Child. The album comes out 6th March and all proceeds go to helping to protect, educate and stand up for the rights of children living through conflict.

My final big hit of the month is Lime Garden’s ’23’. I feel like I’m always shouting about this group, but hey, I absolutely love them to bits. The last time I saw them was in Margate last year, ahead of them going into the studio for the next album. On stage that day they promised songs fit for dancing to and ’23’ holds on to their indie charm, with a good old groove to boot. They have more than delivered on their promise and I can’t wait to see what more is up their sleeve.

My 2026 Mix is well on its way to being my varied, mostly nonsensical soundtrack to the year. Honourable mentions go out to local legends Polo Lounge with ‘L.A.F.S’, Alice Costelloe’s ‘How Can I’, Arlo Parks ‘2SIDED’ and Adult DVD’s ‘Real Tree Lee’. Don’t just take my word for it though, give the mix a listen and if you have any recommendations make sure to send them my way – anything goes!