As always, I’ve spent the month listening, digging, following recommendations, and going down the occasional musical rabbit hole to find the songs that deserve your attention. Some are brand new, some are simply new to me, and a few came from artists I already know and love. The only requirement is that I want to hear them again and again.

This month’s Edit features Ariana Grande, Cautious Clay, Carly Rae Jepsen, Ratboys, ROLE MODEL, Tucker Wetmore, Florrie, almost monday, Jungle, TOKiMONSTA, Judah & the Lion, and more.

I’ve done the “9 to 5” (and then some). So, what made the cut? Let’s get into it.

On My Radar

New to Me There are always new artists waiting to be discovered.

byjaye This new find is a young Australian artist whose sound winds through alt-pop, R&B, and indie rock in a way that feels like water. “Feels like water” is one of my favorite ways to describe music, and while I can't exactly explain what I mean, I know it when I hear it. And when I do, I like it a lot.

James Ellis Ford He's produced records for pretty much every cool act out of the UK over the last two decades, including Gorillaz, Foals, Klaxons, and Jessie Ware. Lost In Another World, his second solo album, was just released and happens to perfectly describe how his music makes me feel.

Mulaa Joans Want to feel completely enveloped by a song in two and a half minutes? Try “That Ain't You.” It opens with sparse piano and vocals, gradually expands with the ascent of a gospel choir, and then returns to the quiet solitude of her voice and the piano. It’s a bit of Adele meets RAYE witchcraft.

Buffalo Traffic Jam If Noah Kahan and Mumford & Sons had a baby, it might well be this folk-rock duo from Montana. Not for nothing, “Luckiest Man Alive” was born to be an amphitheater sing-along.

Back in Rotation There are always artists waiting to be rediscovered.

Dolly Parton Dolly's passing, much like those of Bowie and Prince, seems to have united the world in grief and appreciation. She's in the air wherever I go and in almost every conversation I have, so I'd be remiss if I didn't use this space to pay homage.

Kacey Musgraves and Maisie Peters Over the weekend, these two women both delivered covers of “Here You Come Again.” Two very different artists, audiences, and interpretations - each a beautiful reminder of the limitless reach of Dolly’s songwriting.

Owen Cutts Old Music Friday is quite possibly my favorite Instagram discovery of 2026. Each Friday, London-based producer and songwriter Owen Cutts delivers a sermon on one old song with divine enthusiasm, insight, and personality. Last week, he dove into a classic, “Two Doors Down.” I laughed, I learned, I sang along - and I hope you do too.

@mrowencuttsOLD MUSIC FRIDAY!! Back with another passionate appreciation of music! Check out my radio show on Patreon! Link in bio 😘 And thank you for the music DOLLY!!

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Trio (Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris) “After the Gold Rush” is a spellbinding cover that highlights Dolly, Linda, and Emmylou’s angelic three-part harmonies. Seriously, from the first line, every time I hear it, I let out a big exhale. It resets something in me. In the wake of Dolly’s passing, I’ve found myself returning to Trio and Trio II, and they sound every bit as extraordinary as I remember. Whether you’re unfamiliar with these albums or it’s simply been a minute since you gave them a listen, I urge you to give them a spin. You’re welcome.

Coming Soon There are always artists I’m excited to hear new music from.

Gang of Youths I remember so clearly how and where I first heard of Gang of Youths. I was sitting in a pub garden in Islington with friends on a beautiful summer's eve, asked a new acquaintance what bands she was into, looked them up the minute I got home, and instantly fell head over heels for their music. Since then, I have been a massive superfan. Getting friends into Gang of Youths, particularly through their live shows, where lead singer Dave Le'aupepe channels Michael Hutchence in ways you have to see to believe, is a gift. I've been impatiently waiting for new music so I can once again sing their praises from every rooftop and Substack, as it were. “Things Take Time” is more restrained and less verbose than their previous work, but still fantastic. I cannot wait for more.

Beck While I do love me some high-energy Beck, I gotta say, I'm equally drawn to his moody, atmospheric offerings. The three songs released thus far from his upcoming 15th studio album, Ride Lonesome, are haunting and cinematic, the perfect soundtrack for rainy autumnal days.

Lake Street Dive Did I first like this band because they took their name from a bowling alley in my hometown of Minneapolis, or because of their excellent covers? (I dare you to find a more surprising reimagining than their version of The Pointer Sisters' “Automatic.”) Their energy always makes me feel like I’m at a house party somewhere in the Midwest. Maybe that answers my question.

What did you discover this month? I’m always curious about what’s connecting for others. If a song or artist from this month’s Edit stuck with you, or if you’re listening to something I need to hear, tell me. Music is better when it’s shared.

Until the next Edit,
Jennifer Edelston

If you know someone who loves music but doesn’t have the time or energy to keep up with the constant stream of new releases, please forward this edition of The Edelston Edit to them. I’ll keep doing the digging.

That’s both the job and the joy: finding music worth sharing, whether it’s brand new or simply new to me. Either way, discovering something never gets old.

Every Friday morning starts the same way: I press play on New Music playlists from around the world, eager to uncover something worthy of an immediate add to my playlist. But the search doesn’t stop there. Great songs turn up everywhere - on the radio, in a series I’ve binged, or from a friend who knows my taste. While there’s no limit to the number of new releases out there, there is a finite amount that is truly worth your time. The playlist below is the result of all that listening. No fluff allowed.

This month’s Edit features new favorites from Gracie Abrams, ROLE MODEL, Suki Waterhouse, Sekou, Temples, JJerome87/alt-J, Baby Queen, Yard Act, Michigander, Django Django, and more. If you catch me around New York, earbuds in and bopping along, chances are it’s because I’m listening to one of these songs. Please stop me and say hi!

On My Radar

New to Me There are always new artists waiting to be discovered.

Magnus Ferrell Will Ferrell’s son sounds like early Maxwell. Who saw that coming? Definitely not me. But I’m here for it. Smooth, soulful, and made for breezy summer nights.

Audrey Hobert Lollapalooza has become the festival where female pop stars announce they’ve arrived. In 2024, it was Chappell Roan, leading more than 80,000 fans in the greatest body-spelling dance since “Y.M.C.A.” In 2025, Olivia Rodrigo followed with a crowd of 110,000. This past weekend, Gracie Abrams’ co-writer and best friend Audrey Hobert had my algorithm in a chokehold after performing her viral hit “Sue me” twice - the second time, asking fans to put their phones away and just sing with her. What a power move.

Dolder Identical twin sisters from Newcastle, England, with gorgeous, warm harmonies and a gift for melancholy. “Occasionally” has such a convincing ’70s country-pop glow that you’d swear it was a forgotten classic, placing Dolder in the same vein as First Aid Kit.

Alex Apolline Hò-rò! My first Scottish pick. Alex Apolline makes cinematic indie pop that feels tailor-made for a coming-of-age soundtrack; seriously, “RADICAL CASUAL ROMANCE“ would fit perfectly as Allie and Dean’s theme in Off Campus.

Back in Rotation There are always artists waiting to be rediscovered.

Madonna “Danceteria,” from her highly anticipated CONFESSIONS II album, is a whirlwind tour through New York club culture history with a rapid-fire energy reminiscent of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” A lesson I can dance to? Yes please.

Snow Patrol and Kylie Minogue I’m a sucker for unexpected collaborations. The voices behind “Chasing Cars” and “Can’t Get You out of My Head” - together? Please tell me there’s more of this to come.

Take That When it comes to Britain’s musical exports, I am a devoted Anglophile, but I was never a Take That gal. There wasn’t any particular reason - they just slipped through the cracks for me. (Robbie Williams’ solo work? Oh, I was 110% there for that.) So while I’m technically 26 years late to the Take That party, who cares? I’m here now.

Coming Soon There are always artists I’m excited to hear new music from.

Wolf Alice Seeing a band play nearly all of my favorite album of 2025 at an outdoor venue with the Brooklyn Bridge as its backdrop has to rank among life’s great moments. I got to do exactly that last week when Wolf Alice played Pier 17, so it feels only right that the first track from The Clearing B-Sides made this month’s list.

Brandon Flowers The Killers’ frontman leans into theatrical country on his third solo project. The sound of “Plans” unfolds like an old Western, at least in my head. When I listen to it, I see tumbleweeds, a deserted main street, and a showdown between a cowboy, the sheriff, and an outlaw. Who emerges victorious? It’s anyone’s guess.

Carly Rae Jepsen Few artists can pull off pop subgenres as effortlessly as Carly Rae Jepsen (I’m talking dance, folk, and synth…so far). Her latest has such a deep groove that it feels like she’s auditioning to join Jungle, and I’m on board. (Side note: I’ll never not want to listen to “Cut To The Feeling” on a loop.)

What did you discover this month? I’m always curious about what’s connecting for others. If a song or artist from this month’s Edit stuck with you, or if you’re listening to something I need to hear, tell me. Music is better when it’s shared.

Until the next Edit,
Jennifer Edelston

If you know someone who loves music but doesn’t have the time or energy to keep up with the constant stream of new releases, please forward this edition of The Edelston Edit to them. I’ll keep doing the digging.

Finding music worth sharing is what I do. New to market or new to me, it doesn't matter. The hunt is the point. Think of it like being a kid on the beach (slathered in SPF if you're anything like me) - digging until you find the shell(s) worth taking home.

Each Friday I work through New Music Friday playlists across domestic and international territories, track by track, listening for the songs that stop me. Friday is the anchor, but the search never really ends. Radio, TV, movies, commercials, friends' playlists, and conversations with people I trust, all lead me somewhere new. There's no shortage of music. There is, however, a shortage of music worth your time. The playlist below lands firmly in the latter.

June spoiled New Yorkers. Gorgeous summer weather, Knicks fever, the World Cup just across the river, and great new songs. Is it me, or does music just sound better in the summer? This month's Edit includes fresh picks from Olivia Rodrigo, MEEK, Lainey Wilson & John Mayer, Niall Horan, Haute & Freddy, WILLOW, Paul McCartney, Leona Naess, Chaka Khan & Snoop Dogg, Riley Green, and more. If you see me on the subway or walking around NYC with my rechargeable handheld fan, there's a good chance I'm listening to one of these songs and, yes, definitely bopping my head along. Feel free to stop me and say hello.

On My Radar

New to Me There are always new artists waiting to be discovered.

Quiet Houses This Manchester-based indie-folk duo's "made for love" has been on repeat all month. I can't help but sway when I listen to it. I wish I had a car so I could go on a long drive, preferably along the water, windows down, with this at full blast.

Iceage Prescisely what I’m talking about when I say that music discovery is infinite. Iceage has been around for nearly 20 years and released five albums, and yet, they are new to me. Danish post-punk for the win. Who knew?

Freya Skye A dreamy ballad about longing for London. Anyone who knows me knows that I refer to London as my heart's true home, so to hear these lyrics, "…where my heart is coming back to you...London," makes my eyes leak.

Swim Deep If Elbow and Doves had a lovechild, this Birmingham quintet's guitar-based dream pop might be it.

Back in Rotation There are always artists waiting to be rediscovered.

Simon and Garfunkel Thanks to Harry Styles, I've come back to a staple from my childhood. In a recent interview with Zane Lowe, Harry shared the story behind “Carla's Song,” the closing track on his latest album. Hearing how he wove lyrical and sonic references from both Simon & Garfunkel and Paul Simon throughout the album was a sweet nudge to go back to these catalogs. Oh, and in the midst of his 12-night run at Wembley Stadium, he performed a beautiful version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” with an orchestra at the Meltdown festival.

Rizzle Kicks I first discovered this duo when I was living in London and immediately fell in love with their upbeat, irreverent tracks. Their lyrics felt very English to me, which provided a nice tutorial for this American who sometimes struggled with an unexpected language barrier. “Livin’ the Dream” comes out of the gate with the exuberant energy of “Move Your Feet” by Junior Senior.

Robyn She has never been out of rotation for me and never will be, but there’s something in the zeitgeist with her this summer and I am here for it. Opening for Harry Styles in Stockholm. A world tour supporting the Sexistential LP. And film placements galore. Most notably throughout the Netflix movie Voicemails for Isabelle, where “Dancing On My Own” is not only an emotional centerpiece but feels as if it’s a character in its own right.

Coming Soon There are always artists I’m excited to hear new music from.

Jungle Few bands have carved out a sound as distinctive as Jungle. Because of that, you know each new release is going to deliver. Their music is so fluid it defies categorization.

ROLE MODEL His playful “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” has racked up over 250 million streams, and he's back with “High Hopes 3000,” a rollicking barroom singalong that blends country pop with a retro pop-rock feel.

The Aces This synth pop foursome (including a pair of sisters) has been releasing shimmering tunes for a decade. “Mesmerized” made it onto this month's list, and last month it was “Jealous,” thanks to its placement in Off Campus.

What did you discover this month? I'm always curious about what's connecting for others. If a song or artist from this month's Edit stuck with you, or if you're listening to something I need to hear, tell me. Music is better when it's shared.

Until the next Edit,
Jennifer Edelston

Thanks for discovering music with me. If you know someone who loves music but doesn't have the time or energy to keep up with the constant stream of new releases, please forward this edition of The Edelston Edit to them. I'll keep doing the digging.

Searching for music worth sharing is what I do. Whether the songs are new to market or new to me, it doesn't matter - finding them is the thrill. Seeking them out. Playing on repeat. Catching influences hiding inside a new track. Sending links to friends who need to hear it immediately. Yes to all of the above.

Come Friday morning, I make a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and dig into New Music Friday playlists, both domestic and global, from start to finish. From there, it's a full week of listening to radio stations that get it right (BBC’s 6 Music and Radio 2, and WFUV), song placements in TV, film, and ads, and conversations with friends whose ears I respect. There's a lot of music out there. Only some of it earns a spot here.

May brought an early blast of summer heat to NYC, and exciting releases you’ll see and hear below. This month’s Edit includes music from Olivia Rodrigo, The Beaches, Father John Misty, STELLA LEFTY and Vincent Mason, GIVÉON, Megan Moroney, Christine and the Queens with Thee Diane, La Roux, Maren Morris, The Lemon Twigs, and more. If you see me on the subway or walking around NYC, there’s a good chance I’m listening to some of these songs, possibly singing along to myself. Feel free to stop me and say hello.

On My Radar

New to Me There are always new artists waiting to be discovered.

Ricky Neil Jr., groove-heavy synth-pop that explodes at the 45-second mark. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear this was released in 1983. "Feels Like the '80s" is one of my favorite genres.

Temples, a new find courtesy of the always incredible Elton John’s Rocket Hour. Think Franz Ferdinand meets Broken Bells. The only thing missing is a disco clap, which I hear and happily add in on my own.

Ruti, her vocals land between Lianne La Havas and Hannah Reid of London Grammar. This winner of season 7 of The Voice UK is soulful, assured, and worth knowing.

Matilda Mann, squarely in the Olivia Dean sphere, is new enough to earn her spot here and pitch-perfect for a summer’s day.

Back in Rotation There are always artists waiting to be rediscovered. A new album from an artist you’ve followed for years has a way of making you rediscover why you loved them in the first place.

Maisie Peters, whose new album, her third, just debuted at number one in the UK. Her sprite-like voice and diary-entry lyrics connect with ease.

Elton John, my all-time favorite artist, keeps finding new audiences through brilliant syncs. The placement of “The Bitch Is Back” in Off Campus hits on so many levels - Hannah’s digging through a cassette storage box, the album cover reveal, watching her frustration shift to unbridled joy as she joins in on the playback at the piano and sings and dances along…it’s undeniable that “the fever’s gonna catch you.”

Thee Sinseers, some artists you follow for a song, some you follow for a feeling. Much like Jungle, Thee Sinseers fall firmly into the latter. They make old-school soul that feels completely contemporary. My advice? Drop the needle and let it play.

Coming Soon There are always artists I’m excited to hear new music from.

Caitlyn Smith, if you’re not already familiar, start with "High" and "Lately" from her 2023 LP High & Low. Her voice soars exactly when the song needs it most.

Gracie Abrams, I’m surprised by how much I’m loving the lead single off her new album. I’m here for it.

Lola Young, raw, vulnerable, and completely commanding. Her lyrics hit just as hard as the delivery.

What did you discover this month? I’m always curious about what’s connecting for others. If something here landed, drop me a note, and if you’re listening to a song I need to hear, don’t keep it to yourself. Music is better when it’s shared.

Until the next Edit,
Jennifer Edelston

Music is my thing. Finding it. Playing it over and over. Texting friends at midnight because they need to hear this right now.

Every Friday morning, without fail, I go through New Music Friday playlists in multiple territories, song by song. The rest comes from significant time spent crate digging, listening to trusted radio stations, comparing notes with friends, paying close attention to syncs in TV, film, and ads, and tapping Shazam in loud rooms. There’s a lot of music that’s fine, but fine doesn’t make the cut.

April brought the start of spring and many exciting releases you’ll see and hear below. This month’s Edit includes music from Jessie Ware, Robyn, The Red Clay Strays, Nectar Woode, Suki Waterhouse, José González, Arlo Parks, Ella Langley, Snail Mail, Brigitte Calls Me Baby, and more. If you see me on the subway or walking around NYC, there’s a good chance I’m listening to some of these songs, possibly singing along to myself. Feel free to stop me and say hello.

On My Radar

New to Me There are always new artists waiting to be discovered.

Izzy Escobar, whose sound sits somewhere between Amy Winehouse and Andra Day. She’s on the soundtrack to The Devil Wears Prada 2, and something tells me you’ll be hearing a lot more of her.

Bedelia, a dream-pop trio from San Fernando Valley that remind me of Cocteau Twins and The Sundays. #HarrietWheeler4ever.

Sekou, soulful and playful from the jump - but it was that disco clap just shy of the ten-second mark that really locked me in.

Gelli Haha, think the sonics of Remi Wolf paired with the bright, avant-garde look of SNL’s Sara Sherman.

Back in Rotation There are always artists waiting to be rediscovered. A new album from an artist you’ve followed for years has a way of making you rediscover why you loved them in the first place.

Kacey Musgraves, the queen of country wordplay - clever, layered, and always operating on at least two levels.

Metric, a Canadian indie rock band, whom I swore were English for ages.

Dermot Kennedy, whose gravelly, emotive, and unmistakably Irish voice was made for stadium sing-alongs.

Coming Soon There are always artists I’m excited to hear new music from.

Olivia Rodrigo, fresh off hosting and performing on SNL, with Debbie Harry’s stamp of approval, no less.

Lana Del Rey, whose new single First Light plays like a James Bond theme. Someone call Barbara Broccoli.

Jalen Ngonda, a neo-soul singer who sounds like he’s from another era entirely. His voice puts a smile on my face every single time.

What did you discover last month? I’m always curious what’s cutting through for others. If something here landed with you, or you’re listening to something outstanding I should know about, I’d love to hear from you.

If this resonated with you, pass it along.

Until next month, Jennifer Edelston

March came in like a lion, with loads of exciting releases you’ll see and hear below. This month’s Edit includes music from Harry Styles, Robyn, Mumford & Sons with Chris Stapleton, Anna of the North, Thundercat with WILLOW, Kacey Musgraves, Aldous Harding, Megan Moroney, Dagny, The Lemon Twigs, and more.

If you see me on the subway or walking around New York, there’s a good chance I’m listening to some of these songs - possibly singing along to myself. Feel free to stop me and say hello.

On My Radar

New to Me
There are always new artists waiting to be discovered.
This month, that meant spending time with Grace Ives, The Brook & The Bluff, deary, and Ben Ellis. Artists who each have something special that made me stop and take notice.

Back in Rotation
There are always artists waiting to be rediscovered.

When a megastar drops a new record, you’re suddenly back inside their world, rediscovering songs you forgot you loved. Here are four who made their way back to me.

Harry Styles, “From The Dining Table.” The lyrics are a gut punch, and that bridge! It’s just a simple plea, growing in intensity with each utterance, with gorgeous strings weaving in, and it levels me.

RAYE, “Worth It.,” which walked so “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!,” could run, returned to heavy rotation. I played it at least a thousand times in 2023, and apparently, I need to play it more.

James Blake, “Limit To Your Love.” Returning to this one was a reminder of why he floored me the first time. Spare, devastating, and somehow still feels brand new.

Robyn, who, if I’m honest, has a permanent spot in my heart, earned herself many an apartment dance-party revival courtesy of “Hang With Me.”

The right song doesn’t age. It simply waits for you to come back to it.

Coming Soon
There are always artists I’m excited to hear new music from.
This spring brings new albums from Holly Humberstone, Foo Fighters, Stephen Sanchez, and Tori Amos - four distinct voices I’m looking forward to spending time with.

What did you discover last month? I’m always curious what’s cutting through for other music people. If something here resonates or you’re listening to something outstanding I should know about, I’d love to hear from you.

Until next month,
Jennifer Edelston

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it still delivered an abundance of great releases, which you’ll see and hear below. This month’s Edit includes music from Labrinth, Claire Rosinkranz, Cannons, JJermone87 & alt-J, MUNA, Megan Moroney, Arlo Parks, Bleachers, Baby Queen, Tom Misch, and more.

If you see me on the subway or walking around New York, there’s a good chance I’m listening to some of these songs - possibly singing along to myself. Feel free to stop me and say hello.

On My Radar

New to Me
There are always new artists waiting to be discovered.
This month, that meant spending time with MEEK, The Paper Kites, The Maine, and LOVKN. Artists who each have something special that made me stop and take notice.

Back in Rotation
There are always artists waiting to be rediscovered.
Thanks to the brilliant soundtrack of FX’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, a handful of catalog songs have found their way back into regular listening: Talk Talk’s Life’s What You Make It, Lenny Kravitz’s It Ain’t Over ’Til It’s Over, and En Vogue’s My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It). Great reminders that the right song never really ages.

Coming Soon
There are always artists I’m excited to hear new music from.
This spring brings new albums from José González, Jessie Ware, Noah Kahan, and Ella Langley - four distinct voices I’m looking forward to spending time with.

What have you discovered this month? I’m always curious what’s cutting through for other music people. If something here resonates, or if you’re hearing something great I should know about, I’d love to hear from you.

Until next month,
Jennifer Edelston