In a music landscape flooded with thousands of new releases each week, discovering your next favorite track can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, Rolling Stone UK is stepping in to guide listeners with its updated “Hot New Songs” playlist for September 19, 2025. This curated collection aims to cut through the noise, spotlighting essential new music from across the UK and Ireland, and this week features a compelling lineup led by Nia Archives, RAYE, Lewis Capaldi, and Cork rockers Cardinals.
The sheer volume of new music is staggering, with an estimated 840,000 songs landing on streaming services every week. To navigate this deluge, curated playlists have become indispensable tools for both discovery and artist promotion. They offer a vital service, connecting listeners with exciting new music that might otherwise go unnoticed. Playlists are not just collections of songs; they are carefully crafted experiences that shape how we find and engage with artists in the modern music industry.
Spotlight on the Featured Artists
This week’s playlist prominently features Nia Archives, a dynamic English producer, DJ, singer, and songwriter who has become a leading voice in the resurgence of jungle and drum and bass. She is widely regarded as being at the forefront of the post-2020 drum and bass revival. Following the success of her debut album “Silence Is Loud,” which charted on the UK Albums Chart, Archives has also launched her own label, Up Ya Archives, dedicated to “new gen junglism.” She is reportedly working on a follow-up album, aiming for a more optimistic and “happier” direction.
Global music superstar RAYE makes a significant return with her new single, “Where Is My Husband!” This track serves as the lead offering from her highly anticipated sophomore album, slated for release in 2026, following her acclaimed 2023 debut, “My 21st Century Blues.” Described as a “sassy yet sincere ode to RAYE’s search for her life partner,” the song fuses funky brass, syncopated R&B beats, and glossy soul-pop production. Having recently performed the track at festivals like Glastonbury and All Points East, RAYE has also announced a major 40-date global tour for 2026. Her recent career highlights include a record-breaking six BRIT Award wins in 2024 and multiple Grammy nominations.
Lewis Capaldi, the beloved Scottish singer-songwriter, continues his powerful comeback in 2025. After a hiatus focused on his mental and physical health, Capaldi released his charting single “Survive” in June 2025, which quickly hit number one on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the fastest-selling single of the year. He has since embarked on a sold-out UK arena tour and announced larger outdoor headline shows for 2026. Fans are eagerly awaiting further new music, with hints of an EP and a potential album in the near future. Capaldi’s return is marked by his signature raw emotion, potent vocals, and an authentic connection with his audience.
Representing the vibrant Irish music scene are Cork rockers Cardinals. This six-piece band has been earning significant praise for their swaggering indie rock sound, which they describe as blending pop tunes with noise, moving beyond their initial post-punk influences. Having released their self-titled debut EP and championed by figures like Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C., Cardinals are solidifying their place as a notable emerging force.
A Diverse Tapestry of New Music
Beyond these headliners, the “Hot New Songs” playlist for September 19, 2025, showcases a remarkably diverse array of talent, underscoring the breadth of current music trends. Listeners can explore new tracks from artists such as KNEECAP, Daniel Avery (featuring Alison Mosshart), The Last Dinner Party, SPRINTS, Biffy Clyro, Metronomy, Oliver Sim, and Overmono, among many others. This eclectic mix demonstrates the playlist’s commitment to offering a wide spectrum of sounds, from electronic and indie to alternative and drum and bass.
The “Hot New Songs” playlist serves as an essential resource for music enthusiasts looking to stay ahead of the curve. By highlighting these trending artists and their latest releases, Rolling Stone UK provides a valuable service, helping listeners discover the music that defines the current soundscape. Whether you’re a long-time fan of these established acts or eager to uncover emerging talent, this weekly update is a prime destination for your next musical obsession.
