The first New Music Friday of 2026 is a quiet one, as the music industry gradually returns after the holiday break. There are no major blockbuster albums released this week, with most high-profile projects scheduled for later in January.
Instead, the focus is on vinyl reissues, collector editions, and a small number of new digital singles from pop, indie, and underground artists.
Key New Release
KATSEYE – Internet Girl (Single)
The most prominent release this week comes from global pop group KATSEYE, who have surprised fans with a new digital single.
- Released at midnight ET on January 2
- First teased during the group’s Beautiful Chaos North American tour in late 2025
- A dance-pop track with playful references to online culture
- Produced by Mattman & Robin, with contributions from Justin Tranter and Shawn Wasabi
The song is positioned as a thank-you release for fans and is available across all major streaming platforms.
Other Notable Digital Releases
Indie and Alternative
- Miya Folick – Erotica Veronica (Deluxe Edition), featuring additional tracks
- Acidgvrl – New underground and experimental releases
Heavy Music
- Paleface Swiss – The Wilted EP, delivering aggressive metalcore and deathcore sounds
Australian Indie and Punk Singles
New tracks arrive from:
- PASH
- Purée
- Night Rites
- The Hazys
- The Vandals
- Dropsink
Vinyl Reissues and Physical Highlights
Physical releases dominate this week’s schedule, particularly for vinyl collectors. Many of these are limited editions available through independent record stores.
Highlights include:
- Early-era albums by The Flaming Lips on limited SYEOR 2026 pressings
- Alt-J’s Mercury Prize-winning debut on upgraded coloured vinyl
- A holiday-themed 7-inch vinyl release from Laufey
- Japanese city pop remasters and classic film soundtracks
- Selected reissues from classic hip-hop artists (titles vary by retailer)
Availability depends on individual record stores and regional exclusives.
What to Expect Next
With most major artists holding releases until later in the month, streaming playlists this week are expected to feature lighter updates mixed with popular tracks from late 2025.
Bigger album launches are expected to begin rolling out next week, as the 2026 release calendar starts to gather momentum.
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