The Music’s Friday Finds: The Week’s Best New Music – 16 October

16 October 2026 4:32 PM

With the playlist Friday Finds: This Week’s Best New Music, The Music’s team gathers the best new songs you need to hear every Friday. Here are our picks released this week, 16 October 2026.

Reliqa(Credit: Jack Fontes)

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Another week, another ten bangers are coming your way.

Each week, The Music sifts through streaming services, our inboxes, and our chats to choose ten new songs for our weekly playlist, The Music’s Friday Finds: The Week’s Best New Music.

We update the playlist on Spotify and Apple Music, and it includes the hottest songs from Australia and around the world. This week, we’ve gathered new songs from Olivia Rodrigo, San Cisco, Reliqa, Fontaines D.C., Holly Hebe, Rachel Chinouriri, and much more.

Before you check out each song, here’s a short breakdown of the tracks added to our playlist this week.

Olivia Rodrigo & Chappell Roan - expectations

We didn’t expect or necessarily need a remix of expectations, a highlight from Olivia Rodrigo’s latest album, but it’s certainly welcome—especially with Chappell Roan delivering an energetic, thrilling verse.

San Cisco - Miles Away

Jangling guitars and smooth vocals open Miles Away, the latest catchy number from Aussie favourites San Cisco. The song builds to a fun, feel-good chorus; perfect vibes for kicking off the weekend.

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The Drums & Genesis Owusu - Blackstar

Genesis Owusu teams up with US group The Drums for Blackstar, a new track that effortlessly blends hip-hop with breezy indie rock.

Reliqa - Serum

Australian progressive metal outfit Reliqa have always had a standout sound, but with Serum, they return with renewed confidence, breakdowns, electronics, and impressive, soaring vocals from Monique Pym.

Fontaines D.C. & Rosalía - Where Is Gone?

Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten has a deep, powerful voice—the polar opposite to Rosalía’s entrancing, airy vocals. Yet together, the Irish rockers and Spanish singer sound sublime on Where Is Gone?, a gorgeous ballad.

Holly Hebe - Skipping Stones

With finger-picked guitars opening the track, Holly Hebe’s latest single, Skipping Stones, is quietly stunning. Showcasing her voice and songwriting, the tender song is one to remember.

Justice, Tame Impala, SZA, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Flower in a Hurricane

How did this collaboration even happen? We’re floored by Justice’s synths, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's psychedelia, and SZA’s moving verses and harmonies with Kevin Parker.

Selve - Weekends

The dance-ready Weekends has us ready to clock off for the week and just enjoy ourselves. Selve are back with an undeniable pop-rock banger.

Rachel Chinouriri - Pretty Girls

Rachel Chinouriri’s brand of indie-flavoured pop and R&B is exquisite. On the catchy Pretty Girls, her voice soars over punchy beats and lovely melodies.

Yawdoesitall - LET IT GO

Ghanaian Australian hip-hop artist Yawdoesitall continues to surprise with LET IT GO. This is an artist who refuses to be pigeonholed, and we’re all the more grateful for it.