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New Music Friday – March 27, 2026

This New Music Friday shows off new drops from several big names in music. There’s multiple strong releases available for listening now. Read on to see a full list of top picks from this week. First, here’s an in-depth look at a most noteworthy record out today.

The Best of New Music Friday:

Courtney Barnett – Creature of Habit

Courtney Barnett hasn’t released a new studio album since 2021, but she’s evolved her musical style during that time. Barnett, who was once the rock world’s biggest indie darling, has worked on soundtracks, collabs, and took her tones to a new different level. On what is another installment of whip-smart rock revivalism, the Australian musician makes an impeccably structured release on Creature of Habit, an album that calls back to some of her raw and punk inspired roots.

On the guitar heavy “One Thing At A Time,” Barnett conflates emotions like anxiety, and actions like protection before admitting that the firmament containing those virtues is in serious decay: “I’m ready for a change,” she sings. There are some trademark sounding Barnett songs, like the single “Site Unseen” featuring Waxahatchee. It’s the sorta folksy ramble both artists have become known for in the past decade plus.

Barnett knows that a lot will change in this life. Nothing ever lasts forever. Creature of Habit is about coming to terms with your surroundings and overcoming them in whatever way you can. Sometimes individuals have plans and ideas, and when life naturally develops differently, it can be frustrating. It’s almost a new challenge for Barnett. She’ll take any circumstances and live within them, and work her way around too.

It’s nice to have Barnett back in the rotation of new music. She’s been a staple of rock since the early 2010s. She’s not someone to bunch in with a group of classics. She’s an icon, and she’s made a habit of making herself relatable and her music enjoyable.

New Music Friday Top Picks:

Angel Drive – “Bruise” [Angel Drive]

Fcukers Ö [Ninja Tune]

King TuffMoo [MUP Records/Thirty Tigers]

RobynSexistential [Konichiwa/Young]

Snail MailRicochet [Matador]

StuckOptimizer [Exploding in Sound]

Squirrel Flower with Babehoven and Billie Marten – “Wheels”

Which of these tracks from New Music Friday will you add to your favorite playlists today? Any we missed? Let us know in the comments or on Instagram!

Ben Pagani
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Ben Pagani

Ben is a music journalist living and working in Chicago. They joined Beyond The Stage as an intern and have stayed on the staff for several years. Now serving on the editorial board, Ben is proud to be BTS' Music Projects Manager, coordinating coverage between international record labels and our staff. Ben has interviewed, photographed and written about bands from across the world. Ben has lived all over the United States working in television and media. They are an Emmy Award-winning writer. Ben can be found spinning records as 'DJ Wearing Sunglasses' in clubs and basements across the US.