Startle Selects - January 2026

Every month, Magnus, our Head of Music Development, pulls together what he thinks are the most captivating and essential releases from that month for Startle Selects. 

Our curators can then pick and choose from this playlist as they see fit, so that playlist updates for the brands who work with us are always up to date. It’s a win-win - we get to appreciate new music, and our clients soundtrack their sites with the freshest tunes. 

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Hair Down - Samm Henshaw

“Hair Down” is the new, groove-forward release from South London soul-infused singer Samm Henshaw. With warm sounding instrumentation and Samm’s effortless vocals, we are invited to loosen us and let our hair down. Released as the first single of 2026 alongside the broader streaming debut of his previously vinyl-exclusive It Could Be Worse project, “Hair Down” has an uplifting energy, setting the tone for a period of exciting growth as Samm prepares to bring this era to life on a world tour. 

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The Heart Wants a Heart- Anish Kumar

Anish Kumar’s “The Heart Wants a Heart” is a standout cut from his AK Cuts: Vol. 2 project, with deep electronic textures that feel dancefloor-ready. Released in early 2026 alongside the EP, the song has synth layers and rhythmic depth, using its sounds to explore the emotions of the song, rather than words. With production rooted in the UK electronic scene and already being played in live settings before its official release, “The Heart Wants a Heart” sets an energetic tone that makes us excited to see what’s to come for Kumar this year. 

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Death of Love - James Blake

James Blake’s “Death of Love” arrives as a haunting lead single from his upcoming seventh studio album Trying Times. Anchored by Blake’s falsetto vocals and a soundscape that blends minimalist electronic textures with a striking performance with the London Welsh Men’s Choir. “Death of Love” sets a poignant tone for an album that grapples with the pressures of modern life and the delicate balance between isolation and vulnerability. 

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Proof - Choker

Choker’s “Proof” is the lead single from his forthcoming 2026 album Heaven Ain’t Sold, blending a relaxed R&B/soul groove with direct lyrics. Over warm soundscapes, the song frames a candid conversation, with a repeated refrain of “prove it now” becoming a plea for clarity and reassurance. Featuring specific details like cruising down Beverly Boulevard, “Proof” creates a vivid image in the listener’s mind.

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Opening Night - Arctic Monkeys, War Child Records

Arctic Monkeys’ “Opening Night” marks an exciting return for the Sheffield band, surfacing as their first new music in four years and the lead single from the HELP(2) charity compilation for War Child Records. Recorded in an intense week at Abbey Road Studios with long-time collaborator producer James Ford, the track pairs the band’s signature introspective edge with a broader purpose - its release helps shine a spotlight on War Child’s work supporting children affected by conflict around the globe. “Opening Night” feels less like a typical comeback anthem and more like a purposeful artistic statement.