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On The Record: Number_i, Tinashe, Jackson Wang and All of the Best Music Releases of September

Everything we jammed to in September 2026, from Number_i and Tinashe to Jackson Wang and Billkin. 

At the end of each month, we go On the Record to share the newest songs on our playlist. Bringing the international music scene straight to your device, each list contains a combination of established and up-and-coming artists from around the world. 

Global artists welcomed September with a mixture of sounds suited for the shifting moods associted with transitional weather. Confident end-of-summer bangers, bold rap and moody fall-ready anthems merge in this month’s playlist. From Number_i’s  Y2K-soaked experimental pop and Tinashe’s genre-bending retun to Remi Wolf’s emotionally-packed lyricism, here’s everything music editor Valentina Reni Doukeris curated for your playlist.

What’s your favorite September release? Don’t forget to pick your favorite songs and check back at the end of next week to see NMM readers’ favorite song of September 2026.

Tinashe – “Nobody Wanna Dance Anymore”

R&B connoisseur Tinashe is a master of self-reinvention and her latest album, Popstar, is proof of the singer’s versatility and resourcefulness. Title track “Nobody Wanna Dance Anymore” is a laid-back, pointed call-out to modern party culture. In just over two minutes, Tinashe whips up a novel techno-funk trance.


Natanael Cano, Tito Double P, Victor Mendivil & Ovi – “OLIVIA LA FLAKA”

Four-way collaboration “OLIVIA LA FLAKA” is an embodiment of dynamic musical exchange. Natanael Cano tapped Tito Double P, Victor Medivil and Ovi for this number, whose old-school instrumental perfectly combines elements of old-school hip-hop with a refreshing acoustic guitar melody.


Conep & Young Miko – “After”

Young Miko hops on Conep’s “After” for the song’s enticing remix. This version of the gritty single sees the two Puerto Rican rappers trade verses over a Latin trap instrumental whose bassline is all but guaranteed to get you grooving.


Labrinth – “I Want to Know What Love Is”

In the first release since his album drop this May, Labrinth puts his vocals at the forefront. The British singer-songwriter’s cinematic rendition of Foreigner’s classic, “I Want to Know What Love Is” features a sweeping crescendo and emotional vocal chops that prove his expertise twofold.


Fujii Kaze & UMI – “You”

“You” by Fujii Kaze is a warm serenade that feels pulled straight from a 90s record. The Japanese singer-songwriter draws on UMI’s smooth vocals for the song’s duet version, in which the two tap into seamless harmonies and soulful riffs.


Remi Wolf – “I Won’t Cry”

Remi Wolf changes pace in “I Won’t Cry,” a rare, vulnerable ballad from the singer. This confession of longing showcases Wolf’s stunning vocal range and lyricism, perfectly finding the fine balance between dramatic and relatable.


Mckenna Grace – “Bones and All”

Mckenna Grace stands out even among the year’s most booked-and-busy stars. The young actress has had over a year of major on-screen roles and, more recently, has released her own music. “Bones and All” is an alt-pop display of intense, vulnerable longing with an accompanying music videdo featuring fellow actor Mason Thames.


Lisa – “SaWaDiKa”

Lisa returns with “SaWaDiKa,” a catchy self-love anthem that highlights her global success in the decade since her debut with K-pop girl group BLACKPINK. Complemented by Lisa’s unapologetic assurance, the song’s heavy bass and spoken chorus make “SaWaDiKa” a certified earworm to end the summer. 


BILLKIN – “CHECKLIST”

Thai idol Billkin plays the yearning protagonist in his latest single “CHECKLIST.” The song’s upbeat pop instrumental brings to life the music video’s quirky concept, which sees Billkin doing anything he can to win over his co-star, fellow star Miu Natsha. 


ADÉLA – “Nicole Kidman”

In the title track to her debut album, ADÉLA pays sultry homage to actress Nicole Kidman. This intimate release is an amalgam of what the Slovakian singer represents as a performer: self-confidence, glamour and an uncontested Y2K aesthetic. However, in place of her usual belting vocals, “Nicole Kidman” showcases ADÉLA’s lower register and falsetto ad-libs. 


PiXXiE – “DUSTY”

With “DUSTY,” PiXXiE is ready to make the transition from summer to autumn. The Thai girl group’s latest release is a party-ready tune with a classic anti-drop chorus and melodic harmonies. Members Mabelz, Pimms and Ingkho shine in the accompanying music video, which combines eerie visuals with sharp choreography.


Jackson Wang – “Thank You”

“Thank You” is Jackson Wang’s unexpectedly sentimental ode to those who have supported him and his career. The song’s straightforward lyrics compose a refreshingly honest and relatable letter of gratitude to family, friends and fans, overlaid on a simple instrumental.


Number_i – “DIGITAL GIRL”

“DIGITAL GIRL” from Number_i’s six-track EP is an upbeat electronic track reminiscent of the frutiger aero aesthetic. In this new extended play, the Japanese trio—comprising Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji and Yuta Kishi—explores a grungy, digital sound packed with nostalgia. 

Read more about the track and Number_i’s latest EP in our exclusive interview here.


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