Times featuring new instrument (5)
I believe the answer is:
agent
'instrument' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for agent that I've seen before include "Spy; service provider" , "Dealer" , "factor in Scotland" , "One may be working" , "One acting on behalf of another" .)