This year is shaping up to be a banner year for up-and-coming artists. From the infectious energy of rock bands to the introspective lyrics of singer-songwriters, these rising stars are destined to make a major impact on the music scene.
Sandy Hawkins, a trio from Echo Park, California, evokes the spirit of a contemporary Arctic Monkeys. Driven by a shared love of 80s and 90s music, the band members collaboratively write, produce, mix, and sing their own material, drawing on their individual influences and strong camaraderie. Their heartfelt approach to both songwriting and music video production has already earned them a wide fan base.
Sandy Hawkins has ambitious plans for 2025, including touring community college fraternities in the Southwest and San Diego (with future plans to perform in Japan and South Korea) and appearing on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast. The band anticipates a busy year.
Caroline Kingsbury's style is best described as unapologetic. This queer artist draws inspiration from 80s music. Her recent EP, "I Really Don't Care," released at the end of 2024, was well received and featured several standout tracks, most notably the energetic pop anthem "Take My Phone Away." Having already earned recognition from prominent publications, Carolina is destined for continued success in the coming year.
Next year, she has planned upcoming performances supporting artists like Medium Build, Juliette Lewis, Molly Grace, and Beach Bunny. From February to April, she will embark on an extensive 25-date U.S. tour with Pom Pom Squad, and with new music slated for release in the first quarter, the year is set to begin with considerable momentum.
Music has been a constant in Alexa Kate's life. Her upbringing in New York, combined with her time in Nashville, has shaped her artistic identity. Inspired by strong female vocalists such as Taylor Swift, she has been writing songs for as long as she can remember and is dedicated to sharing her genuine voice, despite the challenges it presents. Combining the emotional vulnerability of Gracie Abrams and the energy of Tate McRae, Alexa's debut EP, “wishing you well” was nothing short of breathtaking.
Alexa is actively developing a substantial amount of new music for the coming year, with plans for a potential EP or album release, as well as several scheduled live performances.
Esther Zyskind, performing under the name EZI, creates emotionally resonant music. This independent LGBTQ+ artist has cultivated a dedicated following over time, drawing on her experiences as inspiration. Her 2018 debut EP, "AFRAID OF THE DARK," achieved remarkable success, selling over 25 million copies and cementing her as a force to be reckoned with. In 2024, EZI independently released her debut album, "Into Your Power, Into The Light." The lead single, "She's Back," delivers an alluring and impactful sonic experience, further enhanced by a cinematic music video release.
EZI's plans for 2025 are shrouded in mystery. While she is developing new material expected to begin surfacing around February, specific details remain scarce. Don’t worry, we will keep you updated on what’s to come!
Drawing on pop and indie influences, emerging artist Naomi Jane blends powerful narratives into her music, already making a name for herself. Her work, known for its poetic lyrics, emotional depth, and vulnerability, has drawn comparisons to influential figures like Joni Mitchell and Alanis Morissette. A classically trained mezzo-soprano proficient in guitar, ukulele, piano, and violin, her musical background significantly contributes to her distinctive sound.
Three songs released by Naomi this year are particularly noteworthy. The "letterman trilogy"—comprising "Pretty Boys," "Little Miss," and "Grown Ups"—tells a cohesive, moving narrative reflecting Naomi's life experiences, with each video contributing to the overall heartbreaking story.
Looking ahead to 2025, Naomi Jane has a dynamic start planned, starting with two much-anticipated music video releases from “sweet talk”: “Like Like Love” on January 10 and “Socks” on February 6. This spring will also see the release of "Lightning," a vibrant new single. Building on the momentum of her recent EP, she is currently recording a new EP, marking the next phase of her musical development. Furthermore, Naomi is preparing to bring her music to life with upcoming live performances, offering audiences an engaging experience with her magnetic personality.
WHIT's music is shaped by a diverse range of influences, from artists like Gretchen Wilson, P!nk, Johnny Cash, and Miranda Lambert. Her songs delve into the intensity of her life experiences, exploring themes of trauma recovery, empowerment, and the intricacies of human relationships. Her raw and unfiltered songwriting provides listeners with an intimate glimpse into the authentic WHIT, an artist who fearlessly explores life's most complex emotions.
WHIT's latest release, the powerful four-track country rock self-titled EP produced by Andrew Baylis, demonstrated she’s not messing around. Characterized by powerful guitar riffs and her characteristic defiant spirit. Thanks to this, she achieved hundreds of thousands of streams in a very short amount of time, alongside significant media coverage, WHIT has made a substantial impact.
She intends to keep releasing singles and a few other projects in 2025 to further establish herself in the rock-country music scene.