As 2024 fades into the rearview mirror, it’s impossible not to reflect on what a monumental year it was for music. From Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan cementing their spots as pop powerhouses to Taylor Swift dazzling millions with the final leg of her record-breaking Eras Tour, women dominated the charts and stages worldwide. Meanwhile, fans were treated to moments of nostalgia and emotion as Linkin Park reunited, Sum 41 brought us one last tour before their farewell and Aerosmith bid a bittersweet goodbye.
But if 2024 taught us anything, it’s that the momentum doesn’t stop there. With a fresh wave of rising stars set to shape the future of music, 2025 promises to be even bigger and bolder. Between electrifying festival lineups, headline-grabbing tours and new artists making their mark, it’s nearly impossible to narrow down just one name to watch. That’s why we’re spotlighting 25 up-and-comers who are poised to take the music world by storm this year. From alternative to indie-pop, hip-hop to rock, these are the artists redefining the sound of tomorrow—ones you’ll definitely want on your playlists.
Sleep Theory
For fans of: Falling In Reverse, Rain City Drive, Nevertel, Devour the Day
Recommended songs: “Fallout,” “Gone or Staying,” “Another Way”
Formed in 2020, Sleep Theory has quickly risen to the top of the rock scene. Known for their signature blend of metal and R&B stylings, the band released their debut album Paper Hearts in 2023. Recently concluding their tour with Falling In Reverse throughout Europe, Sleep Theory already has a few shows and festival appearances, including Welcome to Rockville, slated for 2025.
Follow Sleep Theory: Instagram // Website
Chase Matthew
For fans of: Austin Snell, Corey Kent, Josh Ross
Recommended songs: “Love You Again,” “County Line,” “Darlin’”
Chase Matthew shot to stardom within the country genre in late 2023 with his single “Love You Again,” leading him to release his debut album earlier 2024. Recently supporting Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, Chase is heading out on his own 2025 World Tour with dates booked across the U.S., U.K. and Europe.
Follow Chase Matthew: Instagram // Website
Alex Warren
For fans of: Myles Smith, Mark Ambor, Matt Hansen
Recommended songs: “Carry You Home,” “Before You Leave Me,” “Chasing Shadows”
Founder and member of the collaborative TikTok group “The Hype House,” Alex Warren entered the music industry in 2021. Warren is known for being vocal about his struggles, from the deaths of both of his parents to a bout of homelessness before his rise to stardom. His debut album, You’ll Be Alright Kid (Chapter 1), was released in September 2024 and he’s set to announce more music and a headlining tour in 2025.
Follow Alex Warren: Instagram // Website
Nevertel
For fans of: Wind Walkers, Rain City Drive, Andromida
Recommended songs: “Sacrifice,” “everything in my mind,” “No Reverse”
Active in the rock scene for nearly a decade, Nevertel is picking up traction for 2025. Known for their modern blend of hip-hop, nu-metal, EDM and alternative rock influences, the band has announced appearances at large rock festivals like Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple for 2025.
Follow Nevertel: Website // Instagram // YouTube
Caroline Romano
For fans of: VIBI, Cate Tomlinson, Flo Gallop
Recommended songs: “girl in a china shop,” “Pretty Boys,” “Body Bag”
Mississippian singer-songwriter Caroline Romano relocated to Nashville to pursue music at the young age of 17. Her unique style of alt-pop mixes hard-hitting electronic elements with honest lyrics and versatile vocals. Her newest single “Born to Want More” came out in December 2024 and she’s slated to release even more new music in the new year.
Follow Caroline Romano: Instagram // Website // YouTube
Knox
For fans of: Braden Bales, dreamfone, The Band CAMINO
Recommended songs: “Not The 1975,” “Love Letter,” “Treadmill”
Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, and now based in Nashville, newcomer on the pop scene Knox now has several EPs and notable collaborations under his belt, including songs with Bilmuri, Charlotte Sands and others. With several singles released and a nationwide tour in 2024, Knox has teased on his Instagram that he’s busy at work making an album.
Follow Knox: Website // Instagram // YouTube
Caskets
For fans of: Holding Absence, We Came As Romans, Awaken I Am
Recommended songs: “Glass Heart,” “Guiding Light,” “By The Sound”
Formed in 2018, Leeds-based post-hardcore band Caskets recently opened for bands such as We Came As Romans. The band is known for their heavy focus on mental health, epic musical breakdowns and incredible vocals. After wrapping up their first headlining North American tour last fall, Caskets is back in the studio working on new music. They also have a headlining tour booked starting in February across the UK/EU before they head back to North America for their supporting spot on Memphis May Fire’s The Shapeshifter Tour.
Follow Caskets: Website // Instagram
Beauty School Dropout
For fans of: Telltale, KID BRUNSWICK, First and Forever
Recommended songs: “WE MADE PLANS & GOD LAUGHED,” “beautiful waste,” “FIGHT MODE”
Los Angeles-based band Beauty School Dropout has defined their style as “renegade pop,” bringing together a mix of the pop, punk, hip-hop and rock genres. Their emotionally driven lyrics, infectious energy and alternative style has secured them a spot signed to Verswire, a label created by Mark Hoppus and Pete Wentz.
Follow Beauty School Dropout: Instagram // Website // YouTube
Gracie Abrams
For fans of: Lizzy McAlpine, Gigi Perez, Sabrina Carpenter
Recommended songs: “I miss you, I’m sorry,” “That’s So True,” “Close To You”
Since her entry into music in 2019, Gracie Abrams has been praised as one of the most promising up and coming singer-songwriters in the scene. Her second LP, The Secret of Us, was released early in 2024 before she continued to support Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Her own headlining dates across Europe, New Zealand and Australia are set for 2025.
Follow Gracie Abrams: Instagram // Website
The Funeral Portrait
For fans of: Ice Nine Kills, Archers,
Recommended songs: “Suffocate City” ft. Spencer Charnas, “Dark Thoughts,” “Voodoo Doll”
Atlanta-based emo rockersThe Funeral Portrait are known for their anthemic music and stage theatrics. Their recently released single, “Suffocate City” featuring Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills, has received several accolades, including being named #1 Rock Song on the Billboard Rock Radio Charts. They will be supporting Catch Your Breath on The Broken Souls tour in 2025.
Follow The Funeral Portrait: Instagram // Website // Facebook
The Linda Lindas
For fans of: Bully, Girl Tones, Pom Pom Squad
Recommended songs: “Oh!,” “All In My Head,” “Nothing Would Change”
Formed in 2018, The Linda Lindas are an all-female alternative rock band based in Los Angeles. Known for their blend of punk, power pop and new wave, the quartet has quickly gained traction in the alternative/indie scene and is slated to start their headlining tour in support of their sophomore album No Obligation across North America in spring 2025.
Follow The Linda Lindas: Instagram // Website
Ekoh
For fans of: Ryan Oakes, Nate Vickers, Linkin Park
Recommended songs: “GOOD THINGS” ft. Lø Spirit, “Hurt Myself,” “Pickle Rick”
Known for blending hip-hop, electronic and rock elements to create bold, melodic tracks, Ekoh will immediately catch the listener’s ear. Heavily influenced by the likes of Linkin Park, fans are excited to see how he blends his signature rap style with other genres in 2025.
Follow Ekoh: Instagram // Website
Natalie Jane
For fans of: Alexander Stewart, JESSIA, Lauren Spencer Smith
Recommended songs: “Somebody to Someone,” “Sick To My Stomach,” “AVA”
Alt-pop singer-songwriter Natalie Jane has taken the internet by storm with her powerhouse vocals at just 20 years old. With nearly 10 million followers on TikTok, her music has been featured in the Netflix film “Uglies.” After recentlywrapping up her sold out headlining tour in 2024, she’s set to head out on tour again, this time to Australia, North America and Europe in support of her newest EP, SICK TO MY STOMACH.
Follow Natalie Jane: Instagram // Website // Spotify
Inhaler
For fans of: Sam Fender, Circa Waves, Blossoms
Recommended songs: “My Honest Face,” “Your House,” “These Are The Days”
Dublin-based alternative/indie rock band Inhaler is slated to release their next album Open Wide in February 2025. The band is also preparing to continue their Open Wide World Tour stretching from February to June with dates scheduled across the U.K., Europe and Japan.
Follow Inhaler: Instagram // Website // Spotify
Nerv
For fans of: Wind Walkers, Savage Hands, Rain City Drive
Recommended songs: “Enough,” “Bad Habits,” “WASTED!”
The four-piece rock band Nerv blends elements of electronic, metal and pop to create a sound that’s truly their own. After bursting onto the scene in 2017, they’ve gone on to release wildly successful singles and a debut album in 2022. They’re set to support Citizen Soldier on tour in the spring of 2025.
Follow Nerv: Instagram // Website // Spotify
almost monday
For fans of: The Driver Era, COIN, Balu Brigada
Recommended songs: “sunburn,” “can’t slow down,” “sun keeps on shining”
The indie pop trio almost monday hails from San Diego, California. Their 2021 EP til the end of time caught the attention of Forbes contributor Eric Fuller, leading to a feature story and interview on the popular platform. The band has continued to build on their success ever since. The indie/alt-rock band, released their newest album DIVE in 2024 and wrapped up the Asian leg of their world tour shortly after. Next up, the trio will be traveling across North America and Europe in the spring.
Follow almost monday: Instagram // Website // Spotify
Dayseeker
For fans of: Wage War, The Plot In You, Bad Omens
Recommended songs: “Sleeptalk,” “Medicate Me,” “Without Me”
American post-hardcore band Dayseeker is known for incorporating catchy electronic elements into their unique brand of rock music. After having spending the better part of 2024 on tour across North America and Europe and releasing a new single with Rain City Drive, “Medicate Me,” they’re set to head out on tour again across South America in early 2025 along with multiple festival appearances.
Follow Dayseeker: Instagram // Website // Spotify
Caleb Hearn
For fans of: ROSIE, Zach Hood, Matt Hansen
Recommended songs: “Little Bit Better” ft. ROSIE, “Always Be 2.0,” “Warm Body”
North Carolinian singer Caleb Hearn has risen to stardom thanks to his honest lyricism which often confronts his mental health. He had a run opening for Switchfoot on tour this past October and is currently working on new music for 2025.
Follow Caleb Hearn: Instagram // TikTok // Spotify
Catch Your Breath
For fans of: Kingdom of Giants, Alpha Wolf, Memphis May Fire
Recommended songs: “Dial Tone,” “21 Gun Salute,” “Ghost Inside The Shell”
American rock band Catch Your Breath strives to create a new generation of rock, combining their heavy instrumentals with the fresh sounds of synths and emotive lyrics. In the spring of 2025, the band is set to head out on their The Broken Souls tour across North America, immediately followed by a headlining run in Europe for The Savages tour.
Follow Catch Your Breath: Instagram // Website // Spotify
Taylor Acorn
For fans of: Charlotte Sands, senses, Hot Milk
Recommended songs: “Psycho,” “Shapeshifting,” “I Think I’m in Love”
Alternative pop-rock singer Taylor Acorn has recently shot to the top of the pop-punk scene with her powerhouse vocals and unique blend of genres. Her debut album, Survival In Motion, came out in September 2024. She’s also slated to perform at When We Were Young in Las Vegas in 2025.
Follow Taylor Acorn: Instagram // Website // Spotify
The Last Dinner Party
For fans of: boygenius, Wet Leg, Chappell Roan
Recommended songs: “The Feminine Urge,” “Burn Alive,” “Nothing Matters”
British indie rock band The Last Dinner Party burst onto the scene in 2023 and has commanded it ever since. The band combines quirky Brit rock-style guitar melodies with intriguing feminine vocals and bold lyrics, creating a sound that’s uniquely their own. Their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy, came out in early 2024. The band will appear at multiple festivals in 2025, including C6 in Brazil and others across Europe.
Follow The Last Dinner Party: Instagram // Website // Spotify
Games We Play
For fans of: John Harvie, Broadside, Arrows in Action
Recommended songs: “I Hope You’re Happy,” “Hey Ben” ft. Hoodie Allen, “St. Girlfriend”
Pop-punk’s Games We Play is the project of Los Angeles-based singer and multi-instrumentalist Emmyn Calleiro. Formed in 2016, the band has gained traction with their melodic hooks and witty lyrics. Games We Play released their debut album, Life’s Going Great, in 2024 and recently wrapped up a headlining North American tour with support from Braden Bales.
Follow Games We Play: Website // Instagram // Spotify
Lambrini Girls
For fans of: Amyl and the Sniffers, Panic Shack, SPRINTS
Recommended songs: “God’s Country,” “Company Culture,” “Body of Mine”
Brighton-based femme-punk band Lambrini Girls have gained attention for their bold messages and dry sense of humor. Tackling everything from misogyny to racism and the government, the Lambrini Girls are making their mark before even releasing an album. Their highly anticipated debut album, Who Let the Dogs Out, due January 10, 2025, will be followed by tour dates throughout Europe.
Follow Lambrini Girls: Instagram // Website // Spotify
Avery Lynch
For fans of: Thomas Day, Savanna Leigh, Devon Gabriella
Recommended songs: “Rain,” “all i need (the distance song),” “To Love Someone Else”
Known for her piano-driven melodies, soft and beautiful voice and stripped-down sound, Avery Lynch brings a fresh take on the classic singer-songwriter pop style. She released her third album, As Written, Vol. 2, in 2024 featuring a mix of new songs and reimagined versions of old favorites.
Follow Avery Lynch: Instagram // Website // Spotify // TikTok
HotWax
For fans of: Shelf Lives, The Mysterines, Picture Parlour
Recommended songs: “Rip It Out,” “Treasure,” “Drop”
British alternative rock trio HotWax got their start self-releasing singles in 2020 and have grown their fanbase through supporting slots on tour with Royal Blood and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes. Known for their adrenaline-fueled and energetic sound, the band released two new singles in December 2024 and their debut album, Hot Shock, is set to release on March 7, 2025. They’ve also announced their Hot Shock In-Store tour across England.
