The end of the year is just around the corner, but the music never ends. We’ve done the homework for you, so here’s a careful selection of the artists you should watch in 2025. They all have big plans and, above all, new music to share with their fan base, so take note:
EZI
EZI is an independent LGBTQ+ artist and songwriter who has broken ground by exploring mental health and identity topics. In 2024, she released “Into Your Power, Into The Light,” a completely independent album.
In 2025, she’s set to unveil a new project inspired by the nostalgic vibes of 90s pop and R&B, with tracks dropping consistently starting in February. The details are still under wraps as the music is in progress, but it’s something to look forward to!
EZI is a chameleonic artist who is making her way independently in the industry day by day. With this new 90s-inspired project on the horizon, EZI is ready to redefine her art and captivate fans in 2025 with her authenticity and innovation.
@ezi
VENDREDI SUR MER
Swiss artist Vendredi sur Mer, who blends sultry synth-pop with poetic lyricism, is gearing up for a highly anticipated European tour in 2025, with stops in Istanbul, Milan, Berlin, and Paris, among other iconic cities.
With her distinct cinematic style, Vendredi sur Mer continues to captivate audiences. Alongside her live shows, she has a new album in the new year, promising the rich soundscapes and introspective lyrics fans have come to love.
With hits like “Écoute Chérie,” which achieved platinum status, and “La Femme à la Peau Bleue” with certified gold, her songs transport listeners into romance and introspection. With her growing international recognition, a new album on the way, and a tour spanning major European cities, Vendredi sur Mer is set to win over her fan base and add thousands more thanks to her musical talent and cinematic storytelling.
XTIE
Grammy-winning Hong Kong native, producer, songwriter, and artist XTIE is a pioneer in the world of cosmic pop. Her debut EP, “APOLLO-23”, which she fully wrote and produced, received critical acclaim from global outlets including Billboard, Wonderland, and BBC Radio, while topping radio charts in Hong Kong and Taiwan and amassing over one million streams in 2023. In 2024, she made history as the first Hong Kong female artist to enter the Grammy Awards’ Best Dance Pop Recording category with her song “Lost in Between,” a track she wrote and produced.
Looking ahead to 2025, XTIE is set to release a highly anticipated new album in early summer, followed by a tour that will further showcase her cosmic pop sound to audiences worldwide. In addition to her solo endeavors, she will continue producing music for a roster of prominent artists, solidifying her influence both behind the scenes and on stage. With its innovative approach and relentless drive, XTIE is poised to make even bigger waves in the global music scene next year.
JAMES TILLMAN
James Tillman is an R&B artist known for blending soulful melodies with experimental production. He recently released his EP “SENSES Vol. 2,” produced by Eddie Burns (Omar Apollo, Dominic Fike) and William Corduroy. The EP delves into themes of vulnerability and emotional connection in a post-pandemic world, with experimental arrangements that push the boundaries of R&B. The lead single, “i no u no,” deals with the tension of unspoken attraction and brings to light the complexities of human connection through emotive beats and lyrics.
With over 40 million streams and over 241,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, James Tillman has become a mainstay on playlists across platforms like Apple Music, YouTube, and Audiomack. He has performed at iconic venues like The Troubadour, Bowery Ballroom, and Lincoln Hall, sharing stages with artists like tUnE-yArDs, Jordan Rakei, and Charlotte Day Wilson. His recent collaboration with Noname on her album ‘Sundial’ further cements his reputation as a dynamic and innovative artist, making him one to watch closely as he continues to redefine contemporary R&B.
EMMA COLE
Emma Cole creates music that cuts straight to the heart, blending nostalgia with raw emotion to leave listeners with a hauntingly familiar feeling. Known as an artist’s artist, she uses multidisciplinary mediums to create deeply personal narratives.
After a four-year hiatus marked by introspection amid turbulent political times, Emma returned with “ANALOG GURL,” the first chapter in a trilogy exploring the past, present, and future. Songs like “WE COULD RIDE” reflect Emma’s deeply personal journey, which revisits a teenage pregnancy and the unexpected return of an ex into her life years later.
With “ANALOG GURL,” Emma Cole offers a visceral call to action – honest reflection wrapped in groovy melodies. Hers isn’t just music; it’s a mission of self-discovery, turning her gaze inward while still looking outward, making her an artist to watch as she ushers in this new era.
JACQUE RYAL
Jacque Ryal is a New York City-based indie-pop artist and producer whose sound fuses pop elegance with bold, danceable energy. Originally part of the indie band Strip Darling and the synth-electronic duo RYAL, Jacque is now paving a solid path for herself as a solo artist. Reminiscent of Madonna, Beth Gibbons, and Robyn, Ryal’s music explores emotional and sonic dualities, fusing processed vocals, pulsing basslines, and infectious beats.
In 2025, Jacque Ryal will release a series of singles showcasing her sonic reinvention and is gearing up for a tour of the Northeast. Jacque blends indie authenticity with electronic innovation, and this makes her an artist to watch in 2025, as she continues to push the boundaries of modern pop music.
JULIAN KOSTOV
Julian Kostov, a multilingual Bulgarian talent, is a force in acting, music, and advocacy. Known for his roles in The White Lotus season 3, Netflix’s Shadow and Bone, and as Vladimir Makarov in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Kostov also stars in Triumph, Bulgaria’s 2024 Oscar submission. As a music artist signed to Warner Music Group, he’s gained traction with three tracks blending personal storytelling and cultural depth. Beyond art, he champions the representation of Slavic and Balkan artists and challenges stereotypes in the entertainment industry.
In 2025, Kostov is embracing his passion for music with a plan to release a new song every month. The year kicks off with an untitled January collaboration with Bulgarian rapper Pavell, followed by the February release of “Zeus,” an 8-minute psychedelic exploration of generational trauma and self-discovery, which he aims to expand into an animated short film. March brings humour with “Pool Boy,” a playful, genre-bending track inspired by the 2023 Burning Man flood. In April, he’ll debut “420,” a lighthearted campfire-themed ode full of pop culture references.
Kostov plans to compile these songs into an EP later in the year, featuring remastered tracks, bonus content, and podcast-style insights about his creative process. His music journey remains deeply personal, blending storytelling and experimental artistry. He also uses his platform to support his friend Maria Jose Bavio, raising funds for her cancer treatment via his Spotify page and GoFundMe link.
ROMAN AROUND
Roman Around, the musical project of multi-instrumentalist Roman Rivera, captivates listeners with a unique blend of grunge, jazz, electronica, and psych-rock steeped in deeply personal narratives. In October 2024, Roman Around released “The Toll of Unconditional Love,” an album that delves into overcoming adversity and finding strength in connection. Having appeared on Freeform’s ‘Good Trouble’ and received praise from tastemakers, roman around is cementing their position as a leading voice in modern indie music.
As an advocate for safe spaces in the LGBTQ+ and POC communities, Rivera’s impact extends beyond music. Their commitment to promoting inclusion, combined with innovative artistry, positions roman around as an artist to watch in 2025. With a sound that challenges convention and a message of resilience, they are poised for a defining year.
SANDY HAWKINS
Sandy Hawkins is the perfect blend of pop, delivering everything you need in one package. They are a unique fusion of Beastie Boys, Backstreet Boys, and Beach Boys with a nostalgic yet modern take on smooth melodies and upbeat beats from the 80s and 90s.
Their debut album, “Greatest Hits Vol. 1,” was released in the fall of 2024 on limited edition coloured vinyl. With their songs charting across all platforms and winning the hearts of fans around the world, the band is also planning a community college fraternity tour in the Southwest and targeting international markets like Japan and South Korea.
Sandy Hawkins should be on your radar in 2025 for their infectious sound, dynamic live performances, and unabashed charisma. From sharing the stage with Michael McDonald to their ambitious plans to conquer podcasts and international tours, this Echo Park trio promises to make a splash as one of the most entertaining and unconventional boy bands of the decade.
EDGAR
EDGAR, the solo project of songwriter and producer Daniel Balk, which stems from his experience with the band the Postelles, is a project rooted in music made on his terms, unapologetically authentic and creatively liberated. Based in Brooklyn, New York, and taking inspiration from the vibrant musical community within his label, 22Twenty, EDGAR creates quirky yet introspective songs.
In 2025, EDGAR will release a steady stream of singles under the collection “Singles and Musings: Volume 1”. In addition to this, he is working on his second album and collaborating as a songwriter and producer for artists such as DARGZ, Madge, and Julietta. All of this music is recorded in his Brooklyn home studio, embodying the raw and personal spirit that defines his work.
With a no-filter approach to storytelling and a relentless stream of releases planned for 2025, EDGAR is a project worth following for fans of innovative, boundary-pushing music.
