Melodic Magazine // Catch Your Breath, Senses, HotWax, Colie Hutzler

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FEB 2025

Senses are emo-friendly, punk-curious HotWax are embracing chaos and catharsis

Top 25 upand-coming musicians

Why artists like BoyWithUke, Sleep Token or Ghost “hide” behind masks

breaking genre boundaries one gateway song at a time

PHOTO BY Aaron Marsh

CONTRIBUTORS

Aaron Marsh, Adam Colwell, Alex Lyon, Andrew Zakher, Ann Storlie, Anickan, Brian Ziff, Britany Muldoon, Carl Markland, Clare Gehlich, Emma Jones, Justice Petersen, Louise Mason, Luke Rogers, Megan Choi, Preta Path, Shauna Hilferty, Tanner Carney, Victoria Goodwin, William Wark

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - 5

ON YOUR RADAR - 6 Artists that you should know. No, really.

EYES WITHOUT A FACE - 10

Why artists such as KISS, BoyWithUke, Sleep Token, Ghost or even Sia “hide”.

SENSES - 12

How forming a relationship with their fans is like having old friends who pick up where they left off.

IN YOUR CITY - 18

New York City offers something for everyone, read our some fan favorites around the city that you should know.

CATCH YOUR BREATH - 22

The band is embracing the idea of blending genres, pushing boundaries and never giving up.

TOP 25 ARTISTS OF 2025 - 28

25 up-and-comers who are poised to take the music world by storm this year.

HOTWAX - 34

The trio experiments with a softness on debut album, ‘Hot Shock’.

BUSINESS BEATS: MUSICIANS IN BUSINESS - 38

Colie Hutzler of Beauty School Dropout wants you to know there are two sides to the term “music business”.

Take a listen to songs from the artists featured in this issue as you flip through. Scan the QR code or head to melodicmag.com/listen OUR CATCH YOUR BREATH MIX

Questions about joining the team, featuring your band or advertising your brand? zine@melodicmag.com

JUSTICE PETERSEN

Justice Petersen has been a dynamic music journalist, interviewer and the editorial coordinator for Melodic Magazine since 2023. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, she majored in magazine journalism and minored in music business.

One of Justice’s highlights with Melodic includes attending a press conference with The Warning about their album Keep Me Fed — a dream come true for her as a longtime fan. Justice dreams of one day writing for iconic publications like Creem, starting her own music magazine or interview bucket-list artists like Chappell Roan or Lana Del Rey.

When Justice isn’t chasing stories or attending concerts, you’ll find her sipping coffee, thrifting or watching a movie. Her favorite bands include Metallica — a band she camped out all day for on their 72 Seasons tour and collected many guitar picks and Lars Ulrich’s drumstick — Ghost, Rammstein and Soundgarden. Justice is also a selfproclaimed dinosaur enthusiast and treasures her authentic Spinosaurus tooth.

On top of her all time favs, she’s currently been listening to a lot of The Maxines, Niis, The Velveteers and Amyl and the Sniffers.

INSTAGRAM @justice.laine

READ justicE’s INtERVIEW

WitH seNsEs on pAge 12 anD interview wIth HotWax on pAge 34.

ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Hailing from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, If Not For Me is a four-piece metalcore powerhouse band formed in 2018. Their lineup — Patrick Glover (vocals), Hayden Calhoun (guitar), Zac Allen (bass) and Cody Frain (drums) — brings a mix of talent and passion that’s impossible to ignore all while building a loyal fanbase. Amassing nearly 22 million streams and their breakout single “Feel Me Now” earning them spots on major playlists like Spotify’s “Hard Rock” and Octane’s “Big Uns Countdown,” If Not For Me is gaining momentum quickly. In February, they’ll be opening for Catch Your Breath followed by a heading overseas for their first-ever European and UK tour, supporting Make Them Suffer.

IF NOT FOR ME

FFO: Sleep Theory, Catch Your Breath, Nevertel

LISTEN: “Feel Me Now,” “Blameless,” “No Thanks To You”

Elijah — featuring Chris Blankenship on drums and Brandon Kyle and Xander Charles on guitar — started sharing his music on social media in May 2022, highlighting his distinctive pop-punk and emo-inspired style. His debut singles, ”Stitches,” “Harder to Lie” and “Virus” quickly gained momentum, earning him a breakthrough chance to tour with From Ashes to New in early 2024 on the Blackout Tour Pt. 2. Fans can look forward to seeing Elijah and his band on the Shapeshifter Tour this coming mid-April supporting Memphis May Fire.

FFO: From Ashes To New, Nerv, Ryan Oakes

LISTEN: “harder to lie.,” “virus,” “guilty”

SELECTED BY Carl Markland, Justice Petersen, Shauna Hilferty, Victoria Goodwin
PHOTOS BY Adam Colwell, Alex Lyon, Brian Ziff, Luke Rogers, Preta Path

Hailing from Denton, Texas, Livingston is a 22-year-old alt-pop singer, songwriter and producer who has quickly become a rising star in the music world garnering more than 1 million streams per day. His breakout single “Shadow” topped the iTunes Global Song and reached the Top 20 on the Spotify US and Global Viral Charts, cementing his place as one to watch. Livingston recently released his new single, “Brainstorm,” on January 24th, following with the deluxe version of his debut album, A Hometown Odyssey (The Story Continues) on March 7 via Republic Records. He is also gearing up for his largest headline tour to date with The Story Continues tour, beginning May 6 in Phoenix and spanning major cities across North America.

LIVINGSTON

MOODY JOODY

FFO: Carol Ades, Benne, The Beaches

LISTEN: “Velvet Connection,” “El Camino High,” Cuts Deep”

FFO: Matt Hansen, Alex Warren, Alexander Stewart

LISTEN: “Gravedigger,” “Shadow,” “Half Life”

Moody Joody has mastered the sultry and synthy feel of being indie-pop dreamgirls. The Nashville-based trio — who label themselves as “a girl group plus one guy” — is continually inspired by their own experiences on and off the road, as well as their differing musical backgrounds. Lead vocalists Kayla Hall and Katie Forbes write with a focus on “the good, the bad and everything that comes under that feminine archetype,” creating earworm riffs and melodies. Their most-streamed single, “Velvet Connection,” has 1.8 million streams and counting and is featured on their EP, Dream Girl. In February, they’ll be continuing their tour with ARIZONA across North America.

SENSES

FFO: Honey Revenge, Taylor Acorn, The Home Team

LISTEN: “sleepwalking,” “good luck, babe!,” “every little thing”

Comprised of singer Madison Taylor and drummer Nick Sampson, “emo friendly, punk curious” duo Senses have made a name for themselves as one of pop-punk’s most exciting rising stars since their 2019 debut. In 2023, the band made headway after releasing their debut EP take me out of here and touring alongside the likes of Charlotte Sands and Boys Like Girls. After releasing a steady string of singles last year — including an emo cover of Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” — and signing on with Hopeless Records, Senses are currently gearing up to embark on their debut headlining I’m Still Breathing tour this spring supported by Negative 25 and MVSSIE. Due to their heavily cathartic musicality, the duo over the years have accumulated a cult following of devoted fans. Now in the wake of a new era, the Los Angeles-based band is excited for what the future holds.

Eyes Without A Face The history and legacy of masked musicians

WRITTEN BY Justice Petersen

Nearly any musician will admit that, once they walk into a recording studio or onto a stage, they are consumed by an alter-ego or heightened identity. The character they maintain in their day-to-day life may be overshadowed by this artistic persona. Yet some artists choose to take this practice a step further donning not just a metaphorical mask, but a physical one.

Many popular artists in today’s music scene are iconic for the masks they wear on stage. Rock artists such as Slipknot and Sleep Token have become synonymous with individualistic masks and anonymous qualities that coincide specifically with each band member’s distinct personality. Some artists, such as heavy metal titans Ghost and Gwar, play theatrical characters onstage that further the impact of these masks.

However, the concept of the masked musician is not a new one. Of course, masks have always been key props for performance art. Ancient Greek theater performers wore masks and costumes to bring characters to life. In 14th century France, attendees of masquerade balls were encouraged to dance and convey anonymity.

Cut to modern day and masked performers — specifically in popular music — are not as rare as one might think. Perhaps the first known example of the modern masked singer is 1950s rockabilly singer Jerry Lott. More popularly known by his stage name, The Phantom, Lott had a relatively

short-lived career as a recording artist, but his reputation for wearing a mask while performing on stage impacted modern music for many more years to follow.

In the 1960s, rock artist Arthur Brown rose to fame, establishing a reputation due to his shocking and flamboyant stage presence and, of course, his habit of donning face paint when he performed. However, in the next decade to follow, there would be another artist that would become an incredible household name, sparking controversy for their face makeup, on-stage personas and pyro-heavy performances.

When KISS broke onto the scene, all four members of KISS became known for the face makeup they constantly wore both on and off stage. For years, nobody knew the true identities of KISS. Each band member crafted their own character and coinciding face paint to match their true personalities: Paul Stanley was The Starchild, Gene Simmons was The Demon, Ace Frehley was The Spaceman and Peter Criss was The Cat. (Gene Simmons has famously recalled walking through the crowd of a KISS concert during the 1970s, and not a single fan recognized him sans makeup.)

In the 1980s, the concept of anonymous or masked musicians might have dwindled completely had it not been for the formation of heavy metal group Gwar. Known for their controversial (and bloody) live shows and shocking sense of humor, Gwar

members not only wear masks but always take the stage wearing full alien-monster costumes.

The 1990s continued to see a resurgence of masked artists in both hard rock and pop music scenes. Heavy metal group Slipknot took the rock world by the throat, bringing a hard-hitting musicality forward as each member wore their own unique face mask. Alternatively, the electronic duo Daft Punk formed, helping bring forward the concept of anonymous musical performers into the 21st century.

Today, the concept of masked musicians is no longer strictly for shocking theatrics or heavy music. While the most popular masked artists in music’s current scene might arguably be Sleep Token or Ghost, musicians of all genres now choose to wear a mask. Country icon Orville Peck is famous for his masked identity, and Sia has become just as well-known for her hit pop anthems as she has for her signature eye-shielding wigs.

However, the question that music listeners might think to ask themselves is, why do their favorite musicians try to hide their faces in the first place? The truth is, there isn’t one strict answer.

Many times, musicians will choose to take on a masked persona to coincide with the lore they have established for their band. With the aforementioned Sleep Token, KISS and Ghost, these bands are theatrical both in their stage presence and their lore. While Ghost’s idea of a Satanic anti-pope trying to take over the world and gather devoted followers through their tongue-incheek metal anthems is a rich enough idea, there’s no denying that having the lead singer and every band member attempt to take on a new (or no) identity adds to this story.

Other times, musicians remain anonymous for just that reason. Sia has stated that she first wore a disguising wig not only to add a flare of mystery to her artistry but also because she wanted to maintain a level of privacy and keep a sense of separation when it came to her music and her personal life.

Artists can also choose to wear a mask because it coincides with a musician’s artistic beliefs. Korean-

American indie pop musician BoyWithUke went viral on TikTok in 2021 both due to his powerful songwriting and his signature LED-lit mask he wore. In interviews, BoyWithUke said he wore the mask so that listeners could appreciate him for his art, not for the way he looks.

However, if there’s one thing that all masked musicians have in common, it’s that the mask never lasts forever. When the ‘80s began, hair metal and arena rock took over the radio stations, and KISS removed their makeup to keep up with the changing times. BoyWithUke, who eventually revealed himself to be Charley Yang, admitted that the mask he wore eventually began to negatively impact his mental health.

While many artists have the privilege to choose whether they want to maintain their privacy, some artists have had this choice taken away from them. After fans began doxxing the members of Sleep Token, leaking the band’s identities and even their home addresses to the Internet, Sleep Token eventually took a break from social media and their listeners. While wearing a mask does add a mysterious excitement to a musician’s artistry, today’s often rabid Internet culture has proven that this artistic choice may not always be 100% in the artist’s control.

Now more than ever, masks are a metaphorical concept more than anything else — even when the artist still chooses to wear a physical disguise. Many artists still wear masks despite the whole world knowing their true identity, and music now holds a broader definition of what’s considered a mask. While pop sensation Chappell Roan doesn’t wear anything that hides her face or keeps her anonymous, she has been vocal about how she considers her makeup looks and musical identity to be a drag persona.

It’s undeniable that a hidden performer might be more enticing than one we can see at face value. In other words, many listeners may find an anonymous musician more relatable than an artist whose fans are able to know everything about. Masks help to fuel and create memorable characters, whether these figures may be found in music, film, or other mediums. In a way, we all wear some kind of mask.

WRITTEN BY Justice Petersen
PHOTOS BY Alex Lyon

Currently in the wake of a new era, Los Angeles pop-punk duo Senses are excited for what lies ahead. After releasing a steady string of singles in 2024 and being signed to Hopeless Records, the “emo friendly, punk curious” band is currently gearing up to embark on their debut headlining tour this spring.

Comprised of singer Madison Taylor and drummer Nick Sampson, Senses have made a name for themselves as one of pop-punk’s most exciting rising stars since their 2019 debut. They’ve opened for artists such as Boys Like Girls and Charlotte Sands and following these runs, Senses realized they had amassed a cult following of fans from their interactive live shows.

In 2023 the group released their debut EP take me out of here, which skyrocketed their status and placed them on Spotify playlists such as “The Scene” and “All New Punk.” However,

“Me against me,” the band’s most recent single, marks a change in the band’s typical high-energy sound. Both lyrically and compositionally, the song conveys Senses with a heightened vulnerability.

“‘Me against me’ is such a different song for us and a lot of people are connecting to it,” Taylor says. “It’s cool because it was a chance for us to really slow down and get the feelings of that song across which is different for us. I do really like that song… and it’s cool to visibly see people listen to the lyrics and connect to it.”

With their garnered reputation for their relatable lyrics and honest artistry, Senses has formed a special relationship with their fans on and off the stage. “I’m sure every artist experiences it, but something about our fans is just so cool,” Sampson says. “They’re just always smiling and every time they see us we’re like friends that just pick up where we left off.”

“I feel like we get to really connect with fans on a level that maybe some people haven’t had in a while,” Taylor adds. “We’re kind of in the beginning stages of really being in front of people

and wanting to make those connections. But honestly, in terms of how it affects our music, I think more than anything it encourages us to just keep going and keep doing what we’re doing.”

The music they’ve created has helped the duo heal, grow and understand their emotions better. “I struggled knowing how to express myself, and I had a lot of emotions when I was a preteen and teen girl,” Taylor admits. “It was almost like a necessity, not really a hobby. It was like, I need to write in this way otherwise I don’t know if I can survive. And that sounds dramatic. You’re so dramatic when you’re that age that it’s like you need it like you need air.”

Similarly, Sampson also recalls music helping him through his young adulthood. “Growing up I was a very angry teenager and drums, to me, were therapy,” he says. “It was needed. It was like I had to…. It truly was just my therapy growing up and it’s like my best friend. It’s a weird thing to say, but I was like, ‘I need to do this every day.’”

Music has helped Taylor and Sampson, and now they aim to help others through their own songs. On top of the healing music they release, Senses also made some headway when they released a cover of Chappell Roan’s hit song “Good Luck, Babe!,” adding their signature edge to the pop supernova’s hit. While Senses typically walks the line between pop and rock, they also want to make it clear that “nothing is off limits and no idea is a bad idea until we hear it and then we all look at each other and say ‘that was a bad idea,’” Sampson laughs.

SOMETHING ABOUT OUR FANS IS JUST SO COOL

Currently preparing for their I’m Still Breathing tour, the two admit there are heavy levels of both excitement and nerves now that they’ll be the main act — regardless of making a name for themselves as an adrenaline-heavy opener in the past. “We’re

just trying to up everything [from previous tours],” Taylor says. “I think people can just expect a Senses show. Something we pride ourselves on is that we always bring a lot of energy and we’re just finding ways to to keep that up.”

When it comes to playing new songs on stage for the first time — often a nerve-wracking thing for artists to do — Sampson says that the crowd reaction is always cool to see. “Since I’m behind Madison and our guitar player, Jordan, I can just see everything unfold,” Sampson says. “I like seeing everyone’s reaction to the new stuff and spotting a couple people that already know the lyrics.” Taylor agrees, adding, “For me, there’s a little bit of nervousness, because every time you introduce a new song there’s just a lot to keep in your brain…Every time we do something new, there’s always that level of discomfort, but I love it. I thrive in it.”

IT’S HARD NOT TO GET A LITTLE EMOTIONAL IN THOSE MOMENTS

When the band sees emotional reactions from the crowd or touching moments of fan interaction during a show, it’s always something that they cherish. “It’s hard not to get a little emotional in those moments,” Taylor says. “Because it’s overwhelming in the best way.”

“When you’re an opener, which we’ve been for five tours, you don’t have a lot of that same pressure,” Taylor admits. “You’re just there to hype the crowd up and you get to be in front of a new crowd every night that’s not necessarily familiar with you…When we’re the headliner, it’s a little more pressure and it’s more than twice the amount of time that we’re usually on the stage.”

Because Senses are now the headliners, they won’t be hanging out by their merch table after the show as they usually do. However, because they still want the chance for their fans to meet them, Senses decided to include a VIP package for this tour that includes a Q+A with the band, a pre-show listening party and a meet and greet with the duo. “We don’t want to take that off the table,” Taylor says. “That’s part of our favorite thing that we love

[about touring]. We still want to have time to hang with the people that we’ve seen at some of these shows over and over.”

For their upcoming tour, Senses will be supported by Negative 25 and MVSSIE. Not only are both groups fellow pop-punk artists, but both have become good friends with Taylor and Sampson through Instagram and TikTok. “When it came to picking who we wanted to do this tour with us, we made friends, [so] we wanted to bring friends,” Sampson says. “We wanted to make this something about the community and we wanted to lift people up that will also want to lift each other up. We thought they were just perfect, both of them. So we’re stoked to have them.”

Not every artist is able to hold a deep connection with those who attend their shows, but Senses hopes to maintain this relationship throughout their headlining tour and beyond. “If you see us, come say hi. It makes our day and we love meeting you all.” Taylor says. “We’re honestly just really grateful to have any fans and to see that small pool of people grow is just the coolest feeling ever. They’re truly the most important piece of this whole puzzle.”

Sampson agrees, saying, “Life is already hard. You know how a conversation, or a smile or a random compliment will make your whole day? That’s just kind of what we strive to do. Just be humans and help each other out.”

NOTHING IS OFF LIMITS AND NO IDEA IS A BAD IDEA

IN YOUR CITY NEW YORK CITY

New York City is known as the city which created hip-hop and serves as a center for jazz and punk-rock with neighborhoods that radiate historic charm and energy like Greenwich Village and Harlem.

From iconic food staples such as New York-style pizza, bagels and deli sandwiches to world-famous spots like Times Square, Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History, New York City offers something for everyone. Whether you’re taking in a Broadway show or enjoying a sunset over the Hudson River, you can’t miss visiting the global hub for finance, media, art and food.

INTRODUCING YOUR LOCAL FAVORITES:

as voted on by NYC natives

CONCERT VENUES

Amityville Music Hall

Bowery Ballroom

Brooklyn Steel

Carnegie Hall

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alyssa Goldberg

Carlo D

Carol Simpson

Christina Morgan

MODERN MUSICIANS

Chelsea Cutler

Daisy Grenade

King Princess

Lady Gaga

Lana Del Rey

Madison Beer

Irving Plaza

Mercury Lounge

Radio City Music Hall

Sultan Room

FESTIVALS

Afropunk Festival

Governors Ball

New Colossus Festival

JOURNALISTS

Grace Prock

Morgan Winston

Photolitsina

Shauna Hilferty

Susie Mckeon

Maggie Rogers

Mitski

Pom Pom Squad

Quarters of Change

Vampire Weekend

RADIO STATIONS

HOT 97

WPPB-FM

Z100

Alyssa Goldberg

Clare Gehlich

Noah Wade

Tim Baker

TIMELESS MUSICIANS

Billy Joel

Blondie

Carole King

Panorama Festival

Punk Island

Ramones

Simon & Garfunkel

Strokes

WHAT THE LOCALS SAY

Shauna H shares that she loves “Rough Trade for records and I love TV Eye in Ridgewood <3”

Another mentioned place in New York City is the infamous Electric Lady Studios, one of the world’s oldest, most famous and most successful studios ever. Commissioned by Jimi Hendrix in 1968 and used by some favorite artists such as Adele, John Mayer, Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey.

IRVING PLAZA

@irvingplaza irvingplaza.com

NEW YORK CITY

BAND Quarters of Change

Nestled in the heart of New York City’s Union Square is a legendary venue with a history spanning over a century. Irving Plaza, originally built in 1927 as a ballroom and community space, has become one of the city’s most beloved music halls, hosting iconic artists from punk rock legends like the Ramones to fresh talent like Lizzo.

In the mid-20th century, Irving Plaza became home to the Polish Army Veterans Association, doubling as a community center that hosted dances, cultural events and social gatherings for New York Citybased Polish immigrants. Irving Plaza was renovated in 2017 and again in 2021, and the result blends its historic charm with modern upgrades such as its distinctive chandeliers, sleek bars, lounge area and enhanced acoustics. The 1,200-capacity room includes

Prohibition-era roots with new contemporary finishes, making it feel up-close-andpersonal. Now, the venue has become a time capsule of the city’s vibrant music culture.

Irving Plaza is now renowned for hosting notable artists, from legends such as Bob Dylan and Pearl Jam to rising stars in rock and indie hop music such as The Used and Bishop Briggs. Inviting locals and tourists, Irving Plaza has also become a staple for cultural events, hosting album release parties, artist Q&As and private events.

The venue’s iconic marquee, lit up against the city skyline, has become a favorite for fans and artists. When the stage lights dim and the first chords reverberate through the hall, Irving Plaza’s magic comes to life in the city that never sleeps.

VENUE HIGHLIGHT

breaking genre boundaries one gateway song at a time

WRITTEN BY Victoria Goodwin
PHOTOS BY Megan Choi, Aaron Marsh, Andrew Zakher, Anickan
WE’RE NOT METALCORE, BUT WE’RE ALSO NOT COMPLETELY
A POP OR ALTERNATIVE BAND

because everyone just didn’t get the vision.” This frustration of finding the missing piece led Herrera to go through roughly 20 band members before finding the “right people that understood what I was trying to do.”

When you think of metalcore, you might picture raw, in-your-face energy, heavy guitars and guttural screams. But for the band Catch Your Breath, they’ve taken the heavy and blended it with something unexpected: poppy vocals and passion.

The Zoom is alive with energy as the members of Catch Your Breath settle into their chairs. The Texas-based band — comprised of Josh Mowery (vocals), Onell Hernandez (drums), Cianan Madigan (bass) and Teddy Herrera (guitar) — are riding the wave of their recent successes. Their 2023 debut album Shame On Me, released through Thriller Records, has launched them from underground contenders to rising stars in the modern metalcore and alt-rock scene, as well as touring with acclaimed artists such as Dayseeker, Falling in Reverse and Ice Nine Kills. Their journey didn’t happen overnight, but in a way, it feels like it did.

Formed originally as a project in 2013 by Herrera (originally named Intertia) the band got its start with the help of his friend and producer, Curtis Martin. It took years of trial, error and lineup changes before Catch Your Breath arrived at the four-piece that we know today. “It started out as an idea. My friend and producer, Curtis, had his band, and then I thought, ‘I’m gonna start a band,’” recalls Herrera. “In 2013 until 2020, that time was sitting around, saving money to do stuff the right way or finding members to keep or kick out

Catch Your Breath’s early sound was aggressive, heavy metal with a biting edge. But as the band evolved, so did their sound. “A lot of those [heavier] songs were already pre-written with Kile Odell and Curtis Martin, and [Catch Your Breath] had a different vocalist, Sammy,” Mowery says. “We came into ‘Criminal’ with a completely clean slate. I really wanted to try out singing more comfortably in my natural tone and that’s kind of when we made the switch to ‘Oh Josh’s natural poppy [sound] actually works really good and we really like it.’”

The result was a sound that was still heavy but added a layer of palatability, drawing in fans who might have otherwise dismissed them. Early tracks like “Fade” and “Ricochet” were aggressive, raw and unapologetically metalcore, while newer songs like “Shame on Me” and “Y.S.K.W.” reflect a more melodic, emotionally-driven style, blending their roots with a more accessible, universal appeal.

Then there’s “Dial Tone” the song that not only changed their sound but also catapulted them into the spotlight. When “Dial Tone” hit the scene, it became an instant game changer, debuting on Sirius XM Octane radio, hitting number three on Spotify Metal’s worldwide chart and number seven on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs. “As I laid the first chorus, I think we were all like, ‘Holy shit, this is great, this is legitimately, objectively great.’” Mowery recalls. Herrera echoes Mowery and confirms that they “all knew as soon as we finished it this was going to change our lives.”

The feeling in what they all just created was something special. “You know a song’s really gonna hit when you can stop being that overly analytical person and listen to it in your spare time and think, ‘Oh yeah, I just like the song I’m not overthinking anything about it,’” Madigan says.

As Catch Your Breath continues to rise in popularity, they’ve embraced the idea of genrebending and pushing the boundaries of what their music can be. Often referring to themselves as a “gateway band” to metalcore, their unique blend of sounds doesn’t fit into one specific genre. “I know we already have like a ton [of genres], but if I were to try to put my finger on it, it would be like the new alternative metal where we’re not metalcore, but we’re also not completely a pop or alternative band. We still have core aspects to us.”

LET THE ARTIST CREATE THE ART AND JUST ENJOY IT FOR WHAT IT IS

“People are really reaching and trying to find a new way to describe it,” Herrera says of the band’s sound. “But the whole thing that is popping off now is genre bending and blending. To come up with something fresh that people haven’t already heard a hundred times before.”

“We got called ‘baddie-core’. We’re heavy enough for the underground people to like us, but we’re also palatable and apparently ‘hot enough’ for normal hot people to listen to us,” Mowery jokes.

When it comes to the genre and how the band classifies themselves, they refuse to be boxed in and instead wants to focus on making great music, regardless of the descriptor. “One of the challenges that we want to succeed at is taking the aspect of genres and completely throwing it away.” Mowery declares. “Who really cares who wrote a great song, as long as it’s a great song? Let the artist create the art and just enjoy it for what it is.” This approach is part of what has earned them the respect and admiration of fans from various music scenes and genres across the board.

“The world is moving into its full expression and saying goodbye to genres and limitations,” Mowery says.

WE ALL KNEW AS SOON AS WE FINISHED [“DIAL TONE”], THIS WAS GOING TO CHANGE OUR LIVES.

With seven million listeners on Spotify and 101 million streams across more than 180 countries in 2024, Catch Your Breath has become a prime example of how social media can turn a local band into a literal global sensation. Their connection with fans is evident, not only through their music but also through their willingness to engage with followers on platforms like Discord, Twitch and TikTok.

The band credits TikTok as being the driving force behind their rise in popularity. “Without TikTok, we wouldn’t be anywhere close to where we’re at right now,” Herrera says. “It’s the most direct translating conversion there is to any sort of medium.” Hernandez shares “it doesn’t feel real.”

Fresh off a run on tour with American posthardcore Dayseeker, Catch Your Breath is now gearing up for the start of their first ever headline tour, the Broken Souls tour, which is slated to start in February with support from emo-rockers The Funeral Portrait, metal band ARCHERS and alternative metalcore band If Not For Me. Following the band will be sailing across the sea for their European Savages tour with post-hardcore group Until I Wake and melodic hardcore group OF VIRTUE supporting along the way. Succeeding

both of their headline tours, Catch Your Breath is scheduled to make an appearance at this years Inkcarceration Festival in Mansfield, OH.

The excitement for their first ever headlining tour is palpable, but as Mowery admits, it’s also a little intimidating. “It’s scary. I’m excited for the first time for everything. God, I hope it doesn’t suck,” he shares with a joking grin. Though a smidge scary, Mowery shares excitement in that the band recently upgraded the venue in Philadelphia due to the initial, smaller venue selling out. On top of visiting cities they’ve never been, they’re also looking forward to performing new material and meeting their fans. “We’re gonna be playing the big [songs] and then we’re playing one or two new ones that we haven’t played live,” Mowery says. “Come be a friend. Come watch us off tour. Come meet us on tour.”

Catch Your Breath is embracing the idea of blending genres, pushing boundaries and never giving up. In a world that loves to categorize, Catch Your Breath continues to refuse to be boxed in. Their message is simple: “It’s never too late to start, or it doesn’t matter how long it takes, as long as you do it, you never know what can happen.”

SPEED ROUND

WITH CATCH YOUR BREATH

DREAM BAND TO COLLAB

WITH? TOO CLOSE TO TOUCH

A DAY TO REMEMBER

SONG?

ONE THING YOU CANNOT GO ON TOUR WITHOUT? VAPE FOOD MY HAT UNDERWEAR

YOUR TOP SONG STREAMED IN 2024? “NAIL5” BY WAGE WAR

“WHAT AM I MISSING?” BY THE BAND CAMINO

“DIAL TONE” BY CATCH YOUR BREATH

“PROVING GROUNDS” BY ATTILA

Top 25 Artists

of 2025 to WatCh

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.

CATCH YOUR BREATH

Texas-based metalcore band Catch Your Breath has carved out a unique space in the modern rock scene by blending heavy metal energy with pop-inspired vocals and emotional depth. After their 2023 debut album Shame On Me, released through Thriller Records, launched them into the spotlight, they toured with acclaimed artists like Dayseeker and Falling in Reverse. Their breakout hit “Dial Tone” became a viral sensation, earning them millions of streams, spots on major music charts and a growing global fanbase. In early 2025, they’ll embark on their first headlining tour in North America, followed by another headlining tour in Europe and an appearance at Inkcarceration Festival.

Head to pAge 20 to READ oUR

INtERVIEW WitH catCh Your BreatH

ALEX WARREN

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.

NEVERTEL

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.

GAMES WE PLAY

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.

THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT

Atlanta-based emo rockers The 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.

THE LINDA LINDAS

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 supporting their sophomore album No Obligation this spring. Singing about a wide range of topics –everything from racism, the patriarchy and the pain that comes with growing up – their music is just as hopeful as it is grounding. The Linda Linda’s made appearances at Riot Fest and Coachella in 2024 and ended the year with a tour supporting Green Day and The Smashing Pumpkins.

GRACIE ABRAMS

Since her entry into music in 2019, Gracie Abrams has been praised as one of the most promising up and coming singersongwriters in the music scene and has earned a place on Forbes 30 under 30 in 2024. 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.

KNOX

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.

CASKETS

Formed in 2018, Leedsbased and post-hardcore band Caskets, recently gained momentum by opening for We Came As Romans. The band is known for their heavy focus on mental health, epic breakdowns and incredible vocals. After wrapping up their first headlining North American tour last fall, Caskets is back in the studio.

THE LAST DINNER PARTY

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 rockstyle 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 late 2024. The band will appear at multiple festivals in 2025, including C6 in Brazil and others across Europe.

DAYSEEKER

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.

NATALIE JANE

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 recently wrapping 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.

CALEB HEARN

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.

INHALER

Dublin-based alternative/ indie rock band Inhaler is slated to release their next album Open Wide in February. 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.

SLEEP THEORY

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.

NERV

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.

AVERY LYNCH

Known for her pianodriven melodies, soft and beautiful voice and stripped-down sound, Avery Lynch brings a fresh take on the classic singersongwriter 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.

BEAUTY SCHOOL DROPOUT

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.

CAROLINE ROMANO

Mississippian singersongwriter Caroline Romano relocated to Nashville to pursue music at the young age of 17. Her unique style of altpop mixes hard-hitting electronic elements with honest lyrics and versatile vocals. Her newest single “Pretty Boys” came out in October 2024 and she’s slated to release even more new music in the new year.

LAMBRINI GIRLS

Brighton-based femmepunk 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, released January 10, will be followed by tour dates throughout Europe.

HOTWAX

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.

EKOH

TAYLOR ACORN

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.

ALMOST MONDAY

Known for blending hiphop, 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. Head to pAge 34 to READ oUR INtERVIEW WitH

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 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.

CHASE MATTHEW

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.

Embrace Chaos and Catharsis

on their Debut Album ‘Hot Shock’

With a hard-hitting musicality that is equal parts healing and heavy, English rock outfit HotWax are continuing to cement themselves as one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most exciting new acts. After dropping two EPs in 2023 — A Thousand Times and Invite me, kindly — HotWax has relentlessly toured around the world, racking up a total of over 150 shows, including sets at Download Festival and England’s Reading and Leeds Festivals, as well as tours supporting Royal Blood and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes. Additionally, the rising stars have also gained support from the likes of Courtney Love, Elton John and Beck, proving them to be one of the most thrilling groups of this year.

Composed of Tallulah Sim-Savage (vocals and guitars), Lola Sam (bass) and Alfie Sayers (drums), the Hastings, England natives’ debut album serves as a diverse body of work. Along with the band’s grungy musicality is an ever-present honesty and raw vulnerability.

Now, HotWax is gearing up to release their debut full-length album Hot Shock on March 7 through Marathon Artists. Having released three highly energetic singles ahead of the record, the world has already gotten a taste of the eclectic artistry that HotWax will soon share in full with the release of the LP. Co-produced by Catherine Marks (Boygenius, Wolf Alice) and Steph Marziano (Picture Parlour, Cassandra Jenkins), Hot Shock was written in moments while touring the United States, the U.K. and Europe. Once the band returned from touring, they had little time to record the album.

“We were kind of in this weird, frantic head space that was fun and very adrenaline-fueled,” SimSavage says. “It was quite spur-of-the-moment, but exciting. And then it all just came together quite

nicely because the whole thing was quite mad. All the songs are about that [excitement] really, and the experiences and the way we were feeling. It was a hot shock, which is what we named it after.”

As they blend influences of indie, punk and rock, HotWax are able to reach a wide audience, helping them to stand out in a thriving music scene. “I think that we can kind of appeal to different audiences with our music, mostly because of our influences and just how we’ve grown up playing,” Sam says.

Following the release of Hot Shock, the band will embark on an in-store tour in the U.K., playing the album in full for fans in local record stores across the country. “Meeting people that listen to our music and want to buy our album [is] going to be really nice,” Sam says. “We’ve never really done that and I want to hear what people say about the album and their thoughts on it.”

HotWax first began to take shape when SimSavage and Sam met in secondary school. The two began making music together and eventually met Sayers at a music college, forming HotWax in 2021. The trio have spoken about the special relationship they share, and how all three of them are able to work so well together within HotWax. During the making of their debut LP, the band says they were able to grow together even further.

“This was sort of the first time where we didn’t have any back catalog before we had to write the album,” Sim-Savage says. “So we just would try loads of different ways of writing all in a room together or on Lola’s laptop and stuff like that. I think it’s given us more of an understanding of how we work and sort of how to approach the next thing now.”

Ahead of the album’s release, HotWax has released three singles, including “She’s Got A Problem,” “Wanna Be A Doll” and “One More Reason.” Throughout the record, it is evident that each member shines in their own way, creating a final product that is multi-layered and intentional. “My favorite [song] by far is ‘Wanna Be A Doll,’” Sayers says. “I just like the way that everything flows together. Not just what I’m playing, but also how we all flow between the sections in that song. It all just feels right. That was one of the earlier ones that we’d written and we’d had in 2023 actually, which went through loads of different versions, but I’m glad it got to the point where it is now.”

While HotWax is renowned for their sonic heaviness, the band experiments more with softness on Hot Shock. The album’s closing number “Pharmacy” is an acoustic track that SimSavage was happy to get featured on the album. “I love all the songs,” she says, “but I’m glad that I got to get ‘Pharmacy’ on there because I always write these very acoustic songs that I just kind of have for myself and sing in my room. It feels like a nice comfort at the end [of the album].”

Though Sam and Sim-Savage admit that they hope to one day release an entire 20-song acoustic album, heavier music is undoubtedly the band’s ultimate means of catharsis.“Heavy music makes us feel really good and there’s nothing quite like watching a live heavy band,” Sim-Savage says. “It’s just the best thing in my opinion. But I do love softer music and I listen to it a lot and I think as well, lyrically, a lot of the time it’s more emotional.”

I HOPE PEOPLE CAN ALSO LISTEN BACK AND HEAR THE EFFORT WE PUT IN

The band’s latest single to be released ahead of the album, “One More Reason,” is an adrenalinefueled track with lyrics that dance along the edge between love and hate. A fearless and poetic anthem, the song opens with an addicting bassline and spirals into something ferocious as Sim-Savage delivers the lyrics, “I hate our love, hate my love. Give me one more reason to love you, give me one more reason to hate.”

“It’s so relentless and the bass just keeps going and keeps going,” Sim-Savage says. “ It’s quite intense and gets sort of weird — jarring, but in a cool way. I guess that’s kind of the way I feel about love and hate.”

Several songs off Hot Shock address love, relationships and the role we play in loving another person. While exploring these emotional concepts, the band’s main goal was to be as honest as possible. “I used writing these songs almost like therapy,” Sim-Savage admits. “Just to say things as I really thought, and then I get to sing them every night and that’s very satisfying. But I guess it was like moving out of being a teenager and coming into our twenties and sort of having that shift of becoming a woman and your brain just feeling a bit more in the room and you know that you want more.”

Throughout the record, HotWax’s undying honesty burns just as bright as their sonic fury. Ultimately, Hot Shock served as a means for the band to contemplate the vulnerability they have come to face with their success and journey up to this point. “[When] we started touring and we got signed, me and Lola were 18,” Sim-Savage says. “We were very vulnerable, we went on these big tours and went to America and now I look back and it has just been this crazy whirlwind. We weren’t prepared — we’re still not prepared — but we’re going with it and just trying not to overthink anything too much.”

Ultimately, it’s this optimism and fearlessness on Hot Shock that the band hopes stands out to listeners. HotWax decided to record the album live in an effort to add to the grittiness and passionate energy already contained in the studio-recorded LP itself. “I just kind of want them to feel how we felt making it,” Sim-Savage says. “It was a very exciting, exhilarating, sweaty, mad time.”

“We want them to feel like they’re in a gig, really, and for people to listen multiple times and hear new things,” Sam says. “Because though it was quite chaotic, we spent a lot of time with all the parts, and each bass drum and each extra sound and everything is there for a reason. I hope people can also listen back and hear the effort we put in.”

colie hutzler

b u s i n e s s b e a t s Beauty School Dropout

Hometown Zero +

For Colie Hutzler, the frontman of the rising emo-rock band Beauty School Dropout, music and business are two sides of the same coin. “A lot of people forget that there are two parts to the phrase ‘music business,’” Hutzler says. For him, the business side of music isn’t an afterthought — it’s all calculated. A modern-day entrepreneur with a rockstar edge, Hutzler seamlessly navigates the worlds of music and business, blending his passion for creativity with a sharp entrepreneurial spirit.

“Friends work with friends,” Hutzler explains, emphasizing the tight-knit ethos that fuels both his music and business endeavors. From touring with Beauty School Dropout to designing limited-run apparel collections for HOMETOWN ZERO, it’s rare to find an artist who thrives equally as both a rock star and as an entrepreneur.

While balancing a dual passion for music and fashion is no small feat, Hutzler spends his time wisely. Focusing on strategic, limited releases for HOMETOWN ZERO in 2025, Hutzler plans to roll out new pieces “around springtime.”

But before new clothing, the main priority of Hutzler is wrapping up Beauty School Dropout’s album rollout — including music videos and merchandise. Once the album and its related projects are finalized, Hutzler will have a clearer vision of where he will take HOMETOWN ZERO.

the business: hometown zero

Inspired by his roots in fashion and art, Hutzler launched HOMETOWN ZERO with his bandmate and guitarist, Bardo Novotny, as a platform for self-expression. “Not many people know, but I almost went to fashion school. I’ve always been super enthralled with making clothes, art magazines, and everything beyond music,” he says. While juggling the demands of the band and the brand isn’t easy, Hutzler sees it as another avenue for creativity.

Recently collaborating with Hayden Alexander — a fashion designer in L.A. who personally sews each piece

WRITTEN BY
Victoria Goodwin
PHOTOS BY Tanner Carney, William Wark

himself — has allowed for a creative and strategic approach to HOMETOWN ZERO’s growth. “I think that’s the beauty of where we’re at right now. We get to kind of litmus test all the different options,” Hutzler says. With Alexander’s expertise in clothing design, Hutzler says that the collaboration enabled them to put out products without the strain of handcrafting everything themselves. “We didn’t have to bend over backwards to hand make these pieces,” he says. “Also because we’re not necessarily a fraction as talented at making clothes as Hayden is.”

With that in mind, he’s exploring ways to give back to supporters by creating anticipation for each release, emphasizing desirable consumerism over simply producing more. Looking ahead, Hutzler is also considering the possibility of introducing pieces into brick-and-mortar stores as part of the brand’s evolution.

While the brand is still in its early stages, Hutzler is focused on dropping limited runs of specific garments — including cut-and-sewn tops and bottoms— in 2025. He aims to intentionally tie each release to larger creative rollouts. “You can only ask people to buy so much,” Colie explains. “I don’t want to be the guy who’s constantly putting things out without giving anything back.”

By fostering anticipation and emphasizing thoughtful releases, he’s paving the way for the brand to grow in an intentional and authentic direction. “New HOMETOWN ZERO, probably start rolling out around springtime.”

the beats: beauty school dropout

Of course, music remains at the heart of everything Hutzler does. Beauty School Dropout’s electrifying sound, which Hutzler describes as “fun, loud, alt-rock,” is shaped by the band’s diverse influences. Hutzler brings a background rooted in heavy music, hardcore and punk, while the band’s bassist, Beepus, leans into emo and pop-punk and guitarist, Bardo, adds a unique twist, drawing inspiration from country and EDM, creating a dynamic blend of styles that collide to form their signature Beauty School Dropout sound.

Despite the large influences, Hutzler insists that their primary inspiration comes from peers rather than legacy artists. “I feel like we’re more inspired by our peers than we are a lot of bigger artists, because we’re always trying to think of how to be innovative and how to be fresh,” naming peers like sace6, FREAK and jxdn as direct influences.

That innovative spirit fuels their mission to revitalize the rock genre. “We’re all in the market of bringing rock back to the mainstream,” Hutzler explains — or at the very least, “to the front of pop culture again.” While incredible music has emerged from the scene over the years, Hutzler notes that no one is truly capturing the younger crowd right now. Many fans are drawn to the nostalgia of the “elder emo” movement and events like When We Were Young Festival, but they’re also eager for something fresh—something that pushes the boundaries of what rock can be.

Finishing off last year with a one of a kind event in Nashville, Ceremony Festival, Hutzler says that one of the most exciting aspects of this festival was the line up full of “young and talented and hungry” performers. In addition to the hunger, Hutzler says that this new wave of emo has great potential.

Hutzler sees this wave of nostalgia as an opportunity to foster a new wave of discoverability, creating music that satisfies that hunger for what’s next. “There’s been amazing music to come out of the space and amazing accolades and great things happening.”

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