Top 25 Artists of 2025 to WatCh

WRITTEN BY Brittany Muldoon

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.

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

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.

Almost Monday

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.

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.

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.