10 Exciting Artists to Watch in 2025

As 2024 winds to a close, we've been reflecting on all of the things that made the year unforgettable, including some truly spectacular music.

Of course, we got major releases from some of the biggest names in the industry, but we're even more excited about the rising artists we got to discover and see blossom over the course of the year. 2025 promises to be even bigger for them, with exciting tour dates and the release of new singles, music videos, EPs, albums and more. Below are 10 of the most promising artists we'll be watching very closely in the new year.

1. Jordan Suaste

With his captivating message and viral social media presence, 23-year-old artist Jordan Suaste has won hearts around the world by spreading self-love. This year, his powerful single "Love Who You Want To" touched fans as an anthem about self-worth and the importance of living authentically.

He's dedicated to spreading joy and reminding us all to express our inner truths, using music to continue his story into the new year. The deluxe version of his striking  debut EP, maybe i already am,  will release in early 2025.

(Image courtesy of Jordan Suaste)

 

Also watch: Jordan Suaste Performs 'Love Who You Want To'

 

2. Caroline Kingsbury

We can get enough of queer pop artist Caroline Kingsbury's colorful aesthetic and infectious retro sound, and if you're not yet a fan, her latest EP, I Really Don't Care, is the perfect place to start. It features her hit single, "Take My Phone Away, combining a nostalgic and shimmery '80s pop sound with a very modern and all-too-relatable sentiment.

If you want to catch her live in 2025, you're in luck, because she'll be joining Pom Pom Squad for a whopping 25 dates on tour from February to April. Also keep your eyes peeled for new music from Caroline early in the year.

 

3. Ashley Anne

20-year-old folk-country artist Ashley Anne is a natural-born storyteller whose talents truly shined this year. Following up last year's soulful viral hits "dear dolly" and "she ain't texas," her call me when you land EP further showcased her growth as a singer and songwriter, weaving a remarkable love story from beginning to end.

Of course, Ashley's only getting started. In the new year, she'll be supporting country sensation Josh Turner on tour, in addition to releasing more singles ahead of her eagerly anticipated debut album.

(Photo credit: Hannah Ladd Brown)

 

Also read about: Ashley Anne Weaves an Irresistible Story of Falling in Love With Her call me when you land EP

 

4. Jane Doe

Rock quartet Jane Doe defies categorization. Led by frontwoman Izzy Kay, they have a timeless, high-energy, sound that perfectly complements their outspoken, authentic and defiant lyricism. They released their sophomore album, Found, in September, kicking off a new musical era with tracks including "Dig a Grave" and "Atlas," screaming their message to the world.

Of course, that message hits even harder when you can hear Jane Doe perform live—and fans are in luck, because they're planning to continue celebrating the release with lots of shows in 2025.

(Image courtesy of Jane Doe)

 

5. Remy Garrison

Rising pop-country artist Remy Garrison's breakthrough hit "Delusional" was everywhere in 2024, and for good reason. As the idea of being "delulu"spread like wildfire on TikTok, the song combined an upbeat country sound with a story that feels universal, with Remy insisting on trying to make it work with the wrong person.

Expect even more hits from Remy in 2025. She already has plans to release multiple singles, further showcasing her playful country sound and relatable storytelling.

(Image courtesy of Remy Garrison)

 

6. Close to Monday

Electronic rock duo Close To Monday have held various Top 10 positions in Europe, and they've recently been making waves in the U.S. as well. Toward the end of this year, they took their atmospherically dark synth-pop sound on the road across the United States in celebration of their latest singles including "First Class," "Only Man," "Quality of Love" and our personal favorite, "Stranger."

Close to Monday also has big plans for 2025, with both an EP and a full-length album slated for the new year, and we think it's about time that more fans dive into their moody and introspective discography.

(Image courtesy of Close to Monday)

 

7. Thavoron

2024 was a game-changing year for 23-year-old artist Thavoron, who came out as a trans woman in the summer before dropping her self-titled double-album in September. The 13-track project serves as a profoundly honest expression of identity and a journey of self-acceptance, anchored by a dark indie-pop sound that demands the listener's attention.

Thavoron hasn't fully teased out her plans for 2025 just yet, but as she continues this new era of her life with authenticity at the forefront, we know her next music will be something truly special.

(Photo credit: Maddie Ludgate)

 

8. Grace Kay

After releasing her debut album Grace's Gospel in 2023, Grace Kay made a memorable return to music in October with the release of her cinematic synth-pop single, "Actress."  The title is multifaceted, referring not just to Grace's degree in acting from the University of Southern California, but to her tendency to lose herself in the "role" of a relationship, becoming someone she doesn't recognize in order to be the ideal partner.

"Actress" has us fully hooked, and it's just the first single of a larger project focused on the theme of putting other people's needs first. We're looking forward to seeing it come together in 2025.

(Photo credit: Danika Karolinski)

 

9. Naomi Jane

With her soaring, soulful vocals and talents as a songwriter, Naomi Jane stirred up plenty of attention at the end of 2024—especially with the release of her debut EP, sweet talk, last week. Featuring hits including "Heartbeat Melody" and "Press Send," the five-track project is the perfect distillation of her artistry, combining anthemic sounds with resonant storytelling.

And Naomi already has a game plan in place for the beginning of 2025. She's starting the year with the eagerly anticipated music videos for two fan-favorite tracks from sweet talk—"Like Like Love" on Jan. 10 and "Socks" on Feb. 6. A brand new single, "Lightning," will also be out in the spring, and Naomi's been in the studio building her sophomore EP. She also has live performances in the works for fans who can't wait to see her take the stage.

(Photo credit: Matthew Patrick Donner)

 

Also read about: Naomi Jane Explores Young Love and Teases Her Debut EP With 'Heartbeat Melody'

 

10. Madison Olivia

Rising artist Madison Olivia actually intended to pursue a legal career before shifting gears as a musical artist, but we think she's found her true calling in country music. This year, she left a lasting impression with singles "USER" and "Know Your Name," as well as her most recent hit, "24/7," a sassy and flirtatious track about infatuation and how it feels to spark undeniable chemistry with someone.

She's closing off 2024 with some big tour dates and won't be slowing down with live performances in the new year. Madison will also be releasing some new singles in the lead-up to her debut project, slated for later in 2025.

(Image courtesy of Madison Olivia)

 

For more on our favorite music, click HERE to discover 25 of our favorite feel-good tracks of 2024.