Artists to Watch in 2025: 7 Fresh Voices with Bold Sounds
Artists to Watch in 2025
Music is a reflection of personal evolution, cultural shifts, and emotional depth. Seven rising artists are proving this with their latest singles. Whether tackling heartbreak, empowerment, cultural pride, or social critique, these tracks transcend entertainment, offering fresh narratives and dynamic soundscapes to round out the winter season.
Molly Moore and Her Bold Social Commentary
Returning to her alternative rock roots, Molly Moore delivers a powerful statement with ‘American Girl‘, the fourth single from her upcoming sophomore album set to drop in April. The song was born in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, limiting abortion rights in the U.S., and serves as a sarcastic commentary on a woman’s struggle for autonomy over her own body.
Co-written with Larzz Principato (Dua Lipa, Halsey) and Allie Crystal (Rosa Linn, JAX, LØLØ), and co-produced by Larzz and Nydge (Mothica, Bishop Briggs, Snow Wife), the track introduces a new side of Moore—edgy, unapologetic, and reminiscent of alternative rock’s golden era, channeling icons like former FAULT coverstar Gwen Stefani.
Zyah Belle Dials In On Lost Love
With a signature sound that’s instantly recognizable, Zyah Belle drops ‘1-800-Heartbreak‘, a soulful blend of love and heartbreak wrapped in her smooth, velvety vocals. The track is modern yet nostalgic, calling back to the greats of the R&B genre while maintaining a fresh edge.
Accompanied by a visually stunning music video directed by Jacob Rink, the earthy tones and vintage aesthetics complement the song’s almost 80s-inspired sound, giving it an added layer of emotional depth.
Jazzie Young Returns with “Waiting On You!”
Indie rock singer-songwriter Jazzie Young continues to carve out her place in the music scene with the release of ‘Waiting On You!‘, a track that perfectly captures the thrill and uncertainty of longing for someone who may never feel the same. With emotionally rich storytelling and a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength, Jazzie showcases her songwriting prowess, delivering a dreamy yet deeply relatable indie anthem.
The release is accompanied by a playful, lighthearted music video that follows Jazzie as she navigates everyday city life, facing a series of small rejections—until an unexpected twist suggests fate might finally be on her side. With its captivating blend of evocative lyrics and cinematic visuals, Jazzie Young once again proves that her music is meant to be felt.
Alexia Faith: The “Butterfly Girl” – one of our artists to watch in 2025
Alexia Faith makes a bold entrance into the industry with her debut single, ‘Butterfly Girl‘, an anthem of self-love, transformation, and independence. The track is uplifting and inspiring, and seamlessly blends pop with subtle R&B influences.
The accompanying music video is nothing short of mesmerizing, featuring the singer in dreamlike settings surrounded by butterflies, reinforcing the song’s theme of personal metamorphosis.
Leo Sawikin’s “Am I Ever Gonna Fly Again”
Leo Sawikin’s ‘Am I Ever Gonna Fly Again‘ is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life’s most exhilarating moments. Featured on his debut album, Till You’re Somebody Else, released on January 24, 2025, the track showcases his introspective lyricism and rich, melodic sensibilities. Produced by Phil Ek (Built to Spill, Fleet Foxes) and mastered by Greg Calbi (The Smile, Bob Dylan), the song blends lush instrumentation with a deep sense of nostalgia, solidifying Sawikin’s reputation for crafting emotionally resonant music.
Former frontman of The Chordaes, Sawikin has embraced a shoegaze-y Britpop sound, earning praise for singles like Till You’re Somebody Else, which topped the Mediabase A/C Independent Artists Chart. Fresh off a national tour with Jon McLaughlin, he continues to captivate audiences with his emotionally resonant songwriting and immersive production.
Bright Light Bright Light Honors His Roots
LGBTQ+ artist Bright Light Bright Light teams up with Welsh pop icon Donna Lewis to release ‘Enjoy Youth‘, a hypnotic techno track with an infectious build-up that gradually pulls listeners in.
“As a teen growing up in Wales, I feel so absolutely in love with Donna’s voice on ‘I Love You Always Forever’, ‘Without Love’ and ‘Silent World’ from her debut album. When I thought about ways to honour where I’m from, I thought about singing in Welsh, and as a deeply 90s child, I immediately heard Donna’s voice on the song. She’s an absolute sweetheart who has kept her ethereal voice somehow exactly the same over the decades. I’m absolutely floored that this artist I’ve loved for so long is helping me pay homage to my homeland. It feels so magical,”
Bright Light Bright Light
Dustin “DAB” Bowie’s Seductive R&B Revival
Known for his sultry vocals and impeccable artistry, Grammy-winning Dustin “DAB” Bowie is back with ‘RENDEZVOUS’. The track blends Bowie’s hypnotic voice with classic R&B elements, delivering an intoxicating listening experience.
With a songwriting résumé that includes hits for Beyoncé, Lucky Daye, Kaytranada, Ari Lennox, former FAULT coverstar Kehlani, and Mahalia, DAB is one of our Artists to Watch in 2025 as he continues to solidify his legacy in the genre while carving out a distinct sound that’s entirely his own.