Savannah Pennington
Staff Writer
The music industry is constantly evolving, driven by innovative sounds, creativity and societal trends. As 2025 begins, the next wave of musical talent is poised to leave its mark on the global music scene. From boundary-pushing experimentation to heartfelt storytelling, these emerging artists are shaping the future of music in compelling ways.
One of the defining trends of music in recent years has been the dissolution of traditional genre boundaries; this trend shows no signs of slowing down. Artists like PinkPantheress, TV Girl and Beabadoobee consistently blur the lines between pop, electronic and alternative sounds. In 2025, expect even more genre defying artists. Artists like Jean Dawson, whose music seamlessly fuses indie rock with hip-hop and punk energy, and Rina Sawayama, known for her kaleidoscopic take on pop, will continue to push the limits of musical categorization. Both artists have been making music that pushes the limits of musical genres since around 2018, but as genre-pushing becomes an even bigger industry trend, they will continue to grow in popularity.
Emerging artist Ravyn Lenae is another name to watch. Combining neo-soul with futuristic R&B, her distinctive sound offers a refreshing take on contemporary music.
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, remain a crucial tool in catapulting new talent into the spotlight. Artists like Ice Spice, who gained initial traction through viral clips, redefined what it means to break into the industry. Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, known professionally as Doechii, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Tampa, Florida. Following her 2020 release “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” she gained popularity on social media with the viral success of “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” in 2021. With her late 2024 mix tape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” Doechii is anticipated to continue to grow in popularity throughout 2025.
As more musicians master the art of connecting directly with fans through social media, the next breakout star could emerge from anywhere, whether it’s a small-town garage studio, or a bustling metropolitan city.
Cultural exchange and global connectivity are fueling the rise of international music on the world stage. Genres like Afrobeat, K-pop, and Latintrap continue to gain prominence, driven by breakout artists and fan bases.
Stray Kids, whose newest album “Hop” topped the Billboard 200 albums chart, making the K-pop group the first act to debut at No. One. With having 13 million monthly listeners, they are expected to grow even more in 2025 as their “DominATE” world tour continues. Stray Kids are bringing strong energy and style, challenging the traditional dynamics of the K-pop drama.
The post-pandemic era has seen a surge in deeply personal and introspective music, resonating with audiences seeking connection and authenticity. Emerging folk and indie artists such as Gracie Abrams and Samia are crafting personal, emotionally charged songs that offer a window into their lives and experiences.
Similarly, the ongoing rise of queer artists like Ethel Cain, who is noted for her lyrics focused on nostalgia and Southern Gothic themes, and Chappell Roan, whose music is inspired by 1980s and 2000s synth-pop songs, will continue throughout 2025 as more queer representation emerges in pop culture and media.
“To me an artist stands out when they go against what is considered ‘the norm,’ obviously something new is very hard to create these days with so many artists all trying to make something good and new,” Micheal-Peter Starling from Florida Gulf Coast University student said.
“Chappell Roan is the best example of being part of the LGBTQ+ community and including it and referencing it within her songs. She even helped her dad to be more open minded through her songs and I think she will continue to do so [for others] with more songs to come.”
The common factor among these rising artists is their ability to resonate emotionally while breaking creative ground sonically. This year promises to be a year of unparalleled diversity and innovation in music.
