Up-and-Coming: Top Rock and Alternative Artists to Listen in 2025

Fontaines D.C

Formed in 2017 in Dublin, Ireland, Fontaines D.C. is a post-punk band that has gained significant recognition for its raw, poetic, and emotionally charged music. The band's name combines the surname of Johnny Fontane, a fictional character from The Godfather, with "D.C.," which stands for "Dublin City."

Fontaines D.C. - Starburster (Official Video)

The band is known for their blending sharp guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and the vocalist, Grian Chatten’s distinctive vocal delivery. Their influences are bands like The Pogues, Joy Division, and The Fall, along with Irish literary figures like James Joyce and W.B. Yeats.

Fontaines D.C. - Favourite (Official Video)

Their albums include:
Dogrel (2019):

A Hero’s Death (2020):

Skinty Fia (2022):

Romance (2023):

Fontaines D.C

Formed in 2017 in Dublin, Ireland, Fontaines D.C. is a post-punk band that has gained significant recognition for its raw, poetic, and emotionally charged music. The band's name combines the surname of Johnny Fontane, a fictional character from The Godfather, with "D.C.," which stands for "Dublin City."

Fontaines D.C. - Starburster (Official Video)

The band is known for their blending sharp guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and the vocalist, Grian Chatten’s distinctive vocal delivery. Their influences are bands like The Pogues, Joy Division, and The Fall, along with Irish literary figures like James Joyce and W.B. Yeats.

Fontaines D.C. - Favourite (Official Video)

Their albums include:
Dogrel (2019):

A Hero’s Death (2020):

Skinty Fia (2022):

Romance (2023):

Damiano David

Damiano is an Italian singer and songwriter and is best known for his work as the lead singer for the rock band Måneskin, formed in 2015 with bassist Victoria De Angelis, guitarist Thomas Raggi, and drummer Ethan Torchio. His distinctive voice, fashion sense, and magnetic stage presence made Damiano a global icon of modern rock music.

Damiano David - Born With a Broken Heart (Official Video)

Damian continues to push boundaries with Måneskin, inspiring a new generation of fans and artists worldwide.

Damiano David - Silverlines Orchestral Version

His albums include:

Chosen (2017):

Il Ballo della Vita (2018):

Teatro d’ira: Vol. I (2021):

Rush! (2023):

Damiano is an Italian singer and songwriter and is best known for his work as the lead singer for the rock band Måneskin, formed in 2015 with bassist Victoria De Angelis, guitarist Thomas Raggi, and drummer Ethan Torchio. His distinctive voice, fashion sense, and magnetic stage presence made Damiano a global icon of modern rock music.

Damiano David - Born With a Broken Heart (Official Video)

Damian continues to push boundaries with Måneskin, inspiring a new generation of fans and artists worldwide.

Damiano David - Silverlines Orchestral Version

His albums include:

Chosen (2017):

Il Ballo della Vita (2018):

Teatro d’ira: Vol. I (2021):

Rush! (2023):

Beach Weather

Beach Weather is an indie rock/pop band known for their dreamy sound and introspective lyrics. They blend catchy melodies with a hazy, atmospheric aesthetic, making their music resonate with fans of indie and alternative rock.

Beach Weather - High In Low Places (Official Video)

Their music often evokes a nostalgic, summery feel, making it a go-to for listeners seeking an escape into mellow, introspective vibes. With their evolving sound and growing influence, Beach Weather remains a notable name in the alternative and indie music scene.

Their albums include:
Pineapple Sunrise (2022):

Beach Weather is an indie rock/pop band known for their dreamy sound and introspective lyrics. They blend catchy melodies with a hazy, atmospheric aesthetic, making their music resonate with fans of indie and alternative rock.

Beach Weather - High In Low Places (Official Video)

Their music often evokes a nostalgic, summery feel, making it a go-to for listeners seeking an escape into mellow, introspective vibes. With their evolving sound and growing influence, Beach Weather remains a notable name in the alternative and indie music scene.

Their albums include:
Pineapple Sunrise (2022):

Lola Young

Lola is a British singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice, emotive lyrics, and genre-blending sound. Emerging as one of the most promising young artists in the UK music scene, Lola combines elements of pop, soul, and R&B to create deeply personal and compelling music.

Lola Young - Messy (Official Video)

Lola’s music is characterized by her emotional storytelling. Her style is composed of her soulful vocals and the uniqueness of her video and music production, sharing her stories of love, self-discovery, heartbreak, and mental health awareness.

Lola Young - Conceited

Her debut album is still expected for fans all over the world this year.

Lola is a British singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice, emotive lyrics, and genre-blending sound. Emerging as one of the most promising young artists in the UK music scene, Lola combines elements of pop, soul, and R&B to create deeply personal and compelling music.

Lola Young - Messy (Official Video)

Lola’s music is characterized by her emotional storytelling. Her style is composed of her soulful vocals and the uniqueness of her video and music production, sharing her stories of love, self-discovery, heartbreak, and mental health awareness.

Lola Young - Conceited

Her debut album is still expected for fans all over the world this year.

Gigi Perez

Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, Gigi is an American singer-songwriter celebrated for her soulful voice and emotive songwriting. She began writing songs at 15 and taught herself to play guitar, piano, and ukulele. Her music, characterized by brooding yet strong-willed indie folk-rock, continues to resonate with a growing audience, solidifying her status as a rising star in the music industry.

Gigi Perez - Sailor Song (Official Music Video)

In 2023, Perez released her debut EP, How to Catch a Falling Knife, showcasing her talent in indie folk and indie pop genres. Her single "Sailor Song," released after parting ways with Interscope, achieved international success, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in countries like Ireland, Latvia, and the United Kingdom.

Gigi Perez - Please Be Rude [Official Audio]

Her debut album has yet to be released but it is anticipated by fans all over the web.

Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, Gigi is an American singer-songwriter celebrated for her soulful voice and emotive songwriting. She began writing songs at 15 and taught herself to play guitar, piano, and ukulele. Her music, characterized by brooding yet strong-willed indie folk-rock, continues to resonate with a growing audience, solidifying her status as a rising star in the music industry.

Gigi Perez - Sailor Song (Official Music Video)

In 2023, Perez released her debut EP, How to Catch a Falling Knife, showcasing her talent in indie folk and indie pop genres. Her single "Sailor Song," released after parting ways with Interscope, achieved international success, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in countries like Ireland, Latvia, and the United Kingdom.

Gigi Perez - Please Be Rude [Official Audio]

Her debut album has yet to be released but it is anticipated by fans all over the web.

Sombr

Sombr is an emerging artist known for gaining significant attention through social media platforms, particularly with his song "Caroline," which has garnered over 30 million streams on Spotify after going viral.

Caroline - Sombr

In 2023, Sombr released several singles, including "Back to Friends," "Makes Me Want You," and "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?" These tracks showcase his ability to craft introspective lyrics that resonate with his audience and pair with captivating melodies.

sombr - would've been you (official video)

His debut album is pending release but it is anticipated by fans all over the world.

Sombr is an emerging artist known for gaining significant attention through social media platforms, particularly with his song "Caroline," which has garnered over 30 million streams on Spotify after going viral.

Caroline - Sombr

In 2023, Sombr released several singles, including "Back to Friends," "Makes Me Want You," and "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?" These tracks showcase his ability to craft introspective lyrics that resonate with his audience and pair with captivating melodies.

sombr - would've been you (official video)

His debut album is pending release but it is anticipated by fans all over the world.

Sam Fender

Sam Fender is an English singer-songwriter and musician known for his anthemic indie rock sound, poignant lyrics, and powerful voice. Sam Fender draws comparisons to singers like Bruce Springsteen, combining heartfelt storytelling with socially conscious themes, making him one of the most exciting artists to emerge in recent years

Sam Fender - Getting Started (Official Video)

Sam’s style blends indie rock and heartland rock, characterized by anthemic guitars and soaring vocals combined with socially conscious lyrics, mental health themes, class struggles, and personal experiences.

Sam Fender - People Watching (Official Lyric Video)

His albums include:
Hypersonic Missiles (2019):

Seventeen Going Under (2021):

Sam Fender is an English singer-songwriter and musician known for his anthemic indie rock sound, poignant lyrics, and powerful voice. Sam Fender draws comparisons to singers like Bruce Springsteen, combining heartfelt storytelling with socially conscious themes, making him one of the most exciting artists to emerge in recent years

Sam Fender - Getting Started (Official Video)

Sam’s style blends indie rock and heartland rock, characterized by anthemic guitars and soaring vocals combined with socially conscious lyrics, mental health themes, class struggles, and personal experiences.

Sam Fender - People Watching (Official Lyric Video)

His albums include:
Hypersonic Missiles (2019):

Seventeen Going Under (2021):

Benson Boone

Benson Boone is an American singer-songwriter, best known for his appearance on Season 20 of American Idol. He made it to the Top 24 before being eliminated, which helped him gain significant recognition. Benson Boone's intimate, diaristic pop songs are constantly evolving as he quickly becomes a global hitmaker. His latest single, the viral smash hit "Beautiful Things," quickly soared into the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 after topping charts across the globe.

Benson Boone - Beautiful Things (Official Music Video)

In 2025, he is reaching new heights, with over 2 billion career streams to date, an upcoming world tour, and a hotly anticipated debut album on the way.

Benson Boone - Slow It Down (Official Music Video)

His albums include:

Fireworks and Rollerblades (2024):

Benson Boone is an American singer-songwriter, best known for his appearance on Season 20 of American Idol. He made it to the Top 24 before being eliminated, which helped him gain significant recognition. Benson Boone's intimate, diaristic pop songs are constantly evolving as he quickly becomes a global hitmaker. His latest single, the viral smash hit "Beautiful Things," quickly soared into the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 after topping charts across the globe.

Benson Boone - Beautiful Things (Official Music Video)

In 2025, he is reaching new heights, with over 2 billion career streams to date, an upcoming world tour, and a hotly anticipated debut album on the way.

Benson Boone - Slow It Down (Official Music Video)

His albums include:

Fireworks and Rollerblades (2024):

Balu Brigada is an American indie pop band known for its blend of electronic, indie rock, and pop sounds. The group was formed by Balu, a multi-instrumentalist and producer, who brings a unique blend of musical influences to the band's style

Balu Brigada - So Cold (Official Music Video)

The band has released several singles and EPs, building a strong fanbase in the indie and alternative music scenes. Although relatively new to the scene, they have garnered attention for their unique approach to indie pop and engaging live performances.

Balu Brigada - Designer (Official Music Video)

Jonah Kagen

Jonah Kagen is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for his heartfelt and emotionally resonant music. He gained recognition with his debut single, "Don't Worry," released in 2020. Kagen's music is marked by its authenticity, with lyrics that speak directly to his personal experiences and emotions.

Jonah Kagen - God Needs The Devil (Official Video)

Since his debut, Jonah Kagen has continued to release new music, gaining attention from fans of indie and acoustic pop. His popularity has risen thanks to the intimate and personal nature of his work.

Jonah Kagen - The Roads (Official Video)

His albums include:
Georgia Got Colder (2022):

The Roads (2023):

The Linda Lindas

The Linda Lindas are an all-female punk rock band from Los Angeles, California. The band consists of four members: sisters Mila (drums, vocals) and Lucia de la Garza (guitar, vocals), their cousin Eloise Wong (bass, vocals), and friend Bela Salazar (guitar, vocals).

Their style consists of a mix of punk with post-punk, garage rock, power pop, new wave, and rock en español.

The Linda Lindas - "All In My Head"

The band released their debut album, Growing Up, in 2022. The record features a mix of high-energy punk tracks and introspective songs, showcasing their musical growth and lyrical maturity. Despite their young age, The Linda Lindas have been praised for their musicianship, stage presence, and ability to capture the spirit of punk rock.

The Linda Lindas - "Growing Up"

Their albums include:
Growing Up (2022):

No Obligation (2024):

Myles Smith

Myles Smith is a British singer-songwriter from Luton, England, known for his fusion of folk, indie pop, and alternative rock. He started posting music on TikTok in 2022, where his covers, including Amber Run's "I Found," gained significant attention. This online success led to a record deal with RCA Records.

Myles Smith - Nice To Meet You (Official Video)

Smith's rise in the music industry has been marked by his dedication to building an audience through social media and live performances. He has amassed millions of global streams and a dedicated fanbase, with over 600K followers on Instagram, 6.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and almost 850K followers on TikTok.

Myles Smith - Stargazing (Lyric Video)

David Kushner

David Kushner is an American singer-songwriter and musician who has gained popularity for his unique blend of indie rock, alternative, and pop music. He is known for his deeply emotional lyrics, powerful vocals, and atmospheric production.

David Kushner - Daylight (Official Music Video)

In 2024, Kushner released "Skin and Bones” with over 170,000 pre-saves leading up to its release. Kushner's music has been featured on Spotify's "Roots Rising" playlist. Until today, he continues to expand his fanbase and impact in the music industry.

His albums include:
Footprints | Found (2022):

The Dichotomy (2024):

Sawyer Hill

Sawyer Hill is an American alternative rock musician hailing from Fayetteville, Arkansas. He began his musical career at the age of 15 playing at local venues. During his teenage years, he toured extensively across the southern United States with his band, gaining valuable experience and exposure.

Sawyer Hill - High On My Lows (Official Music Video)

At 23, Sawyer launched a solo project under his name, aiming to deliver a fresh take on alternative rock with a progressive twist. His music combines familiar sounds with innovative composition and delivery, setting him apart in the music scene.

Sawyer Hill - For The Hell Of It (Official Music Video)

Remi Wolf

Remi Wolf is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for her vibrant personality, genre-blending music, and colorful aesthetic. She began her musical journey at a young age and pursued her passion for music by studying at the USC Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles. After graduating, she initially competed on American Idol in 2014 but found her breakthrough as an artist through her solo work.

Remi Wolf - Cinderella (Official Video)

Playful, unconventional lyrics, funky beats, and experimental production often characterize her music. She cites many influences, including Prince, Beck, and Amy Winehouse, which contribute to her dynamic and unique sound.

Remi Wolf - Soup (Official Visualizer)

Her debut album is Juno (2021):

Following by Big Ideas (2024):

Royel Otis

From Sydney, Australia, Royel Otis is an indie rock duo known for their dreamy, guitar-driven sound and nostalgic yet modern approach to songwriting. The duo consists of Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, who joined forces to create music that blends elements of indie pop, surf rock, and lo-fi aesthetics.

Royel Otis - If Our Love Is Dead (Official Music Video)

The duo formed after Royel returned to Australia from a stint in New York City, where he had been honing his musical skills and writing songs. He reconnected with Otis, a childhood friend, and the two began collaborating. Their sound is characterized by jangly guitars, laid-back grooves, and breezy melodies.

Royel Otis - Fried Rice (Official Music Video)

Their albums include:
Sofa Kings (2023):

PRATTS & PAIN (2024):

Flipturn

From Fernandina Beach, Florida, Flipturn is an American indie rock band known for their lush, atmospheric sound, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic performances. The band was formed by Dillon Basse, Tristan Duncan, Taylor Allen, Madeline Jarman, and Adrian Walker.

flipturn - Space Cowboy (Official Music Video)

Flipturn was formed in 2015 when the band members were still in high school. They started by performing at local venues and quickly gained a loyal following in Florida. Their songs blend elements of indie rock, alternative, and pop music, evoking a sense of nostalgia and introspection.

flipturn - Juno (Official Music Video)

Their latest album is Shadowglow (2022):

Did you know any of these bands? Which rock/alternative bands should we cover next? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to follow us on social media for more!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlayingForChange/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playing4change/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/playing4change
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playing4change