“Wristwatch” – MJ Lenderman
You may not have heard of MJ Lenderman yet, but trust me, you’ll want to. The indie rock singer-songwriter is gaining well-deserved buzz with his latest album Manning Fireworks. “Wristwatch” stands out with its gritty guitar, raw vocals, and clever, slightly chaotic lyrics that are somehow both funny and gut-wrenching. Lenderman’s songwriting feels like a fever dream you don’t want to wake up from. Do not sleep on him. You’ll want to say you were here before the bandwagon got crowded.
“May Ninth” – Khruangbin
Khruangbin is not new to the scene, but their nomination for Best New Artist at the 2024 Grammys officially gave them some recognition. “May Ninth,” from their album A LA SALA, is a groovy, laid-back instrumental that feels like a long drive with the windows down. Their blend of psychedelic rock and funk creates a mix of nostalgia and new roots. If vibey guitar riffs and mellow rhythms are your thing, this track is a must.
“Sailor Song” – Gigi Perez
Gigi Perez is having her moment thanks to “Sailor Song’s” popularity on TikTok this past year—and for good reason. “Sailor Song” perfectly encapsulates a vulnerable late-night diary entry wrapped in a melody. Hint: the live version is even better. We’ll be seeing a lot more of Gigi Perez in 2025.
“Messy” – Lola Young
Lola Young is also on a roll with her hit single “Messy.” The song features punchy production and perfectly angsty lyrics that make it the ideal scream-in-your-car track. Young’s voice has this raw, unapologetic energy that makes you want to own every chaotic piece of yourself. She’s leading the charge in self-love pop, and honestly, we’re eating it up.
“Dive” – Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean might be the next big thing. Her 2023 album Messy is a no-skip, and “Dive” is a standout. This is a silky-smooth track that’s perfect for a sunny day. Dean’s effortless vocals and soulful warmth make this song absolutely flawless. Between writing songs for rom-coms and rumors of her being on the next James Bond soundtrack, Olivia Dean is only just getting started.
