Explore New Sounds: May 2025 Music Highlights

Join us as we delve into the diverse music scene of May 2025, showcasing innovative artists and fresh sounds that are capturing attention across the globe.

Discovering Unique Sounds

Now Hear This is a monthly A&R column that provides you with exciting new sounds discovered through the innovative new music platform Groover. Each month, you can expect a varied bouillabaisse of songs from a vast spectrum of artists from all over the globe, regardless of genre or geography.

Spotlight on Heron

Photo Courtesy of Heron

Sounds like:

Soulful downtempo UK trip-hop that feels like Lenny Kravitz fronting Portishead.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

Heron shares, "My approach to music is instinctive, free-flowing, and hopefully without conscious limits. I try not to place too many rules in front of myself. While obstacles can sometimes spark creativity, I’d rather not create more than necessary. I usually have a rough framework in my head—but what matters most is what comes out of the speakers. If I don’t feel something, it doesn’t matter how it was recorded."

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"It's simple; it's my real name. I always liked one-word names, and 'Heron' just felt instinctive," he explains.

What artists have informed your creative direction?

"My musical roots started much earlier, growing up surrounded by a variety of genres. The discovery of Prince’s album 'Sign O’ The Times' changed everything for me and showed me that there were no boundaries in music."

What's the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"Anyone can make music and share it with the world, which is an incredible opportunity," he notes.

Photo Courtesy of Trapfly

Introducing Trapfly

Sounds like:

Bold and melodic 21st-century rock with a cool electronic groove, think Imagine Dragons produced by a young Trent Reznor.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"My approach is to scratch an itch, making sense of emotions I sometimes don’t know I have. I often start with a poem, structuring it into a song," he explains.

Photo Courtesy of Love/Hate

Meet Love/Hate

Sounds like:

A confident blend of hard rock and heavy metal, echoing the Sunset Strip vibe.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"My life revolves around music. I pull from various influences—rock, punk, new wave, and more," the frontman states.

Photo Courtesy of Elea Calvet

Spotlight on Elea Calvet

Sounds like:

Sultry blues that channels Polly Jean Harvey in a noir film atmosphere.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"My sound is kaleidoscopic, often hinging on tragedy," she reflects.

Photo Courtesy of Helena Ros

Helena Ros Takes Center Stage

Sounds like:

A fusion of Sade and Neneh Cherry, with a generous dash of SAULT.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"My background in fine arts influences my songwriting. I'm still exploring what feels true and right in the moment," she shares.

Photo Courtesy of Monotronic

Get to Know Monotronic

Sounds like:

The Killers adrift in the California desert with Daft Punk’s Discovery on the tape deck.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"Our goal is to sound like the music comes from one source, melding individual talents into a cohesive whole," the frontman explains.

Photo Courtesy of Nathaniel Paul

Introducing Nathaniel Paul

Sounds like:

Yacht rock for a rowboat on a serene lake.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"I call it pontoon rock—think yacht rock but grittier," he describes.

Heroic Enthusiast (Photo Credit: Taylor Ballantyne)

Heroic Enthusiasts in the Mix

Sounds like:

Suave, synth-driven Britpop that shimmers with nostalgic charm.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"We explore themes of love, loss, and spirituality in our songs, always aiming for a unified artistic vision," the duo explains.

Photo Courtesy of The Girls

Introducing The Girls

Sounds like:

My Chemical Romance with a touch of Riot Grrl attitude.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"I want our performances to be an experience, a way to share emotions and stories," says the frontwoman.

Photo Courtesy of Mezmah

Wrapping Up with Mezmah

Sounds like:

Modern melodic hip-hop inspired by the likes of Mac Miller and Post Malone.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others:

"It's autobiographical, blending elements of my life experiences with broader themes," he shares.

FAQs:

• What is Groover?
  Groover connects independent artists with music industry professionals to help accelerate their careers.
• Which genres are being highlighted this month?
  Expect a mix of genres, including rock, pop, trip-hop, and more, showcasing a diverse array of talents.
• How can I discover new music?
  Platforms like Groover offer access to a wide range of new artists and sounds, making it easier to find what resonates with you.
• Are these artists independent?
  Yes, many of the featured artists are independent, utilizing modern technology to share their music without major label support.
• How can I support independent artists?
  Support them by streaming their music, attending their shows, and buying merchandise directly from them.

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