Independent Artists to Watch in 2025: Spotlight on Rising Stars

Explore the freshest independent artists shaping the 2025 music scene with passion and originality.

Isn't it thrilling when raw talent breaks through the noise without a major label's backing? The music industry today is a tough jungle to navigate, but thanks to platforms like TuneCore, artists can self-release their work and connect directly with listeners worldwide. From sultry R&B vibes to edgy alternative rock and fresh hip-hop beats, the independent scene in 2025 is bursting with creativity and fierce determination. Let’s dive into some indie gems who are making waves and setting the stage for a thrilling 2026.

SOFIA ISELLA: The 20-Year-Old Trailblazer

Imagine being an unsigned artist and snagging a spot opening for the biggest concert tour of all time. That’s exactly what SOFIA ISELLA pulled off in 2024, opening for Taylor Swift’s legendary Eras Tour in London. At just 20, this Los Angeles-born newcomer has already shared the stage with some major names and dropped her third EP, I’m Camera, self-released in May.

Her sound? A gripping blend of dark, atmospheric alt-rock rooted in the '90s—think Nine Inch Nails vibes—with an acidic wit and feminist edge. Tracks like “Man Made” and the punchy “Above the Neck” (both produced by the talented Mr Hudson, who has worked with Jay-Z and Miley Cyrus) showcase her fearless artistry. One of her 2023 songs sums it up perfectly: “I Looked the Future in the Eyes, It’s Mine.” And honestly, that’s exactly the kind of confidence that SOFIA Isella brings to the table.

SOFIA ISELLA 2026 Tour Dates:

• 4/18/26: Capital One Arena – Washington, D.C. (w/ Florence + The Machine)
• 4/19/26: TD Garden – Boston, MA (w/ Florence + The Machine)
• 4/21-22/26: Madison Square Garden – New York, NY (w/ Florence + The Machine)
• 4/24/26: Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY (w/ Florence + The Machine)
• 4/25/26: Xfinity Mobile Arena – Philadelphia, PA (w/ Florence + The Machine)
• 5/5/26: La Madeleine – Brussels, Belgium
• 5/7/26: X-TRA – Zürich, Switzerland
• 5/8/26: den Atelier – Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
• 5/11/26: Docks – Hamburg, Germany
• 5/12/26: Columbiahalle – Berlin, Germany
• 5/14/26: Vega – Copenhagen, Denmark
• 5/15/26: Sentrum Scene – Oslo, Norway
• 5/16/26: Fryshuset Arenan – Stockholm, Sweden
• 5/19/26: SaSaZu – Prague, Czech Republic
• 5/20/26: Arena Wien – Vienna, Austria
• 5/22/26: Tonhalle – Munich, Germany
• 5/23/26: E-Werk – Cologne, Germany
• 5/25-26/26: Melkweg MAX – Amsterdam, Netherlands
• 5/27/26: Élysée-Montmartre – Paris, France
• 5/29/26: Albert Hall – Manchester, United Kingdom
• 5/30/26: O2 Institute Birmingham – Birmingham, United Kingdom
• 6/1/26: The National Stadium – Dublin, Ireland
• 6/3/26: O2 Academy Glasgow – Glasgow, United Kingdom
• 6/4/26: Roundhouse – London, United Kingdom
• 7/31/26: Hinterland Music Festival – Saint Charles, IA

“I Looked the Future in the Eyes, It’s Mine.” – SOFIA ISELLA

WALLETTE: Soul and Style from North Carolina to the World

WALLETTE, aka Wallette Watson, blends soulful melodies with a background rooted in church singing from North Carolina. But don’t box her in—this New York transplant has graced stages from Paris to Rome and worked with major fashion and fragrance brands. Her 2020 EP, Trust the Process, already showed her range, but 2025 has been a breakthrough year.

In November, she reimagined Judy Carter’s 1983 club classic with “Listen to the Music (2025 Rework),” recorded at the luxe Miraval Studios as part of Paco Rabanne’s #RabanneRemix challenge. She also scored a track for the action thriller Safe House—“I’m on Fire,” co-written with the film’s star Lucien Laviscount, produced by Grammy winner Judah Jones.

WALLETTE’s fusion of soulful voice and contemporary cool makes her an artist to keep a close eye on.

Kaelin Ellis: Jazz Meets Hip-Hop Magic

If you love a good groove that mixes jazz’s soul with hip-hop’s bounce, Kaelin Ellis is your guy. This Florida-based producer wears many hats—playing a slew of instruments and crafting beats that are funky and unmistakably his own. His resume is impressive, featuring NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts and collaborations with heavyweights like Logic, Jazmine Sullivan, and Lupe Fiasco, with whom he released the EP House in 2020.

2025 saw Ellis dropping two distinct projects: the guest-packed album Chrysalis and the instrumental collection Off Beat. His latest single “Come and Go” features Chicago’s Saba and Mick Jenkins, melding smooth rap flows with Ellis’s signature jazzy production.

$wag Nightmare: TikTok Star Turned Emo Rap Innovator

Carrington Bornstein, aka $wag Nightmare, first gained fame on TikTok with two million followers and a profile in GQ—all before dropping his debut single “Night Phone” in August 2024. Since then, the Hollywood native has pivoted towards emo rap, crafting a sound that’s raw, heartfelt, and unmistakably his.

In 2025, he released two projects that show off his evolving style: the Even in Hell EP and the Franken$tein mixtape. Both are self-produced and showcase the passion project vibe transforming into a vibrant new musical identity, with over 20 million streams accumulated independently. Talk about a meteoric rise!

Bree Runway: From Major Label to Indie Freedom

Some indie artists come with a major label background—and Bree Runway is a perfect example. London’s Brenda Mensah signed with EMI Records early on, snagging a BET Award and collaborating with big names like Missy Elliott and Khalid. But since going independent in 2023, Bree’s been embracing the DIY spirit that fueled her teenage bedroom recordings.

Her music continues to defy genres, blending rap, pop, and experimental sounds. After featuring on Amaarae’s critically praised 2025 album Black Star, Bree is gearing up to drop an EP in 2026. She even traveled to Brazil to direct the music video for her upcoming single “Hot Like.” Talk about hands-on artistry!

Whether you’re drawn to SOFIA ISELLA’s atmospheric alt-rock, WALLETTE’s soulful sounds, Kaelin Ellis’s jazzy beats, $wag Nightmare’s emo rap, or Bree Runway’s genre-blending flair, 2025’s independent artists are proving that passion, creativity, and a DIY spirit can carve out a powerful space in today’s music world. It’s an exciting time to be a music fan and catch these rising stars early.

FAQ

• What is TuneCore and why is it important for independent artists?
  TuneCore is a platform that enables musicians to self-release their music across all major streaming services, bypassing traditional record labels, and reaching fans directly.
• How does SOFIA ISELLA’s music stand out?
  Her dark, atmospheric alt-rock infused with feminist themes and witty lyrics creates a unique voice reminiscent of '90s influences but fresh for today.
• What genres does Kaelin Ellis blend in his music?
  Kaelin Ellis combines jazz, hip-hop, and electronic beats to create a funky, distinctive sound.
• How did $wag Nightmare transition into music?
  Originally a TikTok content creator, Carrington Bornstein pivoted to self-produced emo rap, quickly amassing millions of streams independently.
• Why did Bree Runway leave a major label?
  Seeking creative freedom, Bree returned to her DIY roots, producing genre-blurring music on her own terms after a successful start with EMI Records.

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