Emerging artists who defined the year — our favourite songs, albums, EP’s and more
While the world’s attention was glued to Taylor’s Swift’s chart-topping dominance, the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef, a hip-hop mogul’s fall from grace and Linkin Park’s triumphant return, we kept our ears tuned to the underground—tracking some of the most exciting releases from promising and emerging artists around the world.
Instead of bombarding you with a list of 100 or even 50 tracks, we’re keeping it tight—highlighting just three standout songs, albums, EP’s etc, that truly resonated with us.
Best 3 Songs
Out of over 4,000 songs we streamed this year, these three tracks stood head and shoulders above the rest. London-based indie-pop talent Malaika delivered a standout moment with “villain”—a gem of a track boasting irresistibly catchy melodies and lyrics that resonate deeply in a way that feels both bittersweet and empowering. It’s the kind of song that sticks with you long after it ends.
Meanwhile, Brandon Benjamin blessed us with “Mental Ecstasy”, a soulful indie anthem infused with R&B and psychedelic vibes. It’s a rare kind of track that manages to feel both modern and timeless—perfect for any audience, from your peers to your parents (or even grandparents), who are likely to groove along just as easily.
Finally, fast rising Australian artist Ecca Vandal caught our attention not just with her dynamic presence on social media but with her explosive track “BLEED BUT NEVER DIE”. Combining the raw intensity of alternative rock with electrifying punk energy, it’s a cathartic anthem built for letting loose and raging to your heart’s content.
Malaika — “villain”
Brandon Benjamin — “Mental Ecstasy”
Ecca Vandal — “BLEED BUT NEVER DIE”
Best 3 Albums
Florida man Max Fry reached new heights with his stunning debut album, more than dead to me. Packed with standout tracks like “lightspeed”, “stare at the sun”, and the emotionally-driven “based it on you”. It’s a joy to see an artist we’ve been rooting for deliver such a triumph, and we can’t wait to see what Max does next.
French-Canadian duo distraction4ever made waves with their Business Core album—a clever and introspective showcase of their post-punk prowess. With sharp lyrics exploring the grind of balancing a 9-to-5 corporate life while pursuing creative dreams.
Meanwhile, greek delivered a sonic treat with ACCELERATOR, a smooth and cohesive album that highlights his genre-defying artistry. Seamlessly weaving elements of pop, indie, R&B, and a touch of synth-pop, this record proved that greek’s sound is as fresh as it is boundary-pushing.
Max Fry — more than dead to me
distraction4ever — Business Core
greek — ACCELERATOR
Best 3 EP’s
Canadian singer-songwriter RICHIE ALLYIAH proved to be the definition of a hidden gem this year, gracing us with her independently released EP DREAMGIRL ERA. Featuring standout tracks like “FEEL” and “FATE”, the project is a brilliant showcase of her artistry, filled with breathtaking moments that deserve far more attention.
Superstar-in-the-making, ALEMEDA made waves by signing with TDE and dropping the exceptional FK IT. Packed with undeniable hits which effortlessly combining indie, pop and rock, as well as overflowing with replay value, this EP cemented her status as one to watch in the coming years.
On the alternative R&B front, LUCA finally answered fans’ prayers with the release of his long-awaited EP, Decisions. This project is a masterclass in vocal prowess, songwriting, and musicianship. From its opening notes to the final track, Decisions is a flawless EP that keeps pulling us back for more.
RICHIE ALLYIAH — DREAMGIRL ERA
ALEMEDA — FK IT
LUCA — Decisions
Best 3 Music Videos
Music videos are alive and thriving, as these three unforgettable releases proved this year. First on our list is csndra and jvdro’s “cuida”, a visually captivating video that feels like an episode straight out of a binge-worthy teen drama.
French artist and producer phytocene showcased her innovation with the stunning video for “digital yearning”. Despite being created without a budget, the video’s sleek, high-production look highlights her creative vision and elevates the track into something truly special.
Slovakian artist 5etra delivered a masterpiece with the video for “We Belong”. Its haunting melodies pair seamlessly with dark, evocative imagery, creating a video experience that’s as mesmerising as it is unforgettable.
csndra x jvndro — “cuida”
phytocene — “digital yearning”
5etra — “We Belong”
Best 3 Debuts
This year was packed with outstanding debuts, but these three artists truly made an excellent first impression. Manchester shoegaze/dream pop band stepover impressed us with “What’s Mine”, a stellar track that showcases their exceptional musicianship, songwriting, and immense potential. They’ve got everything it takes to carve out a big name for themselves.
Jayden Hills made a splash with “Love Me Alone”, a vibrant track that effortlessly blends pop and electronic influences into something fresh and engaging.
Cathryn Lovett delivered “Almost Always There”, an alternative pop masterpiece packed with emotional depth and irresistible melodies. These debuts were more than just promising—they felt like the start of something special for these artists.
stepover — “What’s Mine”
Jayden Hills — “Love Me Alone”
Cathryn Lovett — “Almost Always There”
Featured Pic: Malaika
