5 Artists I’m Watching in 2025
In the spirit of the new year, here are five lesser-known musical acts I’m keeping an eye on in 2025. Some have tours or album releases coming up; I have no direct contact with these musicians so I don’t know for sure whether 2025 will be a big year for any of them. I’ve tried to provide a diverse array of styles and scenes, so if you don’t like one, there may be others on this list that are more your speed. All of these artists have music available for streaming on Spotify and other services, but I would encourage you to support them directly by downloading their music on bandcamp, buying physical media, or purchasing concert tickets, because these activities are much more beneficial to new and emerging artists.
Font
I haven’t stopped talking about Austin-based Font since I saw them open for Yard Act at Mohawk near the end of 2023. Noisy, frenetic, new New Wave, wild and fascinating. Their songs always keep me guessing. They have a gift for rhythmic invention and melodic intrigue. They say their work is “mostly improvisational” and they are focused on live performance—most recently they were touring in Europe. I hope they make a stop in North Texas on their next tour, but until then I will be on the lookout for anything else they come up with. I can’t guarantee a new album this year, since they are still evidently touring on the LP they released in July, but I have my fingers crossed.
https://fontmusic.bandcamp.com
Lily Talmers
I got to see Lily Talmers play at the songwriter showcase at the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance in Austin this year. I was entranced by her sophisticated, powerful lyricism and understated stage presence. When I pulled up her 2022 album, Hope is the Whore I Go To, I was surprised to discover she is a talented instrumental arranger as well. Fans of Big Thief, Joni Mitchell, folk and bluegrass will enjoy exploring Talmers’ discography. “The Big Idea” is an excellent five-minute introduction to Talmers’ work. Most exciting of all, Talmers has a new album due out January 30th.
Dustin Dale Gaspard
I met Dustin briefly while working for the North Carolina Folk Fest. He is a flexible and talented musician and an engaging storyteller. His songs are heavily influenced by his Cajun roots, but he draws the whole of Americana into his repertoire. Judging from his Instagram page, he seems to live on the road and is touring at a breakneck pace. If he can get together the money to fix the transmission on his touring van, I hope to see him pass through Texas in 2025. He has two albums out on streaming services, including one released just this past November, with songs in both English and Cajun French.
https://linktr.ee/dustingaspardmusic
Lease Agreement
One of the most entertaining live acts I’ve heard in a minute. I got to share a bill with San Antonio’s Lease Agreement at a DIY show in Corpus Christi. These guys really stood out for their stage presence and clever songwriting. They fly a bit under the radar because they chose a common phrase for a band name, forcing us to search “lease agreement band san antonio” to cut through search engine noise. They put out a 15 minute EP (which is quite long in DIY/punk spaces) this past October, and I suspect they have some big things planned for 2025.
https://linktr.ee/xleaseagreement
Chance Emerson
Chance had an incredible 2024 with highlights including performances at SXSW and Lollapalooza. I’m fairly certain Chance’s upward trajectory will only accelerate in 2025. “Honey” is an undeniable earworm that has been in my personal heavy rotation since day one. If you like Hozier, Noah Kahan, and other stomp-clappers at the intersection of Americana folk, rock, and acoustic pop, Chance Emerson might just be your next playlist headliner.