Luna Li

Luna Li’s music feels like “Golden Hour.”

Growing up in Toronto, the 28-year-old singer-songwriter got an early start in music by taking lessons in classical piano and violin, guitar, theory and voice at a music school her mom and partner ran. 

“From the age of two I was singing songs from The Sound of Music around the house. After high school I initially went to McGill University for violin but then realized the classical world wasn’t for me, and I dropped out,” says Li, who’s opened for stars like Japanese Breakfast, Wolf Alice and beabadobee. 

She adds, “After that I got really involved with the Toronto music scene. I started playing in bands regularly doing shows around the city and connected with a really amazing musical community of artists.” 

In August, Li released her latest album When a Thought Grows Wings, which was about some (utterly relatable) changes she underwent. 

“In 2022 I split with my high school boyfriend of seven years and was learning how to be an adult on my own for the first time,” she says. “I also moved to L.A. from Toronto, away from my whole community of family and friends, untethered for the first time.”

Outside of making music, Li finds solace “in crocheting and knitting, learning Korean (my dad is Korean but I never learned as a kid), hiking, and swimming.” 

Listen to When a Thought Grows Wings here.

Will Swinton

Will Swinton is a star in the making.

It wasn’t too long ago that the singer-songwriter’s life was changed after watching RL Grime’s set at a music festival in New Zealand. 

“I thought, ‘That has to be the best feeling in the world.’ After that weekend I went home and downloaded some music software and spent all week crafting this perfect drum and bass song,” Swinton, 24, tells PEOPLE, adding that he played it for his friends and they called it “horrible.” 

“So I went back to the drawing board, bought a USB mic and started making these little songs in my bedroom. I basically spent every day after work in my room recording these songs,” he continues. “I wasn’t taking it too seriously, but I decided to put this one song out on Spotify, and it got picked up by some music blogs. Then all of a sudden I started getting hit up by managers and A&Rs.” 

In December, Swinton — who previously shared the stage with mgk — released his EP titled December. Now, he’s preparing for his first-ever headlining shows in the United States and Australia. 

When he’s creating, Swinton says he’s “easily inspired” by the world around him — including “a really well-written movie or TV show.” The one caveat? He needs to be rested. 

One thing to know about Swinton outside of his music? He’s just “a really really really really really really really really chill guy.” (Insert “Chill Guy” meme here.) 

Listen to December here.

Estevie

Estevie’s music feels “Supernatural.” 

The 22-year-old Cumbia pop star from Beaumont, Calif., is blending the worlds of regional Mexican and pop music to create bops like “Un Besito Más” and “Las Historias Se Acaban.” 

“Whether it’s love, heartbreak, or growing up and figuring things out, I try to capture those emotions in my music,” says Estevie. “I also pull a lot of inspiration from the artists I grew up listening to and the different sounds that have shaped me.”

For Estevie, music was always been “a huge part” of her life, and as she got older, she fell in love with performing and connecting with her audience. 

“The moment I knew I wanted to pursue it professionally was when I started writing my own music — I saw how powerful it was to share my emotions and experiences, and I knew this was what I was meant to do,” she says. 

Still, as Estevie’s star rises, she experiences doubt like anyone else. 

“I have my doubts, my fears, and my moments of uncertainty, but I always push through because I believe in what I do,” she says. “I want people to feel that in my music and know that whatever they’re going through, they’re not alone.”

Watch the music video for “Hombre Malvado” here.

Paco

Paco puts swag in Latin funk. 

The 22-year-old singer from St. Louis, Mo., got his start DJ-ing high school parties — and decided to pursue it after his “first passion” didn’t pan out.

“What started as a joke became very real when I met my good friend Jonah Roy. He was the reason I learned how to produce and take my music to a different level,” he says. 

Adding, “I was never that good in school, but my first passion was crushed in high school when I didn’t make the soccer team, so music came along. I never thought it would take me this far or even make it a real profession since I feel like I’m still so new to it, but that’s what makes me more driven to learn each day.”

And though it may have happened by chance, Paco assures that he’s “here to stay and [will] be around for a long time not a short time.”

Paco — who recently joined Tommy Richman on the road — is currently working on new music and says he has “a lot of new sounds” on the horizon. When he’s creating, his “spontaneous” personality comes into play — and he draws from his everyday life. 

Listen to “Body Shop. / Plan B” here.

Cameron Whitcomb

Cameron Whitcomb strikes the perfect balance for modern-day folk music. 

The 21-year-old singer from Nanaimo, British Columbia, worked as a pipeline laborer before he appeared on season 20 of American Idol. He made the Top 20 before he was eliminated — and then decided to pursue music professionally. 

“After American Idol I realized there could be more to my life than digging holes, so I did everything I could to chase it,” Whitcomb tells PEOPLE. 

Since then, Whitcomb released his debut EP Quitter in September and is working on his debut album. So far, he knows he wants to “tell a story from the first song to the end.” 

In songs like “Hundred Mile High,” Whitcomb is open about his history with substance abuse — and he continues to write about his own life experiences to connect with his fans. 

“What you see is what you get, a big thing I’ve learned through my short music career is if people relate, they’ll listen,” he says. 

Listen to his latest releases, “Options,” “Hundred Mile High” and “Medusa.”

Emilia

Emilia is taking the world of reggaeton by storm. 

In an era where female artists like Karol G, Young Miko, Anitta and more are taking over the male-dominated genre, Emilia is contributing to the movement as the next pop princess.

The Argentinian singer, 28, was gifted a guitar from her grandfather when she was a young girl — and never looked back. As she got older, she started uploading videos to Instagram and caught the attention of cumbia pop band Rumbai, which she became the lead singer for, before launching a solo career. 

“My first performance with them was in front of 12,000 people, and that experience marked a turning point in my life. It gave me the confidence to believe in myself and chase my dream of becoming a professional artist,” she says. 

Emilia released her latest single, “Bunda,” in February and it’s set to be featured on her upcoming EP. When she’s writing, the “Sin Querer” singer looks to the new places she visits, the diversity of musical genres she listens to and the cultures around her for inspiration. 

If there’s one thing to know about the performer, it’s that despite her pop star persona, she still feels like a small-town girl. 

“I enjoy the simple things in life, like sharing a meal with my mom, hugging my dog Roma, or laughing uncontrollably with my friends,” she says. “Staying connected to my roots is what allows me to give everything on stage while remaining authentic.” 

Listen to her latest single “Bunda” here.

Sam Barber

Sam Barber’s music will make you feel like you’re “Dancing in the Sky.” 

The 21-year-old Frohna, Mo. native — whose father is a mechanic and mom is a nurse — discovered his love for music after picking up his great-grandfather’s guitar. 

“Once I started getting obsessed with playing guitar, I figured I better learn how to write a song,” he tells PEOPLE. “The first song I ever wrote turned out to be one of my biggest songs, and the rest is history.”

Barber describes his music as “soulful, emotive and relatable” — and his goal is to create an atmosphere with his sound. Barber released his debut album Restless Mind last fall, featuring hits like “Indigo” and “Better Year,” which was featured on Yellowstone. Now, the musician focused on his creative process. 

“2025 so far has been one of the most creative years of my life. I have been on a roll with new music that I cannot wait to share with everyone,” he says. 

He adds of his inspiration, “My inspiration seems to come from my life experiences. When I’m writing/creating, I let what comes up in that moment lead – whether it’s something I’ve gone through in the past or am going through now.” 

Listen to Restless Mind here.

Tito Double P

Tito Double P is just what musica Mexicana needed. 

The 27-year-old singer from Culiacán, Mexico, started writing music in high school as a hobby. Since then, he began writing music with his cousin, Mexican star Peso Pluma. 

“Peso kept telling me I should try singing and with his push I released my debut single, ‘DEMBOW BÉLICO,’ which quickly went viral,” he says. 

Adding, “I’m really blessed to be where I am, I am really grateful to the fans for continuing to stream my music, I’m grateful that my cousin pushed me to make music and I hope that I can keep elevating my genre and raising the Mexican flag high.” 

Currently, the musician is working on a “very special” EP with the “BELLAKEO” singer. In the studio, he loves “experimenting with different sounds.” When he’s writing, he finds “inspiration in everyday life.” 

“I also draw a lot from the artists I grew up listening to, like Los Tucanes de Tijuana and Alfredo Olivas, while adding my own twist to keep things fresh,” he says. 

Listen to his latest single “Tattoo” here.

Elliot James Reay

Elliot James Reay’s swoon-worthy music makes you want to fall in love. 

The 23-year-old singer from Manchester, England, grew up inspired by the greats like Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Billy Furd, which was always playing in his house. 

“Everything truly started when I began busking at 14. That was my first taste of performing, feeling the energy of a live crowd, seeing people stop, smile and even share their own stories,” he says. “It was more than just playing music, it was about connecting with people.”

So far, Reay’s released singles “I Think They Call This Love” and “Boy in Love” — and he’s finishing up his first EP. “Without giving too much away, this EP is a love letter to the music that shaped me.” 

Reay has garnered a large following online by sharing his music and performance videos — and he wants to set the record straight on his intentions. 

“Some people think that I sing ‘50s and ‘60s-inspired music as a gimmick, but that could not be further from the truth. This music is in my DNA. It is what I love, what I connect with, and what comes naturally to me,” he says.

He adds, “A lot of people also assume I am from the U.S. because of the style of music I make, but I am proudly from Manchester, England. Being Northern is a huge part of who I am, and I love weaving little nods to my roots into my music videos and lyrics. It’s my way of showing that rock ‘n roll is universal. It doesn’t belong to just one place or one time, it belongs to everyone.” 

Listen to “Boy in Love” here.

Amble

Want to feel like you’re sitting in an Irish pub and feeling on top of the world? Amble gives just that. 

This Irish trio found their way to each other after growing up in musical families and exploring music in different capacities. Less than a year ago, the trio was working as school teachers and a data scientist before quitting in July 2024. 

“We are a very honest and open band. We often tell the audience at the beginning of shows that for most of our lives we were working very normal jobs as teachers and in science,” says the band, which consists of Oisin McCaffrey, Robbie Cunningham and Ross McNerney. 

Adding, “We know what the real world is like and how hard daily life is for some people. We are conscious every day that we are lucky men and we are thankful for every bit of support we have ever received since Amble began!”

When they’re writing music, the band — who met over Instagram — is inspired by John Prine and Joni Mitchell for “genuine storytelling.”

“A single lyric or sentence could be inspiration for us in a studio! It’s usually all about the words and the vocals for Amble, says the band, which creates a “generally stripped back” sound with “a heavy emphasis on the vocals and lyrics.”

The band is currently gearing up for the release of their debut album Reverie on May 23, 2025. They’re also on the road for their headlining tour across Europe and North America. 

For now, listen to their latest single “Schoolyard” here.

Los Esquivel

Los Esquivel is revolutionizing electro-corridos. 

The Mexican duo, which consists of brothers Eugenio Esquivel, 19, and Sebastián Esquivel, 25, hail from Monterrey, Mexico, and music was always “a big part” of their lives. 

“I started playing guitar at a young age, while our mom would always sign Eugenio up for castings and singing competitions on TV,” says Sebastian. “During the pandemic, we started posting covers on TikTok, and that’s when everything changed. We saw our potential, gained recognition on social media, and ultimately decided to pursue music professionally.” 

This year, the duo released Bachata Bélica and Sobra y Falta. Currently, they’re working on their debut album, which will include their “signature fusion of genres, blending regional Mexican music with elements of electronic, urbano, and other global sounds, creating something fresh and innovative.”

When they create music, Los Esquivel is inspired by “parties, our friends, and our personal experiences — everything and anything that shapes the world around us.” 

He adds, “Eugenio’s biggest inspiration was Michael Jackson — he even dances like him. Sebastián draws influence from artists like Ariel Camacho, Gerardo Ortiz, and Natanael Cano, blending classic and modern regional Mexican sounds into our unique style.”

Listen to their latest single “Sobra y Falta” here.

Waylon Wyatt

At just 18 years old, Waylon Wyatt is making a name for himself in the country music space. 

As an aspiring musician, Wyatt got his start on TikTok “like any ole person nowadays.”

“I got into the red dirt scene and just really loved it and started making music. My friend convinced me to put music out, record labels started reaching out. Finally picked one and have been loving it ever since,” Wyatt tells PEOPLE. 

Red dirt is a blend of country, bluegrass, rock, and honky-tonk — and he hopes to create a bridge between classic folk and pop. In 2024, Wyatt released his debut EP, Til the Sun Goes Down. Now, he’s working on his next big project.

“It has a lot of songs that mean a great deal to me. It has a lot of songs I wrote when I was going through a hard time, and I just think the world needs to hear them as well,” he says. 

Something to know about the rising star from Hackett, Arkansas, is that he doesn’t want to “limit” himself to the red dirt sound. 

“I absolutely love that type of music, but I listen to much more. I don’t really like to limit myself to any genre and I really love artists like Bigxthaplug, Chappell Roan, and Benson Boone who go against the grain,” he says. 

Listen to his latest single, “I’d Be Delighted,” here.

Indi Star

Indi Star’s music makes you want to roll the windows down and sing at the top of your lungs. 

The “Too Good for You” singer from Boston, Mass., started singing when she was 8 years old and landed her first professional singing job when she was 11. Though she was young, Indi Star believes that music is how she found herself. 

“I didn’t start talking until I was 3 years old, and I really think that through music, I found a way to express myself fully,” Indi Star, 18, tells PEOPLE. 

Now, Indi Star — who recently released her debut album eMotion Sick — finds inspiration for her songwriting through poetry and her everyday life. 

“I love reading poems and have recently challenged myself to read a new poem every day. As far as music, there’re very few times during the day that I am not listening to music,” she says.

Adding, “I have so many musical styles that I love and take inspiration from including Indie, ’90s alternative rock, R&B and Jazz. Really just life and relationships in general provide more than enough inspiration to pull from!” 

Listen to eMotion Sick here.

Sebastian Schub

Sebastian Schub’s music feels like an old school, classic movie that never loses its charm. 

Though this 26-year-old German-born, London-based singer is just getting started, he’s already gained some steam in the London pub scene. As it turns out, he fell into music by chance. 

“I fell into it by accident. I moved to London to be an actor and would perform cover songs in bars to pay the bills. After a few years I realised music was all I thought about,” says Schub. 

Schub’s debut single “Sing Like Madonna,” which he wrote over three months in his basement, caught the attention of his fans at local pubs in London. Now, the rising star is “thrilled” to be working on an album. 

“I watch way too many movies and tv. I’ll often twiddle along on my guitar when watching and start writing that way,” he says. “I also write for my family a lot. I always have my mom and sister in mind when making a record.” 

When describing his music, Schub says it’s like “if Hozier and Jeff Buckley had a long lost slightly German cousin.”

Stream Schub’s latest single, “Ruin Me,” which he called one of his “favorite songs to date” in a March 8 Instagram post, here.

Isabel LaRosa

Alt-pop girlies, unite! Isabel LaRosa should be on your radar.

The singer, 20, from Annapolis, Maryland, got her start in music singing jazz standards with her father — who’s a jazz musician — and her brother at open mic nights. 

“Music is always something that’s been in my life, but I found my own passion with it when I discovered artists like Melanie Martinez and The Neighbourhood as a kid,” she says. 

LaRosa was homeschooled growing up and spent her high school years writing songs with her brother. Now, she’s “grateful” she has “a shot at this.” 

LaRosa is creating a path forward in the alt-pop space, which she describes as “dark emotional music” — or “suburban angst” as she turns coming-of-age-stories into infectious hits. 

In June 2022, she released her debut EP I’m Watching You and followed with 2023’s You Fear the God That Loves You. Now, she’s working on her debut album. 

“I’m currently finishing up my first album called Raven. It’s something I’m extremely passionate about and have been wanting to share for a while now. It feels like an embodiment of my sound as it evolves in a body of work,” she says. 

Listen to her latest single “Home” and presave her debut album here.

INJI

As the weather begins to get warmer, it’s time to dust off the party playlist — and you’re gong to want to include INJI. 

INJI, 24, who’s from Istanbul, Turkey, grew up playing classical piano and trained in a conservatory. However, when she was in high school, she decided against pursuing music and attend a university for finance. 

“I was studying at the University of Pennsylvania when a random viral TikTok video changed my life. I wrote my first song ‘GASLIGHT’ with two friends in college, and started building an audience as I finished school,” she recalls. 

Adding, “In all honesty, the day I decided I had to switch paths and pursue music was my first live show in New York, shortly after graduating. That show proved to me that I was meant to make, share, and perform music.”

Now, INJI — who finds inspiration through her “daily life and my friends’ lives” — is working on her debut album, and she can confirm that it’s going to be a “party album.” 

To this day, music is her therapy. “It’s how I remind myself to find joy in the world every day. I hope it has the same effect on everyone else.”

Presave her forthcoming single, “U WON’T” here.

BOYNEXTDOOR

BOYNEXTDOOR will be your next K-pop obsession! 

Before they signed to HYBE, the six-piece band had a unique start to music, and JAEHYUN, 21, says he was exposed to different music growing up — leading him to believe that pursuing it professionally is something he would “never regret.” 

Meanwhile, for RIWOO, 21, music was a no-brainer after he got a chance to perform at a school festival and the “rush” and “excitement” he felt onstage left a “lasting impact.” 

Currently, the band is working on new music that captures “who we are as BOYNEXTDOOR,” says LEEHAN, 20. For sources of inspiration when creating music, WOONHAK, 18, often turns to “books and movies” as they offer “fresh perspectives.” He also draws from the “unique personalities” and “interactions” within the band. 

SUNGHO, 21, believes the band to be a group of free-spirits — and each member has something special to contribute. 

“We share a vision of making music that resonates with people across all generations at this moment in time,” he says. “Our diverse personalities and individual tastes shape BOYNEXTDOOR’s distinct character, allowing us to be versatile and continuously create music that always feels fresh and dynamic.”

As for their sound, TAESAN, 20, says they’re “distinct and instantly recognizable.” 

“We focus on conversational, straightforward lyrics and blend a variety of genres to create dynamic, catchy tracks that allow us to have fun on stage,” he says. “Versatility is the key for us — we don’t want to be defined by a single sound or genre.” 

Listen to “If I Say, I Love You” here.

The Vices

The Vices may be your next Brit-pop and surf rock fixation. 

The four-piece Dutch band from the Netherlands, which consists of members Floris van Luijtelaar, Simon Bleeker, Jonathan Kruizenga, and Mathijs Louwsma, have different backgrounds ranging from old rock ‘n roll, woodstock, punk, classical and opera — but one commonality: their love for music. 

“That feeling that music can give you, that insane, almost surreal moment when everything flows and connects. It’s a feeling that’s impossible to describe, but once you experience it, there’s no turning back. That’s why we wanted to do this forever,” says the band. 

The band released a studio album, Before It Might Be Gone, and they’re now on tour across the United States and Europe. 

“There’s nothing like the energy of a live show—it’s wild, electric, and makes the new music feel even more alive. At the same time, we’re always writing, always creating,” the band says. 

When inspiration strikes, the band runs to the nearest guitar or records their thoughts on a recording device,

“Most of the music that we create is a reflection of what we’re personally experiencing. Things that we feel, see and think about,” they say. “There are lots of things that can give us the urge to create. Sometimes it’s stuff that happens in our lives or in the lives of others. Sometimes it’s a movie, a book, or other music that we love.”

Listen to Before It Might Be Gone here.

Remy Bond

Remy Bond’s music sounds like a summer dream. 

The 19-year-old singer from New York City is already making waves through her infectious music inspired by the silver screen era. As it turns out, Bond’s love for music began with David Bowie. 

“I saw David Bowie playing an omnichord when I was younger which inspired me to get one and start writing songs,” Bond tells PEOPLE. 

So far, Bond’s released a series of fan-favorite singles like “Summer Song,” “Simple Girl” and “Red White and Blue.” Now, she’s working on a full-length album. 

When she’s creating, Bond — who loves classical music — finds “Disneyland” to be a great source of inspiration. 

Outside of her passion for music, Bond says she’s “obsessed with cults” — and her favorite is “Ya Ho Wha 13.” 

Listen to “Simple Girl” here.

Maddie Zahm

Maddie Zahm is the perfect dosage of “a little bit sad and fun” “church vocals”

Before becoming a rising pop star, the 26-year-old from Boise, Idaho, grew up singing “church music and leadership worship.” 

“I look back and find it incredibly ironic how much Christian music has inspired my sound today. I also worked a lot with the special ed classroom in high school & found how wonderful of a communication vehicle music is,” Zahm tells PEOPLE. 

Currently, Zahm is working on an album about “the parts of being a deep feeler that can feel overwhelming.” 

“It’s also a bit gay and sad (as am I). I’m very proud of this next chapter,” she adds. “It’s been interesting growing with my music and listeners in real time. When I released my first EP, it was really a deconstruction of all the identities I thought made me, me. But now that I’ve made so many changes- I’m able to create a body of art from a place of truth.”

And though music is a great passion for Zahm, she also loves “community” and “fostering relationships.” 

“As I’ve grown as an artist and person, I’m realizing how much family and alone time is important to me. It’s been interesting growing into realizing I’m an introvert,” she says. 

Listen to her debut album, Now That I’ve Been Honest, here.