Top 10 Emerging Rock Artists of 2025

In older times, it was easy for listeners to lump different artists and albums under one genre. It’s funny how both a classical-inspired pomp band like Queen and a snarling, spitting punk band like Sex Pistols can both fall under the umbrella term of “rock”. Nowadays, artists have challenged these boundaries and pushed them further to give space for newer, different sounds. With these new subgenres in the rock scene comes a new era of emerging musicians ready to bring evolution to modern rock music. From bright indie strummers to darker hard rock thrashers and social media stars to masked mysteries – here is the Funktasy Top 10 list for 2025’s Emerging Rock Artists!

jdxn

Dallas-born Jaden Hossler, known by his stage name jdxn, joined the social media platform TikTok in 2019, and in a short couple of months, he gained millions of followers. His popularity came at a time when TikTok influencers were becoming more and more prominent, and TikTok houses were being created with some of the platform’s biggest creators, like the Hype House. Hossler joined a similar TikTok house called the Sway House, which was an all-male creator collective that was signed to Talent X Entertainment. After gaining his massive following, he decided to use it to promote his music. In February of 2020, Hossler independently released his first single, “Comatose”. The success of the song catapulted the TikTok star closer to a rockstar status, with “Comatose” landing on more than 40 global shares and Travis Barker signing the singer to his imprint with Elektra Music Group, DTA Records.

But Hossler was just getting started. His official debut single, “Angels and Demons”, was released in May of the same year, followed by “So What!” in July, and both songs found their way into the Top 10 Billboard’s Hot Rock and Alternative Song’s Chart. “Angels and Demons” even ended up becoming RIAA Gold-certified, signifying his growing status in the rock industry. His debut album, “Tell Me About Tomorrow”, was released on July 2, 2021, and he headlined his tour around the same time he opened Machine Gun Kelly’s “Tickets to My Downfall” Tour. With more and more collaborations with artists like Beauty School Dropout and Amelia Moore, he was able to headline his second tour, announced in 2022, titled “I Hope This Never Ends”.

Gaining Momentum

Having an explosive start to his rock career helped Hossler keep that momentum, but he doesn’t forget where he’s come from. As of right now, the rockstar has close to nine million followers on TikTok, with over 300 million likes on the platform. Recently, Hossler took a break from music to deal with mental health issues and achieve sobriety, but he’s back with his second album, “When The Music Stops”, which was released on June 28, 2024. He just wrapped up his third tour and is making an appearance at Yungblud’s music festival, BLUDFEST, on June 21 this summer.

Amyl and the Sniffers

If you haven’t heard of Amyl and the Sniffers yet, you will soon because their name is making big waves in the rock scene. Based in Melbourne, Australia, the punk rock band is composed of four members: vocalist Amy Taylor, drummer Bryce Wilson, guitarist Declan Mehrtens, and bassist Gus Romer. Romer actually had replaced Calum Newton in 2017 due to Newton wanting to pursue a solo career, but before Romer joined, the original members had written, recorded, and released “Giddy Up”, their first EP, in 2016 within 12 hours. Their second EP, “Big Attraction”, was released in 2017, which is when the band started gaining more momentum.

Finally, 2019 brought about the band’s first great success after the release of their debut album, self-titled “Amyl and the Sniffers”, and at the 2019 ARIA Music Awards, the group won the ARIA Award for Best Rock Album for their debut. Since then, Amyl and the Sniffers have been riding that momentum over the past couple of years. The band has since released two more albums: “Comfort to Me” in 2021 and, most recently, “Cartoon Darkness” in 2024.

Another notable feature of the band is their unique name. You might think that “Amyl” is just a play-on-words for vocalist Amy’s name, but actually, the term “amyl” is slang for the chemical drug amyl nitrate, more commonly known as “poppers”. “In Australia we call poppers Amyl,” Amy said. “So you sniff it, it lasts for 30 seconds, and then you have a headache – and that’s what we’re like!”

Going Global

The band was only used to touring around Australia, but soon they started booking global festivals like “The Great Escape Festival” in 2018 in the United Kingdom alongside big names like Lewis Capaldi, BØRNS, and Phoebe Bridgers. The band has graduated from performing at smaller shows, opening now for bands like Weezer, Fall Out Boy, and Green Day on the European leg of the Hella Mega Tour, and they appeared alongside Smashing Pumpkins and Jane’s Addiction in 2023. They also embarked on their own US headline tour in the summer of 2024 while simultaneously supporting the Foo Fighters on their US tour, and most recently, they opened three concerts for The Offspring in Brazil while also playing a standalone show there as well. And it doesn’t stop there! Keep an eye out for the band’s set during America’s biggest music festival: Coachella!

Peter McPoland

Peter McPoland might not be a name known by most, but the way he got his start might sound familiar. Like Jaden Hossler, McPoland found success through one of his 2021 TikTok videos that went viral. McPoland started releasing music in 2018, way before he started making his videos on the social media platform, and he mainly used the app as a way to promote himself and his music, which could be classified as indie rock. The viral video was an acoustic rendition of his 2020 song “Romeo and Juliet”, which then amassed over a million views, and the song even made the #3 spot in Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 chart in 2021. Before his song went viral, he was releasing his music independently, but when he first found the spotlight. McPoland signed with Columbia Records, giving him more opportunities to let his music shine.

Driving Momentum

He released more and more singles like “Shit Show”, “Dead Air”, and “News at 9” before officially releasing his first EP, “Slow Down” in 2022. McPoland released his debut album “Piggy” in 2023, referencing one of the main characters in the novel “Lord of the Flies”, and it propelled him even further into the spotlight, leading to a successful headline tour in support of the record. Most recently, he released an EP titled “Friend” in December of 2024, signaling to his fans and everyone else listening that he’s not done just yet. 

Peter McPoland is no stranger to touring now that he’s found his stride, opening for Twenty One Pilots for “The Icy Tour” in 2022 and for Imagine Dragons’ “Loom World Tour” in 2024. His multiple headline tours since he started show a true musician’s graft behind his alt-rock/indie artistry, with his most recent being November 2024’s “Buddy Tour” across the United States. Be sure to check out his next live appearance in May at the Kirby Block Party in Salt Lake City, Utah!

The Wallows

The Wallows, an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, have steadily risen to mainstream success with their nostalgic yet modern indie rock sound. The trio – Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters, and Cole Preston – first gained attention thanks to Minnette’s role as Clay Jensen in Netflix’s hit series “13 Reasons Why”. However, the band quickly proved they were more than just a side project when their 2019 single “Are You Bored Yet?” featuring Clairo became a viral sensation on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic, propelling them to global recognition. The song’s dreamy, lo-fi production and pensive lyrics resonated with listeners, earning it triple-platinum certification in both the U.S. and Canada.

The Wallows’ music is a fusion of indie rock, post-punk, and bedroom pop, drawing inspiration from bands like The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and The Killers. Their tracks often feature infectious guitar riffs, playful yet deeply personal lyrics, and a balance between melancholic nostalgia and upbeat energy. Songs like “Scrawny”, with its punchy, self-deprecating humor, and “Remember When”, which evokes feelings of young love and fleeting memories, have become fan favorites. Their recent hit “Calling After Me”, from their 2024 album “Model”, showcases their evolving sound, blending slick production with their signature raw, indie charm.

Latest Success

Most recently, Wallows released a brand-new EP titled “More” on March 28, 2025, further making their mark in the indie rock scene. The EP explores themes of longing and self-discovery while maintaining their signature blend of catchy hooks and introspective storytelling. In support of their latest releases, the band embarked on a massive world tour in February 2025, kicking off in the United States and set to conclude in France this August. With their ability to craft deeply relatable yet sonically diverse tracks, Wallows continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying their status as one of the most exciting emerging rock artists of 2025.

Landon Barker

Landon Barker, the son of Blink-182’s legendary drummer Travis Barker, is generating a buzz in the music industry with his emotionally charged, punk-rock-pop-inspired sound. Born into rock royalty, Landon grew up surrounded by music, but he has been determined to carve out his path rather than simply ride the coattails of his father’s legacy. His rise to fame was undoubtedly accelerated by his father’s high-profile marriage to Kourtney Kardashian, which placed him in the Kardashian-Jenner media spotlight, as well as his past relationship with TikTok star Charli D’Amelio. However, Barker has worked hard to prove he’s more than just his famous last name, blending modern alt-pop, pop-punk, and emo influences to create his unique sound.

Landon debuted his solo music career in September 2023 with “Friends With Your Ex”, a moody, guitar-driven anthem that explores the complications of dating within the same social circle. The song, produced with the help of his father and featuring his signature rapid-rhythm drumming, quickly gained traction. The accompanying music video, which featured his then-girlfriend Charli D’Amelio, only added to the hype, drawing both praise and controversy for its rumoured aim at D’Amelio’s ex-boyfriend, Chase Hudson.

Barker in 2024

In March 2024, Barker followed up with “Over You”, a breakup anthem dripping with angst and raw emotion. The track showcases a more refined sound, blending melancholic melodies with explosive choruses, establishing his potential as a serious artist in the alt-rock space. Barker has also gained credibility through his collaborations with Machine Gun Kelly, whom he has both worked with and performed alongside. His feature on MGK’s track “Die in California” introduced him to a broader audience and strengthened his standing within the pop-punk and alternative music scene. 

As his career gains momentum, Barker is set to hit the stage for a series of performances in 2025. With a fastly growing fanbase and industry connections that open doors, Landon Barker is positioning himself as one of the most exciting emerging rock artists of 2025. While some may question whether his fame is a product of nepotism, his growing discography and evolving sound suggest that he is here to stay – proving he’s more than just Travis Barker’s son.

Maggie Lindemann

Maggie Lindemann has undergone a bold and deliberate transformation over the last ten years, evolving from a pop princess into one of today’s most intriguing emerging rock artists. She first caught the world’s attention with her 2016 breakout single “Pretty Girl” – a sugary, techno-pop anthem that dominated the charts and social media. But Lindemann quickly grew disillusioned with the mainstream pop machine, and over time began to reshape her sound into something far more raw, authentic, and aggressive. Today, her music sits confidently at the intersection of alternative, pop-punk, and even heavy metal – balancing catchy hooks with jagged guitars, dark lyrical themes, and emotionally charged vocals.

Her 2022 debut album “SUCKERPUNCH” signaled the shift, blending pop-punk with grunge and alt-rock influences, but it was her 2024 follow-up “HEADSPLIT” that fully embraced the darker, heavier elements of metal. Tracks are layered with distortion and a furious edge that feels worlds away from the polished sheen of her early releases. Collaborations with artists like Siiickbrain have pushed her further into the hardcore space, fixing her position among a new wave of female-fronted rock acts redefining the genre.

Despite her sonic evolution, Lindemann is still primarily known by many for her striking beauty, edgy fashion sense, and massive social media following across Instagram and TikTok – factors that often eclipse the conversation around her actual artistry. But in 2025, she’s demanding to be heard. With her fearless reinvention and commitment to creating music that feels true to who she is, Maggie Lindemann is no longer just a former pop star – she’s a rising force in modern rock.

Chloe Slater

Chloe Slater, a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Bournemouth, England, has rapidly emerged as a compelling voice in the indie rock scene. She began writing songs at the age of 13 and, after moving to Manchester for university, immersed herself in the city’s vibrant open mic circuit. There, she honed her craft and collaborated closely with producer Jack Shute.

In 2023, Slater released her debut single, “Sinking Feeling!,” marking the official start of her recording career. However, it was her 2024 track, “24 Hours”, that garnered significant attention. The song offers a sharp critique of modern influencer culture, with staccato verses that convey her frustration and a fervent rock chorus that underscores the song’s intensity. Her lyricism is both witty and incisive, often addressing contemporary societal issues with a blend of humor and candor.

Debuting

This is evident in her debut EP, “You Can’t Put A Price On Fun,” which features tracks like “Nothing Shines On This Island,” an explosive alt-rock anthem reflecting on post-Brexit Britain and the disconnection felt by the younger generation. Slater’s music seamlessly blends elements of grunge and indie rock, reinforced with powerful vocals and dynamic instrumentation. Her ability to articulate the frustrations of modern life resonates with a disillusioned generation, positioning her as a standout artist in the current rock landscape.

As of April 2025, Slater is embarking on an extensive tour across seven countries, with 24 upcoming concerts. Fans can anticipate a captivating live experience that showcases her dynamic stage presence and the raw energy of her music.​

Nova Twins

Alt-rock London duo Nova Twins have shined bright through the 2020s, with their anthemic blend of metal and punk coloured with shades of hip-hop and poppy earworms. Earning a reputation for their energetic shows in the 2010s, they first broke out with their debut album, “Who Are The Girls?” in 2020. Their second album, “Supernova”, saw them shoot further to success, with singles like “Antagonist” and “Cleopatra” climbing further up the UK charts. They may only be two, but their gigantic bass-heavy sound has seen them shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2022, nominated for the Brits in 2023, and playing major festivals like Glastonbury, Download and Lollapalooza.

As an independent band, both in their free spirit and label status, they’ve created their own lane of poignant, pulsing rock that’s as accessible as it is artistic. Their lyrical themes of self-worth, empowerment and fighting oppression have struck a chord with fans. This is also reflected in their advocacy and actions off the record, highlighting other POC rock musicians and even writing an open letter to the MOBOs urging them to recognize rock and alt artists – this led to the awards show creating a new alternative music category in 2022.

Third Album

Their third album, “Parasites & Butterflies”, is set for release in August, with a UK and European tour underway in September. In 2025, they’ll be performing at multiple festivals, including Glastonbury and even have a support slot with Lenny Kravitz lined up for April. Their recent appearance on The Jonathan Ross show was a testament to how far they’ve come, and the powerful atmosphere of their music. With catchy sing-along singles like “Monsters” and cool, dark, dancey numbers like “Soprano”, it’ll be interesting to see what new heights the twins shoot to in 2025. 

​​WesGhost

For a man behind a mask, WesGhost has still built a strong image as a new generation pop-punk artist that leaves it all on the record. His upbeat, misfit rock marries emo textures with hooky melodies. As a Midwest, mixed-race teen that grew up feeling like an outcast, he poured his feelings into song. He got his start producing for others before striking as a solo artist in 2023, donning his mask so that the audience will focus solely on his sound.

He released his first music on Sound, a blockchain-based music platform. This saw him foster a direct connection to his fans, allowing them to own and invest in his music in a more personal way than streaming platforms. His debut single, “SLEEPWALKING”, sold over 2,300 editions (digital collectibles/limited copies) and earned 13 ETH (worth thousands of dollars).

He released his “FACELESS” EP in 2023, again using an innovative release strategy – a lottery on the blockchain that saw fans enter for a chance to win special access to the EP. His debut album, “DON’T WORRY, I’LL BE FINE”, dropped in September 2024, featuring tracks like “SPINE” and “TEETH” that showed his punky, angsty style that seems like a soundtrack for anyone who doesn’t belong. He started 2025 with a single, “PAPERCUTS”, a summery, synthy number set to be part of his “AM I DREAMING?” mixtape dropping later in April. Hopefully, this new year will see WesGhost’s outsider sound find its place in more mainstream conversations.

Lambrini Girls

Don’t be confused from sharing the name with a light, sweet cider – the music of Lambrini Girls hits more like a spirit and mixer, giving boundless, not-giving-a-fuck energy. Inspired by bands like Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, their music is just as poetic as it is punky and powerfully raucous. Their rapid riffs, high-powered live performances, and socially conscious spirit have seen them rise through the ranks of rock, finding fans through their honest, biting lyrics and songs that hurtle forward like a rebellion ready to start.

Now composed of vocalist/guitarist Phoebe Lunny and bassist Lilly Macieira, the Brighton punk rock group formed in 2019, undergoing several lineup changes. In 2020, they released their debut single “Homewrecker”, followed by “Help Me I’m Gay” in 2022, with blistering, grinding guitars and tongue-in-cheek lyrics about sexuality. They released their debut EP “You’re Welcome” in 2023, with tunes like “White Van” and “Lads Lads Lads”, further cementing their sound with up-tempo distortion and comic, cutting lyrics observing misogyny, transphobia and homophobia.

2024

In 2024, they released several new singles, including “God’s Country”, “Company Culture”, “Big Dick Energy” and “Love”. Their debut album, “Who Let The Dogs Out”, was released earlier in January 2025, receiving positive acclaim from critics, including a 5-star review from NME, who called it “an unapologetic punk statement about the chaos of modern life”. It’s a fitting description for the duo, who can paint pictures of daily attitudes and scenarios in a captivating, cathartic way. They have UK and European tour dates scheduled for later this year, and an appearance at the In the Meadows Festival in Dublin alongside Iggy Pop and Slowdive. With such a strong reception for their blistering brand of politically conscious punk, their presence in 2025 will liven up the rock genre – let’s hope you can handle the headbanger hangover after.

The rock landscape in 2025 offers a range of different forms…

From the softer indie tones of Wallows to the metallic flavours of Nova Twins. Artists continue to carve out their lanes and empower their listeners, whether it’s through emo-inspired lyrics, society-damning screams or positive power-anthems. We’re seeing artists’ breakthrough in a variety of different ways, whether it’s through social media, live shows or out-the-box release methods. The broad spectrum of styles and stories brings a diverse, multifaceted edge to the all-encompassing phrase of ‘rock’. Whatever your preference, our Top 10 Emerging Rock Artists list will have a flavour to fit your taste this year!

To see last year’s list, click here.