Lauren Presley’s “Can I Be Happy” delivers a powerful pop rock sound with an anthemic chorus. As she sings, “Is there someone that can make me happy?” the track echoes the energy of early Avril Lavigne and Kelly Clarkson. Perfect for Spotify playlists like Fierce Femmes, Rock the World, New Pop Picks, and Pop Rising.

Born in Redwater, Texas, and now based in Nashville, Lauren Presley is a rising pop artist blending alt-pop and dark pop influences. Inspired by artists like Tate McRae, Halsey, Fletcher, and Nessa Barrett, she has gained attention, including a cover feature on Fresh Finds: Pop on Spotify. Her debut single, “A Little Longer,” has over 1 million streams on Spotify and 5.6 million views on YouTube. With her raw authenticity and ability to connect through music, Lauren is an artist to watch as she continues to grow.

Monotronic and the track “Everything Moves” is a great choice for those looking for an uptempo rocker with a ’90s goth feel. Think The Bravery meets The Killers. The track would be a strong fit for Spotify playlists like Rock This, New Noise, All New Rock, and Alternative Beats.

Monotronic is a collective of musicians based in New York City that blends a wide array of genres and styles to create a unique sound. Founded in 2016 by guitarist/producer Ramsey Elkholy, who serves as the band’s leader and primary songwriter, Monotronic combines indie and electronic music with strong world music influences. The band has been featured in multiple music publications and has performed at prestigious venues and festivals.

Watch out for Alban Ramosaj and his track Ghost of the Past, a fitting addition to Spotify playlists like Sad Indie, Indie Heartbreak, and Alone Again.

Born in Ede, the Netherlands, and now based in New York, Alban Ramosaj is a Kosovan-Albanian singer-songwriter with a history of success across Europe. His previous hits, Thikat E Mia and Theje, earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. After stepping away from music and relocating to the U.S., he returns with a deeply personal project, reconnecting with his passion for storytelling. His upcoming English debut EP, Heartbreak Motel—out April 25—unfolds across six tracks, exploring heartbreak, healing, and transformation. The first glimpse into this journey, Ghost of the Past, captures romantic nostalgia and the bittersweet process of letting go.

Watch out for ZZ Ward and the song “Love Alive.” ZZ Ward delivers a bluesy, soulful track that fits seamlessly into playlists like Blues Roots, Women of Blues, Modern Blues Rock, Vintage Vibes, Indie Blues & Folk, and Southern Gothic.

One of the most profound lessons ZZ Ward learned from growing up listening to the blues greats was to be authentic to your story. When the LA-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist began to write new music, she found herself in the midst of one of the biggest life changes a person will ever experience: motherhood.

“I didn’t plan to make a blues album about motherhood, it just sort of happened naturally,” ZZ shares. “I’ve always written to get through things in life. Suddenly, I was faced with a new job that’s 24/7 with no breaks, and that’s what I wrote about. But when you get tested, you discover who you are, and this album comes from a feeling of empowerment.”

“Put The Gun Down” was ZZ’s first single from her 2012 debut, Til the Casket Drops. It broke into the AAA Radio Charts Top 10 and stayed there for 10 weeks, followed by the single “365 Days,” which hit #2 on the charts. Til the Casket Drops also climbed into the Billboard Top 40 Alternative Chart. Her sophomore album, The Storm (2017), peaked at Number 1 on the Billboard Blues Charts, highlighted by singles featuring GRAMMY-Award winners Fantastic Negrito (“Cannonball”) and Gary Clark Jr. (“Ride”), which was also the end title song for Pixar’s feature film Cars 3. This past summer, ZZ was personally picked by Slash to open for his own blues album tour.

Watch out for Casey Ruth Little and the track “Smudge on the Lens.” Fans of indie folk will love it. A perfect song for a sad rainy day.

Casey Ruth Little is the 19-year-old singer/songwriter from Bristol, Rhode Island, you need to hear. With a sound that blends the timeless charm of Joni Mitchell, the grit of Stevie Nicks, and the emotional depth of Phoebe Bridgers, Casey’s music is raw, honest, and deeply relatable. Whether she’s inviting you into her world of personal stories or uplifting you with her infectious energy, Casey’s sound sticks with you long after the song ends.

Her big break came in April 2024 when she earned a spot on NPR Music’s Top Shelf List as part of their Tiny Desk Contest. At just 18, she was the youngest artist featured, and her song “Smudge of the Lens”—with its intricate guitar work and soaring soprano—quickly captured the hearts of listeners. The feature became the launchpad for her career, introducing her to a national audience and sparking an immediate, organic following.

But it wasn’t just the NPR spotlight that built her fanbase—it was Casey’s authenticity and relatability. As she continued to share her music, her unfiltered personality, honest storytelling, and genuine connection with her fans helped her grow a community of over 35,000 followers across platforms. Her debut solo single, “Who Could’ve Known?” (released in July 2024), further solidified this bond, with its heartfelt lyrics that fans could instantly relate to.

Spotify playlists where “Smudge on the Lens” could find a home:, Indie Folk, Fresh Folk, Acoustic Chill, Sad Indie, Morning Coffee, and Indie Rainy Day.