Major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music reported continued subscriber growth in Q4 2025. Spotify’s user growth slowed slightly, while TikTok’s influence on streaming engagement declined as competitors expanded short-form discovery tools.
• Artists are shifting focus toward playlist placement and personalized formats
• Labels are reallocating marketing spend to Spotify and YouTube Shorts
As holiday gifting peaked, vinyl LP sales climbed 12% year-over-year.
• Independent record stores reported strong December foot traffic
• Vinyl now represents ~25% of physical music revenue
Lauren Presley returns to her breakout moment with People Leave Acoustic, a piano driven reimagining released on the one year anniversary of the original. Where the first version explored childhood abandonment and the long shadow it leaves behind, the acoustic take slows everything down and leans fully into vulnerability. With only piano and vocal, the song centers on the quiet fear of losing even the people who stay, a feeling shaped by past trauma and delivered with striking emotional clarity.
The original People Leave has surpassed 5 million streams across DSPs, charted on iTunes, and earned support from outlets including TMRW, Earmilk, CLASH, and Kings of A&R. The acoustic version strips away production and puts Lauren’s raw delivery front and center, reinforcing her reputation as a fearless and emotionally honest voice in alt pop.
Beyond the acoustic release, Lauren Presley has continued to expand her artistic vision through visual storytelling. She unveiled her first official music video with Straitjacket, a dark and cinematic visual that confronts the gaslighting trope head on. Reclaiming the “crazy” label often used against women, the track is anchored by the chilling hook “Put me in a straitjacket” and brought to life through haunting imagery and a commanding vocal performance. Directed by Working Holiday and produced on an $8,000 budget, the video sharpens Lauren’s alt pop edge and draws comparisons to artists like Halsey, Nessa Barrett, and Kenzie. The release received press support from outlets including Earmilk, DMY, and No Transmission.
Across her catalog, Lauren has amassed over 24.8 million YouTube views with more than 848 thousand hours of total watch time. She has performed People Leave on Today in Nashville Morning TV on WSMV and appeared on podcasts such as Good Noise Podcast and Hook and Bridge Podcast, further solidifying her growing presence as an emerging alt pop artist.
With its intimate tone and emotional weight, People Leave Acoustic is a strong fit for playlists such as Sad Pop, piano ballads, Alt Pop Chill, emotional acoustic, Indie Pop Sad Songs, Tearjerkers, Feelings, Late Night Pop, Acoustic Chill, and singer songwriter piano focused playlists across Spotify and Apple Music.
Check out more artists on Kings of A&R
“Neon Moonlight” introduces the next chapter for ARSADI, the Uppsala indie rock group known for mixing emotional songwriting with bright, energetic production. The track leans into the band’s strengths: warm vocals, colorful synths, and a steady indie pop pulse that feels both inviting and instantly memorable. It is a smooth, feel-good release that shows the band moving toward a bigger, more confident sound.
ARSADI has been steadily shaping their identity since frontman Anthony Bachtiar returned from music studies in London. What began as personal demos has grown into a full band built on curiosity, craft, and the joy of experimenting. With members Anthony, Nils Öberg, Feria Hikmet, and Malkolm Bonander, the group blends indie rock, pop, and emotionally honest lyricism into something fresh yet familiar. Fans of kent, Deportees, Shout Out Louds, and Coldplay will find a natural connection here.
Following the success of their 2023 EP Introspections and standout tracks like “Overcome the Night” and “Fade In Fade Out,” ARSADI continues to expand their reach. They have earned local recognition through festival appearances and competition wins, and now move forward with new releases through Rexius Records.
“Neon Moonlight” fits easily into the playlists that celebrate upbeat, heartfelt indie music. It would sit comfortably alongside songs on Indie Pop, All New Indie, Fresh Finds Pop, Night Rider, and other playlists built around smooth grooves and warm, emotional energy. It is another strong step in ARSADI’s evolution and a clear hint of what is still to come.
Check out more emerging artists at Kings of A&R
Grace Luv’s newest release “Misery Luvs Company” is a mid-tempo pop track that blends emotional honesty with a polished, modern edge. The verses carry a pulse reminiscent of the darker tension found in Youngblood, but Grace quickly moves into her own lane with expressive vocals, sharp storytelling, and a standout guitar solo that gives the track its own identity.
The song centers on reclaiming strength after being underestimated, ignored, or silenced. Grace brings that story to life with cutting, vivid lines that land with weight and clarity:
“I know it was misleading all the words that I once said
Just because you buried me doesn’t mean that I was dead
Oh I was still shining I’m the sun behind a cloud
I let the truth stay quiet even though your lies were loud
I sang about my pain don’t hold it against me
Misery luvs company”
Her delivery moves from wounded reflection to a confident rise, turning heartbreak into empowerment. The production is sleek and modern, giving her space to shine while the guitar solo adds an unexpected burst of energy that elevates the entire track.
With its blend of emotion, melody, and pop precision, “Misery Luvs Company” is a strong fit for several editorial and mood-focused playlists on Spotify, especially Pop Rising, Fresh & Chill, Young & Free, Alt Pop, Mood Booster, sad hour, Pop Sauce, and Indie Pop & Chill. It has the replay value, narrative punch, and sonic texture that playlist listeners gravitate toward.
Grace Luv continues to build a sound that feels both personal and accessible — the kind of storytelling pop that hits the heart but stays stuck in your head. “Misery Luvs Company” is more than a breakup track; it’s a small rebellion set to melody and proof that Grace is carving out her own place in the pop landscape.
Check out more emerging artists on Kings of A&R.
Just in time for the season, Ava Della Pietra delivers a fresh, intimate cover of Last Christmas that feels tailor made for December mornings and late night winter drives. Rather than recreating the original, Ava strips it back and rebuilds it in her own voice with warm vocals, gentle emotion, and a quietly modern touch.
Her version leans into soft piano textures and understated production, letting the melody breathe while bringing out the song’s bittersweet heart. It is the kind of holiday track that works in the background of a café as well as on repeat at home. Comforting without being overplayed, familiar without feeling predictable.
Perfect fits include cozy holiday playlists on Spotify such as Coffeehouse Christmas, Indie Christmas, Chill Holiday, Acoustic Christmas, and Holiday Pop Chill. These are the playlists people put on while working, journaling, relaxing, or escaping the busy noise of the season.
Already known for her thoughtful songwriting and musical versatility, Ava continues to show her ability to make familiar material feel personal and current. Her take on “Last Christmas” does not try to outshine the original. It invites listeners in, warms the room, and lingers like a good cup of coffee on a cold day.
If you are building out Christmas playlists this year and want something cozy, modern, and quietly emotive, Ava Della Pietra’s “Last Christmas” is an easy add.
Check out more emerging artists on Kings of A&R.
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