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.

Watch out for Jadeyn Snider and her debut track, Memories. Recorded in Nashville, TN, this heartfelt song blends pop, folk-pop, and indie-pop influences, making it a must-listen for fans of Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and Alana Springsteen.

“When I wrote this song, I wanted it to be for everyone—past memories, future dreams,” Jadeyn shares. With raw emotion, she sings:
“I have a couple stories I never told, a couple of songs I never sung, some good ol’ memories locked up inside.”

With its soulful lyrics and warm, nostalgic melody, Memories is a perfect addition to Spotify playlists like New Music Nashville, Fresh Finds Country, Acoustic Hits, and Indie Folk Favorites.

Watch out for 17-year-old Kellan Christopher Cragg and the track “After The Rain,” a song that fits perfectly on Indie Folk, Rainy Day Coffee, Acoustic Chill, Lush + Ethereal, and Experimental Indie playlists.

Drawing comparisons to Alex G and Sufjan Stevens, Cragg’s multi-instrumental talent stands out. His arrangements allow space for his storytelling to take center stage.

Influenced by Rock, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Alt, Cragg forges his own path, blending genres based on curiosity, fear, and vulnerability.

Watch out for London-based independent artist Yodashe and the track “LITE,” a song that belongs on Alternative R&B, Dark Pop, Experimental Electronica, Indie Chill, and Fresh Finds playlists.

Her debut single “MRKTPLC” from her solo album was featured on The Fader’s essential “Songs You Need In Your Life: January 2024” list.

She has performed in front of 7,000 people in Athens, Greece, supporting Bloc Party and Primal Scream as a finalist in the Coca-Cola Soundwave Music Competition with her former art-punk band Flakes.

Yodashe recently completed her MMus in Popular Music at Goldsmiths, University of London and self-produced her debut album under the supervision of Grammy-nominated record producer Mikko Gordon.