Watch out for Azra’s new uptempo rocker, “If It Wasn’t for You,” reminiscent of early 2000s Avril Lavigne’s skater rock.

AZRA immigrated to San Jose, CA, at nine and faced the challenges of rediscovering herself after this life-altering change. Before pursuing music, she attended Boston University and had a career as a corporate business executive consultant, which she eventually left to follow her passion for music. At 19, she was diagnosed with glaucoma and temporarily lost sight in her right eye, which led her to create the Substance Pop genre, aiming to empower others to pursue their dreams despite hardships. In 2017, AZRA released her first EP, Freedom, and toured with the Plain White T’s. She achieved chart success with her singles “Dimension” and “Dangerous.” In 2023, she released “ALL OUT,” which gained traction on KROQ’s “Locals Only” show and was featured in Korea Daily. She followed with “i wish you would cry” and “Bring Me The Crown,” the latter earning a licensing deal with Five Guys. In July 2023, AZRA released her EP, The Chronicles of Substance Pop: The Rebellion, celebrated with a performance at Hotel Cafe and her first West Coast headlining tour. Her music videos and features in outlets like Medium and Authority Magazine have contributed to her growing recognition and fan base, the Azradeities.

Keep an eye on Kylie Rothfield and her track “Never Loved Somebody,” a mix of pop, country, Americana, and folk with a memorable chorus.

Kylie shares, “Pov: a year ago you thought about giving up music, but you’re about to release the first single off your new album, and life feels like a dream.”

In 2015, Kylie signed her first publishing deal, with her songs featured on ABC, NBC, MTV, and E! Network. She frequently posts updates on Instagram about her songwriting and album process, leading to the release of her new single.

Look out for Peyton Shay’s “Dashboard Lights” and its music video—an ideal track for anyone looking for something fresh beyond Taylor Swift. The video captures a late-night car ride through empty streets, setting the tone for Shay’s vocals as she reflects on a relationship gone wrong. “I randomly wrote the beginning of ‘Dashboard Lights’ in my room, alone, on my piano,” Shay shares. “It’s like speeding through red lights, ignoring warning signs, and realizing too late that I was driving us into trouble.”

Shay, from a small town outside Los Angeles, began songwriting in middle school after recording her first breakup song. “I don’t come from a musical background,” she says, but she found inspiration in artists like Blondie and Paramore. Her new Daydream Police EP captures the rawness of her early music with a deeper sense of self. “Writing this EP brought me back to my 12-year-old self,” Shay says. “It’s honest, daring, and just me.”

Keep an eye on Wodan Boys and their track Karaoke Rockstar a fast-paced, punchy rock song. Think Queens of the Stone Age meets Foo Fighters and The Black Keys. It’s a great fit for Spotify’s New Noise playlist.

The Dutch post-punk band released “Karaoke Rockstar,” their third single from the upcoming EP, on September 27. Wodan Boys are closing in on 10,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, with previous hits including “Bells,” “Thunder Glove,” and “Fun Fact.”

The band is carving out a distinct place in the music scene. About their approach, they said:

“Let’s be real. You don’t need another list of bands we like or metaphors to make us seem cool. It’s just high-energy, loud rock music. A balance between chaotic, aggressive guitars and catchy hooks.”

Looking for something alternative and grungy? Check out “No Worries If Not” by Tiny Gun. This track takes you straight back to the smoky days of NYC’s iconic CBGB’s. The song is part of their self-titled EP, released on September 20th.

Tiny Gun, fronted by Kareem Rahma, has become a staple in the NYC club scene, performing at venues like Union Pool, Addison Pest Control, and Pyramid Club. Though they’ve only released a handful of singles, their music is making waves. The EP features shredding guitar solos, sharp lyrical wit, pounding drums, and a fresh spin on a classic sound.

If you’re craving raw, energetic vibes, give “No Worries If Not” a listen!