The Unknown Sound of 2025

The music world is constantly evolving, and 2025 is shaping to be a year of groundbreaking sound and innovation. As technology continues to push creative boundaries, artists are blending genres, experimenting with new production techniques, and connecting with their audiences in ways we’ve never seen before. From fresh faces poised to become household names to established stars pushing their craft into new territory, the musical landscape is set for a dynamic year ahead. In this post, I’ll recap some of the most significant music events, trends, and developments of 2024, and offer a glimpse of what 2025 holds.

AI: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

The first thing I’d like to mention about 2024’s wild year in music is the biggest elephant in the room: AI. For someone who grew up with the internet and smartphones, it was still crazy to see AI take over music and social media. I have no immediate hate against AI and think it can help in ways the common person hasn’t even thought about, but where’s the line for taking it too far? During the first few months of the year, every time I scrolled on any social media, there were posts about AI-generated songs that sounded nearly identical to many popular artists’ voices. Ariana Grande, Drake, and The Weeknd were just a few that I can remember off the top of my head. At first, they were just funny 20-second snips of a song that sounded like it could be a real release from an artist, but as time went on, they turned into full-length 3-minute songs that would blow up on TikTok or some other social media. This is when we have to ask the important question: where is the line? Who gets money for these songs? Do the artists get a say in whether they want their voices used in an AI-generated song? How do we know what’s real or not? Based on where the world is right now as I write this post, I have no doubt that AI will play an even larger role in the music industry this year. As with any other technology, there’s a good side and a bad. I have no issues with AI in music, but I feel it removes a sense of originality we desperately need in the industry. Trends are one thing, but will AI go so far as to make every artist’s music sound the same? Would everyone have similar lyrics and production styles because they all come from a machine? What’s an artist without their creativity or muse? If the AI trend continues, I hope to see it being used in useful ways and not to promote “laziness” in music.

Tomorrow is Yesterday’s Reflection

2024 was the year of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and for someone born and raised in the South, I hope you read that quote in your head with the most country accent possible: it’s the only way. On a more serious note, many of the songs that flooded the charts in 2024 were songs that were heavily influenced by past decades and trends. From synth-heavy tracks that channel the 80s to soulful melodies straight out of the 70s, modern artists are blending nostalgia innovation in ways that feel both similar and fresh. But is this just a passing trend or a deeper reflection of how history shapes creativity? Let’s take a brief dive into how the sounds of yesterday are remixing the soundtrack of today.

If you’re a music lover like I am, as soon as you hear a song for the 1st time there are a million questions after the initial listen. If it happens to be a song with a deeper meaning, you’re dissecting the lyrics and trying to interpret the message the artists wanted you to receive. If the song is catchy you’re thinking, “Who wrote this hook?” or “Who made this beat?” If it has a sound that you know you’ve heard before but just can’t put your finger on you ask, “Who’d they sample?” Or you say something like my dad, whose favorite go-to is, “They stole this song from someone!” But is never able to figure out who they ‘stole’ it from. Let’s say you’re not a crazed music listener like me who needs to know all this information immediately…there’s one thing that almost every listener asks: Who is this? Something that almost all musical artists have in common is their distinct sound. When I use the term “distinct sound” I don’t mean that everyone on the radio has a certain kind of sound to become mainstream. I use it to refer to the individual artist and what their artistry means to them. Who are they?

2024 consisted of many mainstream artists sticking to their own artistry, but using past decades to amplify their music. 2 songs hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for multiple weeks and were both blatant samples from older songs. Jack Harlow’s “Lovin’ on Me” spent 5 weeks at #1 in 2024. The hook of the song comes from Cadillac Dale’s 1995 single, “Whatever (Bass Solique).” The words were kept and a bassline was added to the original song. Along with Jack’s verses and a few changes from the original sample, a new song was made. If you blindly listened to Jack Harlow’s hit without knowing the original song, you would think the entire song was original, and I’m sure there are a lot of people who do. Some people see this as the beauty of sampling…others, not so much.

The next song I’m mentioning could have a whole post to itself. It changed the course of rap last year and started one of the biggest rivalries in the hip-hop world since the 90s. If you’re not familiar, Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Like That” was the first of many singles released targeted at one of the biggest rappers in recent years, Drake. Kendrick was accompanied by Future and producer Metro Boomin for what could be argued as one of the most popular songs of the year. The release of this song was the beginning of Kendrick’s monumental year that would eventually lead to the announcement of his headlining of Superbowl LIX. The song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 6,2024 and stayed in the top spot for 3 consecutive weeks. When you type the generic question asking who Kendrick sampled, multiple sources claim Metro Boomin, sampled many songs, but the main song that’s credited as a sample is “Everlasting Bass” by Rodney O and Joe Cooley. Within the first 5 seconds of “Like That,” you can hear the influence of the sampled song. Unlike Jack Harlow’s hit, the majority of the sample is the beat and not the lyrics.

Those two songs are just a fraction of how older music is used and remixed for today’s listeners. As I mentioned earlier, each artist has their own sound that showcases who they are as a musician. Some artists take a specific decade or trend and make use of it throughout their entire catalog. Leon Bridges, for example, is considered to be an R&B artist in the broadest sense. Wikipedia describes his most recent album as “progressive soul,” but what does that truly mean? It’s obvious he’s inspired by the 50s and 60s soulful sound. He’s Ottis Redding, Bobby Womack, and Stevie Wonder all in one. Leon is heavily influenced by an era of music and uses that era of music he loves to his advantage. Other artists like Dua Lipa and The Weeknd have switched up their sound within the last few years, taking on an 80s aesthetic. Even artists who’ve been making music for two decades have used this tactic recently. The rock band Fall Out Boy, whose first album was released in 2003, released a remake of icon Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start The Fire.” Of course, Fall Out Boy modernized the original song and made it relatable to today’s listeners, but the bones and structure of Billy Joel’s initial hit are still there. As we stream the latest releases, let’s embrace the echoes of the past and appreciate how they shape the soundtrack of our present. Will 2025 consist of more artists tackling the task of using older music to relate to current listeners? Or will we see more originality in the upcoming months?

Emerging Artists to Look Out For

2024 shined a light on multiple artists who, before now had a fanbase, but weren’t blown up to the level they’re at as I write this post. Artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Raye are just a few to mention. 2024 was their year, and it was impossible to drive 5 minutes down the street without hearing one of their songs on the radio. As someone who listens to music daily and (no offense to the radio) doesn’t want to hear the same 15 songs on repeat all day, shuffling my same three playlists multiple times a day is usually my go-to. Unfortunately, that can also get boring…especially if I haven’t updated the playlists in ages. Recently I’ve tried to make an effort to listen to at least 1 or 2 new artists a week, and based on their creativity and recent releases, here are three artists I think will have their biggest year yet in 2025:

• Trent the HOOLiGAN

Trent the HOOLliGAN is a breath of fresh air in the rap game, blending raw lyricism with introspective storytelling that hits straight to the soul. With a sound that feels simultaneously classic and innovative, he channels the grit and authenticity of golden-era hip-hop while weaving in modern elements that keep his music fresh. His delivery is sharp yet reflective, often diving into themes of resilience, personal growth, and the realities of life. Whether he’s spitting over soulful beats or harder, head-nodding production, Trent the HOOLliGAN proves he’s an artist who values substance as much as style, carving out a lane that’s all his own. If I’m being honest he’s probably my favorite newer artist. As a fan of conscious and lyrical rap, it’s nice to see someone from the newer generation trying to take the reins, especially because he does it so well. Two songs that I would recommend to someone who’s never listened to him would be “FLWRZ,” or “WARNiNGSHOT!” both released in 2023.

• Khamari

Khamari is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting voices in modern R&B, blending soulful melodies with introspective lyrics that resonate deeply. His music feels both timeless and fresh, drawing inspiration from legends like Stevie Wonder and D’Angelo while carving out a sound that’s unmistakably his own. Whether it’s his smooth falsetto, heartfelt storytelling, or minimalist yet captivating production, Khamari’s artistry has a way of pulling listeners into his world. With tracks that explore love, growth, and self-discovery, he’s not just making music—he’s crafting experiences that linger long after the last note fades. Khamari is the kind of artist that gives me hope for the R&B world. The argument that R&B is dead is solely a waste of breath if you’ve listened to anything he’s released. My favorite songs by him currently are “These Four Walls” and “Drifting” both from his debut album A Brief Nirvana.

• Balu Brigada

Balu Brigada is the kind of band that feels like they’re curating the perfect playlist for your life. Hailing from New Zealand, this sibling-led group blends infectious grooves, dreamy melodies, and introspective lyrics into a sound that’s uniquely their own. Their music dances between indie-pop, R&B, and alt-rock, creating a vibe that’s as chill as it is deeply emotive. Whether it’s their sharp songwriting or the effortless charisma they bring to every track, Balu Brigada manages to hit that sweet spot where artistry meets relatability. With each release, they continue to prove they’re a rising force worth keeping on repeat. I initially found this group when I went to see Twenty One Pilots on their Clancy World Tour. Balu Brigada opened the show, and I left the arena that night not only blasting my favorite Twenty One Pilots songs but also listening to all that I could of Balu Brigada’s most recent releases because that’s how great they sounded live on stage. They had a great vibe and I was intrigued. The two songs I have on repeat by them right now are “Designer” and “Another Day,” both from their EP Find a Way.

Conclusion

The future of music is as unpredictable as ever, but it’s definitely going to be one exciting ride. With technology continuing to push creative boundaries, genres blurring more than ever, and global influences shaping a truly borderless soundscape, the music of tomorrow promises to be both innovative and deeply personal. Whether it’s through AI-crafted melodies, hyper-experimental production, or a nostalgic revival of sounds we thought we left behind, 2025 will undoubtedly deliver music that surprises, inspires, and connects us in new ways. One thing is certain: the soundtrack of the future will be shaped by the daring visions of today’s artists, who refuse to settle for anything less than greatness. What are you looking forward to this year in music? Are there artists that you believe will have their spotlight this year, similar to Sabrina Carpenter or Chappell Roan? Please feel free to share your thoughts on 2024’s music highlights and what you’re excited to see in 2025.