The year is winding down, and what a year it’s been for indie and alternative music! From genre-blending newcomers to boundary-pushing veterans, 2025 brought a wealth of unforgettable sounds and fresh voices. 🎧 🌀 We’ve rounded up some of the artists who not only impressed us all year, but kept us hitting repeat over and over. Without further ado, here are our official picks for top Indie/Alternative artists for 2025…
Symphonic’s Top Indie/Alternative Artists of 2025
BALTHVS
BALTHVS is a Colombian trio pushing the boundaries of the global groove scene with a sound that blends psychedelia, funk, Middle Eastern melodies, Latin rhythms, and expansive jam-driven energy. Made up of Balthazar Aguirre, Santiago Lizcano, and Johanna Mercuriana, the group has released four albums, toured across 22 countries and more than 90 cities on four continents, and earned over 60 million streams along the way. Their genre-bending approach has carved out a world of its own. One that keeps growing as they continue exploring new sonic territory and expanding their reach globally. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…
Dead Gowns
Dead Gowns is the project of Maine songwriter Genevieve Beaudoin, whose debut full-length album explores desire, longing, and the emotional shifts that come with growing into adulthood. Her lyrics lean poetic and intimate, shaped by the rugged coastline and seasonal changes of her home state. The result is a collection of songs that sit between vulnerability and resolve, offering a raw and transformative look at the inner world she brings to life. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…
Fleece
Fleece is a Montreal indie rock band with a knack for turning dreamy melodies and sharp storytelling into something instantly magnetic. Made up of Matthew Rogers, Megan Ennenberg, Jameson Daniel, and Ethan Soil, the group first caught attention when their tongue-in-cheek “how to write an Alt-J song” video went viral. Since then, albums like Scavenger, Voyager, and Stunning & Atrocious have cemented their sound as warm, inventive, and full of charm. Their ability to evolve while keeping things uniquely Fleece is exactly what makes them one to watch. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…
h. pruz
h. pruz is the intimate indie folk project of Queens-based songwriter Hannah Pruzinsky, whose delicate voice and heartfelt songwriting blend introspection with ambient, emotional textures. Since emerging with their debut album No Glory in 2024, h. pruz has explored vulnerability, transformation, and the emotional tides of connection with a sound that feels both spacious and deeply personal. Their follow-up Red Sky at Morning builds on these themes with rich atmosphere and thoughtful lyricism, making h. pruz a project to keep on your radar. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…
Imogen Heap
Imogen Heap is an English singer, songwriter, and producer whose groundbreaking work has redefined modern pop and electronic music. Known for her ethereal vocals, inventive production, and pioneering use of technology, Heap has earned critical acclaim, a Grammy, and a devoted global following. From her early solo albums to her work with Frou Frou and innovative solo projects, she combines emotional depth with sonic experimentation in a way few artists can. Heap continues to inspire musicians worldwide with her bold creativity and visionary approach. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…
KATZROAR
KATZROAR is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer weaving together psychedelic rock with ethereal vocals and poetic lyrics. Their music creates immersive soundscapes that feel both mystical and transformative, inviting listeners on a journey of body, soul, and spirit. Known for blending imagination with technical skill, KATZROAR is quickly becoming a standout presence in the modern psychedelic scene. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…
Mo Lowda & the Humble
Mo Lowda & the Humble are a Philadelphia-based indie rock band known for energetic live shows and a constantly evolving sound. Since their 2013 debut, the group has expanded their sonic palette with each album, culminating in their fifth studio release, Tailing the Ghost, recorded mostly live on the road. The album is their most cohesive and explorative yet, showcasing tight musicianship, bold songwriting, and a knack for capturing the raw energy of their performances. Their dedication to touring and recording has helped them cultivate a loyal fanbase and a reputation as one of Philadelphia’s most vital indie acts. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…
OK Go
OK Go is an American rock band known as much for their inventive, high-energy music videos as for their catchy pop-rock songs. Over a career spanning more than two decades, the band has turned viral choreography, clever visuals, and DIY creativity into a signature style that blends music, art, and performance. Hits like “Here It Goes Again” and “This Too Shall Pass” showcase their knack for melody, humor, and precision, while their fearless experimentation has earned them critical acclaim and a devoted global fanbase. OK Go continues to redefine what it means to merge music and visual storytelling. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…
Sublime/Jakobs Castle
Jakobs Castle is the project of Jakob Nowell, son of Sublime’s late frontman Bradley Nowell, blending California rock, ska-punk, and experimental sounds into a bold, modern style. His debut album Enter: The Castle mixes bright guitars, electronic flourishes, and inventive production, nodding to his musical roots while carving out his own sound. In 2023, Jakob joined original Sublime members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh on stage, bridging the iconic band’s legacy with his fresh, genre-blurring vision, making Sublime/Jakobs Castle a unique combination of history and innovation. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…
TOLEDO
TOLEDO is a Brooklyn‑based indie rock duo made up of childhood friends Daniel Álvarez de Toledo and Jordan Dunn‑Pilz, known for warm melodies, introspective lyrics, and seamless harmonies. Their music blends indie rock, folk, and pop into songs that feel both personal and expansive. After EPs like Hot Stuff and Jockeys of Love, their debut LP How It Ends earned critical buzz for its emotional depth and textured songwriting. TOLEDO’s ability to turn vulnerability into vivid soundscapes has built them a dedicated following and made them a standout in the indie scene.// 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…
Want to hear more of our favorite artists from the past year?
Check out our ‘Best of 2025’ playlist on Spotify below…