My Top 10 Music Discoverys In 2025

By design, this was a lighter year for discoveries. Although I've been searching the seas, I've written less often. Despite that, some absolute classics make the list, as well as a healthy helping of acts I've caught on the road. These are probably my two favorite ways to unearth great music. Names you know, ones you don't. Shout out to Soul Blind and Krusseldorf. They made the Top Albums list, I didn't include them.

(10) Qendresa

In her best stride, Qendresa reps a sleek R&B motif echoing Vapourwave with a chopped and screwed approach to the instrumentals. A niche sound turning an otherwise glossy sound to something nightly and chilled. Her best numbers are decent but its the potential for this sound to go further that has me interested.

(9) Slaughter To Prevail

I've known of Slaughter for years but foolishly assumed they were part of the Post-Deathcore race to the bottom. Having given their newest record a proper spin, I can hear the influences of my generation permeating a new strand of metallic brutality I couldn't deny is exciting among a stagnant scene.


(8) State Azure

There are tones of artists in this Cosmic Ambience adjacent landscape. Its hard to stand out but State Azure has done so by maintaining stellar production and showing flickers of creativity and influence to perhaps move the needle in an interesting direction. This manifests on their reinventions of classic 80s track. A novelty to revel in if it peaks your interest.


(7) Enigma

I love these sorts of discoveries! Forgotten acts that have a prominent roll in the unfolding tapestry of the time. With a couple of ubiquitous "advert songs" under their belt, this felt like an unusual story for a band who's origin seems like an unintentional accident. The depth of there catalog is light but very enjoyable.


(6) Thornhill

I got into this band in preparation for seeing them later in the year. Sadly that never came to fruition. Thornhill are fantastic, a Deftones inspired by who despite showing their influences all too clearly, still win one over with their grooves, hooks and big riffs. Experimenting with production and electronics, there is an element of originality emerging here I'd like to hear more of on future albums.


(5) Mudi Sama

The first act from my day at Reading Festival, Mudi is a talented song writer with something raw emerging, yet to be fully nurtured. The current roster of songs feel rough around the edges yet his songs shine bright. Poised to move in several directions, this feels like an artist who's evolution could be huge.


(4) South Arcade

Like a time bubble back to the years of my sixth form days, South Arcade revel in the aesthetic of my youth. A mix of Skater, Rock and Pop reminiscent of No Doubt. I'm convinced they could blow up. Connecting with a young audience and writing anthems out the gate, it will be fascinating to follow them over the next few years.


(3) Prince

A legend needing no introduction, this was the year I finally got around to Prince. Although I didn't get roped into much of his intimidating discography, Purple Rain is a clear crescendo, a peak for all time. I loved getting into it. Prince's musicality feels like it can't be taught, his creative streak and expression is just so self affirming. Love it!


(2) Magdalena Bay

I really struggled with Mica Tenenbaum's voice at first, but having come around to her subdued whispery nature, the creativity of this duo is flows perfectly! Their songs feel like adventures through the fruits of experimental jam sessions, melded into colorful numbers rocking melodies and novelty through its deep aesthetic dressing. Decent songs fleshed out with explorations of sound.


(1) Enya

I cannot express just how much her music makes swells of emotion arise within me. There is something deeply humanistic and beautiful about her expressions. A voice entangled into the instrumentational role both fantastical and rural. Rooted, yet uplifting, her grace often feels like a bridge from earth to the heavens. Utterly brilliant, Enya exists on a realm of her own making. Absolute peak!

State Azure "Paradise Star EP" (2025)

EP by name but double LP by duration, Paradise Star drops four lengthy serine mood pieces alternating between Berlin School inspired synth jostling and brooding ethereal percussion-less soundscapes. Its opening piece, the twenty minute title track, a clear favorite. Its lively, animated cycling melody a curious engagement. Seeming more mechanical than expressive, its burgeoning bustles and gradual unwindings guide the song through phases over top dreamy synths. Together, they paint a rich atmosphere.

 White Lake and We Sleep Beneath A Dying Moon act as layered tone setting drones, great for focus and meditative moods. Pathfinder feels like a mastery of texture, guiding its various sequenced instruments through gradual shifts as sharp attack-decay keys and drums exchange over soft elongated synth chords. Its a textural treat but in its lengthy incarnation, this aesthetic class becomes secondary to the musics lengthy trajectory. All in all, an impressive set of songs befitting of my taste right now.

Rating: 7/10 

State Azure "80s Ambient Reinventions" (2024)

 

 

Further exploring the "inconsequential" landscape of Psybient and Cosmic Ambience music has led me back to State Azure, an artist with a distinct approach to acute minimalism, crafting ambient tunes that simply captivating one in its moment only. 80s Ambient Reinventions caught my attention for its inspirations. Five big hits from the decade past, re-spun by glossy keyboard synths to linger in a incidental space.

 

The record starts steady, gradually building. Brief echos of motifs and melodies guide the music, borrowed from the original songs. As the album progress track by track, so to does its connection to the original source, deepening that connection. Opening with Save A Prayer, inspired Berlin School arpeggios drone in a melodic trance, propelled by a lean and hard percussive force. So to does With Love Comes Quickly.

 

Running Up That Hill and In The Air Tonight play soother cuts, calming renditions. The latter extracts distinctions like the 80s epic lead guitars and classic gated tom sound, pivoting them into an atmosphere roll. The enigmatic chords of the song linger in the fold, completely reshaping the original. Its a wonderful creation. So too is another 80s classic, Tears For Fears' timeless hit, Everybody Wants To Rule The World.

 

This one feels closest to its origin, the melodies play distinct, with similar aesthetics, yet appear spaced out, slowly merging closer together as the song grows its layers. This measured build up creates tension, an anticipation for some sort of crescendo that never arrives. Its my favorite of the five! Feeling like an endearing echo of the songs spirit, observed across time and space itself. A wonderful little record!

 

Rating: 7/10 

State Azure "Stellar Descent" (2023)

 

 

This will be my last record for the year, a documentation of discovery. One for the "space music" playlist, State Azure caught my ear with a level of care worthy of attention. At a mammoth one hour forty five minutes, Stellar Descent plays as a astral mood setter. Carefully crafted compositions straddle between shimmering synths yawning in cosmic wonder and a digital counterpart of bustling, whirling synthetic instruments, skirting tuneful melody and conjuring echos of 70s electronica.

No compositions stood apart as distinct or memorable. With everything from its subtle mechanical percussive sways to melting galactic aesthetics serving its atmosphere, these songs drift by in a haze of temporal relaxation. Although structured with transitions and pivots, they flow by calm and understated. These instrumentals never lean into a hook or catchy tune but forge deep tones suited for the star gazing imagination. Excellent background music for focusing on a task of mental demand.

 

My time with Stellar Descent didn't unearth new ground or reach the emotional highs of a Dreamstate Logic. It was a familiar feeling, executed with class and care, finding the meditative balance I enjoy. Subtle by design and intent, I think this is a fair fit for anyone looking to add more to this type of niche listening experience.

Rating: 6/10