Top Singles of 2025

Here are our top 15 independently released singles that we feel need more recognition! Find the songs on this playlist!

Necklace - Don’t Tell Iris

Indie rock, garage

“Necklace” is the third single released by the woman-fronted Boston-based band Don’t Tell Iris. Singer Olive Martinez takes the lead on this track with her strong vocal performance. The song features a dynamic instrumental and its lyricism is absolutely compelling. Continuing with the theme of previous singles, which tells the story of 19th and 20th-century women labeled as “hysterical”, this single leaves a mysterious yet fascinating impression on the listener. It’s an artistic, memorable tune with a melody that will stay in your head for days.

Miss W Jones - Superfan

Folk, alternative folk

Superfan prepares us for his next project with the single “Miss W Jones,” in which he beautifully sings about platonic love. His raw voice over the lovely arrangement of acoustic guitars and, later on, string arrangement, elevates this song as one of his best yet. Superfan carries sounds and feelings of acoustic anecdotes from previous works and develops them in a brand-new way, inviting in the next era of his musicianship.  

when it’s hard (feat. P.H.F.) - charlie lomonaco

Rock, alternative

The latest single from NYC-based musician Charlie Lomonaco, featuring New Zealand artist P.H.F., creates a soundscape that’s interesting and unique as their two different styles of music (hard-hitting rock and glistening electronic grunge) combine. The grungy guitars, paired with the synth, and later the screams of Lomonaco dealing with heartache, create a dynamic piece of music. This is a song you’ll keep on repeat, finding all the little hidden sound gems with each listen. 

Calm Down - Patrick Witkowski

Indie rock, pop

With influences of indie rock, pop punk, and grunge from the 2000s, Witkowski comes back from a small hiatus with a punchy new single filled with angst. The song’s lyrics bring to life the feeling of being overwhelmed by people telling you to “calm down” when you’re angry, when all you want is to be left alone. This irritation is shown best in the screamy outro of the song. “Calm Down” is a song you can vent all your frustrations out with at the end of a tough day.

YANKEEGIRL - YANKEEGIRL

Rock, indie, alternative

The debut, self-titled single from the New Paltz girl group YANKEEGIRL has a bite of riot grrrl with a fresh sound. Vigorous, punchy, powerful guitars and vocals will fill you with energy. Starting with a memorable chant at the beginning, the chorus then cements itself in your head. YANKEEGIRL uses this debut to show the world unapologetically who they are and that they will not be going anywhere anytime soon.

by the wings of tragedy - septemberistheonlytimeidontthinkofyou

Screamo

September makes a bold comeback with their first single off their upcoming album, “How to make love stay.” Different from their previous releases, “by the wings of tragedy" has a softer sound, starting with singing instead of screaming and calmer guitars, but still retains the spirit of their earlier releases and the genre throughout the rest of the song. It also evokes other sounds from post-hardcore, allowing for fascinating and experimental exploration.

Leavin! - Isaiah Stone

Rock

Drawing inspiration from Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and Fall Out Boy, Stone released “Leaving!” earlier this year to give rock n’ roll a fresh, contemporary sound. With the funky beat and guitar, Stone allows for a fun, upbeat melody. His voice particularly stands out in this single, showcasing his diverse range. This is an excellent song for when you’re carefree, confident, and thrilled about what is to come next.

rearview - justJOY

Indie pop

This soft, sophisticated synth-pop single by queer Chicago-based artist justJOY expands her sound in the best way yet. The ambiance created in this track feels like you’re running through the streets of an empty city at night. She describes the track in a caption of an Instagram post as looking back at past, failed relationships with “hindsight being 20/20” and all of the feelings of that vision hitting you like a car crash. “rearview” expresses a sentiment that everyone has experienced in one way or another. 

no caffeine! - Jackson Sadinsky

Alternative

With a runtime of only one minute and thirty-eight seconds, Sadinsky creates one of his most intriguing songs yet. He describes it as a “fun one,” where he samples an old Japanese symphony and sings about the paradox of indulging in other substances but not drinking coffee. The song features an enticing and addictive beat that will leave you craving more from Sadinsky.

under the weather - sunvale

Midwest emo, indie

Although just over two minutes, the artist sunvale creates a sullen mood with her debut single “under the weather.” The charming riff draws you in as it is layered throughout the song with overlapping vocals. The vulnerable lyrics and sound of sunvale’s voice are typical of Midwest emo, but she provides a unique, vivid charm to the genre.

Thin Ice - Audrie Jones

Singer/songwriter

With a cute, catchy melody, Audrie Jones draws you in from the second the song starts. The lively acoustic guitar riff in the beginning and the electric solo towards the end are some surprising highlights of the song. Her bright voice and fun instrumental create a sense of warmth despite the title. It's an optimistic tune to start the year off and get through the winter with.

Pretend - Globe

Alternative rock

NYC-based band Globe throws us back into the '90s with this grungy, fuzzy alternative rock debut single. Starting off soft in the verses and then throwing us into a loud chorus with layers of guitars gives an edge. The bridge ties the song together. Lead singer Anders Nelson’s voice really makes a great impression on listeners and will leave you wanting more songs to be released soon.

Ella Enchanted - Kiss Like Missiles

Pop, hyper-pop

Dance the night away with this fresh pop track by an emerging New York City artist. Kiss Like Missiles, also known as Xander Taylor, is a comedic internet personality who always has absurd fun wherever he is. Listeners can see his amusing personality in this single and other music he has released, with the catchy chorus and beat that will stick in your head for days. A perfect song to get ready with your friends to go out for a night on the town in the big city. 

Pretend - trichor

Shoegaze

“Pretend” is a mellow-twinkly debut single from New Jersey-based band trichor. Over the beautiful guitar riff, lead singer Madison Volpe’s vocals, although soft, stand out. She sings of being with someone and pretending that everything is alright, even though they’re both going to get hurt in the end. The lyric “Honestly honest hurts worse/Just wane me off your weightless words” particularly expresses the aching of knowing when a relationship is not going to work out, but being scared to admit it.

All My Life - LoudEye

Indie rock

New York-based trio LoudEye have had a retro-rock sound in most of their single releases. However, this latest one has an enjoyable, beachy vibe — one that you can imagine on a car ride to a fun getaway with all the windows down. In “All My Life,” LoudEye combines their diverse rock, blues, and alternative influences in a fresh and distinct way, setting themselves apart from their previous releases and establishing themselves as an exciting indie band in the New York scene.