Exciting New Sounds of March 2025: Artists to Watch

Explore the vibrant world of music in March 2025 featuring emerging talents and their unique sounds.

What is Now Hear This?

Now Hear This is a monthly A&R column that provides you with exciting new sounds we discovered through the innovative new music platform Groover.

Each month, you can expect a varied bouillabaisse of songs from a vast spectrum of artists from all over the globe, regardless of genre or geography.

1. IZO

Photo Credit: Giorgia Galantino

Sounds like: Erykah-esque neo-soul caught up in the African futurism of the Burna Boy and Tems era.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"I try to make and write music in the same way that I design a collection. Start with the sketchbook (building and layering melodies), test some fabric samples (harmonies), and construct the final garments (lyrics). I would reference my sound as an Afro Urban Jazz/Neo-Soul 'soundscape'. I would say that my songs stand alone, but my 'music' is experienced when paired with the respective HOUSE OF IZO design attributes."

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"It’s an abbreviation of my childhood nickname ‘Izzy O’. I came up with it when I founded my brand in 2019…IZO just hits harder!"

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

"If I put this candle in an all-white gallery, it looks like art, if I put it in a garage it looks like a piece of trash." – Virgil Abloh (R.I.P)

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"I think that music is like fashion, in the sense that it’s cyclical. Its cycles just take longer… I’m loving the oldskl and subtle boom-bap comebacks."

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

"Honestly, with AI already infiltrating the industry, who knows.. I’m sooo ready though!"

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

"Free Speech."

2. Maddy Byrd

Photo Courtesy of Maddy Byrd

Sounds like: Thoughtful, powerful folk-rock storytelling from the streets of Brooklyn.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"My approach varies song to song, but my favorite way to write is to pick up my guitar and channel whatever feelings are passing through me at the moment. I’d say my sound leans toward Americana and folk rock, but you can tell I have a lot of pop and country influences too."

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"It’s just my name. I thought about going with something different, but at the end of the day, my music is brutally honest. It just wouldn’t match the vibe to use anything other than my own name."

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

"Brandi Carlile for sure. I love all her stuff but especially her album, ‘In These Silent Days.’ I also am constantly inspired by younger artists like Noah Kahan and Joy Oladokun. They are all so open and honest and bring such emotion to their work."

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"Women in music are killing it. It’s so exciting to watch, and I love all the fantastic music we’re getting out of it."

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

"People think I’m crazy, but I actually see things going back to more old school recording techniques and sounds. I think people get nostalgic for live musicians and minor imperfections in a record."

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

"Music is my lifeline. The world can be so overwhelming and scary, especially right now and especially for anyone who is different."

3. INTERCONTINEN7AL

Photo Courtesy of Matt Smith of INTERCONTINEN7AL

Sounds like: A band who has recorded their music on all seven continents, crafting songs rooted in alt-rock but peppered with influences from all over the globe in a bid for world unity.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"Matt Smith here, founder of INTERCONTINEN7AL. I am proud to say that we are the first rock band in history to record music across all 7 continents, and the group is comprised of over 30 musicians from 15 different countries. The band develops our material virtually, writing and recording song concepts using the application BandLab."

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"The name INTERCONTINEN7AL was inspired by Tool’s song “7empest”, with the 7 reflecting the fact that all of Earth’s continents are represented in the music created by the band."

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

"Some of the most influential musicians and bands that have made a massive impact on our sound include Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Porcupine Tree, Tool, Prince, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd."

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"The ability of musicians to quickly create music at home with their own personal 'at home' studios and DAW setups, and also effectively collaborate with other artists all around the world."

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

"I also see the music world heading at a major crossroads in the next few years, with the exponentially increasing impact that artificial intelligence has on generating new music."

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

"Music will always be there to offer us comfort during times of trouble."

4. Haast Hunter

Photo Courtesy of Haast Hunter

Sounds like: Kiwi metalcore from “Nu Zealand” with a hint of Flying Nun indie pop dashed in to keep things interesting.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others (answered by frontman James Harper).

"Our approach has always been to write what we love and enjoy to play, and if others happen to like it…. Well that’s an added bonus! If we truly don’t love what we do, we will quickly be found out!"

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"Well… 'Haast' was taken…. I always planned (for years) to name the band after the Haast Eagle (the world’s largest Eagle, now extinct). 'Haast Hunter' just felt right for a name."

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

"Oh where do we start and where do we stop on that one.. As a group, we all have so many different favorite bands and influences between us!"

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"The mystery around this new band 'President' that is going to pop up at this year’s Download Festival."

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

"It has to keep evolving otherwise we will all get bored quick."

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

"Music is our therapy. I think without it we would all be lost."

5. A Case of Mistaken Identity

Photo Courtesy of A Case of Mistaken Identity

Sounds like: A jagged slice of buzzsaw guitar punk from LA that grooves like mid-‘80s Sonic Youth when they sang about Death Valley.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others (questions answered by group mastermind Paul Dunne).

"I’m always aiming for a sort of sonic disaster that’s approachable, malleable. It’s all about electricity. I want the guitars to sound like loose wires sparking together."

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"I wanted the listener to be convinced that it wasn’t just me, that they were listening to an entire band of individuals."

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

"The Stooges’ 'Fun House' is incredibly important to me… it balances so many acrobatic feats of distortion, rhythm."

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"People are still making great music. Every week if you look hard enough, there’s amazing music constantly being put into the world."

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

"I’d like to see the major streaming platforms give the old iTunes effort – have the option to purchase a song or album."

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

"Music is everything to me. It’s a crutch and a backbone, a guiding light for both the good and bad times alike."

6. Louie Rubio

Photo Courtesy of Louie Rubio

Sounds like: Tame Impala playing on the deck of a soul yacht sailing the seas of your imagination.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"Depends. I may bring a guitar and pedals to a session to work on songs for an artist or take the role of a lyricist."

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"It’s just my name."

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

"I’m a fan of multi-instrumentalists who sing and self-produce, like Mac DeMarco, Mac Miller, Kevin Parker, or James Blake."

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"It feels like we may be heading toward a return to imperfections, even in the mainstream."

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

"Maybe a response to AI that looks like live albums, layered concept albums, idiosyncratic production."

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

"Thankfully, it’s always been a constant in my life."

7. Dread Spectre Council

Photo Courtesy of Dead Spectre Council

Sounds like: Chiming guitar fuzz and earnest pop songwriting reminiscent of Sub Pop-era Sebadoh and Mary Timony’s solo material.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others (conducted by DSC brainchild Kenneth Amundsen).

"My approach to making music is one of long waits and then sudden binges of writing."

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"Firstly, it seemed like all else was taken. I wanted to put my music out into the world."

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

"There is so much music and art that have informed me at some point or another."

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"Maybe just the realization of how resilient art by humans really is."

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

"I hope it creates a demand for the human element. The wrong notes, the out of grid rhythms, the art by accident."

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

"It helps me find some purpose in the chaos."

8. Janita

Credit: Taylor Ballantyne

Sounds like: Alluring, assertive noir rock from Finland filled with melodic intrigue and complex rhythms.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"I was singing before I learned to speak, so I think it’s safe to say that my approach to music is almost as ingrained as my approach to breathing."

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"Janita’s just my name, man."

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

"I’d say Radiohead has had the biggest impact on me."

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"I’m sensing that women are claiming their place more and more, being driven to become artists and musicians."

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

"I think we’re moving in that direction already – artists choosing collaboration over competition."

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

"Music provides such a wonderful and important source of comfort."

9. Errol Eats Everything

Photo Courtesy of Errol Eats Everything

Sounds like: A passionate throwback to the days when MF DOOM, Pharoahe Monch and J-Live all shared space in the hip-hop underground.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"My creative process starts with finding a beat that resonates with me—it has to move my soul."

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"Aside from being literally known among my friends and family for my love of food, the name is a metaphor layered with meaning."

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

"My influences span a wide spectrum of sounds and genres."

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"Emerging technologies and digital platforms are breaking down traditional barriers."

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

"I believe we’re on the brink of a decentralized music landscape."

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

"In these turbulent times, music becomes a powerful tool to inspire change."

10. Gloria Laing

Photo Courtesy of Gloria Laing

Sounds like: If Phoebe Bridgers sat in on George Harrison’s Cloud Nine.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others:

"My approach to music is all about storytelling and emotion."

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"It’s just my name! haha"

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

"Ah that’s so hard, there are so many! But Adrianne Lenker, Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, and Julia Jacklin are at the top of my list of artist inspirations."

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"I love to see the girlies at the top."

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

"I think the rise of independent artists and DIY culture in music will continue to shape the landscape."

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

"Music provides such a wonderful and important source of comfort."

11. Zachary Mason

Photo Courtesy of Zachary Mason

Sounds like: If Tom Verlaine aimed for the top of the pops in the late 1970s.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"For me, ideas for songs often start as a little chord sequence or riff which I record on my phone."

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"The name Zachary Mason actually came about many years ago when I had a desire to be a writer."

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

"Neil Young, as my favourite artist, has definitely affected some of my more folky-sounding works."

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"It’s a somewhat cheeky response, but I guess my own career and experiences as Zachary Mason are the most exciting thing for me personally!"

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

"Not good… But one must remain positive of course."

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

"Music has always provided a distraction and refuge from life’s troubles for me."

12. Mickey Gold

Photo Courtesy of Mickey Gold

Sounds like: If Eddie Money traded places with Mac DeMarco.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

"More often than not the music comes first, creating a mood for the song will inform the lyrics."

How did you come up with the name of your act?

"Believe it or not, my real name is Mickey Gold."

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

"If I had to narrow it down to a few it would be: Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys and The Beatles."

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

"Mk.gee. That last album was an adventure."

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

"I’m just hoping AI doesn’t fully replace musicians by then."

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

"What’s great about music is that it has the power to do both."

FAQs

• What is Groover?
  Groover connects independent artists with music industry professionals to accelerate their careers.
• What genres can I find on Groover?
  You can find a vast spectrum of genres through various artists on Groover.
• How can I support independent artists?
  You can support them via platforms like Groover by listening to their music and sharing it.
• What makes the music industry exciting right now?
  The rise of emerging artists and the blending of genres are creating a vibrant musical landscape.
• Where can I find these artists' work?
  You can discover their music on various streaming platforms and through Groover.

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