Top 5 Up-and-Coming Artists to Discover at the 2025 New Colossus Festival
In the world of music festivals, there lies a unique opportunity to rediscover a childlike sense of wonder as you dive into new sounds and explore different venues with like-minded music enthusiasts. Nestled in the vibrant Lower East Side of New York City, the six-day New Colossus Festival of 2025 took music lovers on a journey through beloved local venues like Pianos, Baker Falls, Arlene’s Grocery, Drom, and Nublu Classic, showcasing over 180 emerging artists from across the globe.
Among the diverse lineup of artists featured at the New Colossus Festival were five standout performers, each bringing a distinct and infectious sound that left a lasting impression. First on the list is Rosier, a Montreal-based bilingual indie-folk group previously known as Les Poules à Colin. With their modern take on traditional folk songs, Rosier captivates audiences with enchanting melodies, layered harmonies, and a mix of French and English lyrics, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that draws listeners in.
Following Rosier is Grimsøn, a music and art project led by frontman Aiden Berglund, blending melancholic indie rock and gothic tones to craft a sound that resonates with its audience instantly. Tracks like “I Made My Therapist Cry Today” showcase Grimsøn’s unique blend of rock genres, appealing to fans of introspective lyrics and captivating melodies. Most Likely Marlin, the brainchild of frontwoman Malin Isabel DISCO Guleng from Norway, delivers guitar-driven indie rock that harks back to the late ’90s and early 2000s movie soundtracks, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort in listeners.
Diamond Day, a Montreal-based duo comprising Béatrix Méthé and Quinn Bachand, combines shoegaze and glitch-pop elements to create a mesmerizing sonic experience. Their harmonious vocals, ethereal synths, and experimental soundscapes make Diamond Day a must-listen for fans of electronic music with an edge. Rounding out the list is Yndling, the musical project of singer, songwriter, and producer Silje Espevik from Norway, specializing in dreamy shoegaze that transports listeners to a realm of reflection and nostalgia.
With tracks like “It’s Almost Like You’re Here” and “Careful,” Yndling weaves a sonic tapestry of gentle vocals and atmospheric instrumentation that leaves a lasting impact. As music enthusiasts and explorers of new sounds, these five emerging artists from the New Colossus Festival offer a glimpse into the future of music, pushing boundaries and crafting soundscapes that are both beautiful and thought-provoking. If these artists were not on your radar before, they certainly are now, promising an even better musical experience in the years to come.