New Artists to Watch, as presented by Obscure Agency

This spring, the music scene is witnessing a creative renaissance. In pop, folk, rock, and experimental music, artists are not just finding their voices; they’re building entire worlds. In this month’s edition of New Artists to Watch, Obscure Agency presents ten standout acts redefining what it means to connect through sound.

From cinematic storytelling and genre-fluid compositions to comeback queens and digital visionaries, these emerging names are making their mark with bold ideas and powerful execution. Whether rooted in classical traditions or shaped by the pulse of club culture, they all share one thing: a fearless commitment to emotional authenticity.

Get ready, and let the light shine on these hidden gems!

Lánre

Lánre is cementing his place in the pop world with his latest release, Here I Go. Blending introspective storytelling with dynamic dance-pop rhythms, the track marks a bold evolution for the artist as he explores new creative terrain. Built on shimmering production enriched by live guitar and bass from Miami-based producer Stefano Marchetti, Here I Go feels both fresh and timeless, with a polish that draws comparisons to Dua Lipa and The Weeknd.

The single delves into themes of vulnerability and resilience, detailing Lánre’s journey through insecurities to find unwavering loyalty and emotional stability. “This isn’t just a song about doubt,” Lánre explains. “It’s a celebration of where I’m at with love and the courage it took to push past intrusive thoughts and fully embrace it.”

Having gained traction with his acclaimed EP up all night, which charted across Apple Music’s dance/electronic categories worldwide, Lánre’s trajectory continues to soar. His knack for pairing emotional lyricism with danceable beats positions him as a rising force within the genre.

“With this single, I feel like I’m stepping into the best version of myself, both personally and artistically,” Lánre adds. “I’m excited to share the new material I’ve been working on and bring listeners along for the ride.”

BERENICE

BERENICE introduces Courgetti Western, think Spaghetti Western reimagined for twenty-first-century heroines. Less shootout, more showdown. Fake pasta, real drama. Based in London, the independent Italian artist has crafted a musical universe that feels both grand and deeply personal, a space where heartbreak is stylized into high drama and recovery feels like a revolution.

Her music draws from influences as varied as Ennio Morricone’s sweeping scores and the grit of rock legends, all filtered through the lens of a fiercely expressive twenty-something with a penchant for theatricality. It’s a sound made for windows-down breakdowns and slow-motion exits, anthemic, raw, and emotionally razor-sharp. It’s cinematic pop-rock dressed in suede and suspicion, a love song that walks like a standoff.

Following the success of her debut single Little Red Heart, which garnered over 30k streams and support from BBC Introducing and BBC R&D’s Orbit. Her most recent single, Step Inside, released in April 2025, earned her a prestigious support slot for a major Italian artist, marking her crossover from the London scene to the broader European market.

BERENICE is preparing the release of her debut EP, the first in a planned trilogy. Each record will serve as a chapter in her Courgetti Western universe, a stylized landscape where love songs walk like standoffs and heartbreak leaves scars as dramatic as its sound.

“It’s an emotional road trip told across three records: part fantasy, part confession,” BERENICE explains. “It’s for anyone who wants to scream louder, cry prettier, and dance through the wreckage.”

Dilana Ismailova

Dilana Ismailova doesn’t just sing, she storms in, owning every second of the stage. Born in Kazakhstan and now based in Los Angeles, this powerhouse frontwoman fuses neoclassical metal with cinematic texture and melodic storytelling. Her voice is a weapon: soaring one moment, growling and guttural the next.

Her upcoming single Frostbite (out April 29) is a genre-bending collaboration with guitarist Michael Garrett and drummer Kyle Brian. The synergy between them was instant.

Before that, Dilana fronted Snifters, releasing the intense, Creatures of the Night, a fierce showcase of her ability to balance grit with elegance. Her sound is a mix of Ronnie James Dio-era grandeur and prog technicality, with flashes of Yngwie Malmsteen’s showmanship and the grit of modern metal.

But what truly sets her apart is range vocally, creatively, and emotionally. She blends soaring melodies, operatic belts, and extreme techniques like fry screams into a vocal identity that’s as precise as it is unpredictable. Offstage, she’s a band leader and bassist, shaping her work from both the front line and the foundation.

Her music pulses with themes of resilience, passion, and defiance. It’s about standing your ground, even when the world’s on fire. With more singles in the pipeline and a solo project featuring a lineup of elite guest guitarists on the horizon, Dilana Ismailova isn’t waiting for permission. She’s taking the metal scene on her own terms.

Nadav Sivan

Nadav Sivan is a rising talent whose artistry blends a diverse mix of genres into a fresh and timeless style. Born partially deaf until an operation at the age of four, Nadav’s early life was shaped by his dedication to classical piano, competing at high levels throughout his youth before turning to songwriting and production at nineteen.

Drawing comparisons to Mika, Troye Sivan, and even the charisma of Prince, Nadav’s music bridges emotional vulnerability with undeniable swagger. His debut album Til the Day We Die, released in August 2023, showcased his range with hits like Black Mirror and Us to Stop, both accompanied by award-winning videos that gained international recognition.

The momentum continued in 2024 with standout performances in Berlin, Cannes, and London, including the release of live tracks Paralysed and My Skin, However, it was the placement of U So Hot in an episode of The Kardashians during the Balenciaga fashion show that truly began to expand his audience.

Now, in 2025, Nadav is set to release his highly anticipated EP, led by the single Dollar, while continuing to deliver unforgettable live performances. His upcoming show at Piano Smithfield in London on May 28th is already generating significant buzz.

With a sound that ranges from stripped-back piano ballads to full-band pop anthems, Nadav Sivan is an artist who refuses to be confined by genre. As his following continues to grow, it’s clear that his cult status won’t remain underground for long.

Clarita de Quiroz

After a decade-long hiatus, Clarita de Quiroz is set to make a powerful return with her upcoming single Wizard, scheduled for release on May 16th. Known for her unique blend of classical, soul, and pop influences, Clarita’s music takes a bold new turn by incorporating subtle Arabic elements, reflecting her personal and artistic evolution over the last ten years.

Wizard is a deeply personal composition written and performed by Clarita herself. Featuring her signature emotive piano, soaring vocals, and lyrics that delve into themes of transformation, inspiration, and inner magic, the song marks her first release under her newly signed label, Believe.

“This song is about the light we can find and create even in the darkest times,” Clarita shares. “It’s deeply personal, and I wanted to bring a touch of the Arabic musical heritage I’ve grown to love, adding a new dimension to my sound. After ten years, this feels like the right way to return: authentically and powerfully.”

Clarita de Quiroz has previously captured global audiences, performing alongside icons such as Sir Elton John, Kelly Rowland, and Gabrielle. Her accolades include winning the title of “Best Singer of the UAE” and releasing three number-one albums. Now, with the support of Believe, a label renowned for empowering independent artists worldwide, Clarita is poised to enchant both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Tyler Stone

Tyler Stone is a multi-disciplinary artist whose creative prowess spans music production, composition, directing, editing, DJing, and beyond. Based in Los Angeles but shaped by his New York upbringing and Deep-South roots, Stone’s artistic reach is both expansive and deeply authentic.

As the founder and creative director of FemmeKraft, a creative firm, record label, and event space in Los Angeles, Stone has carved out a distinct niche within the LGBTQ+ community and the wider artistic landscape. His work has premiered on platforms ranging from the Cannes International Film Festival to OUTFEST Festival in LA, showcasing his talent across various media.

Stone’s collaborations are equally impressive. As a hitmaker for artists like RAJA and Trinity the Tuck from RuPaul’s Drag Race, he has continually demonstrated his knack for producing powerful, genre-defying soundscapes. His explosively creative production style is complemented by his visual storytelling, creating immersive experiences that resonate far beyond the music itself.

Upcoming projects will be premiered on May 29 at the prestigious Chinese Theater including the debut EP “Fast Times at The Clown Motel”, set to be release on June 6, and an original score for the feature film ICONIC, a queer/exotic/thriller set to release on July 15. Stone describes the score as a fusion of dark, electronic music with contemporary horror influences, promising a bold, unforgettable experience.

Nadia Lando

Nadia Lando is becoming one of the most versatile voices in the new pop landscape. The Los Angeles–based artist draws from a wide sonic palette: pop-rock, electro-pop, reggaeton, and even touches of flamenco, to create music that feels at once familiar and strikingly new. Her signature? A sultry, unhurried vocal delivery paired with lyrics that reflect confidence, duality, and depth.

Her breakout single It’s Not Me It’s You introduced her to the world, but it’s her multilingual follow-ups like Corazón that have solidified her presence as an artist with global vision. With over a quarter of a million followers and growing, her sound, rooted in both English and Spanish, has begun resonating on international radio waves.

On tracks like Cool Kid and Rise, Nadia leans into empowerment-pop without losing her cool. Think late-night drive energy with the mindset of a modern-day philosopher. That’s no accident; alongside her musical rise, Nadia is also pursuing a PhD in Psychology and running her own wellness brand, Lando Health & Wellness. For her, art and healing go hand in hand.

With each release, Nadia proves she’s not just chasing trends, she’s shaping her own lane, where bilingualism meets boldness and sultry style meets substance. Her voice is soft, but her message lands hard.

Catherine Ashby

Catherine Ashby is a folk-Americana singer-songwriter whose music brings together Laurel Canyon spirit, Nashville storytelling, and English countryside charm. Originally from the South Coast of England, Catherine brings a troubadour’s heart to every song, weaving reflective lyrics with warm, sun-drenched melodies that feel like a lost summer’s day in the 1970s. With a sound steeped in nature, nostalgia, and emotional resonance, drawing comparisons to American songwriting legends and British folk traditions. Tracks like Ready and Now, recorded in Nashville with Grammy-winning producer Jamie Tate, reveal her ability to marry timeless Americana with a distinctly British lyrical intimacy.

Alongside these singles, Catherine has re-released her self-produced debut album King of My Sky, which includes listener favourites like Outside and Islington Angel. The album showcases her depth as both a writer and producer, painting vivid sonic landscapes with every verse even in her very early work.

Later this year, she’ll release her mini-album “Ready Now”, which follows on from these, her most recent cinematic singles. The project features some renowned Nashville musicians that will be later revealed, adding analog depth to a sound she hopes will one day land on a film soundtrack.

As praised by Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2, “This is a discovery—this voice! She’s a fantastic songwriter… there’s a turn of phrase about her songwriting I really like.”

Whether performing solo with just her guitar or accompanied by a full band, Catherine creates an atmosphere that feels deeply personal and powerfully transportive. With a festival-ready energy, her stage presence has been described as “perfect for a sunny afternoon festival set,”

and a voice made for sun-drenched stages, Catherine Ashby is an artist whose next chapter is full of possibility.

This May she’ll perform with Access Film Music Showcase at the ÉCU Film Festival in Paris, May 9 -11th 2025, a fitting event for her cinematic storytelling.

Evoking Winds

Evoking Winds has crafted intricate soundscapes that bridge fantasy realism and melancholic beauty for two decades. Spearheaded by Belarusian composer Artyom Prishchepov, the project draws inspiration from Eastern European folklore and the deep, mournful sounds of the Finnish folk metal tradition. Their unique style combines elements of post-rock shimmer, black metal intensity, and haunting choral melodies, weaving a sound that feels both ethereal and visceral.

The collective’s sixth album, Your Rivers, is a tribute to Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher universe, exploring themes of fate, transformation, conflict, and the longing for home. Evoking Winds’ approach to composition is reminiscent of classic album-driven acts like Pink Floyd, where each track is part of a larger, meticulously constructed journey. Rather than focusing on isolated singles, the project crafts complete, immersive experiences meant to be absorbed as cohesive works of art.

With its international collaboration of musicians, Evoking Winds continues to evolve, offering a fresh perspective on blending metal’s ferocity with post-rock’s atmospheric depth and choral grandeur. They are redefining how storytelling can be conveyed through a musical journey that feels both ancient and innovatively modern.

Hybrid Collapse

Hybrid Collapse is an alt-pop and experimental electronic project at the intersection of music, digital aesthetics, and critical theory. Crafted using artificial intelligence the project strives to explore identity, intimacy, and control within the age of algorithms.

Their debut album, Biopolitics, is a bold 15-track release blending glitch, industrial textures, and haunting alt-pop melodies. Each of the first ten tracks is paired with an AI-generated music video, expanding on themes such as algorithmic governance, cloud capital, and the digitization of identity. The project feels less like a traditional album and more like an evolving, visceral and cerebral art installation.

From a critical standpoint, Hybrid Collapse raises essential questions about the role of artificial intelligence in creative expression. As AI becomes part of the artistic process, projects like Biopolitics challenge conventional notions of authorship and creativity. While some argue that AI-driven art lacks the authenticity of human emotion, Hybrid Collapse embraces the synthetic nature of its creation, presenting it as a reflection of our increasingly digitized reality.

By merging sound, image, and theory, Hybrid Collapse offers a commentary on the very systems that produce and regulate art. It’s a project that doesn’t shy away from the ethical dilemmas and creative possibilities presented by AI, instead using them as core elements of its artistic identity.

As these ten artists step further into the spotlight, they remind the scene that the future of music is being written across continents and genres, from smoky clubs to open-air stages in Glastonbury dreams.

Obscure Agency will be watching as they grow, create, and continue redefining what it means to make music in 2025.

Follow them now; your playlists will thank you later.

All images credited to Obscure Agency