What Artist to Listen to on Spotify in 2025?

As music continues to evolve, 2025 is already proving to be a year of bold sonic innovation. Spotify, the leading music streaming platform, offers instant access to a wide array of artists redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. For influencers and content creators, staying ahead of musical trends isn't just cultural—it's strategic. The soundscape you curate reflects your brand, your audience, and your vision. Below, we explore four major artists to follow closely on Spotify this year.
1. RAYE – A Rising Voice of Independent Excellence
RAYE is no longer just an emerging talent—she’s a revolution in progress. After parting ways with her former label, the British singer-songwriter made a bold move by going independent. In 2023, her album "My 21st Century Blues" stunned the music world, blending genres like soul, R&B, pop, and jazz with deeply personal storytelling.
In 2025, RAYE continues to dominate Spotify’s editorial playlists and algorithmic charts. Her music resonates not only for its sonic diversity but also for its emotional depth. From powerful ballads to rhythm-driven anthems, she crafts tracks that captivate and inspire. Influencers can leverage her music to add emotional nuance to content—whether it’s a vlog, fashion reel, or lifestyle montage.
Why RAYE is Worth Following
- Authentic storytelling: Her lyrics confront trauma, self-worth, and empowerment.
- Genre fusion: A master of blending jazz, classical, R&B, and electronic.
- Social impact: A vocal advocate for artist rights and mental health awareness.
Spotify Stats for RAYE (as of Q1 2025)
Metric | Value |
---|---|
Monthly Listeners | 15.2 Million |
Top Track (2025) | "Genesis" |
Playlist Features | New Music Friday, Pollen, R&B Weekly |
Independent Status | Yes |
Beyond the music, RAYE is also a digital force. She’s active on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where her behind-the-scenes clips and raw studio sessions offer influencers unique audio-visual moments to remix or share.
RAYE represents the intersection of vulnerability and innovation. For anyone curating playlists or integrating new music into video content, she’s a voice of now—and the future.
2. Tyla – The Global Sound of Amapiano Evolution
Tyla, the South African singer behind the viral hit “Water”, is transforming how the world hears Amapiano. With her blend of Afrobeat rhythms, pop hooks, and R&B melodies, she has become one of Spotify’s fastest-rising international stars in 2025. Her music is perfect for creators seeking fresh, danceable tracks with cross-cultural appeal.
Following the release of her debut album "Tyla" in 2024, her momentum hasn’t slowed. The album is a masterclass in global sound architecture—featuring producers from Nigeria, the UK, and the US. Tyla’s sound is both niche and universal, making her a favorite for reels, fashion transitions, dance trends, and travel vlogs.
Notable Features of Tyla's Style
- Amapiano-Pop Fusion: Syncopated basslines, percussive rhythms, and silky vocals.
- Visual Identity: High-aesthetic visuals on YouTube and Instagram.
- Global Influence: Topping charts in South Africa, Nigeria, the UK, and the US.
Spotify Analytics for Tyla (Q1 2025)
Statistic | Detail |
---|---|
Monthly Listeners | 20.6 Million |
Top Country | United States |
Notable Collaboration | Chris Brown – "Girl Next Door (Remix)" |
Spotify Playlist Features | Global Top 50, Afro Hits, Pop Rising |
Tyla’s performance at the 2025 Coachella Festival marked her as a global performer to watch. Her stage presence, dance-centric visuals, and vocal delivery continue to draw millions of streams and social engagement daily. Influencers looking for sonic content that feels both trendy and authentic will find Tyla’s tracks highly adaptable and culturally relevant.
Whether you're crafting a summer aesthetic video or a behind-the-scenes shoot, Tyla’s music offers a unique rhythm that feels distinctly 2025. Her sound is modern Africa meeting global pop—refined, stylish, and irresistibly catchy.
3. Fred again.. – The Architect of Emotionally Charged Electronica
Fred again.. is redefining how electronic music connects with emotion. The British producer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist has developed a distinct sonic identity by blending deep house, ambient textures, and human voice samples. In 2025, his presence on Spotify is not only growing—it’s defining a genre.
His critically acclaimed series of albums, "Actual Life", merges diary-like audio clips with atmospheric soundscapes, making his music ideal for cinematic storytelling. Content creators, vloggers, and editors use Fred again..’s work to add emotional intensity to visual narratives, from travel content to introspective monologues.
Why Fred again.. Resonates in 2025
- Authenticity: Uses voice notes, interviews, and ambient noise to create emotional intimacy.
- Live Performance Innovation: Integrates real-time sampling and MIDI visuals in performances.
- Collaboration Culture: Works with artists like Skrillex, Four Tet, and Romy.
Fred again..’s Boiler Room performance is considered one of the most iconic live sets in recent years. He has since headlined major festivals and collaborated with global acts, creating a universe of music that feels deeply personal yet universally understood.
Spotify Performance Overview (2025)
Metric | Current Value |
---|---|
Monthly Listeners | 10.4 Million |
Top Track | "leavemealone" |
Collaborations (2024–2025) | Skrillex, Brian Eno, The xx |
Album Releases | Actual Life 4 (Expected Q3 2025) |
Fred again..’s music is minimal yet immersive. Influencers looking to elevate a mood—whether it’s melancholy, elation, or reflection—will find his tracks indispensable. His sound works seamlessly with slo-mo edits, moody color grading, and time-lapse visuals. It’s cinematic music for the digital age.
To stay updated, follow Fred again.. on Instagram and explore his artist profile on Spotify. For deeper insights into his process, check out this Pitchfork interview exploring his creative journey.
Fred again.. is not just a musician; he’s a storyteller. In 2025, he continues to shape the emotional language of digital content through music.
4. Ice Spice – The Face of Gen Z Rap Culture
Ice Spice has rapidly become one of the most influential voices in modern hip-hop. With her signature Bronx drill sound, confident lyricism, and Gen Z flair, she represents a new era of rap that’s both accessible and culturally rich. In 2025, her presence on Spotify continues to rise as she delivers viral hits and high-impact collaborations that dominate charts and TikTok feeds alike.
Ice Spice’s music is concise, bold, and catchy—making it ideal for short-form video content. Tracks like "Munch (Feelin’ U)" and "Boy’s a liar Pt. 2" with PinkPantheress have proven her knack for crafting hooks that stick. In 2025, she continues to diversify her sound while maintaining her raw, unapologetic edge.
Key Reasons to Follow Ice Spice
- Viral Power: Consistently trending on TikTok and Reels with audios used in millions of videos.
- Visual Branding: Bold aesthetic choices, Y2K-inspired fashion, and distinctive red curls.
- Cultural Relevance: Represents the intersection of internet culture and urban music.
Spotify Metrics for Ice Spice (Q1 2025)
Indicator | Value |
---|---|
Monthly Listeners | 19.8 Million |
Top 2025 Track | "Hotter Than July" |
Collaborations | Nicki Minaj, Lil Uzi Vert, Central Cee |
Spotify Playlist Features | RapCaviar, New Music Friday, Feelin’ Myself |
For content creators, Ice Spice offers a sonic toolkit filled with energetic beats, attitude-driven bars, and cultural hooks. Her songs are often under two minutes long—perfect for Reels, TikTok trends, and YouTube Shorts. She’s also a favorite among beauty and fashion influencers who align with her bold, unapologetic presence.
Ice Spice is hyper-relevant and algorithm-friendly. Her voice, style, and energy resonate deeply with Gen Z, making her a go-to artist for creators who want to stay connected with youth culture. Explore more of her music on Spotify and check out her latest visuals on YouTube.
In 2025, Ice Spice is not just part of the conversation—she is the conversation.