“New Music” I “Discovered” in 2025 So Far

Last year, I decided to harness the power of ChatGPT and other AI music searches to recommend new tunes—reigniting a passion for music discovery that I’d gradually lost over time. 

While AI can certainly be dangerous and potentially destabilizing for many jobs, it also has the ability to be fun, useful, and educational when approached thoughtfully. For me, using AI to uncover under-the-radar artists, rediscover classic acts, and generally explore how to stay updated with new music has been a blast. It’s helped me reconnect with my inner music lover, despite my busy work schedule and a personal quirk: I struggle to write while listening to music.

That said, here’s how it’s gone down so far:

2024 “New Music” Recap

My initial goal for 2024 was straightforward: listen to one new act every workday for an entire year, clocking at least 30 minutes of listening before jotting down my thoughts. 

While I didn’t quite reach my target, I ended up discovering a wealth of incredible sounds. Here the artists and very brief writeups on each—click each name to explore on Spotify:

• Opeth: Loved the blend of progressive and heavy elements–had been on my list for years that I somehow never got around to. 
• Whigfield: Another well known act I’ve somehow never checked out. Appreciated the classic Eurodance vibe but not for me. 
• Saint Etienne: Enjoyed the retro feel.
• The Cat Empire: Vibrant fusion of various musical styles.
• Ironsides: Cinematic soundscapes that pull you in–loved walking around the city to them.  One of my favorites of the year. 
• Dance Gavin Dance: Screaming emo at its finest–one of my favorites all year.
• WITCH: A product of the Zambian Zamrock genre. Great find and amazing genre overall.
• Ananda Shankar: Mesmerizing fusion of traditional and modern sounds–another act I’d long heard of but didn’t listen to until now. 
• God Is An Astronaut: Epic, expansive space themes.
• Purple Disco Machine: Funky, upbeat energy.
• Patrick Cowley: Innovative synth-driven work.
• Camper Van Beethoven: Folk rock with a witty twist.
• The Modern Lovers: Punk energy meets poetic lyrics.
• Matt Dusk: Smooth jazz and classic covers. His cover of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” inspired a horror short I’m currently working on.
• The Go-Betweens: Indie rock with heartfelt songwriting–one of my favorites from this list. 
• Pamelia Stickney: Complex compositions, a unique listen.
• Ball Park Music: Catchy, upbeat indie tracks.
• Tuyo: A distinctive sound I won’t forget.
• Fela Kuti: Legendary Afrobeat rhythms and political lyrics–another name I should’ve listened to long ago. 
• Spiritualized: Psychedelic, dreamy soundscapes.
• Patti Smith: Iconic, folk-rock prowess–I’m embarrassed to admit I never listened to her much until now. 
• Trampled by Turtles: Energetic bluegrass that keeps your foot tapping.
• Bauhaus: Dark, edgy, and pioneering gothic rock. Also I love their Cabinet of Dr. Caligari merch.
• The Lil Smokies: Loved every track on their top Spotify list.
• The Dead South: A brooding, fascinating bluegrass vibe.
• Rupa & the April Fishes: Sharp stylistic shift—tons of fun.
• Depedro: Flamenco-esque energy, an enjoyable break from the norm. Nocha Oscura reminded me of Father John Misty in a surprising way. Great to listen to right after my trip to Spain.
• Poolside: Daytime “disco” with a laid-back groove.
• Riverside: Melodic metal—great as background work music.
• Juana Molina: Another classic that I summarized lovingly as, “Kinda weird in a really danceable way”—one of my favorite new discoveries of the year.
• The Pigeon Detectives: UK indie rock with a solid first impression.
• Hiss Golden Messenger: Folky background music, loved “Hat of Rain.”
• Cinematic Orchestra: Fantastic for writing sessions, though sometimes I needed a bit more tempo.
• First Aid Kit: Fun, upbeat, folk-rock energy led by a powerhouse duo.

This Year’s Goal

For 2025, I’m sticking to a similar plan: seeking out 20 new artists each month. I’m especially looking for rarer finds—acts not necessarily scoring thousands of monthly plays. Of course, I’ll still check out some bigger names as they pop up, but I want to dig deeper into more underground scenes.

I’m also adding a new component: tracking the music recommended by my girlfriend, who works in the music industry, as well as any new acts I catch live. This approach should further expand my horizons and keep me on track with how to stay updated with new music throughout the year. That said, most of January was sourced using ChatGPT–I owe about 10 bands my girlfriend suggested a listen ASAP.

New Music I Discovered in January 2025

Despite not hitting my monthly goal, I still explored a handful of exciting acts—many discovered through various AI music searches or personal tips:

1. Clan of Xymox
   With hypnotic goth and electronic rhythms, Clan of Xymox creates an ideal soundscape for work sessions. Tracks like “Louise,” “Back Door,” and “Muscoviet Mosquito” really stood out, matching the vibe I was seeking after stumbling into a Goth Rave on New Year’s Eve.
2. Odetta
   A captivating artist with a soulful, classic-era voice, Odetta’s timeless sound left a strong impression. I’ve only scratched the surface of her discography and can’t wait to dig deeper.
3. Smoky Babe
   Early-era blues at its finest. Tracks like “Your Dice Won’t Pass,” performed with Sally Dotson and Hillary Blunt, showcase a raw, almost century-old sound that’s absolutely unforgettable.
4. Bluphoria
   A bit generic in that modern alternative-rock sense, but still worth a spin. They didn’t jump out as a top favorite, though I might return to see how they evolve over time.
5. The Soft White Sixties
   Their style reminded me of early 2010s indie bands. Not quite strong enough for a replay in my book, but still a decent listen if you like that era’s vibe.
6. Claire Rousay
   Peaceful and reflective, perfect for unwinding. It’s a bit too mellow for my daily grind, but excellent during quiet evenings or meditation sessions.
7. GoGo Penguin
   Cool, creative, and attention-grabbing, they deliver an engaging, modern jazz-influenced vibe—great for both productivity and relaxation.
8. The Stone Foxes
   They’ve got a fun Southern rock groove, ideal for bar settings or early-morning jams. Probably not my next workout soundtrack, but I enjoyed the energy.
9. Lance Gurisik
   With under 500 monthly Spotify plays, Lance Gurisik crafts soundtrack-like music perfect for creative focus. Standout tracks include “Prednisone,” “Quanta,” and “Stasis,” each brimming with depth and energy.
10. Hidden Orchestra
    Utilizing classical instrumentation and looping, Hidden Orchestra is another ideal work companion. Songs like “VIII. Hushed – Clarinets” especially uplift me, fueling my creativity without pulling me away from my tasks.
11. Trophy Wife: Very indie rock sound of the past decade. Was suggested by my girlfriend. It totally fits her vibe. I’d see them in concert. Of the song’s I’ve checked out off their Voyeur album, “Baby’s Breath” stands out the most so far. 

January Assessment

• Even though I didn’t hit my goal of 20 new discoveries, finding 11 intriguing artists this month was still a win. Several acts—especially Clan of Xymox, Odetta, and Hidden Orchestra—are destined for repeat plays.
• Many of my AI-driven suggestions centered on music for work sessions or cooking, so I hope to expand beyond these listening contexts in February. 
• Lance Gurisik, with fewer than 500 monthly listeners, represents the kind of hidden gem I love to stumble upon. Ultimately, these finds remind me why I started this project: to broaden my musical palate, uncover emerging voices, and stay inspired while writing and editing.

That’s all for now. I’ll be back at the end of February with more “new music” I’ve discovered. Got a rec I should check out? Shoot me a message anytime!