Willa’s fave NYC-Adjacent tracks of 2025

Words by Willa Rudolph

As I write my roundup for some NYC-adjacent faves for the year 2025, I notice what these young artists have in common: Each in their own way responds to the abysmal state of the world, the crushing weight of it all, not only with a commitment to creating their art, but also with a kind of laid-back detachment that just makes it all seem so cool even in the midst of the abyss.

Art reflects the times, and movements respond to people’s experiences during those times. While I notice a return to the sounds of a more optimistic era, the mid 2000’s, I’ve also noticed a certain aloof delivery taking hold. Could just be my taste, but more than I hear anger, more than I hear sadness, I hear a lot more of a dejected kind of sound as if nothing matters—while still almost always maintaining a sweetness and playfulness in spite of it all. Which I find actually enlightening, and uplifting, at the end of the day. It also makes me feel like much of the music of today is connected, even when it feels so disjointed sometimes.

I’m not saying I want to hear hopeful music or anything–like, this is the type of music I love–but I wonder if this trend is symptomatic of the powerlessness many young people feel right now. Projecting? I don’t know, maybe. Either way, I hope 2026 shows us some mercy! I have cautious hope. [Editor’s note: hear hear!]

Anywho, these are some of my favorite tracks of the year. Enjoy!

Sex Week – “Moneyman”

“Moneyman” is one of my most played songs of the year. It’s so delightful, and I’m a big fan of the production. I love how each member of the NYC-based duo does a verse, singing to each other, and the music video is like if Leaving Las Vegas had a happy ending. 🙂

(read our August piece on Sex Week: Love and loneliness on Sex Week’s indie-expanding new EP, Upper Mezzanine)

Zachshots – “Von Bismark”

I’ve had such a good time listening to this band this year. I didn’t know how much I was missing these wholesome indie vibes. Their three part single Zachshots includes two other tracks—“Williamsburg Bitch” and “Stuck.” With twinkly folk guitars and sweet harmonies, the New York duo has this kind of nonchalant detachment in the way they deliver their lyrics, while also maintaining a charming quirkiness and emotional rawness.

Viji – “Home Before You Know It”

Viji is an Austrian alt-pop artist based in London and signed to Dirty Hit. I don’t know exactly where she’s from but she talks about LA in a way where I’m like, “So you’re familiar…” Her music is angsty, paired down alt-pop with tinges of R&B and grunge influences. This video is set in LA and captures a mood Viji exudes a lot–malaise.

Thoom – “December Forever”

Thoom’s music has always captivated me–her melodies are thoughtful and unique (also often cute and pretty) and her use of grimey electronic sounds come together and create this very unexpected sonic world. Whether it’s upbeat and grungy production or dark and pulsing production, Thoom’s songs fit seamlessly into her visual language of liminal spaces in the many places she has called home: landfills and gritty gutters, the back seat of a taxi, the party, the glam intermingling with the grime.

Le Bang – “Fashion Police”

I literally just wrote this track up, but yeah, I really love it! The article includes an interview with lead singer Lola Lancón and director Persia Beheshti.

Pisha – “Who You Really Are”

This BK-based queen Pisha is doing truly amazing things. Her music is pulsating electronic disco pop bliss–whether you’re taking your time getting ready in the mirror in a ritualistic manner, rollerskating flirtily in loops, or dancing the night away to her live set, Pisha’s dreamy music makes for a killer soundtrack. With her fearless and playful sonic experimentation, she’s a lil’ sultry and a lil’ witchy, and also a lil’ bubbly..all at once!

queenie – “Vasaline”

NY-based queenie is one half of disco pop duo Sateen. She’s a Pornhub ambassador, but I’ve been following since she and the other half of Sateen would go viral on Instagram for these fabulous and insane matching costumes they’d create for their sets. Pulling a great deal of inspiration from the queer world, as someone deeply entrenched in queer-city-culture, queenie now steps out with a solo sound–still pop but more intimate, still provocative but more personal.

Evanora:Unlimited – “To Kaže Sve”

This song is from the bilingual 2025 EP featuring the artist singing in both Russian and English. Not NYC-based, E:U has visited our fair city many a time and has collaborated a great deal with New York-based doom rocker Taraneh. Evanora:Unlimited released Portraits from Memory in October and it was instantly among my faves of the year. Also known as Orion Ohana, Evanora flits about Europe like an elusive entity, touring and whatnot, making music that touches on many genres–rap and hip hop, metal, “rage,” indie, folk. But no matter the sound of the song, they have this way of casting a spell on you.