By: Savannah O’Shields

2025 is a big year for music, with Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, and SZA dropping hits. Wesleyan students can expect fresh sounds, chart-toppers, and rising stars shaping the industry.

This year has already seen some big releases from established stars. Ed Sheeran’s new album (Subtract), which dropped earlier this year, has earned praise for its deeply personal, raw lyrics. Billie Eilish, always evolving, released a few new singles that continue to push her signature dark, atmospheric style forward. Meanwhile, SZA’s SOS remains one of the most talked-about albums, with fans eagerly anticipating more. These artists are raising the bar for 2025, but many are keeping their eyes on rising stars ready to make their mark.

Maya Reyes, a student in the psychology master’s program at Wesleyan, shares her excitement for a variety of artists in 2025.  “There are several artists I am excited about,” Reyes said. “I like all kinds of music so I have been listening to a good mix of artists lately.” She’s particularly looking forward to new music from SZA, Jelly Roll, and Luke Combs. “I am really excited to get more music from SZA, Jelly Roll, and I’m hoping for more music from Luke Combs, who is one of my favorites,” Reyes added. 

She also predicts a major breakthrough for rising artist Doechi, who recently won a Grammy. “Someone who I think is gonna make big waves this year in music is Doechi. She just won a Grammy and I can see her go really far this year.” 

Reyes also has high hopes for Lady Gaga’s comeback, saying, “I am also excited for Lady Gaga to have a big comeback year!” Though her tastes lean toward newer releases, Reyes admits she has been revisiting older tracks too.

 “Recently, I have been into more throwbacks, but with all this new music out, I am definitely going to have to mix some of it in!”

Ben Heffron, a sophomore studying computer science, takes a different approach when it comes to music. A fan of metal and rock, Heffron is eagerly anticipating new releases from progressive metal bands like Dream Theater and Lacuna Coil. “Personally, I listen to metal and rock,” Heffron said. “The artists that I look forward to are more obscure. Two bands in particular that are dropping albums that I am looking forward to are Dream Theater and Lacuna Coil. These are both considered progressive metal bands.” 

Heffron also notes the growing trend of “classic” metal and rock coming back into the spotlight. “I have noticed a large trend in ‘classic’ metal and rock. I would look out for more popular bands like Slipknot who just recently got a new drummer,” Heffron shared. “They are one of, if not, my favorite bands to listen to.”

From the chart-topping sounds of Ed-Sheeran and Billie Eilish to the underground rose of Doechi and Slipknot’s return, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of musical innovation. At Wesleyan, students are eagerly anticipating an exciting mix of established stars and fresh talent that will define the year ahead.

Photo from: electricbeats.net