Shazam Fast Forward 2025 — 10 Alternative, Rock, and Country artists to watch

Shazam has been a game-changer for both artists and fans since its launch, with over 300 million monthly users worldwide and more than 100 billion song recognitions to date. Its knack for predicting breakout artists has made it an essential tool in the music industry.

This week, Shazam launched “Shazam Fast Forward 2025,” its annual list of 10 artists to watch, focusing on Alternative, Rock, and Country music. Fans can check out these predictions and more on a brand-new microsite, which updates daily throughout the week.

Since Monday, Shazam has been unveiling 10 artists per day across five genres: Dance, Latin, Alternative/Rock/Country, Pop, and Hip-Hop/R&B. These predictions are powered by Shazam’s data and Apple Music’s editorial expertise. Each featured artist shows strong growth signals, like consistent Shazam activity and cross-country recognition.

For the Alternative, Rock, and Country category, Shazam has highlighted 10 emerging artists from five countries—USA, Canada, Ireland, France, and Taiwan. Here’s a quick look at some of them:

1. Cameron Whitcomb (Canada): Cameron’s hit “Quitter” first caught Shazam’s attention in 2023. It peaked in the US after the release of his EP and earned him his debut spot on the Canadian charts in late 2024.
2. Noeline Hofmann (Canada): Known for her song “Purple Gas,” a collab with Zach Bryan, Noeline hit No. 3 on Shazam Norway’s chart. Her music has gone global, landing her on Apple Music’s Global Daily Top 100.
3. LUCKY LOVE (France): Their viral hit “MASCULINITY” climbed charts in 2024, earning Lucky Love their first big break on Shazam’s global stage.
4. Moody Joody (USA): This Alternative band surged in popularity after their Dream Girl EP dropped in 2024. Their song “Velvet Connection” remains a fan favorite.
5. Adrien Nunez (USA): Adrien’s debut single “LOW ROAD” sparked his rise on Shazam, with notable traction in South Africa.
6. Gurriers (Ireland): With their lead single “Top Of The Bill,” Gurriers became a Shazam sensation after releasing their debut album Come and See.
7. INOHA (USA): Their debut album ALOHA INOHA drove their rise on Shazam, with the single “Seventh Heaven” earning widespread attention.
8. FUMON (Taiwan): This rock band’s top song, “I’m Willing,” became a hit in Taiwan and Mainland China after their album When You Suffer, You Are Blessed.
9. Junior Varsity (USA): Their track “Cross The Street” gained momentum in 2024, solidifying their place as one of Shazam’s rising stars.
10. Zach Top (USA): Known for his album Cold Beer & Country Music, Zach’s standout track “I Never Lie” dominated the US and Canadian charts last year.

As these artists gear up for 2025, Shazam’s predictions spotlight the fresh sounds shaping the music world.