As the heat wave starts to fade, the chilly fall breeze is slowly but surely making its way into the atmosphere. What could be a better way to welcome the new season than with music to fall in love with? Here is a curated list of artists from various genres, ranging from indie, hip-hop, R&B and pop to give a listen to as you watch the leaves drastically change colors.
1. Adrianne Lenker
Before the pandemic hit, Adrienne Lenker and her indie folk-rock band, Big Thief, were expecting to tour for the entire year, but due to the restrictions, the tour got canceled. However, the setback didn’t stop the Indiana native from carving her own path as an established solo artist. Lenker was the principal songwriter for her band, so writing her own songs came easily. With her delicate and angelic voice, her music explores the essence of self-identity and the reminiscence of love as well as loss. Her 2020 solo album, songs, is considered her most popular project, with the intimate and acoustic track anything gaining popularity on the social media platform, TikTok.
2. Coi Leray
She is not only known for being the daughter of controversial television personality Benzino, Coi Leray is also a self-made rapper. Her rise to stardom came from the release of the viral song, No More Parties, which was followed by a remix featuring rapper Lil Durk. She then collaborated with notable artists such as Nicki Minaj, Tomorrow X Together and Metro Boomin. Leray is known for blending rap with melodic elements that also feature catchy hooks that can get stuck in your head for days. Her unique take on fashion, which expresses her bold and energetic personality, makes her stand out amongst other artists. In February 2025, Leray released an EP titled, What Happened To Forever?, which explored heartbreak from a previous relationship. However, her song We Time from her previous EP, Lemon Cars, is making its waves on Spotify with over 1.7 million streams.
3. DESTIN CONRAD
After finding success from uploading humorous six second clips on the popular short-form video app, Vine, Destin Conrad decided to explore his talent in music. The Tampa native has evolved himself into one of R&B’s most prominent stars. He has penned songs for artists such as Kehlani and several members of the popular K-Pop group, BTS. Although Conrad was never afraid to express himself freely through short-lived funny clips online, he has since then showed a much more creative and versatile side through his music. Conrad’s debut album, Love on Digital, which was released in April 2025, displays his soulful vocals, confidence and freedom of self-expression. The track KISSING IN PUBLIC from the album is an upbeat and romantic song that will make you happy it is finally fall.
4. KATSEYE
They’re not just the girls from the viral Gap ad. Based in Los Angeles, California, the global girl group KATSEYE are rapidly rising to the top of the Billboard charts just within their first year of debuting. The multifaceted group is composed of six members: Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae. With members being from different regions of the world, such as the United States, Switzerland, South Korea and the Philippines, the group stands out as more unique and diverse than past girl groups. KATSEYE rose to stardom in 2024 after competing in the Netflix show Pop Star Academy under the direction of HYPE x Geffen. Their hit song, Touch, took the world by storm and won them their first award at the 2025 VMAS. These girls are definitely securing their spot as one of the best girl groups of all time and their newest track Gabriela definitely should make it into your playlist this season.
5. Malcolm Todd
Malcolm Todd, a multi-instrumentalist musician from Los Angeles, is rising to the top of the Spotify charts with his hit single and mixtape, Sweet Boy. Although he is getting well deserved recognition now, he was always destined for stardom. Todd’s love for music was heavily influenced by his mother, as she would play Broadway CDs during car rides. He began taking piano lessons and found his passion in alternative R&B. According to Another Planet Entertainment, Todd went from covering songs by artists such as The Beatles and Dominic Fike to him uploading actual tracks that he had written and produced himself. This year, he released his self-titled debut album that showcased vulnerability and authenticity.
6. Monaleo
Megan Thee Stallion is not the only Houston native taking over the rap game; Monaleo is making her mark on her own terms. Born as Leondra Roshawn Gay, she combined her real name with the revolutionary painting “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci. Monaleo is recognized for her fast delivery and clever lyricism which she displays in her music. Her post-breakup anthem, Beating Down Yo Block, went viral in 2021. Although she is not signed to a record label yet, Monaleo releases her music independently and freely as she desires. Her consistency, confident and unapologetic personality keeps fans wanting more. In September 2025, she released the track Putting Ya Dine that was well received on social media.
7. Thundercat
Stephen Lee Bruner, better known by his distinctive stage name, Thundercat, is a Grammy-winning singer, bassist and songwriter. The Los Angeles native tested the musical waters in high school as a bassist for the crossover thrash band Suicidal Tendencies. After he departed the band in 2011, Thundercat reinvented his sound to the psychedelic funk and jazz elements that he’s widely popular for now. His music is a mixture of humorous lyricism and dreamy falsetto vocals which ties into his sound. He has contributed his masterful bassist skills and other talents to notable artists such as Erykah Badu, Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar. Thundercat’s 2020 album, It Is What It Is, received much praise from audience and secured him his second Grammy award. Although he has released a new project this year, the song Lava Lamp from his 2017 album Drunk is still a timeless and melodic classic to give your ears a listen to.
8. Zara Larsson
Although the Swedish beauty Zara Larsson is currently an opener on tour for another rising star, Tate McRae, she is headlining her own tour for her newest album, Midnight Sun next year. The music video for the titled track on her album went viral on social media platforms due to its electrifying visuals that reminds people of the Lisa Frank stickers and nostalgic Windows XP background called Bliss. Not only that, but Larsson also reminded the world that her fiery and powerful vocals have never left and that you should never count her out in your top 10 singers list. Larsson rose to fame at the age of 10 by winning the 2008 season of Talang, which is the Swedish version of America’s Got Talent. She has gone on to release hit singles such as Never Forget You in a collaboration with singer MNEK. Her music is a nice blend of electronic pop and R&B, which can serve as a great escape from reality this fall.
Honorable mentions: Two of hip-hops prominent stars, Cardi B and Doja Cat, released albums in September 2025. Cardi B’s long-awaited sophomore album, Am I the Drama? came out on Sept. 19, 2025 and featured the track Hello a fearless and bold anthem for the upcoming season. Doja Cat’s newest album Vie comes out on Sept. 26, 2025 and features the track Acts of Service, an up-tempo love ballad that you can cozy up to this fall.
