In 2024, Rolling Stone AU\/NZ shared its first-ever Future 25 list<\/a>\u00a0as part of Rolling Stone\u2018s worldwide Future of Music series.<\/p>\n In conjunction with our global\u00a0Rolling Stone partners, our editorial team compiled a list of 25 of the most exciting and innovative artists from Australia and New Zealand, acts we believed were destined for the very pinnacle of music.<\/p>\n We had full faith in our chosen artists, but even we were blown away by the incredible success they enjoyed throughout 2024. From Dom Dolla<\/a> establishing himself as a superstar producer to Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers<\/a> being lauded by Pearl Jam\u2019s Eddie Vedder to Royel Otis<\/a> sweeping the 2024 ARIA Awards, our Future 25 took the express elevator last year.<\/p>\n No pressure then, Class of 2025.<\/p>\n Our Future 25 list is back for its second edition, and as with last year, we\u2019ve selected artists who represent the thrilling diversity of Australia and Aotearoa\u2019s current music landscape.<\/p>\n Some work in unsung subgenres, others forego the restrictive concept of genre entirely. These artists are making music in scenes spread around the world, whether that be in the heart of Brisbane\u2019s bubbling Fortitude Valley, Auckland\u2019s collaborative community, or Los Angeles\u2019 growing diaspora of Antipodean musicians. Some are garnering millions upon millions of streaming listens, while others prefer to build their devoted fanbase on the live music circuit.<\/p>\n On a purely artistic level, our local music scenes are bursting with vitality. Imposing challenges lie ahead.<\/p>\n Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian\/New Zealand music and globally.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Our charts and commercial radio stations are still dominated by global releases, and, perhaps even more worryingly, flagship festivals like Splendour in the Grass<\/a> and Groovin the Moo are being cancelled at an alarming rate<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are reasons to be optimistic, though.<\/p>\n In 2025, even Australia\u2019s national government is trying to define the future of music<\/a>. The 2025-26 Federal Budget includes increased funds for Revive,<\/a> the National Cultural Policy, and the Revive Live Program, as well as much-needed money to ensure the continuation of the the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Partnership Program.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a welcome and timely Budget that recognises the growing role music plays in our national identity, economy and global reach,\u201d APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston said.\u00a0\u201cThis Budget shows what\u2019s possible when government works in partnership with industry. Now we need the next Parliament to finish the job \u2013 and lock in the future of great Australian music for good.\u201d<\/p>\n After those tough first post-pandemic years, the people in power are finally recognising the need (see also: Music Managers Forum Aotearoa\u2019s Spotlight Aotearoa initiative<\/a>, which aims to boost the presence of New Zealand acts on major international tours) to revitalise our music industries.<\/p>\n If they needed any evidence as to why this is all so important, they could find it all over. The talent is here \u2013 and it always will be.<\/p>\n They could hear Fontaines D.C., one of the biggest rock bands in the world, extolling our latest Rolling Stone AU\/NZ cover stars Amyl and the Sniffers<\/a>; they could watch Western Sydney hardcore crew SPEED whipping the crowd into an almighty frenzy at Coachella<\/a>; and they could, of course, look at our Future 25 list, filled as it is with artists ready to represent Australia and New Zealand on a global scale for the next decade.<\/p>\n Meet the Australian and New Zealand acts we\u2019re most excited about this year in our Future 25 list below \u2013 from a globetrotting pop-rock band to a rising country star to Australia\u2019s next big electronic music export, and many more.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll be running exclusive interviews with all 25 artists throughout the next two weeks, which you can find at our Future of Music 2025 microsite<\/a>. And check out Rolling Stone US\u2019s Future of Music 2025 list here<\/a>. \u2014Conor Lochrie<\/p>\n CONTRIBUTORS:<\/strong> Conor Lochrie<\/a>, Lars Brandle<\/a>, Neil Griffiths<\/a>, James Jennings<\/a>, Sarah Downs<\/a><\/p>\nLove Music?<\/h2>\n
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