It’s been a busy year for Sofar Artists, and we’re only halfway through 2025! June is jam-packed with new releases and new artists to watch. We have New Yorkers cultivating community, artisan skincare at the merch table, and a rebrand for the y2k bubblegum ‘Popstar’. It’s too good to gatekeep- here’s your New Music Alert!
1. Blake Anthony | BDE
Blake Anthony’s artistry cannot be put into a box (unless it’s a box with his sold-out skincare, of course.) Blake Anthony is a multifaceted creator, from anime inspiration for album art to hand-making artisan body butter. The Twitch Streamer and Seattle-based hip-hop artist just dropped his latest album BDE, a refreshing compilation of clean, classic hip-hop and R&B. While giving us smooth, soon-to-be-classics, Blake keeps it Blake on tracks like “Sailor Moon” and “Grand Kai-” shouting out homages to anime and his Twitch community. If you can’t catch him on his next Livestream, Sofar Seattle- we’re looking at you for another show date!
2. La Lulu | Lululandia
Check the temps, because this album drop is hot! The Colombian-born, Brooklyn, NY-raised artist, La Lulu, released Lululandia. While it’s nearly a self-titled drop, the Latin Grammy-winning violinist isn’t shy with her experimental style. La Lulu enriches her Latin roots with her urban upbringing, creating the heat we’re talking about.
3. Benicio Bryant | Popstar
Benicio Bryant has arrived in your dance playlist, and his MTV Video Music Award can’t be far behind. His latest hit, “Popstar”, throws punchy hooks alongside his ‘this-must-be-viral’ vocal control. At 20, he’s already serving arena-ready performances with the ease and commitment of someone who’s been doing this for decades. Oh, and he’s teasing a tour? Maybe then we can clear up the time-traveling rumors, Benicio!
4. Netam | iki
Netam is back—and iki is a deep dive into texture, rhythm, and cinematic electronics. With layers of (his!) trumpet, house, and a heartbeat that feels almost elemental, this latest release is tailor-made for thinking, moving, or taking a little mental walk. If you’re near Hungary for OZORO Fest on June 18th, this set isn’t one to miss!
5. Steff Reed | Into The Wilderness
Steff Reed doesn’t just write songs–he creates frameworks for social change. His latest project, Into the Wilderness, balances bold vulnerability with grounding softness. The album is rooted in years of education, activism, and unflinching self-reflection. From Steff’s standout track- “Power of Love,” to now, his music does more than sound good; it connects, empowers, and makes us feel good.
6. Rebecca Porter | Payday Loans
Raised in the Shenandoah Valley (yes, the “Country Roads,”) Rebecca Porter embodies all its wise-mountain magic. With a sweet-like-honey voice, sharp pen, and storytelling that’d make Dolly proud. Her new EP, Payday Loans, puts working-class grit front and center, weaving regional folk with delicate country harmonies. Her debut album is set for release in August, but in the meantime, catch her new tracks live at one of her upcoming festival sets!
