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 idea of a “Popstar.” It’s all too good to gate-keep. 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 is a multifaceted creator, getting inspiration for album art from anime and making artisan body butter by hand. 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, maybe you can at an upcoming show. (Sofar Seattle—we’re looking at you!)!
2. La Lulu | Lululandia
Check the temps, because this album drop is hot. La Lulu, the Colombian-born, Brooklyn-raised artist, just released Lululandia, her first nearly self-titled album. The Latin Grammy-winning violinist isn’t shy with her experimental style. La Lulu smoothly blends her Latin roots with New York influences, creating the heat we’re talking about.
3. Benicio Bryant | Popstar
Benicio Bryant has arrived to your dance playlist, and a VMA can’t be too far behind. His latest hit, “Popstar”, throws punchy hooks alongside a level of “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 yourself a little mental walk. If you’re in Hungary for DAAD Gathering on June 18th, you won’t want to miss this set!
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. Ever since Steff’s 2018 standout track, “Power of Love”, his music has been doing more than just sounding good: it connects, empowers, and makes us feel good, too.
6. Rebecca Porter | Payday Loans
Raised in the Shenandoah Valley (yes, the “Country Roads”), Rebecca Porter embodies all its wise-mountain magic—allith a fresh honey-like voice, sharp pen, and the kind of 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 new tracks live at one of her upcoming festival sets!
