As 2025 attracts to a detailed, we’re celebrating standout statistics and tales from the yr. Discover enjoyable information from this yr’s releases, hear from fellow CD Child artists, and uncover developments you would possibly simply issue into your technique for subsequent yr.
It was a giant yr for unbiased music releases
From singles to EPs to albums, unbiased artists launched music at an unimaginable tempo. We’re proud to help a rising group wanting to be heard around the globe.
Three actually is a magic quantity
As Schoolhouse Rock prophesied, there’s one thing about this quantity! The common music size additionally landed proper in basic pop territory.
Friday stays the most well-liked music launch day
Unbiased musicians fell proper according to the industry-standard Friday launch day. We all know there’s one other music to reference right here, however we’ll resist the urge.
Love reigned supreme
From heart-throbbers to heart-breakers, everybody was writing about love this yr. Throughout all launch titles, “love” appeared greater than every other noun.
Rock, pop, hip-hop, and rap led the way in which
Acquainted favorites proceed to anchor unbiased releases. Rock, Pop, and Hip-Hop & Rap topped our hottest genres, proving their endurance throughout generations of artists and followers.
Unbiased artists got here from all around the world
Artists from around the globe introduced new voices and sounds to CD Child this yr. From the UK to Brazil, these prime nations spotlight simply how worldwide unbiased music has grow to be.
Cowboy hats, odd time signatures, and industrial textures are on the rise
Style progress this yr mirrored each innovation and revival, as artists pushed boundaries and reimagined acquainted sounds. From high-energy, aggressive membership tracks to jazz experimentation and trendy nation, these kinds gained momentum quick.
Artists are at all times working on the fringes of style
Past the mainstream, artists continued carving out area of interest sounds and scenes of their very own. These obscure genres present simply how adventurous and creatively fearless unbiased musicians may be.
Artist Reflections
After all, behind the highest stage stats and developments from this yr are actual artists doing the work. In what follows, hear from CD Child artists about their proudest moments of 2025.
LukHash
Polish-British unbiased digital music artist, LukHash, is thought for his distinctive mix of retro sounds and up to date kinds that make the most of his personal custom-modified retro {hardware} such because the Commodore 64, Amiga, NES, and Recreation Boy.
In 2025, LukHash had the chance to contribute music to the Terrorbytes OST, a documentary concerning the evolution of horror gaming. LukHash’s newest album “Residence Arcade” additionally reached quantity 16 on the UK official Downloads Chart.
The Frst
The Frst (pronounced “the primary”) is an alternate rock and steel core collaborative undertaking run by Mikei Grey, primarily based in Nashville, Tennessee. The undertaking has seen a rotating lineup of notable collaborators together with Kellin Quinn & Matty Better of Sleeping With Sirens and Jaret Reddick of Bowling For Soup.
In 2025, The Frst was featured in Guitar World journal, obtained a number of longstanding editorial playlist placements on streaming platforms, and had a number of music movies go viral.
Olivia King
Olivia King is a pop/soul singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Rhode Island. King has amassed over 450,000 followers throughout social platforms and takes a uniquely collaborative strategy to her music, permitting her followers to co-write songs and assist select paintings, mixes, launch titles and extra.
In 2025, King’s music “Who me?” was used within the Dancing with Sharks phase of Shark Week, she held a particular live performance at Petco Park in San Diego, and she or he rounded out her editorial placements to an all-time complete of fifty.
Luisa Marion
Luisa Marion is a rising indie people artist primarily based in Nashville, Tennessee, crafting authentic songs whereas additionally touring as a violinist with Sam Barber.
In 2025, Marion launched her first self-produced EP, Juniper, and obtained quite a few editorial playlist placements.
Thanks for an exquisite yr, CD Child artists!
From all of us at CD Child, thanks for an unimaginable 2025. Being an unbiased artist means setting your personal path whereas adapting to an ever-changing {industry}—and staying true to your identification. Your dedication, creativity, and artwork encourage us daily to help your objectives and supply the sources you have to take your music additional. We will’t wait to see what 2026 will deliver.
If you happen to’re able to launch music, develop your viewers, and construct your profession by yourself phrases within the yr forward, be part of the CD Child group and begin distributing at this time.
