In its purest form, festivals have the ability to restore a childlike sense of wonder to those seeking new artists to discover, new venues to explore, and a community of equally passionate music lovers craving something fresh.
Lodged in the artist’s playground of New York City’s Lower East Side, the New Colossus Festival returned from March 4-9, 2025, taking over beloved local venues like Pianos, Baker Falls, Arlene’s Grocery, Drom, Nublu Classic, and more, while spotlighting over 180 emerging artists from around the world.
The New Colossus Festival featured a dynamic mix of artists, spanning genres from post-punk and shoegaze to indie rock and beyond.
Out of the mighty six-day lineup, here are five standout artists whose unique sound is impossible to ignore—each delivering infectious tracks that will leave you curious for more.
1. Rosier
First on the list is Rosier, a bilingual, female-fronted indie-folk group from Montreal, Quebec.
Photo Credit: Jean Malek
Formerly known as Les Poules à Colin, Rosier is a five-piece group made up of Béatrix Méthé, Colin Savoie-Levac, Marie Savoie-Levac, Éléonore Pitre, and Sarah Marchand.
Known for modernizing traditional folk songs, the Montreal-based collective crafts a sound that is enchanting, soothing, and just the right amount of haunting. Their controlled stage presence allows the music to speak for itself, with airy synth lines, layered vocal harmonies, and a mix of French Québécois and English lyrics taking center stage.
With a cinematic, dreamlike backdrop, their soft, warm vocals feel like a much-needed embrace—one that pulls you in, making it impossible not to listen closer.
If you’re drawn to lullaby-like melodies, dreamy synths, and rich harmonies, this is your band.
2. Grimsøn
Next up is Grimsøn, a music and art project created by frontman Aiden Berglund, originally from Brooklyn, NY, now based in Berlin.
Photo Credit: Esperanza Photography
Blending elements of melancholic indie rock, art rock, and Burton-esque gothic tones, Grimsøn crafts a sound that instantly clicks, with poignant, “oh well” type of lyrics and melodies that just feel right.
Songs like “I Made My Therapist Cry Today” have an immediate appeal, allowing crowds to connect right away and even sing along—despite never having heard the track before.
Grimsøn’s unique blend of rock genres creates a sound that is both intriguing and easily replayable.
If melancholic, introspective lyrics are your thing and you enjoy bands like Interpol, give Grimsøn a listen—you won’t be disappointed.
3. Most Likely Marlin
Cue the self-proclaimed “Lil’ Norwegian Rockstar,” Most Likely Marlin, the project of frontwoman Malin Isabel DISCO Guleng from Bergen, Norway.
Photo Credit: @anal0gram
Specializing in guitar-driven indie rock reminiscent of a late ’90s or early 2000s movie soundtrack, her sound perfectly fits the current Y2K revival.
Even if you’ve never heard a song of hers before, there’s something instantly comforting and nostalgic about it. Her strong vocals demand attention, cutting through heart-pounding breakbeat-style drumlines with effortless command.
Most Likely Marlin’s live performance of “Sports Car” was particularly memorable as she shared the story of crashing her dad’s car while driving in reverse, just before diving into the track’s driving melody.
It was clear the festival crowd understood the vibe, with undeniable swaying and head-bobbing that perfectly synced with the track’s energy.
If you’re a fan of winding guitar lines, breakbeat drums, and vocals reminiscent of Clairo, be sure to check out Most Likely Marlin.
4. Diamond Day
Montreal’s Diamond Day, consisting of Béatrix Méthé (Rosier) and Quinn Bachand, is the next duo to discover—and here’s why.
Photo Credit: Ariana Molly
This hazy experimental pair blends shoegaze with glitch-pop drums, effortlessly connecting it with breathy, folk-like vocals.
The vocal melodies shift from staccato and commanding, complementing the heavy synth, electric guitar, and programmed looped beats, to a more legato style when leaning into their shoegaze side.
What holds it all together are the duo’s captivating vocals, which they harmonize on most tracks, blending together beautifully.
Diamond Day is a must-listen for fans of unexpected electronic soundscapes, bands like PVRIS, and dreamy vocals paired with lush synths.
5. Yndling
Last but not least is singer, songwriter, and producer Silje Espevik, aka Yndling, from Oslo, Norway. Specializing in dreamy shoegaze, her music transports you to a cloud of mist filled with reflection and nostalgic feelings.
Photo Credit: Lene Nordfjord
Songs like “It’s Almost Like You’re Here” and “Careful” are beautifully written and so effortlessly captivating—each note feels like it draws you in deeper, making them addictive in a way that stays with you long after the music fades.
The instrumentation effortlessly accompanies Espevik’s gentle, breathy vocals, creating an atmospheric backdrop that perfectly captures the essence of the shoegaze genre.
If bands like Men I Trust and Mazzy Star are part of your musical zeitgeist, Yndling is a natural next step in your listening journey.
In Conclusion
For music lovers and the musically curious, if The New Colossus Festival wasn’t on your radar, I hope these five recommendations have changed that. With artists who challenge musical norms, push boundaries, and craft soundscapes that are both gorgeous and intriguing, next year’s festival is sure to be even better.
Here’s how to connect with these 5 artists:
Most Likely Marlin: Instagram | Facebook
