Alex G- Afterlife
This song is from Alex G‘s 2025 album, Headlights.
On Saturday, 1/10/26, he will be one of the artists playing at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles for Artists for Aid‘s benefit concert. All proceeds from this show will support the Sudanese American Physicians Association and the Palestine children’s relief fund equally.
Every year I put together a list of my choices for the best songs released this year. These are songs I went back to repeatedly, even while checking out other artists for the monthly playlists.
The playlist includes some familiar favorites like Big Thief, Panda Bear, Ty Segall, and Open Mike Eagle. Older bands like Swervedriver made the list, along with younger artists like up-and-coming New Orleans rapper La Reezy. This time around jazz fusion also made an appearance with a song by Thundercat, and one from British band GoGo Penguin featuring Daudi Matsiko.
2025 was an intense year for many people. Depression and anxiety are topics in the lyrics of several of the songs. But there is also plenty of joy in this playlist too, or at least, making the best of it when you can. I hope you will check it out and make some new discoveries!
Wet Leg- catch these fists
Every month I listen to the majority of bands and musicians who are playing in Los Angeles and select some for a monthly playlist. It includes a variety of genres and usually newer work by the artist.
The song above is from UK band Wet Leg‘s 2025 album, moisturizer.
Below are December’s selections-
Automatic- Black Box
This song is from LA band Automatic‘s 2025 album, Is It Now?.
On Sunday, 1/4/26, they will be part of a lineup of bands playing at The Regent Theater in Los Angeles for LA Fights Back- a benefit concert for CHIRLA.
Jordan Patterson- Racecar
Every month I listen to the majority of bands and musicians who are playing in Los Angeles and select some for a monthly playlist. It includes a variety of genres and usually newer work by the artist.
The song above is by Jordan Patterson, from her 2025 debut album, The Hermit.
Below are November’s selections-
Electric Guest- Stand Back For You
This song is from LA-based band Electric Guest‘s 2025 album, 10K.
They are currently on tour and playing The Regent in Los Angeles on Thursday, 12/18/25, with Snacktime.
Fime- Better Half of a Dollar
This song is from LA band Fime‘s recently released second album, Just Can’t Win. The album was produced by Melina Duterte aka Jay Som.
The band is part of a great lineup of bands playing at The Echo in Los Angeles on Sunday, 12/14/25, for No Ear Buds Fest. Also on the ticket- Prince Daddy & The Hyena, JER, yungatita, Bones Shredder, Glass Generation, Soft Blue Shimmer, and Hudson Freeman.
Goon- Begin Here
This song is from Los Angeles band Goon‘s 2025 album Dream 3.
The band is currently on tour and playing at Sid The Cat Auditorium in Pasadena on Thursday, 12/4/25, with Peel Dream Magazine.
Princess Nokia- Drop Dead Gorgeous
Every month I listen to the majority of bands and musicians who are playing in Los Angeles and select some for a monthly playlist. It includes a variety of genres and usually newer work by the artist.
The song above is from Princess Nokia‘s 2025 album, Girls.
Below are the selections for October 2025.
Blair Gun- The Thief
This song is from San Diego band Blair Gun‘s 2024 album, There Are No Rival Clones Here. In this interview the band discusses the song and the process of animating the video which uses over 3000 hand-drawn frames.
The band is playing on Friday, 11/28/25, at Oblivion in Los Angeles along with Loophole, Fat Lady Sang, and Manners.