Colin 
Readers, you absolutely brought the energy this year! Voting for Artist of 2025 was a full-on celebration of the musicians who made 2025 unforgettable. Every single vote showed who you were streaming, shouting about, and returning to on repeat. This year’s top five just happens to be all women, showing that talent, personality, and originality were front and centre in 2025.
Here are your Artists of 2025, the musicians who defined the year, on your playlists and in your hearts.
5. Emma McCarthy
Starting off the list, Emma McCarthy brought the clever lyrics, relatable storytelling, and infectious energy that kept readers coming back for more. Every track pulses with personality and playfulness, and you could hear it in the way readers raved about her music. ‘Petty’ vibes? Instant favourite. Emma’s wit, charm, and attitude make her an unforgettable presence on your rotation, and this placement is well deserved.
4. Isabel Maria
Pen in hand, ribbon in hair, 19-year-old Isabel Maria has been shattering expectations since 2021. Her alternative pop combines biting wit with emotional honesty, tackling mental health, relationships, and the awkward moments we all live through. From secret songs on her grandad’s Casio to hundreds of thousands of streams and shows across the nation, Isabel’s rise has been meteoric. Readers clearly connected with her honesty, her clever lyrics, and her ever-growing presence, making Isabel Maria an artist to watch in 2025 and beyond.
3. Grace Calver
Grace Calver keeps showing up in the finals, and 2025 was no exception. She also won EP of the year with Blue. Her sassy, fun pop and brilliant vocals make every track a joy, while her playful personality shines through the music. Readers connected not just to the tunes but to Grace herself, her energy, and the way she makes pop feel alive and relatable. Grace is a powerhouse, and her spot on this top five feels absolutely earned.
2. Idele
East London’s Idele came in second with her dreamy alt-R&B and soulful Motown-infused sound. Her debut EP I Wish I Never Knew You combines clever lyrics with a rich, expressive vocal style that sets her apart. Co-signs from Timbaland only hint at the buzz surrounding her, but it’s your votes that confirmed she’s on the rise. Readers connected with her warmth, originality, and irresistible charm, proving she’s a force to be reckoned with in 2025.
1. Emily Volt
The winner of Artist of 2025, Emily Volt captured readers’ hearts with a combination of talent, charm, and boundary-pushing music. Her EP TV Stopped Working reinvigorated the women-fronted nu rock/metal scene with raw confidence, fiery riffs, and a songwriting edge that stops you in your tracks. Emily’s charismatic, friendly personality shines through every note, and readers connected not just with her sound but with the energy and spirit she brings to every performance. We cannot overstate how much she lit up 2025. Emily isn’t just the winner. She’s the artist who defined the year, made a huge impact on the independent music scene, and gave readers a year of music to remember. Every release felt like a gift to your playlists and your year.
We had a quick catch up with Emily to tell her about her win and she says…
“That’s SO wonderful to hear! Thank you so much TuneFountain for coverage and support this year and thank you to everyone who has enjoyed listening to my music and followed me along on this journey! I couldn’t do what I am doing without you guys and releasing this EP has been a huge milestone for me! Grateful for every single one of you and I cannot wait to give you more tunes next year xx
Emily Volt 
“