Ones to Watch: Meet Bluey Thomas, HOLLY, and Ryan Cabrera—The Artists You Need On Your Radar For 2025!

Best New Artists…

Good music knows no rules, and these three are living proof. From electronic beats that push boundaries to alt country ballads that hit right in the feels, to nostalgic pop-rock anthems that transport you back in time, Bluey Thomas, HOLLY, and Ryan Cabrera are flipping the script on their respective genres.

If your playlist is in desperate need of a refresh, these names should be at the top of your “must-listen” list. In exclusive interviews, Loop Mag sat down with each artist and discovered what makes them Ones to Watch and how they’re breaking boundaries, blending genres, and captivating audiences worldwide. These artists are about to take over, and you definitely don’t want to miss the ride!

After years of crafting chart-topping hits for stars like Post Malone and Khalid, Grammy-nominated producer Bluey Thomas decided it was time to step into the spotlight—and wow, we are glad he did. With his unique alt-country sound, Bluey Thomas is proving that the next chapter of his career is just as exciting as the one behind the scenes, and trust us, the results are spectacular. 

His upcoming debut album More Than Before promises to be a deeply personal exploration of growth, heartbreak, and redemption—themes that resonate universally. But it’s his new single, “My Love Your Loss,” featuring viral singer-songwriter Eli Wilson, that’s already turning heads.

“The album dives into themes of growth, heartbreak, and redemption,” Bluey shares. “It’s about the transitions we go through—losing love, finding ourselves, and learning to embrace change. I hope listeners can see pieces of their own lives in these songs.”

The track is a fascinating blend of indie, alternative, and country influences, showcasing Bluey’s gift for emotional storytelling. With warm acoustic tones and perfectly balanced harmonies, “My Love Your Loss” feels like the heartfelt letter you didn’t know you needed. Bluey calls the collaboration with Eli Wilson “a perfect match,” saying, “Eli’s voice carries this raw emotion that perfectly matches the vulnerability I wanted for the track.”

After years of producing to stepping into the spotlight, what inspired Bluey to take the leap as a solo artist? “I realized I had my own stories to share,” he explains. “Producing taught me so much about the craft, but I reached a point where I felt a strong pull to create something that was truly mine. It was less about wanting the spotlight and more about needing to express myself authentically.”

Working alongside industry heavyweights like Post Malone and Khalid shaped his creative perspective. “Watching them navigate the creative process taught me the importance of being honest and vulnerable in music,” Bluey says. “They also showed me that simplicity can be powerful—letting emotion and melody speak louder than overproduction.”

For Thomas, there was a clear turning point. “I remember sitting in the studio late one night, working on a track, and I just kept hearing my own voice in my head. I realized I wasn’t feeling fulfilled anymore by just helping others create. That was the moment I knew it was time to step up and take the leap into a solo career.”

Bluey Thomas is ready to carve out his place in the alt-country landscape. “Alt-country is such a rich and evolving genre—it’s got this perfect blend of storytelling, edge, and emotional depth. I want to honor those roots while experimenting with modern influences.”

As for his ultimate goal? “I hope people find something authentic to hold onto in my music. If someone connects with a lyric or melody in a way that feels like I wrote it for them, then I’ve done my job.”

With More Than Before on the horizon and his unique sound shaking up the alt-country world, Bluey Thomas is undoubtedly one to watch in 2025.

More Than Before in three words: Reflective. Bold. Honest.

If you’re hunting for music that feels like it belongs to the future, look no further than HOLLY. This Portuguese electronic producer has been a powerhouse in the underground scene for years, with a jaw-dropping catalog of over 1,000 songs. Prolific doesn’t even begin to cover it. His latest project, Minha Vida Pt. 3: Hope, wraps up a transformative trilogy that’s equal parts emotional odyssey and dancefloor gold, blending UKG, classic house, and breakbeat influences into something truly unforgettable.

The seven-track EP is a sonic rollercoaster, weaving love, sadness, and hope into every beat. Highlights like “In Love We Know Ourselves” and “True 2 Me” layer dreamy textures over dynamic percussive breaks, while “Lost In This Cold LA” delivers haunting melodies that capture the loneliness of city life. HOLLY describes the project as deeply personal, saying, “This is the last EP of a three-part series that focuses on emotions and different mental states. I wanted to end this project in the highest possible frequency, manifesting and setting the tone for my next projects to come.”

When asked how he maintains his unique voice across so many collaborations and releases, HOLLY shares, “It’s pretty easy. All I need is to be honest with myself and always look for what feels unique and true to me. As long as I keep these values in mind, everything will be cohesive, even if the styles are different.”

What does he hope fans take away from Hope? One word: “Freedom.”

But wait, there’s more! HOLLY isn’t just a musical genius; he’s also the mastermind behind Hot Potato, a chaotic, inspiring video series where producers like Flosstradamus and Gaszia create tracks in just 10 minutes. HOLLY explains, “This is a game I’ve been playing with friends for years. Earlier this year, I was hanging with my good friend Sober Rob, and we decided to turn it into a show as a way to connect with friends and collaborate with new people.”

What can fans expect from future episodes? “Some of the most amazing producers ever. We’re leveling up the production, editing, and storytelling of the show. I’d love to bring unexpected collaborators—Bjork, The Alchemist, Kamasi Washington, and Skrillex. That would be fire!”

HOLLY’s live performances, from Coachella to Shambhala, also feed his creativity. “More than the festival itself, it’s the space where I’m playing—the city, the country, the neighborhood. Listening to what people are playing in the streets, the way people dress, the food and smells—it all opens new creative doors in my brain.”

Beyond Hope, HOLLY hints at exciting projects on the horizon. “I’ve been spending time in Portugal, making music with friends and people from my culture, and a lot of these ideas will be shared next year. I’m also building a new electronic group with some close friends—some of my favorite producers ever—and we’ll start releasing records next month.”

With Minha Vida Pt. 3: Hope, HOLLY isn’t just making music—he’s crafting a movement. Get ready to dive into a soundscape that’s as innovative as it is emotional. One listen, and you’ll understand why HOLLY is shaping the future of sound.

Hope in three words: “Liberty, beauty, avant-garde.”

For those who grew up singing along to “On The Way Down,” Ryan Cabrera’s return is the perfect dose of nostalgia. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album Take It All Away, Ryan has reimagined his iconic hit with a star-studded cast, including AJ McClean (Backstreet Boys), Joey Fatone (NSYNC), Drake Bell, Nick Petricca (Walk the Moon), Taylor Hanson (Hanson), and Nash Overstreet. The revamped track drops on January 31st, and believe us, it’s going to be your new favorite throwback.

Reflecting on his career, Ryan says, “It’s crazy because it feels like yesterday I was walking into Johnny Rzeznik’s house to start recording the album. I’m really proud of how it came together and how lucky I am to have an album that helped a lot of people get through the ups and downs of life.” And that’s the magic of Ryan Cabrera—his music is as uplifting as it is relatable.

But Ryan isn’t just riding the nostalgia wave. He’s also working on new music that blends his signature pop-rock sound with fresh, modern influences. Whether he’s reminiscing about the emotional weight of “Take It All Away” or collaborating with artists across genres, Ryan’s passion for storytelling remains at the heart of his work.

When asked which song still tugs at his heartstrings, Ryan doesn’t hesitate: “I would probably say the title track, ‘Take It All Away.’ I still have a hard time singing that one live because I get emotional. You know those songs that transport you back into the exact place and feeling you had when you first heard it? That’s that song for me—it brings me right back to the studio and the importance of love and real connection, not physical things.”

What inspired the re-release of “On The Way Down”? Ryan says it was all about collaboration with artists who’ve inspired him: “I wanted to bring in friends that have inspired me along the way. I’m a fan of each of these collaborators, and that’s what made it so special bringing in artists from every genre and time of music!”

One of the most memorable moments in the process came from Nick Petricca of Walk the Moon: “Nick came up with the top melody, which really took the song in the direction it went in. Sometimes, when you’re recording, you’re missing a piece of the puzzle that brings it all together. When he ad-libbed that, me and the producer Morgan Taylor Reid looked at each other and screamed, ‘That’s it! That’s it!’”

His passion for live performance is another constant: “I’ve always been a touring, live-show kind of guy. My favorite time is when I’m on stage. I love the idea that at any moment, you can mess up, change something, make someone laugh, make someone cry. It’s just something that’s in my blood at this point!”

Ryan’s philanthropic side shines through in initiatives like Live From Ryan’s Living Room, where music and giving back meet: “I’ve always felt very fortunate to play music for a living, so giving back has always been extremely important to me. I love getting people together for a great cause. The energy in the room is always super vibrant and creative. It’s really cool when different artists donate their time to the jam sessions—it creates something unique and special for the audience.”

As for the re-release of “On The Way Down”, Ryan assures fans they’ll love it: “The hardest part about doing a new version was not losing the magic of the original. It’s definitely different but not a clear departure. So if you liked the original, pretty sure you’re going to love this one too!”

Mark your calendars for January 31st—because Ryan Cabrera is ready to take us all on the way back down memory lane.