Today, we’re spotlighting an artist who brings cozy vibes and heartfelt creativity to everything she does—Vera. With her love for winter weather fueling her songwriting, her ability to create the perfect “fireplace and blanket” mood is unmatched. From Christmas karaoke to celebrating milestones like hitting 1 million streams on Summer Insomniacs, Vera’s year has been nothing short of inspiring. Get ready to sip on a London Fog and dive into her world, where NewJeans tracks, childhood memories, and dreamy collaborations are the heartbeat of the holiday season.

For Day 20 of Next Wave’s Artist Advent, we’re spotlighting Co-Stanza, an artist who finds inspiration in the most unexpected places—like a rough day at the dentist—and turns life’s chaos into something beautiful. Known for his honest, reflective songwriting and vintage aesthetic, Co-Stanza brings a unique blend of creativity and heart to his music.

Welcome to Day 16, where we shine a spotlight on Madison Steinbruck, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter who’s mastered the art of turning life’s quirkiest moments into deeply relatable tracks. Whether it’s writing songs inspired by binge-watching TLC shows or hanging out with her mom’s chickens (yes, really), Madison’s storytelling is as charming and unpredictable as she is. Her track “Eva” has been stealing hearts, even earning a spot on a Katie Gavin-inspired playlist—an honor that left her totally fangirling.

Today, we’re spotlighting the wonderfully vibrant Heather LaRose! Whether she’s writing songs inspired by Teen Wolf, sharing spaghetti with fans in the Pride pit, or crafting emotional belters like Homecoming Queen, Heather brings creativity, humor, and heart to everything she does.

The blood moon illuminated the beach with a slight red tint as the camera flashed to capture singer-songwriter Camille Schmidt posing with a taxidermied fox, while the sounds of the ocean waves became our background noise. I met Camille while I was a production assistant on her photoshoot session for her upcoming album cover. The photoshoot was filled with fun floaties, such as a sittable shell, and fox- and eagle-shaped ones. Makeup-free, tall, and with piercing blue eyes, Camille posed amidst the sunset on the beach as the wind majestically flowed through her blonde hair. In one shot, she stares into the eyes of a taxidermied fox, and in another, she’s walking it as well. She released her EP, Good Person, back in June 2024 and is currently gearing up to release her debut album.

For Day 14, we're shining the spotlight on Kikko Mai, a 20-year-old artist and songwriter with a gift for capturing the messy, beautiful journey into adulthood. Writing from the heart, Kikko’s songs explore emotions like guilt, anxiety, and regret, creating a safe space for girls, women, the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and anyone who’s ever felt “weird” or “too much.”

Welcome to Day 13 of Next Wave's Artist Advent Calendar!

Candice Lee is a multi-talented, authentic, inspiring singer-songwriter, guitarist, and harpist. Her music displays a pop/rock edge, with electronic elements, and a powerful, versatile voice. Candice’s music evokes a sincerity that connects with her loyal and “sweet” following of “Candies.” This educated, charismatic, 24 year-old woman sparkles on stage, strumming her hot pink guitar and angelic harp. She invites you to join her journey!

Welcome to Day 12 of Next Wave's Artist Advent Calendar! 

Today, we’re featuring Paris Hing, a rising artist whose introspective songwriting and storytelling cut straight to the heart. Whether she’s penning vulnerable lyrics about self-sabotage in relationships or finding inspiration at 35,000 feet on a transatlantic flight, Paris’s creative process is as unique as the music she makes.

Welcome to Day 11 of Next Wave's Artist Advent Calendar!

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the insanely talented Leanna Firestone—an artist who blends humor, heart, and honesty into every lyric she writes. From crafting melodies inspired by her dad's boss's emails (yes, really) to fangirling over Maisie Peters and Taylor Swift, Leanna's perspective is as fresh as it is relatable.

For Day 10, we’re highlighting the effortlessly talented Brynn Elliott. With her unique songwriting style and knack for weaving unexpected inspiration into her music, Brynn’s artistry stands out. Her process is equal parts heartfelt and unconventional, making her work feel both fresh and deeply personal.

It’s day 9 of Next Wave Magazine's Artists Advent Calendar. Today we’re spotlighting brand new music artist, Jude Kelly. 

Jude Kelly is a soul-pop artist coming from New Zealand. Her debut single ‘Bonnet Bunny’ was released on November 8, 2024, with a video to accompany it. She’s ready to take the music world by storm and we got the chance to exclusively interview her about music from hers to others and several other things.

For Day 8, we’re shining the spotlight on Alnev, an artist whose introspection and sharp lyricism make his work hit on a deeper level. This year, Alnev has been on an upward trajectory, learning the ropes of production and pushing his creative boundaries with his debut EP. His music is emotional, thought-provoking, and feels like a warm hug on a rainy day—if that hug also included some seriously clever storytelling.

On Day 7 of our Artist Advent Calendar, we’re celebrating Brassie and the fearless authenticity she brings to the music world. Brassie is the kind of artist who turns the unexpected into art, blending raw emotion with sharp, unapologetic creativity. Her ability to take life’s quirks and challenges and shape them into powerful, relatable music sets her apart in today’s scene. Whether performing live or collaborating with others, her work radiates authenticity and a fearless approach to storytelling.

Day 6 is all about Alex Kolo, an artist who thrives on turning life’s ups and downs into meaningful, soulful music. Known for her ability to channel raw emotion and resilience into her craft, Alex brings an infectious energy to her work that makes every song feel personal yet universal.

For Day 5, we’re spotlighting Jonah Marais, whose music consistently blends emotion with creativity in the most relatable way. Whether he’s crafting heartfelt tracks or finding inspiration in the most unexpected places, Jonah has a unique way of connecting with listeners and drawing them into his world.

Today’s advent pick is Jillian Loux, an Atlanta-based artist blending sultry bedroom pop vibes with deeply personal lyrics. At just 19, Jillian’s honey-smooth voice and knack for storytelling make her a standout in the indie pop scene. Her latest single, Help Me Remember, produced by Grammy-winner Frequency, gives a glimpse into her highly anticipated EP, Granted, which dropped November 24th.

For Day 3 of Next Wave’s Artist Advent Calendar, we’re spotlighting the introspective and ever-talented Adam Thomas Hughes! Known for his heartfelt lyrics and raw sound, Adam brings a down-to-earth vibe that’s impossible not to connect with. Whether it’s his latest single, Homemade Attraction, or his admiration for indie gems like The Royston Club, Adam’s artistry shines through in everything he does. Stay tuned for more inspiring artists as we continue this festive journey!

Day 2 of Next Wave’s Artist Advent Calendar is here, and we’re featuring the dynamic duo Kiss Bang! Blending raw emotion with electrifying energy, Kiss Bang brings a unique spark to the indie scene. Their latest single, "Drag," captures their bold evolution and leaves you craving more. With creative inspirations ranging from vintage vibes to unexpected holiday movie picks, they’re the perfect mix of edge and heart. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the best of music this holiday season!

Welcome to Next Wave’s Artist Advent Calendar, where we spotlight incredible artists leading up to the holidays! Kicking things off is Irish singer-songwriter Jaxson, whose heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies are pure magic. With a unique creative spark and an ability to connect deeply through music, Jaxson sets the tone for an unforgettable month of discovery. Stay tuned for more amazing artists!

Ahead of his upcoming tour dates, we caught up with Jonah Marais for an in-depth conversation about his music, his creative process, and what fans can expect from his live shows and upcoming debut album. From setlist secrets to the evolution of his sound, Jonah opened up about balancing fan-favorites with deep cuts, the emotional connections forged through his music, and how "Slow Motion" has grown into a standout moment on tour.