2025 Tops

Holland TOPs are back! In our time-honored tradition, we compiled the 2025 highs and standouts from local bands, volunteers, artists, and community members. This year, we switched it up a bit and asked six questions that reflect on favorite 2025 releases and special moments, but also new discoveries and artists that never leave the rotation regardless of release date. There are some traditional Top 10 lists in here as well! Enjoy and happy New Year to all of you!

---

ADEN OSTER, volunteer, photographer

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: My favorite album of the year has to be either ‘choke enough’ by Oklou or ‘Basspunk 2’ by Bassvictim

2. Fave new artist or discovery: I found a lot of great artists this year, but some really underrated artists I discovered are: The Twins, Sodomland, & child star

3. Most listened to this year: “iPod Touch” by Ninajirachi has been on repeat since I found it this summer

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Everyone in the queer electronic scene in Reno has been super inspiring and influential to me when creating music under my ‘Mutt//s’ project. Lav Andula & pen (who just released a really good EP called ‘gone’) have been some of my favorite artists in the scene, and I would highly recommend checking them out if you haven’t already. Also thank you so much to Kennedy (k_truck) for being a musical mentor to me and for letting me remix her song “fuckass bob”, which I love haha.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Father John Misty, I’m so excited to see him at The Grand Sierra next year

6. Best moment: Smerz, NEW YORK, and Luxy @ Holland

A-RAY, rapper

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: 1. Favorite release aside from my own songs was easily Swiss Army Girl

2. Fave new artist or discovery: 2. Favorite new discovery was Suhns

3. Most listened to this year: 3. Aftrprty was the heaviest in rotation as far as local bands go

4. Who/what inspired you this year: 4. The consistency of Reno’s music community and how much it’s grown this year was a massive inspiration

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: 5. lol Aftrprty again🙂‍↕️ specifically Missing You

6. Best moment: 6. Favorite moment was getting to headline on my birthday

ADRIAN BROWN, LICHGAWD

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Favorite song this year? It’d have 2 be “FOMDJ” by Playboi Carti, runner up is “Childlike Things” by FKA Twigs.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: My favorite new artist this year was prolly Fakemink, I was on him before everyone lowkey. You should listen to “Face to Face” or “Fidelio.”

3. Most listened to this year: This year I listened to too much Ken Carson, my middle name Ken and i’m from Carson city ¯_(ツ)_/¯. Listen to “Project X”.

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Pierre Bourne always been my biggest inspo for making beats, but this year Wegonbeokay was going crazy. in terms of rocker stuff The Denature Demo, John Connor demo and new Lumber tape were getting me going as well.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Who’s always on deck? It’ll always be Carti,, he’s omnipresent in my life bruh, for better or for worse. Whole Lotta Red real rocker music. I also listen to The Cure indefinitely.

6. Best moment: Best show moment might have to be the Necron 9 & Innuendo gig at Urgent Care. Once in a blue moon there will be a show where everyone in the room is dancing and has a fat ass grin on their face and that was one of them. That night had aura. Runner up is when I saw Carti in Portland tho, I got lit.

ALANA BERGLUND, Holland Project

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: I was bumping Casino Hearts “Holly” for a while – so might be my fave song, but I’m always a year behind on new releases.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: I didn’t even see MJ Lenderman’s solo releases until Spring 2025 and “Manning Fireworks” was my absolute fave discovery. Plays like Purple Mountains or flipping through a Stephen Shore photobook.

3. Most listened to this year: Joshua Citarella’s interview show “Doomscroll”. I don’t think I missed an episode, including the bonuses, and I always found an excellent takeaway even from the controversial guests (and depsite the haters).

4. Who/what inspired you this year: My first time in Santa Fe and we caught the return of SITE Santa Fe’s International exhibition “Once Within in a Time”. Brought together visual artists, musicans, authors, researchers, community, multiple venues, etc and was truly inspiring curation. I spent easily an hour inside Korakrit Arunanondchai’s (Bangkok) sound/video/light installation, I’ve always wanted to see their work in person. My other faves were Zhang Xu Zhan (Taiwan) and David Horvitz (Los Angeles). I wish I could’ve gone twice.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Yung Thug “Jeffery”, always. Plus Madonna, Spiritualized/J. Spaceman, and Cold Cave tend to make appearances on most of my playlists

6. Best moment: My husband’s band Spitting Image opened for thee DEATH (Detroit) at K1 Klubhouse in Nairobi, Kenya for Slovenly’s We’re Loud Festival. Can’t really top a moment like that on a trip that also included seeing a baby rhino and baby zebra that were best friends. 10 out of 10.

ARLEEN NEBEKER, artist

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Viagra Boys – Viagr Aboys (specifically “Medicine for Horses”) Truly their best album in my honest opinion. “Medicine for Horses” is so sad?? like why am I feeling things rn. Hits way deeper than I expected and absolutely wrecked me the first time I heard it.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: Prewn – System – “I’m Gonna Fry All the Fish in the Sea”
Randomly found this and was immediately obsessed. Feels a little messy, a little silly, but also weirdly emotional. 10/10 accidental discovery.

3. Most listened to this year: Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol – Doom Wop
This album lived in my speakers. Loud, heavy, and riffs for days. Zero skips. This record became a go to whenever I needed something loud, dumb, and cathartic…which, turns out, was often.

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Lambrini Girls – Who Let the Dogs Out. Pure feral chaos in the best way. It’s angry, fun, and reminded me that music can be loud, political and not take itself too seriously at the same time.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Cindy Lee – Diamond Jubilee
This album is permanently on my brain. Dreamy, haunted, perfect background for staring at the wall. Been listening to them since their works with the band Women. Never ever leaving my rotation that’s for sure.

6. Best moment: Seeing Viagra Boys was life changing. In the front row there were a couple of folks dressed like shrimps…I dunno set the vibe of the show. Everyone there looked like they were having the time of their lives. Def one of those shows that reminds you why live music still matters and why you keep chasing that feeling.

BEACH MASTER, band

BÉBÉ JOY, volunteer

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: 1. Kevin Abstract’s Blush album is so good. Hard to describe the exact genre, but it’s a pretty collaborative album. A quick listen, less than an hour, and so worth it.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: 2. Girl In A Coma. Indie girl band from the late 2000’s and insanely good. I had heard about them before, but ended up finding a couple of their CD’s for just a few bucks when I was in Seattle, and I got hooked.

3. Most listened to this year: 3. Lots of music. Pinegrove, Circa Survive, Sam Phillips, Mae. And pretty much anything else I could get my hands on.

4. Who/what inspired you this year: 4. I started attending more shows this year, and especially volunteering at them, and I’ve been feeling the love from all of the creative people that are in the scene. I’ve also been pushing myself to put out a weekly radio show with KWNK, and I’ve felt closer to music and the community behind it than I have my whole life. Especially volunteering, meeting fellow volunteers and the staff members that pour their whole heart and soul into creating a safe space for music and art, it’s really great.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: 5. Faye Webster. She hasn’t left my top 10 artists for three years now. She’s always working on something new and expanding into different genres which I think is really fun. At this point, she’s just a classic.

6. Best moment: 6. When First Day Back came to Holland on the 13th of December. I can’t begin to describe how much of a great set it truly was. When you see a lot of live music, it tends to lose its emotional intensity, but the First Day Back show was truly amazing, and they were backed by insanely talented local bands foilsick and Frank Futility.

BRIGDON MARKWARD, Bug Bath

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Favorite song easily Laundromat by Ex Pilots – I really enjoyed the new TAGABOW album Lotto, Hotline TNTs Raspberry Moon, On This Day by Tony Molina – lots of love for all the bands I work with that have released music this year; Superheaven, Glare, Garage Sale, Milly, Downward, Webbed Wing, Monty.PK

2. Fave new artist or discovery: I watched Paris, Texas for the first time this year, which has an incredible score by Ry Cooder, a name I was always familiar with, but had never listened to before. I went down the rabbit hole and emerged with a greater appreciation of slide guitar.

3. Most listened to this year: I spent a lot of time passively listening to Howlin’ Wolf this year, technically more than anything else – however I probably spent more focused time listening to The Glands self titled album, as it seems to loop whenever I do long drives.

4. Who/what inspired you this year: I felt a lot of inspiration this year listening to Mick Turner’s instrumental records: Moth and Tren Phantasma in particular. This also led to a bigger dive into Dirty Three, Blue Trees, and his other projects – sometimes I’ll listen to music and it feels like homework (in a good way), like I need to be studying, I need to sharpen up.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Sun Kil Moon / Red House Painters never leaves the rotation, in particular Ghosts of the Great Highway and Old Ramon. Similarly, I find myself revisiting Music for Nine Postcards by Hiroshi Yoshimura at least a handful of times each year, especially on rainy drives, in the snow, anywhere with tree cover.

6. Best moment: I had a lot of good moments this year, I spent a lot of time on the road and got to visit places I’ve never been before – France, Germany, Czech Republic, Rutherford New Jersey. I love seeing new places. I can’t think of a best moment, but I’m thankful more than anything to have gotten the opportunities I have this year.

BRUSHER, band

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Demo 2 – XweaponX; Too much – Initiate; Belly of the Beast – Combust; Casino Lights (Polvo Riff) – Bug Bath; Wulf 25’ – Wisecrack; erer – Glitterer

2. Fave new artist or discovery: Haywire, First Day Back

3. Most listened to this year: Have Heart, Foundation, Ceremony, Hardlore

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Izzeldin Abuelaish, Pat Flynn, Davey Havok

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Title Fight

6. Best moment: Ging Nang Boys at The Holland Project

CLOSED CURTAINS, band

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Getting killed by Geese

2. Fave new artist or discovery: Been Stellar

3. Most listened to this year: Slackademic by Charity Kiss

4. Who/what inspired you this year: What inspired us most this year was our youth and the short time we have with it.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: My Chemical Romance/The Strokes

6. Best moment: Touring.

DAISY GRAJEDA, Solar Flora

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: 1. My favorite record of 2025 is “Ripped and torn” by Lifeguard. I’ve never heard nothing like this before definitely one of lifeguard’s best releases!

2. Fave new artist or discovery: 2. This year I discovered the artist “bunkbed. He has an album from 2002 called “swimming back to shore without me” which has now become one of favorite albums ever. Dreamy songs with Eillott Smith melodies…I fell in love.

3. Most listened to this year: 3. I have a few artists who’ve I played a lot this year starting with the greatest ever….Momma! I also played a lot of Cindy (goats from San Francisco) everyone asked about you, broadcast, unwound and hammerhead!

4. Who/what inspired you this year: 4. This year I fell completely in love with noise rock and psychedelic rock, the band “Bardo Pond” is the perfect blend of dreamy and noisy. I’m a huge fan of fuzz and distortion so this inspired me to mess a lot more with my pedals.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: 5. Sharp pins never leaves my rotation! He released an album recently called “Balloon Balloon Balloon” which I can’t stop listening to. 60’s inspired! Kinda sounds like Guided By Voices too! So very cool.

6. Best moment: 6. This year I saw one of my favorite bands of all time! The incredible DEERHOOF!! They were one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live! I also saw Rainer Maria this year too which was definitely life changing.

DE RICHARDSON, artist

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: My favorite release this year was The spiritual sound by Agriculture!

2. Fave new artist or discovery: My favorite discovery this year is the series Frieren: Beyond Journeys End. Really brought back a love for manga and anime that I haven’t had in a while.

3. Most listened to this year: The thing I listened to most this year was my gf practicing snyth, this is a blessing and a curse..

4. Who/what inspired you this year: The book I enjoyed most was Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse and I felt most inspired by Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Vaudevillian by MF DOOM was probably my most replayed album

6. Best moment: My favorite moment this year was the summer event! Human chess, built a giant D20, and it was technically my first Ren Faire!

Posters by De for shows at Holland Project in 2025, plus the handmade D20!!

DIANE KOCH, Meat Blanket, MySpace Girlfriend

My top 10 things in general this year, in no specific order 😀

#10 – nocapitalsnospaces, youtoremyprose, thiscouldneverwork, SPIRO: A SASSY NIGHT OF TRANS SCREAMO ART !!!!! This was not only the first Holland Project show I attended this year, but my favorite as well. nocapitalsnospaces and their sassy melodic screamo blew my mind. thiscouldneverwork delivered a great performance with their unique take on screamo using two bassists… SO FREAKING KEWL! SPIRO was in your face with fast, aggressive noise! But most importantly, these artists were unapologetically showing off their trans identity, and that is so important!

#9 – Frank Futility’s Parry: Frank Futility has been one of the coolest bands to see grow this year. I remember seeing them last year when they opened for Hello Mary with a gazey dreampop sound. Since then, they have adopted more Emotional Hardcore and Screamo influence in their sound, while still keeping those gazey guitar textures. Their growth as a band shines through in their newest EP “Parry”. It’s melodic, heavy, discordant, and emotional. My favorite track is Waterfowl.

#8 – Favorite Posters: Septemberistheonlytimeidontthinkofyou and Frank Futility/Brusher release show: Poster art is so important for throwing an awesome show! For a while, I was seeing a lot of posters around reno made with minimal effort, but this year, cool poster art is making a comeback! My favorite of which were the posters for these shows made by Baylor, or @sweetbirbss on Instagram.

#7 – Mohinder’s “O Nation You Bleed From Many Wounds” : While not a new release by any means, this is an EP i just keep coming back to over and over again. Before the famous slowcore band Duster came to be, there was Mohinder. This EP has been a huge influence on me both as an artist and as a musician. It’s heavy, Its raw, its emotional, if you get a chance, give it a listen! My favorite track is “Inhuman Nature.”

#6 – Brusher’s “your side of town” : It’s a damn good song!

#5 – Arythmia / shewasabutterflyandimjustamoth “sorta like chess” – Another really cool release from Reno locals this year! sick ass samples, noisy effects, heavy and melodic riffs, and raw emotional vocals! This is a great split!

#4 – Pizzava! : THANK YOU JUDE FOR RUNNING A SICK DIY SHOW SPACE!!!!!! Some of my favorite shows this year have been in this local pizza shop! pissmixer, superlow, bozone, uncalled for, next question, SPIRO, sharps container, the list of bands goes on! And even though it’s gotten roughed up, as DIY spaces often do, they are still hosting shows going into 2026! super sick stuff!!

#3 – Julie and Lowertown – I’ve been listening to Julie since they released their EP “Pushing Daisies” in 2021. I hadn’t ever heard anything like it at the time, and it helped inspire me to make my own music. That is to say, being able to see them live was an amazing experience, and joined by Lowertown … #awesomesauce ! I expected them to only play songs off their new album, but they pulled out some classics as well! great show 😀

#2 – RIP EVERYTHING – RIP EVERYTHING played their last show this year after releasing two great singles. Starting as a cover band in 2022, the band really grew into their own style as they started to write original music. Featuring beautiful guitar work and ethereal vocals, they always put on a great show. I was so sad to see them go this year, but I’m excited to see what the members have in store for the future. RIP EVERYTHING YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY HEART!

#1 – Now I know that at the beginning, I said this list was in no particular order. That is a lie… because my favorite thing this year has been my beautiful bandmates. Elliott, Ben, Clayton, Travis, Lian, Seth, I love yall and appreciate you so much. Thank you for #rockingout with me this year. I have had so much fun playing and writing music with all of yall !!!!!!

DRAG ME UNDER, band

Best of by DMU so that means it’s the best ever

Gasket – Self-Titled
Scarab – Burn After Listening
Lady Gaga – Mayhem
Drag Me Under – Blood Hymns
Harakiri for the Sky – Scorched Earth
Bore – Feed
Tribal Gaze – Inveighing Brilliance
Drain – …Is Your Friend
Spiritual Cramp – Rude
Viagra Boys – Self-Titled
Militarie Gun – God Save the Gun
Sanguisugabogg – Hideous Aftermath
Teen Mortgage – Devil Ultrasonic Dream
Wet Leg – moisturizer

DYLAN GREIST, Blackstallion, Bug Bath

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: It’s hard to pick only one, but I think my fav release this year is the Bad Penny EP by Dazy. Pretty much everything great about rock music from the late 90’s/early 2000’s but made in 2025. Think Sugar Ray meets uhh Militarie Gun, yeah let’s go with that. It’s sick. Cool bass lines, record scratches for days, and plenty of samples all over the place. Just super good vibes the entire time, summer drive type music.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: Bleary Eyed has been one of my favorite bands that I’ve stumbled upon this year. It’s hard not to love the catchy hooks, loud guitars, and baritone slacker-ish vocals… but what really sets this band apart for me is the clever use of synths and computer-generated sounds throughout their songs. Check out their new album Easy. Love it, can’t wait for more.

3. Most listened to this year: I work as a teacher so the thing I’ve listened to the most this year are the words “six-seven”. All the time, every day…

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Local band Brusher was super inspiring to see live. Killer energy, almost infectious, you could see just how much everyone in the room was feeling like a part of the band. The kids are more than alright.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: LVL UP was always in rotation this year, as they are almost every year since I found out about them. They’re like The Beatles of 2010’s indie rock; when they broke up every member went on to make their own projects that are likewise inspiring, my fav’s being Spirit Was and Trace Mountains. Still, no subsequent project hits quite like the original. Some overly optimistic part of me is holding out hope for a reunion tour one day. Maybe next year for the 10 year anniversary of Return to Love?? Please

6. Best moment: There were a bunch of great shows this year but I think my favorites were the GING NANG BOYZ and Shinobu show, the Friendship/Silly Little/Jack Lucian show, and (biased) the Blackstallion album release with Yucky Bangs and Next Question. That night was just a really special culmination of efforts from many people, and while often feeling like it was on the verge of falling apart, it came together in a really crazy mix of love, puppetry, and rock music. There is much pain in the world but not in The Holland Project that night.

DYLON HINCHEY, Deficit Space

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: “R is for Rocket” by Rocket.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: she’s green.

3. Most listened to this year: “Misery Christine” by Mind’s Eye.

4. Who/what inspired you this year: My bandmates and friends inspire me every day to keep going and improving, as well as my peers in the community who rock the Holland stage and have gone on tours and released awesome music this year.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Alkaline Trio has been a constant for many years now.

6. Best moment: The sold-out Scowl show at the Cypress was a huge highlight from this year for me. Seeing folks from all over the Reno community altogether in that room rocking out was really special and an unforgettable experience!

EDITH CAUFIELD, Sorcerer’s Sword, Eleusis

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: My top release of the year was definitely Steröid’s Chainmail Commandos – PURE and TRUE heavy metal with a heavy egg punk punch, and PITCHED UP VOCALS – perfect, basically. Outrageously catchy songs about rocking all night and dying in battle.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: SexMag from Poland – depraved nocturnal evil speed metal horde that put out an awesome album this year!

3. Most listened to this year: Probably Steröid again! But also listened to a ton of early Running Wild this year, and War Dogs’ album Only The Stars Are Left from last year – that’s had me glued since I first heard it!

4. Who/what inspired you this year: The Goddess – the limitless interconnectedness of “nature”.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Iron Maiden – always.

6. Best moment: The best musical moment of this year was definitely seeing Returning (from Olympia, WA) in the backyard of West Dumpling here in Reno. End-times black metal folk-theatre!!!! Cascadian black metal has been a major force in my life for the last 12 years, and it was so surreal and edifying and beautiful to see a band of Returning’s caliber play a punk show in RENO!!!!!!!!! Achievement of my life so far. Also going on tour twice – covering the whole West Coast!

Posters by Edith for shows at Holland Project in 2025

ELLYN PILLERS, photographer

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: My personal favorite album of the year is Private Music by Deftones, but locally would be Parry by Frank Futility.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: I’ve really enjoyed Turnstile, Widowdusk, and Mouse this year!

3. Most listened to this year: I literally do not go a day without listening to music, it’s my favorite thing ever

4. Who/what inspired you this year: The amazing people I’m surrounded by have been my biggest inspiration!

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Deftones is my favorite band to ever exist, so they are ALWAYS being played

6. Best moment: I feel like one of the best moments this year was the Holland Halloween show. It was my first, and I think it was just INSANE, especially the Rage Against the Machine set 😛

Photos with and by Ellyn at Holland Project events in 2025

FREAKS AND GEEKS, band

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Sweetness, Jimmy Eat World. This is the song you scream to in the car when there’s nothing else left to say.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: Mines. Owen is nice enough to let us tag along on his mining adventures every now and again.

3. Most listened to this year: Boring History for Sleep. How else are you supposed to drown out the voices?

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Mineral. The end of an era.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: This Afternoons Malady – Jejune. The red and green one, now on Spotify.

6. Best moment: Freaks & Geeks, FKA Fingers, Velvet Pouch, and Photobomb @ Holland (4/20). A special day spent with some special friends.

IAN LOCKE, artist

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: YHWH Nailgun – 45 Pounds

2. Fave new artist or discovery: YHWH Nailgun

3. Most listened to this year: Column – A Year in Your Garden

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Texture, sonically and physically

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Gas – Pop

6. Best moment: n/a, I was stuck stewing on this and don’t have an answer

Posters by Ian for shows at Holland Project in 2025

JON KORTLAND, Finetooth Records, Iron Lung

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Hard to pick just one, but here are a few stand outs that came out in 2025: Pyrex-“Body” LP, Cicada-“Wicked Dream” 7″, Necron 9-“People Die” LP, S.Y.P.H.-“Punkraut 1978-1981” LP.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: Fave new artist or discovery: Industry (Berlin) 2025 self-titled LP.

3. Most listened to this year: Definitely music. Definitely many different styles / genres of music. Definitely many artists I do not enjoy. Occupational hazard.

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Touring and travel. Witnessing great bands old and new. Also, it has been nice to see an active local (northern Nevada) underground music scene thriving in the face of adversity.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Flying Lizards-“The Secret Dub Life of the Flying Lizards”

6. Best moment: Iron Lung: What We Like Fest / “Adapting // Crawling” record release April 18-20, 2025, Seattle, WA.

KAYLEE CHRISTOPH, artist

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: my favorite album this year has been getting killed by geese ! geese has been the soundtrack of my year and this record was the best listening experience i’ve had all year

2. Fave new artist or discovery: other than geese i’ve been loving the hyperpop side of music, jane remover and kmoe have been solid additions in my rotation

3. Most listened to this year: my most listened to album was heavy metal by cameron winter (sorry more geese) it was the best album of 2024 and it’s only gotten better with each listen

4. Who/what inspired you this year: the fellow artists in my community have inspired me ! seeing all the others making designs, wether it’s show flyers or personal work, helps motivate me to also be a part of the community !

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: the one artist that’s remained in my listening throughout the year was Quadeca ! i saw him live twice this year and got to meet him which was super sick. vanisher was definitely my second favorite album from the year and was definitely the album of the summer.

6. Best moment: my favorite show had to have been the in the works? final show. itw was such an important band when i first got into the scene and it was such a fun way for local reno legends to go out.

Posters by Kaylee for shows at Holland Project in 2025

LAIN VAL, photographer

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Adult Romantix – Winter

2. Fave new artist or discovery: Witches Exist / Shelter In the Cocoon by Witches Exist

3. Most listened to this year: Miss Frank Futility is my TOP artist & Anyway by Frank is my top song listening over 150 times digitally and in person 😛😛😛

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Gina/frank futility & Worm Shot my beautiful girlies are what inspire me to take photos & strive doing so!

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Adult Romantic by Winter & Forward by First Day Back are two albums i always have on deck they have never left my downloaded folder since i first listened to them :3

6. Best moment: “omg i can’t decide between the three

• collaborating with Glixen and getting over 140k views 😮
• orrrrrrr seeing julie & Alexandria handing ME the only setlist 💗💗
• Getting Drumstick from Mexican slum rats & the whole band + love letter signing it!”

LIBBY GOMO, foilsick

My top things of the year in no particular order…

-lord snow’s “have you heard the high elves” and lord snow’s return at california kicks festival in SF! we are so back
-nuvolascura, with open arms, kiowa, foilsick, and alycia at genghis cohen in LA. Legendary line up and venue, a good night to be a music fan!
-scowl, glixen, wisecrack, and frank futility at cypress!! reno’s sweethearts representing at a sold out show so much fun
-gapyear’s EP release!!!!!!!!! salt lake city screamo i hope they come to reno soon
-nocapitalnospaces reunion show at Holland yup
-slant at the holland project omggg wow we’re so lucky they came to reno ive been listening to them for years so this was very awesome
-silly little new album and album release show at hampton house <3333 so so good i feel sorry for you if u haven’t seen them yet
-breadgirl x laughing cat coffee pop up magical day yummy coffee
-shelly 2 by shelly give us more shelly!
-in loving memory, spirit of versailles, portraits of past and flowers taped to pens at your renaissance festival in LA can u even believe these old ass bands played hahah
-JULIEEEEEEE AT HOLLAND
-redbull spring edition grapefruit + redbull winter edition fuji apple ginger mmmmm

MADISON FERGUSON

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: All 3, if we’re talking 2025 specifically, and because I can’t pick just one thing: 1. Album – Choke Enough by oklou was on heavy rotation early in the year. 2. Release – Silly Little’s album release show at Hampton House Garden was the dreamiest evening of my entire summer. 3. Song – Au Pays du Cocaine by Geese. I made a fake bumper sticker about it.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: I stumbled across “Workhorse” by Friendship, fell in love with it immediately, and did a deep dive into their discography. All of their albums have grown on me so much that I don’t think I have a favorite, and I was so jazzed to coincidentally be able to see them play at The Holland Project in October!

3. Most listened to this year: If you’ve ever seriously studied a language, you know how important it is to consume A LOT of comprehensible content in that language. There are YouTube channels specifically for this, spanning a wide range of random subjects, and I no doubt logged a mountain of hours solely listening to people playing video games like Frog Detective and Untilted Goose Game in Japanese.

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Impossible to fully answer this one quickly, but overall, the idea that you can just make shit (am I allowed to say shit). I’ve met a lot of people this year who embody this, and have seen my own friends assume this attitude and create awesome things – art, community-based zines, music, workshops, newsletters, etc. A quote from Joan Westenberg really struck me in relation to this – “There’s a psychological barrier that divides the world into two distinct camps. Those who build things, and those who only critique them. This barrier has nothing to do with technical skill, intelligence, or even opportunity. It’s the ability to absorb embarrassment. It’s what we might call ‘cringe tolerance.’ Every successful entrepreneur, artist, or innovator has had to endure the particular agony of putting imperfect work into the world… The difference between builders and non-builders comes down to this: Who can stomach the discomfort, and who cannot?”

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: There are two wolves inside me and they are Death Grips & Alex G 🙂

6. Best moment: I saw a local post-punk band called bed play at Unit, an underground club in Daikanyama, when I was staying in Tokyo for a couple months last summer and it blew my mind. I was so confident it would be incredible based on word of mouth that I snagged merch before even seeing them play, and they fully delivered.

MANCHILD, band

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: La Lom – Live at Thalia Hall; The Brokedowns – Let’s Tip The Landlord; King Buffalo – Live at Burning Man.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: Hog (old school metal from Portland, Ore.); La Lom (excellent, unclassifiable instrumental trio from Los Angeles).

3. Most listened to this year: La Lom, a new love of live albums in general, phone recordings of new songs.

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Wives, sons and daughters, family, friends, great tones and greater hangs inspire us every day.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Some of them: Link Wray, Husker Du, All Them Witches.

6. Best moment: Our picks include the 3 summer-time outdoor festival shows at Corrigan’s Lost Highway, Loud at the Lair at Blairsden, and Kyle’s league team winning its hockey championship.

MOI MORENO, MOSHE

10 Music-Inspired Highlights of 2025 (No order)

The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow (Album): The Weeknd is my favorite singer of all time, basic but true. It’s sad to know this is his final album, but I’m glad it was a great release.

Rosalia – Lux (Album): Rosalia is one of the coolest people alive. She transcends her label as just a reggaeton artist. She’s fly, none of her peers can even touch her, and this album proves that

Not for Radio – Melt (Album): I’ve been listening to the Marias since Superclean Vol 2, I love that she did her own thing. This album was on repeat for me when it first dropped

Charity Kiss – “Mobo” (Song): I found out about Charity Kiss shortly after I discovered the Reno music scene, but I didn’t start listening to their music until this year. They are extremely underrated and deserve all the success coming their way. They became some of my favorite local music. Peach Fuzz Baby is my favorite Charity Kiss song, Mobo is 2nd

The Holland Project – Ging Nang Boys (Show): The best set I’ve seen at the Holland Project or any other local Reno venue to date. They made the Holland Project feel brand new for me. So incredible

Tyler, the Creator – Dont Tap The Glass (Album): Really cool surprise release and inspired me to not stress too much about releases. His attitude and approaches to music are very inspiring. This was another album that was constantly on repeat for me when it dropped

Next Question – “Along the Dotted Line” (Song): My favorite local music release of the year, by far. I’ve cried to this song

The Yard – Faded Shawties (Show): There was a literal boxing match. The energy was wild during their set, and the match was the cherry on top. It was a lot of fun and inspired me to create events around shows that revolve around things other than just music.

Skrillex – ‘F*ck U Skrillex You Think Ur Andy Warhol But Ur Not!!’ (Album): Skrillex was my introduction to music as a kid. He was the first artist that I chose to listen to on my own, and I’m glad he’s still releasing great music. One of the most impressive and innovative solo artists in my lifetime, imo
Tame Impala – Deadbeat (Album): I think it’s very important to change/experiment with your sound as an artist. I always admire when artists push the boundaries of what they’re labeled as. It’s crazy to see a song like ‘Ethereal Connection’ being released by a prominent psych rock artist.

NATALIE KATSAROS, volunteer

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Pinkpantheress’ “Fancy That”. 20 minutes of bangers, bliss, and the absolute best that her fractured version of the mainstream has to offer. Everything about Pinkpantheress as an artist, from her rise to her branding to the music itself, is quintessentially “Gen Z” in a way I really have yet to see reflected in art in a way that feels original, and not just as a young person cosplaying as the washed up. She approaches genre in a way only someone who can access every song in the world for free does, and uses that ability to its full potential by pulling from anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes she’s transforming a British club deep cut into something entirely unrecognizable and new, sometimes she’s slapping a Panic! At The Disco sample onto a track seemingly for the hell of it. The end result is playful, funny, sweet, familiar enough to be instant and fresh enough to need more of, and I can’t wait to see what she does next

2. Fave new artist or discovery: Gelli Haha’s “Switcharoo”. A twee, electric, bouncy, quirky, perfect little package. When I interviewed her at Treefort I told her how I hated the wording on the press email her people sent but that I loved the music so much I managed to get over it, and looking back I think I was being really rude. Sorry! I think I was trying to be a good Journalist and find an angle and the one I found was really obnoxious. All that to say, though, this album is so good I put aside my gut hater reaction for it, which I think is a nice compliment in its own way.

3. Most listened to this year: Lots of music, even more cat meowing

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Honestly, myself! I had a comically bad first couple months of the year with some of the worst car luck you can imagine, and I’m very proud of myself for managing to get through it in one piece. Here’s to hoping I will NOT be doing any hitchhiking in rural Oregon next year!

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Grimes can break my heart every time she opens her mouth but thankfully she can never take her music away from me. I have CD’s for when she inevitably tries.

6. Best moment: Doing interviews at the overwhelming but incredibly fun Treefort Music Fest in Boise, pissing myself when I saw Brandon Flowers in his very own Mecca of Salt Lake City, Covering Sleigh Bells with Aden at the Holland Halloween show that I was NOT late for, getting to do my radio show on KNWK 97.7 every week, and every single other show or event I got to attend with my friends here in Reno 🙂

NATHAN LACHNER, Blackstallion

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: 1. Probably heavy metal by Cameron Winters

2. Fave new artist or discovery: 2. Yacht rock is actually cool. “What a Fool Believes” by Doobie Brothers is sick.

3. Most listened to this year: 3. Reggae hits playlists and Hayden Pedigo and Golden Brown when I’m reading so they ended up being my most listened to artist.

4. Who/what inspired you this year: 4. One Battle After Another and Eddington

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: 5. Steely Dan, Neil Young, Grateful Dead

6. Best moment: 6. The Holland Project Halloween Show.

NATHANIEL SHIFFER, Outside Eye Productions

Ten Demos/EP’s I enjoyed this year:

Lead Spirit – Lead Spirit
STRUT – Demo
En Love & Rabbit – Split EP
Firestarter – Still Holding On
Mil-Spec – Mil-Spec
Flip the Switch – Valley Crew!
Quick to Judge – DEMO
Electric Chair/Physique – Split
Bloodshed, Enkased, Staple, Leave No Doubt – Four Corners of Chaos
Clay Birds – a separation from vanity

NEXT QUESTION, band

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Slackademic by Charity Kiss pretty much drastically changed the course of our entire circle’s music listening this year

2. Fave new artist or discovery: Quadeca is an amazing newer artist really coming into his own, Vanisher Horizon Scraper is one of the best albums of the year. We saw him play at SOMA Sidestage after our show at Humble Heart thrift in San Diego.

3. Most listened to this year: Casino Lights (Polvo Riff) by Bug Bath. We referenced it at almost every practice this year. There was more than a handful of “this is the greatest song ever written” discussions.

4. Who/what inspired you this year: The beautiful streets of Tulare California, the smell of a pie cooling on a windowsill. Zach Cregger, Citrus Jr, Blackstallion, Waylon Parr, Jacob Darby, Handel’s ice cream, Slim Chickens.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Frog, the greatest band of all time. 1,000 variations was maybe the best album of the year and one of their best ever

6. Best moment: Nov. 8 Blackstallion album release show, and the rise of Geese/Cameron Winter as the next coolest rock icons.

PEN, musician

THIS YEAR THERE WAS SO MUCH I FW THAT I JUST. CAN’T. NOT. TALK ABT!@ WOW!! OKAY LET’S B QUICK N GET 2 TS LOL 😝😝😝

ALBUMS:
choke enough by oklou – okay yea holy crap. this album came out in like march or somethin and i was immediately smitten with whimsy, mystery, darkness, ephemeral light, earnesty, love for life, INCREDIBLY WELL THOUGHT OUT WARM MELODIES W INCREDIBLE SOUND DESIGN AND incredible DANCEABILITY achieved thru the most tasteful use of barely any drums i’ve ever heard in a record of hyperpop/electronic dance music type shish!!! the vocals are intimate, warm, low passed, tuned exquisitely, etc. the melodies!! again!!1 orchestral, even??? ugh. wow. blew me away. still does every time. frequent rotation. 10/10 every song’s a banger, incredible pacing. i lov u french girl. just go listen idk. ⚠️danny L harle production present⚠️

revengeseekerz by jane remover – this album is like GGRRRAAAHHH jumpstyles to the ragebeat and jane remover is like “😫😫 i got feelingss and somehow i can smash together palkia cries and laser noises over the loudest kickdrum ever w some damn tasteful melodies and it’ll be so catchy and i’m like only 21 years old wtf 🤪” plus danny brown haz a killer feature on psychoboost and also yea whoahwoa guud shit let’s aura farm 😤 my dark twisted life.. GYUANK GYAUNK GYUANK GYUANK IT FEELS LIKE YR A PART OF MEE (plus dat guitar on star people mm..)

wide awake by mechatok – the sheer dope-itude of expression on yr face featuring bladee and ecco2k aside,,,, this album is just like a str8 lowkey club dance bopper w some of the juiciest lil synth design i’ve heard in a long time. it’s so good the whole time i almost forget to notice how good it is. throw it on a party, it’ll work, sit their n vibe in yr headphones alone, you’ll be in the white void of cyberslickness and get plucked on by gatey synth stabs n arpeggios and great drums n vocal samples chopped around in ways that humble my asszz trying to think abt how i could do something similar. let’sgooo mechatokkkk wow!!

45 pounds by ywhw nailgun – is this a guitar album??? kindaaa (!) a very unique band, i am eager to see them in front of my eyes and slosh around n dance and w i g g l e. ravenous and wiggly. crazy melodic drums w roto toms hit so good. pitch shifted crazy synth guitar, keys n synthbass that are like GRRUMBBLE. vocals strained and wiggly and starving. big recommend. love a nice quick paced weirdo punk album. all songs good. good stuff. great room reverb. love. wiggles is punched

stardust by danny brown – danny is clean and he is here and he loves sober partying to hyperpop and breakcore by trans girls!! just like me!@! that’s the life baby.. danny always bars crazy, we all know it. as a big underscores fan, i am p*ssy stunned to recieve two UNDERSCORES PRODUCED AND FEATURED danny brown songs?? wowie!! :o!@ plus femtanyl, jsne remover, frost children, so many more, big wows. issbrokie feature goes nuts. danny brown 4 tha dollz!! ^__^ great live show too

cold visions by bladee – ⚠️2024 WARNING⚠️ bladee is like the joker.. he’s sick anx twisted.. he’s hsving.. COLDD VISIONSS 30 songs abt how he’s struggling.. he’s in da dark hole.. so am i sometimes.. that is when this is to be listened 2. “WAKEUPF1LTHY” *BRRRRRRRR* “man fuck being depressed, asbestosss I DON’T LIKE PPL” oyea. 808s and swedish accent mumbling to be evil and mentally ill too. i lov u bladee hope yr doing okay. mwah.

britpop by a.g. cook ⚠️2024 WARNING[2]⚠️ lowkey.. my album of da year (even tho it came out last year).. i love u ag i’ll do anything 4 u bb. he goes all over here. it’s hard to say what i feel. i got really into this triple mini album right as the year started. every disc has a unique thing going on w some lovely overlap. u just gotta listen 2 it. it’s long, i know. i love that emotinal man. he’s beautiful, and i am lowkey a lesbian 4 him and his lil soft voice.. wrow. incredible sound design, songwriting, vulnerability, recontextualization of guitar throughout disc 2 as opposed to the absolutely squelching and improbable synth design throughout the rest. etc etc etc etc I LOVE IT, LISTEN 2 IT ALMOST DAILY AA. MWAH MWAH.

BONUS SINGLES:

starlight, azimuth, and crystalise my tears by ⚠️danny l harle⚠️ – all featuring incredible artists i lov.. 4 the album cerulean dropping feb 2026.. wowe.. incredible take on classic rave music brought somewhere new by another incredible pc music alumni. listen 2 each, i could say so much more..

music and do it by underscores – YEA! i love underscores sm, this new direction seems so concise, song structure so thoughtful. she has a vision she executes w precision, and i’m lucky to say it comes thru amazingly live!@ i lov u underscores, i hope these pay off on another great album.

on the beach by caroline polachek – for death stranding 2, witnessing polachek and kojima collab is like realizing we all live in the same plane.. beautiful somg, 5 key changes??? beautiful drama. wow. i love caroline, i want more from her SOON. i am a lesbian cliche. she is a songbird and a tru vocal marvel. mwah. ⚠️DANNY L HARLE PRODUCED⚠️

cherry coloured funk by true blue – now also on the new album star witness that i’m eager to get to, but haven’t yet, this cover of one of my all time fave songs by one of my all time fave artists ((cocteau twins)) subverts my expectations in a real nice type of way. the song is brought into a lovely lil crying in tha club girlypop context, and the soul of the song hits me in the same gut place as the original, like it’s simply using another artist as a vessel to convey the same timeless message. I LOVE DIS SONG, gotta listen 2 more.

RACHEL DICKSON, artist

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: yes, please. by Sextile (listened to this TOO MUCH, great for locking into my sewing projects).

2. Fave new artist or discovery: I started listening to lots of house/electronic/dark wave music but my fave find this year is an 80’s band called Vicious Pink.

3. Most listened to this year: I listened to the song “come n play” by triage from their 2024 EP fox hours SO many times, they also came out with a new self-titled album this year.

4. Who/what inspired you this year: I’ve been really inspired by the people around me, taking suggestions, asking for playlists, and continuing to have conversations with people in my community; IN THE FLESH.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: I could listen to Jessic Pratt a million times over, she helps put the band-aid on the right spot.

6. Best moment: While visiting friends in Oakland, I got to attend a very cool renegade queer electronic/rave show in the tunnel of a San Francisco bunker sitting above the ocean; do the cool thing with your friends and lose some sleep about it!!

RAY HEINZELMAN, Best Friends, Bozone, Buckaroo

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: 1. My favorite release for this year is Lumber’s 2025 EP. Even though it was recorded at my house and I’ve had to hear it 100s of times it’s still my fav of the year.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: 2. Kudrow, I dug up their entire discography and they’re one of my faves. Wish they still existed. Highly underrated band.

3. Most listened to this year: 3. The Joyce Manor S/T

4. Who/what inspired you this year: 4. My Dad, love you old man.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: 5. Bomb the music industry. They are my favorite band of all time and always will be. The sentiment behind the music never gets old and I think more people should listen to them and emulate their DIY ethics.

6. Best moment: 6. The Ging Nang Boyz show in April, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a band with better stage presence and musicality. I will be telling my great grandchildren about that show. It was an honor to play with them

ROY MUSTANG, band

THE SAND GATORS, band

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Slackademic by Charity Kiss

2. Fave new artist or discovery: “Little Green Apples” by Cleveland Francis

3. Most listened to this year: “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You” – Aretha Franklin

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Mystery Lights & SUHNS

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation:

6. Best moment: Jahmyr Gibbs’ 70-yard TD run in OT against the Giants. Either that or moving back to Reno.

SOPHIA NEBESKY, KWNK

top music, moments & songsss!

1. Big city life – Smerz
   song – “But I do”
   Smerz is so many of my favorite things. Romantic and dreamy and experimental. A million bonus points for them coming to Holland with NEWYORK and luxy.
   
2. Discovery – Electric Light Orchestra
   song – “Wishing”
   I got really into ELO this year and I don’t think it’ll go out of my rotation now. Jeff Lynne knows how to work a synth. This album makes me want to jump around!
   
3. Pure Hearts – Quiet Light
   song – “Paris”
   Quiet Light really opened my eyes to this crazy combination of folk elements and ambient music, two of my favorite things.
   
4. Geesification
   song – “Cancer of the Skull”
   Getting Killed rocks. Heavy Metal makes me cry. And both can make me dance. 2 birds (albums) with 1 stone (Cameron winter)
   
5. The Power Out – Electrelane
   song – The Valleys
   Deserving all the flowers. So cool and funky and rockin.
   
6. Endlessness – Nala Sinephro
   song – Continuum 10
   Shoutout crazy genius women in music and shoutout jazz maneuvers on 97.7FM
   
7. Blow Away Your Troubles – The Cleaners from Venus
   song – A Blue Wave
   Really cool 80’s British pop rock group. This guy went on to have another project called the Brotherhood of Lizards that is virtually the same & equally cool.
   
8. Year of the Monkey – Patti Smith
   This book was a comforting read in a time of lots of chaos. I feel like everyone could benefit. “Nothing is ever solved, solving is an illusion.”
   
9. Radio radio radio
   The Lot Radio, Montez Press, NTS, & of course darling KWNK is where I found so much music this year! I love Self Soothe with Margeaux and The Early Bird Show on NTS. And my new fav Parallel Play on KWNK.
   
10. Moments in no order: LCD Soundsystem with my pals, interviewing Lowertown about folk music on the KWNK couch, seeing Casino Hearts at Holland & someone smashing my window after an Alex G show. I can laugh about it now. See ya laterrrr 2025!

SOPHIE WOODHOUSE, DJ Dollwings

🤍 Some of Sophie’s Artists Most Listened To:
STRFKR, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Neil Young, MGMT, The Dandy Warhols, La Femme, Wire, Felt, Vampire Weekend, Massive Attack

🤍 Notables:

• Nick Cave’s 2024 album, Wild God
• FKA Fingers’ newest album, SKINSUIT
• Fcukers’ 2024 track, “Bon Bon”
• Vundabar’s 2025 track, “Beta Fish”
• Synth player Frankie Reyes’ album, Boleros Valses y Mas
• The Other Bigfoot Secret Monolith EP by Alphabet Cult
• and a moment for my fave OST, which I spent hours drawing to! Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette (Gang Of Four, The Radio Dept., The Cure, The Strokes, etc 🖤) and also for Plantasia. Help the plants thrive through auditory vibes
  
  🤍 Special! :
  It was an honor for me to perform my own music for the first time live this year with such wonderful help to bring my songs to life! Deejaying two events at Holland was sweet, too! I love going to shows any chance I get; too many good local ones to name – Witnessing STRFKR and Nick Cave (not on the same bill, that would be bonkers) this year was beauty encompassed. And lastly, the following special local projects in order: Guest vocals for “Unworld” by Bastroid, writing/recording the EP “Sad Animals” with An Ugly Death, engineering/mixing for Alphabet Cult, and finishing my new album, “Natural Blonde!” x

STEVEN TALAVERA, Holland Project, DJ

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: 1. Favorite release of 2025 has to be fever swamp by deficit space

2. Fave new artist or discovery: 2. Fave new discovery is Rocket saw them at bottom of the hill 1000/10

3. Most listened to this year: 3. Most listened too was Sabrina Carpenter and I flew to another continent to see her

4. Who/what inspired you this year: 4. What inspired me most this year was my friends and all the cool things they do

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: 5. My on deck artist for the past five years is Dominic fike but also surf curse is always up there too

6. Best moment: 6. My favorite moment of the year was my first international music festival in Spain

TATUM HANSHEW, photographer

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Eliza McLamb – Good Story: Eliza McLamb has been my all time favorite artist since 2020, I used to listen to her when her music was only on SoundCloud! Watching her music evolve since then has been so awesome and Good Story is one of her heaviest hitters so far. The album has zero skips for me and one of my goals for 2026 is to go see her live!

2. Fave new artist or discovery: Solar Flora: After doing a music video with local Reno band Solar Flora for 4x4x48, I fell in love with their music. Some of the sweetest people on Earth and I absolutely LOVED working with them! My favorite songs of theirs are “let it spill” and “at times.”

3. Most listened to this year: 1. The Bald and The Beautiful Podcast: An essential podcast that got me through the Fall semester… the amount of naps I took with Trixie and Katya yapping in the background is astronomical. Since I’ve finished almost every U.S. season of Rupual’s Drag Race, I had to jump on the podcast train. 2. Five Nights at Freddy’s YouTube videos: If you know me, you know I’m a huge Five Nights at Freddy’s fan and have been since like 2014. I have probably collectively watched 1,000+ FNAF themed YouTube videos in 2025 and am watching one as I type this. Freddy Fazbear if you’re reading this come to Reno!!!!!!!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻😏😍 3. Amyl and the Sniffers entire discography: This year, I discovered Amyl and the Sniffers and was able to see them with some of my besties in April! Before that, I had never heard of them but I became quickly OBSESSED. They ended up being in my top 5 most listened to artists of 2025. The mixture of Amy’s crunchy vocals, the upbeat and angry lyrics, and her on-stage presence inspired me to write music and just have fun.

4. Who/what inspired you this year: My friends, family and partner all inspired me this year! I am so grateful to have a giant support system and people to lean on. I’ve never felt more surrounded by love. I’ve been the most inspired by my trans friends who have persevered and have been lighthouses of the scene. These individuals have inspired many people, including me, to let our voices be heard and be comfortable in our own skin. Thank you to everyone who has modeled for me, helped me film something, or just been there to support me!

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Star99: San Jose’s indie rock/alt pop sweethearts have been in my top 5 artists of all time for a few years now. Saoirse, Chris, Thomas and Jeremy craft beautifully written songs and their new album Gaman is full of absolute bangers. “Kill,” “IWLYG,” and “Brother” are three of my favorites off of their new album. I’ve had the joy of seeing them live at Holland a few times and would love to see them again!

6. Best moment: Rip Rip Everything Show: The RIP Rip Everything show with local legends Meat Blanket, Orrral Fixation, MySpace Girlfriend and, of course, Rip Everything was the best Holland show I attended this year. All four of these bands include some of my closest friends and seeing them all live in one place was absolutely killer. The turnout was great and each set offered something so unique and beautiful. I’ll never forget being able to dance to all of my friends’ lovely music in one night!

Photos by Tatum at Holland Project events in 2025

TYLER BEVILL, volunteer, artist

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: favorite album/release ‘cowards’ by squid

2. Fave new artist or discovery: Me in Capris :>

3. Most listened to this year: most listened is def this is lorelei especially the song cowboy bell

4. Who/what inspired you this year: i was really inspired by all my lovely artist friends, technology and high key yodeling

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: GRANDADDY!!!!

6. Best moment: dare i say lowertown and julie

UZIEL GUTIERREZ, Artist

I found out about Matt Bernstein’s podcast “A Bit Fruity” a while back, and I really like all the issues he touches on. The Kavernacle also makes some really good videos on culture/social issues. I also really like Taylor Lorenz’s videos on tech/culture, too. I know these aren’t all podcasts, but I just wanted to give some of my favorite listening material from this year!

Posters by Uzi for shows at Holland Project in 2025

WORMSHOT, band

1. Favorite album/release/song of the year: Our favorite release of the year was Wednesday’s LP Bleeds. Every choice, sonic, lyrical, aesthetic, is so good… It is a perfect blend of some of our favorite things in music—big guitars, bendy riffs, swirly feedback, dynamic vocals and emotional lyrics.

2. Fave new artist or discovery: We played with an amazing PDX band called Yudai in Fremont, CA (at Tamper Room, presented by Heavy Lemon). Their music is very impactful, emotional, and big, but also very playful. Phenomenal live, one of the best live bands we’ve ever seen.

3. Most listened to this year: “My Chick Bad” by Ludacris ft. Nicki Minaj

4. Who/what inspired you this year: Think we gotta say Superdrag. Hum, Texas is the Reason, and Sweet Pill come close, but we all went to see Superdrag in LA this year and it was life changing. One of our biggest inspirations.

5. Band/album that never leaves rotation: Mannequin Pussy fr.

6. Best moment: Holland Halloween show this year was epic. It’s epic every year, but it keeps getting more epic. We got to play music with a new dear friend and it was very exciting, and eye opening. All songs need synth.

Back to the top