New year, new playlist.

Transitioning into the new year, emerging music artists released new projects. These up-and-coming acts, many of which were collaborations or cross-trained artists, delivered a wide palette of options for this quarter’s soundtrack.

Continue reading to know the Daily Bruin’s picks for this year’s new sound.

American Road In New Jersey

This winter’s underrated indie gem can be found just down the road.

American Road In New Jersey is a collaboration between Roy Blair and James Ivy, two rising artists who are as brilliant separately as they are together. Blair, discovered through his frequent work with Kevin Abstract, found success with his 2017 debut album, “Cat Heaven,” which stretched across genres. The somewhat more niche Ivy has yet to release a full-length album, but his 2023 EP “Everything Perfect” is a blend of innovation and nostalgia with a distinct sound that has left fans eager for more. The two musicians are known collaborators, with Ivy most recently earning production credits on Blair’s 2024 record, “Chasing Moving Trains.”

Nonetheless, their joint release Jan. 23 came as a surprise to most listeners. Their self-titled album boasts nine tracks that excel in their creation of a brand-new, delicate and organized sound – rather than a replication of the more upbeat styles the individuals are known for. Throughout the project, both artists get their own time to shine, such as in the solo numbers “Coordinates I” and “Coordinates II,” while other songs find them at their best in tandem, most evident on “In The Noise.”

It’s unclear whether Blair and Ivy will return to their own paths after this drop, but they’re sure to be ones to watch no matter their route.

– Victoria Munck

[Related: Restaurant Preview: International dining standouts to open new locations in LA this winter]

Diana Silvers

A familiar face from the silver screen is kicking off her musical career and it’s already looking bright.

Actress, model and up-and-coming singer Diana Silvers released her debut folk album titled “From Another Room” in November. Best known for her roles in the thriller film “Ma” and the comedy film “Booksmart,” Silvers is now making strides in the music industry. Growing up among classical musicians, Silvers told Variety that she began secretly teaching herself guitar after her father told her the instrument was reserved for men. From there, she started spending time at Electric Lady Studios in New York, where she ultimately recorded her debut album after being invited by the studio manager.

Silvers made her live-performance debut at Rhode Island’s long-running Newport Folk Festival in July. She then opened for Jon Batiste’s “The Big Money Tour” throughout the second half of 2025. Both of these performance opportunities came before she even released any music of her own. Her debut album is already being compared to the work of folk artist Joni Mitchell, with each of the album’s songs recorded live in one take, giving it a retro and authentic feel. Continuing with folk music tradition, her feelings toward today’s political climate and feminism shine through on her track “Airplane” and throughout the entire album.

If you didn’t already know her from her acting roles, Diana Silvers is sure to be on your playlists in no time.

– Kai Echeverria

[Related: Album preview: Iconic artists warm up winter quarter with long-awaited releases]

The Hellp

Experimental rock-electronica group The Hellp does not need help defining who they are – they are too busy proving their authenticity through their latest project.

The innovative Los Angeles-based duo The Hellp is made up of photographer-singer Noah Dillon and producer Chandler Ransom Lucy, who met in the fashion world when Dillon photographed Lucy as a model. Since the band’s inception in 2016, they have been experimenting with an expansive array of genres from pop-punk to electronic rock. While they undoubtedly influenced the underground music culture through adolescent audiences with their younger, gimmicky works, their latest project seeks to prove themselves as genuine artists.

The Hellp released their second album, “Riviera,” on Nov 21. Following their 2024 album “LL” – which acted more as a brazen, concept piece – this 10-track project finds The Hellp stepping away from shock-value bangers towards a more coherent, curated and still experimental sound for listeners looking for a deeper dive into the artists’ self-reflection. Stylistic songs like “Here I Am” and “Country Road” are well-made hit potentials, and demonstrate that their music is almost entirely their own writing and production. Their rising success is evident in their accompanying North American and European tour.

The decade-old band remains centered on hope and forward motion, insisting that there is a better future as they step into it.

– Maile Smith

Tia Wood

Tia Wood is making waves for Indigenous American musicians.

Hailing from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in the Alberta province of Canada, the 26-year-old singer-songwriter relocated to LA to further pursue her career as a musician in 2020. Wood – who is of Plains Cree and Coast Salish heritage – comes from a musical family that includes her father, Earl Wood, who cofounded the powwow drum group Northern Cree that has received nine Grammy nominations. After releasing her 2024 EP “Pretty Red Bird,” Tia Wood most recently released her second EP “Stimulated” on Feb. 6.

In addition to her father, Tia Wood’s sister Fawn Wood is a recording artist, and her mother Cynthia Jim was a member of an all-female drum group. Wood’s influences stretch beyond her relatives to include contemporary stars such as SZA and Leon Bridges, as well as legends such as Etta James and Amy Winehouse. Her songs, such as her single “Dirt Roads,” honor her people while speaking to the experience of Indigenous youth.

With her storytelling ability and celebration of her cultural heritage, Wood’s rising star might “Never Come Down.”

– Reid Sperisen