Originally Published on December 30th, 2025
Looking back on the year, I can’t help but smile. 2025 was a year if significance. The world is completely different than it was just one year before. At the heart of those differences, polarizing political climates and financial unrest have the world on edge. The entertainment industry, including the music industry, have also been confronted with challenges that pose a major threat to recording artists; both mainstream and independent alike.
AI, Spotify, and Corporate Greed vs. Artistic Expression, Ownership, and the Cost of Maintaining Relevance.
Using AI in performance is a very controversial topic. When artists like Teddy Swims admits to using AI in his own music, opting for simplicity over the decency to pay musicians, the integrity to work to create a satisfactory product from his talent, and the efficiency of software being able to generate options in minutes over the work to find the better choice, it delivers a devastating blow do performance art. It also opens the door to admitting another major problem in the music industry: the urgency to produce more music at a higher rate just to maintain relevance. It’s no secret that profits from music are being divided more and more and musicians from all sides of the spectrum are getting smaller pieces of the pie. There are several ways that this can hurt people, performers, and audiences, but I’m not trying to open that conversation today.
Fifteen Minutes of Fame have made it part of their mission to celebrate music performed by musicians, who have dedicated time to perfecting their talents and creating memorable performances. I say some things are worth the wait. I say some things are worth the patience. I say some artists are worth the $20 or $30 dollars it costs to buy their album. Does it make sense to say, “Wow, I really like ‘Pink Pony Club,’ and to show my appreciation, I want to give you $15 dollars a month, Mr. Elk!” Does it not make more sense to pay the artists directly for their music?
I have been guilty of having a Spotify membership for 3 years. Until October, when I cancelled it. I still technically have an Apple Music membership as part of a package of services Apple provides me and my family. I have also spent 2024 and 2025 to make it my mission to support artists directly. From buying physical merchandise to digital purchases, Fifteen Minutes of Fame have spent more than $1,500 on independent artists’ music as a way of showing appreciation to the artists themselves.
A Year Worthy of Great Independent Music!
Throughout the year, I had the privilege of listening to hundreds of albums, EPs, and singles from artists at every stage of their performance careers. Artists spanning across 6 global continents. Artists from more than a dozen featured genres. An immense diversity of music. I enjoyed listening to all of this music and am so grateful I had the opportunity to review them. I wanted to take the time to recognize some of the work that I felt went a long way in producing great quality work.
TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2025
5. i don’t know what i’m feeling by myah (August 29, 2025)
California – based alt pop artist, myah, released her debut late summer. With a run time of nearly one hour, this 17-song album explores love, broken hearts, the toxicity we put up with in dysfunctional relationship, and the polarizing feelings that come with them.
“The album is a love letter to my 20’s. It touches on the crisis you experience as you start to get older and realize that romance and love aren’t what you’ve been told your whole life. It’s toxic and devastating and confusing. It can feel like you’re on top of the world one day and then like your whole world is falling apart the next.” ~ myah
Musically, myah’s performance is stellar. Her vocal work is stunning, the production quality is radio-ready. It is an extraordinary album.
4. Past, Present, and Obsolescence by Only Monsters (June 26, 2025)
Washington-based prog rock/post goth artist, Only Monsters, has only been back in the music game for a couple of years but he is really making an effort to refine his performance at every level. From songwriting, to composition, and then production quality, his releases are improving time and time again. There are lyrically profound moments within this album that will have the listeners thinking of the implications for the rest of the day. The melodies reverberate and stay with me every single time.
3. Trash Mountain by Lily Seabird
The vocal work and production value of Lily Seabird‘s sensational third album, Trash Mountain, is one of the most surprising experiences I’ve had as a fan of music. Pulling inspiration from legendary songwriters like Bob Dylan and one of Seabird’s personal idols, Leonard Cohen, her raw, organic deliver bridges that gap between the traditions of old and the forward progress of indie folk music in America.
Seabird didn’t just catch my attention. After a year of touring and promoting the album, she received editorial recognition from several publications, including the prestigious rollingstone magazine.
2. Rich Inner Life by Unbelievable Truth
The love I have for the sublime music of Unbelievable Truth is no secret. I’ve been listening to them for more than half of my life. So, in 2025, to find out I would be hearing new Unbelievable Truth music for the first time in 25 years, excited doesn’t put it into words.
What’s even better, it was worth every bit of the wait. Rich Inner Life is the very best album I’ve ever heard by the Oxford trio. The band have mastered their compositional partnership and meshed the perfect blend of alternative rock and folk music to accompany a vocal and lyrical performance so deeply honest. I don’t think this is just beautiful work by Yorke. Every time I listen to it, I am more and more convinced this songwriting means something. Like, it has a greater purpose. I don’t believe this album is finished yet. This is music that listeners will discover and find relevant for years to come.
1. Perennial by Kathi Deakin
I first heard Kathi Deakin in the fall of 2024, with her debut single, Fairy. Since that sensational debut, I’ve kept close tabs with every release. Deakin has been kind enough to be one of my very special interview guests, she’s been featured a number of times for her reviews, and she also lent her song, These Roots to play over the emotional climax of the short film I released to celebrate the anniversary of Fifteen Minutes of Fame.
All accolades aside, this recognition is about the music. When the dust settled, in spite of all of the wonderfully talented musicians I heard this year, Perennial is the album that stood out to me the most. This album is so vulnerable, it actually feels safe and comforting. Deakin asks questions to ponder and gives incredibly poignant answers. The composition swells through the listener like they’re standing in an ocean, bobbing over the passing waves. Her vocals layer one track on top of the other and each with their own independence, they shine as individuals in uniform, coming together for a purpose.
Top 10 EPs of 2025
10. – The Balance EP by Ellie Walker
9. – Frankie (On the Dance Floor) by Laura Pieri
8. – blushing, brb by Maisie May
7. – Feverjaw by Feverjaw
6. – Cut You Out by Fireside Shadowing
5. – New Skins by Del Cobra
4. – Of the Water by Conzemius
3. am i still enough? by Han
2. Favourite Way of Existing by Marta Per
1. – Ballads by J Holmes
Top 10 Singles of 2025
10. – Glimpse by Melanie Champagne
9. – To Make a Man by Amity
8. – The Light/Twilight by North Woods
7. – The Bitter End by Lexie Modica
6. – Genius Daydream by Jenn DeSantis
5. – Waste of Time by Reverend Rooster
4. – Lost in the Valley by John Wallace
3. – TAKEOVER by Uta K
2. Something Real by Sprawler FU
1. Is This Real? by Galaxy Parade
Top 3 Artists Blind Reactions
3. Fireside Shadow
Four music videos by Fireside Shadow were featured in 2025. Reba has a harsh way of conveying emotion in any situation. She is a natural in front of the camera. She writes and directs her own music videos. She is fearless.
2. Campbell McKinzie
There have also been 4 featured music videos by Campbell McKinzie. He may be one of the most prodigal musicians i have ever heard. That talent translates to his vision for his music videos. He has such a clear vision for this project, it’s been remarkable to follow along.
1. myah
When it comes to music videos, there is simply nobody that does it better. This year, myah was featured in 2 blind reactions and she was also one of the first featured artists last October for the sensational work she did for her video, The Lobby. Every time she releases a music video, I expect exceptional work from her and she hasn’t ever come close to missing the mark. She directs her own videos, she works with a crew, she puts in an incredible effort to make a truly spectacular product.
Most Popular Artists on the Platform
3. Lily Ireland
This year, Lily Ireland released her debut EP, Lily Ireland, as well as two singles; Strangers Now and It’s Not My Fault. Ireland was featured in her own exclusive review for Strangers Now, as well as being featured in a Spotlight article for It’s Not My Fault. These two articles experienced the heaviest flows of traffic on the platform in its first year. Ireland is an alt pop/indie folk artist out of Nashville, TN (though originally from Australia).
2. Malachi Nassér
Malachi Nassér is one of the most promising artists I’ve heard in a long time. He is uniquely diverse with a strong capability in indie folk and soul r&b. His song U briefly went viral at the end of the summer and still is regularly played. It currently sits at more than 170,000 streams in just 4 months since its release. Fifteen Minutes of Fame featured Nassér in a review of U as well as a spotlight article for Clef St. and the article for U was the second most trafficked article on the platform for an artist.
1. Changeling
The indie rockers, Changeling, have been featured on the FMOF platform since the first month we began publishing reviews in 2024. Every time the Indiana-based band is mentioned, it draws the attention of their fan base. This year, they released their debut EP, as well as a cover of Man in the Box by Alice In Chains. The review for their EP was the highest visited article for an artist this year. A special thank you to the fans of Changeling for supporting this great group of guys!
Looking Forward to 2026
Already there are some pretty significant releases to look forward to in 2026. From albums to new singles, EPs, videos, tours and live performances, it will be a wonderful year of independent music!
The Seventh Gate by Elly Kace, March 2026
Fifteen Minutes of Fame have long been a fan of Elly Kace. Following the release of 2024’s EP, if i ask enough could you love me, Kace alluded to the work of a new album last year in a special feature interview. This summer, Kace began releasing songs from her upcoming album and we have been with her every step of the way! Next month, we will be releasing the third part of this four-part special edition, ahead of the album release and the final part of the feature.
Untitled Debut Album by Lexie Modica
Last year, one of my first articles featured the debut single by Minnesota-based indie artist, Lexie Modica. Since that time, I’ve had the privilege to feature them on a number of their releases, and most recently, was able to interview them for the release of their new single, Bite the Apple.
After a successful kickstarter campaign, Modica has announced the upcoming intent of releasing their debut album which could be expected in the early parts of 2026. This is one to definitely be on the lookout for!
Special Thanks
I don’t want any artists not mentioned to feel left out. Every artist featured on the Fifteen Minutes of Fame platform are featured on the platform because I heard you, I saw you, I listened to what you had to say, and I thought it was worth repeating. I will die on any hill stating the claim that there is nobody that can do what you all do. And I don’t care how advanced AI gets. It will never replace what you are capable of.
Every one of you have made an impact on just how extraordinary my 2025 has been. In spite of how hard it’s been with everything. I look back on the year with love and appreciation. For my family; my incredible wife who loves and supports me. For my kids who make every day worth living. For my dogs who refuse to let any of us have a bad day. I also love any appreciate the Fifteen Minutes of Fame family. For encouraging me to listen and learn from you every single day. For your gratitude. You work. Your selflessness. For your determination to do extraordinary things every single day. You all inspire me greatly.
Last thing, there are three artists I want to recognize for their compassion to help. Each of these people work incredibly hard; not for themselves, but for their communities. Neccos for Breakfast, Circumstantial Saint, and Marc Schuster.
Neccos, the founder of CAN! The guy who is working, fighting for independent artists every single day. The guy who literally sacrifices his health on the regular to make our lives better. Daniel has been a wonderful friend, colleague, and supporter of independent musicians. I had the wonderful privilege of meeting Daniel in person a couple of weeks ago (people still do that??) and he also produced my own upcoming album, Evaporate, which is releasing on January 16th (I can’t believe it’s almost here).
Circumstantial Saint is one of those people who doesn’t sleep, I am pretty sure. A purely talented spoken word poet, Saint released 12 albums in 2025. Saint is an artist who is politically charged and socially motivated. He is unafraid of standing up for his culture, his community, and human decency.
I’ve never known Saint to be anything less than pure of heart and dedicated to his vision of a better life and a better world. In addition to his poetry, he produces all of his releases, he hosts shows in PA, and he has organized an online community as an effort to simply make the world a better place.
One of the highlights of 2025 was Saint agreeing to a collaboration that will be featured on my upcoming album. Not only was Saint on board, he immediately understood the project, and he was able to perform, record, and produce his track in 24 hours. The product was so good, I had absolutely no notes. The original mix he sent is what is featured on the album. It is a flawless performance.
Marc Schuster has been a mentor, a supporter, a topic of articles, and a person to aspire to. This guy is Philly to his core. He’s had his hands on a number of independent music projects, including his own solo work. He is a composer. He is a writer; a novelist, a script writer, and an online journalist. He has directed films, shorts, etc. His band, Del Cobras, are exploding onto the local indie scene.
All of these accolades and yet, Marc is the chillest guy out there. He is well versed and well educated. He is passionate about his platform and the artists he represents on it. He loves all art. It is stories like Marc Schuster’s that I hoped I would find when I started Fifteen Minutes of Fame. I had faith that stories like his were there. I knew these stories needed to be told. His is the story of the storyteller. The thoughtful, decent human being who lets his community into the world around them. A true inspiration.
Final Thoughts
As far as Fifteen Minutes of Fame goes, this year feels completely different from last year as I was preparing to wind the year down.
Last year, FMOF was still mostly vision, mostly dream, and an idea of what it could be. This year, the dream is being realized, the picture becoming more and more clear. I love writing. I love listening to music by independent artists. I love talking to people and getting to know them and their work.
2026 is going to be a year of shoring up the foundation of what Fifteen Minutes of Fame is and how we can best serve this community of independent artists.
At its core, FMOF is about the reviews. The focus will be the reviews and how to get those reviews in front of readers and listeners. Whether that be a more organized social media plan or if I will be finding other ways to market and advertise the platform.
A podcast. The audio reviews and interviews will be converted into a podcast format for a new way to reach an audience.
Interviews. There will be more of a focus on interviews. Additionally, there is a plan in place to do our first in-person interview with more to come in the future. So, be on the lookout for that!
Live show coverage. I am hoping to be able to go to some shows and cover the performances of some of the artists we have covered. Perhaps post show interviews with the artists.
Merchandising. Nothing fancy. Stickers, maybe some hats, and t shirts. Something people can have to represent the FMOF platform, if they choose.
A clear vision with our partnership with CAN. I love CAN. I love the platform, I love the idea. Working with Daniel and meeting people involved with the platform is amazing. CAN is the beginnings of a network that can be a game changer for independent music and independent artists. I want to be a part of that. I want to be there for that. I am also feeling a resistance to social media. A need to maybe pull back on having a social media presence and maybe finding a more concise and meaningful approach. Maybe there is a way to tie that into my relationship with CAN. We have some things to figure out.
After my album releases, I am going to be taking a break from my own music. I want to have time to focus on my other career, finance. I also feel FMOF will be better managed without also trying to promote my personal music. It would also feel less self-serving and I will be less conflicted about that. There will be more music from me in the future. I just need a minute.
This platform is incredible. Doing it is amazing. I will continue to do it as long as I can. As time changes, maybe it will change too, become something else. Something more. Something less. One thing I feel strongly though is it will continue to be. For years to come.
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