Unleashing the Potential of Under 30 Musicians
Shaboozey: The Renegade Country Star
Shaboozey, a 29-year-old first-generation Nigerian American, has had an extraordinary journey. After a decade of hard work in the music biz, his 2024 hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" landed two features with Beyonce and an upcoming gig as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. From being the kid with a mispronounced last name in Woodbridge, Virginia, to embracing his identity as "Shaboozey" and now set to tour Europe in his cowboy boots and Wrangler jeans, he shows the true essence of an artist as a renegade.
His music is a reflection of his passion and determination, and it's inspiring others to follow their dreams. Shaboozey's story is a testament to the fact that with hard work and perseverance, one can achieve great things in the music industry.
Noah Kahan: The Folk-Pop Wunderkind
Noah Kahan, at 27, has become a folk-pop sensation with his unpolished stage banter and vulnerable songwriting style. He started uploading music to SoundCloud at eight years old and signed his first record deal at 17. Finally, in 2024, he earned a Best New Artist Grammy nomination. His 28 million monthly Spotify listeners are a testament to his talent and the connection he has with his fans.
Kahan's music is a blend of raw emotions and catchy melodies, and it has touched the hearts of many. His story shows that success in the music industry doesn't happen overnight but is the result of years of hard work and dedication.
Chappell Roan: The Dance Hit Sensation
Chappell Roan, 26, began performing her song "Pink Pony Club" outside a Missouri park in 2017. Now, in 2024, the dance hit has amassed 300 million streams on Spotify. Her story is a reminder that talent can emerge from the most unexpected places and that with perseverance, one can achieve great success.
Roan's music has a unique energy that has captivated audiences around the world. She is a prime example of how young artists can make a big impact with their music.
Laufey, Samara Joy, and Stephen Sanchez: Nostalgia Redefined
Artists like 25-year-olds Laufey and Samara Joy and 22-year-old Stephen Sanchez are distilling nostalgia through their own personal lenses. Laufey and Samara Joy are breathing new life into jazz and Bossa nova, while Stephen Sanchez is creating music that resonates with listeners. Each of them has amassed a legion of fans in the process.
These artists are showing that there is always a place for new interpretations of classic genres and that young artists can bring a fresh perspective to the music world.
Under 30 Strategists and Entrepreneurs: Spurring Change
Behind the scenes, there are Under 30 strategists and entrepreneurs like Gregory Hirschhorn, 26, and his co-founders Bjarki Lárusson, 29, and Alex Silverstein, 27. They launched their company Too List, which allows artists to distribute their music to multiple platforms while keeping a significant portion of the royalty share. In 2023, they reported $22 million in revenue and expect to reach $53 million by the end of this year.
Zoe Wrenn, 27, is another self-taught coder who created the startup Tamber to give artists an AI assistant. Her song "Hailey" got 30 million streams and went No.2 on the Billboard Digital Chart in 2020, demonstrating the potential of AI in helping artists.
These entrepreneurs are showing that there are new ways to support and empower artists in the digital age.
Lauren Marker: The Young Vice President
29-year-old Lauren Marker is the youngest-ever vice president at Wasserman Music, one of the leading global agencies. In an industry that is constantly reinventing itself, her role shows that young leaders are bringing new perspectives and tools to the table.
Marker's success is a testament to the fact that age is no barrier to achieving great things in the music industry.
In an industry that is constantly evolving, these Under 30 musicians and entrepreneurs are making their mark. Their stories inspire others and show that with talent, hard work, and perseverance, anything is possible.
This year's Under 30 Music list was edited by Zoya Hasan and Mary Siroky. To view our complete Music list, click here, and see the full 2025 30 Under 30 package here.