As we enter 2025, the Oklahoma music scene has never been stronger. While Nashville and Los Angeles may always dominate the discourse, the state of Oklahoma is producing an array of engaging rising stars. It will continue to increase in genres, ranging from heartfelt pop ballads to upbeat foot-stomping country music styles. These artists are only gaining ground locally, but you are beginning to see them on national and global stages, and their impact on the rising star music scene is unquestionable.
This year, we showcase a diverse cohort of talented Oklahoman musicians who are changing the paradigm of the breakout artist. If you enjoy female pop music stars, eclectic alternative rock, smooth R&B, or male country music stars, Oklahoma's musical breakout artist roster for 2025 has something for everyone.
Let’s highlight some bright star musical talents you should add to your next playlist!
Kali Rae, a Tulsa local, burst onto the scene in 2025. With a voice similar to early Ariana Grande and the overall dreamy Americana visual aesthetic, she has quickly established herself as one of Oklahoma's emerging female pop music stars.
Kali's debut record, Electric Skies, made it to the top of the indie pop charts within a month of its release, aided by the viral TikTok hits "Neon Fire" and "Lemonade Days." As Kali writes lyrics that mix youthful longing and strong, powerful empowerment anthems, her music connects with both Gen Z and millennial listeners.
Why she’s a rising star:
Kali maintains a commercial sensibility and is married to authenticity as an artist. She has already been able to appear at this year's SXSW, and a tour opening for Olivia Rodrigo solidifies her in the realm of up-and-coming music stars.
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Hailing from Norman, Jace Rollins is the embodiment of the next-gen male country music star. Combining classic Red Dirt storytelling with rock-infused energy, his sound is nostalgic yet new.
His 2025 album, Gasoline & Gravel, is full of emotional lyrics, steel guitars, and an outlaw spirit that’s connecting with fans across state lines. With tracks like “Oklahoma Moonlight” and “Whiskey on Vinyl,” Rollins has earned comparisons to Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton.
Why he’s a breakout artist:
He brings authenticity back to the country. His sold-out shows from Oklahoma City to Denver mark him as a rising star with serious staying power.
Tulsa-based band The Midnight Habit brings an intoxicating blend of alternative rock and Southern grit. Their energetic performances and introspective lyrics have led to packed barrooms and blogosphere buzz.
2025 saw the release of their album Skybound & Strange, featuring the anthemic single “Ghosts in the Rearview.” Think Kings of Leon meets Nathaniel Rateliff—with a uniquely Oklahoman edge.
Why they’re gaining fame:
The band is known for high-octane live sets and heartfelt storytelling, carving out a niche as a bright star musical collective rooted in the American heartland.
Born in Oklahoma City, Nina Sparks has emerged as a bold voice in the rising star music scene. Her blend of R&B, jazz, and spoken word is a powerful reflection of modern soul. Her 2025 release, Velvet Thunder, explores love, identity, and resilience.
With collaborations alongside SZA and Leon Bridges, Sparks is gaining national attention. She’s also a vocal advocate for mental health and Black creatives in the South, using her platform for change.
Why she's a bright star:
Beyond her vocal range and genre-bending sound, Nina's conscious artistry makes her one of 2025's most respected emerging musicians.
Once known for posting acoustic covers on TikTok, Hayden Miles has successfully transitioned into one of Oklahoma’s most promising male country music stars. His first original song, “Porchlight Serenade,” racked up millions of streams and got picked up by CMT.
Blending boy-next-door charm with deep baritone vocals, Hayden offers feel-good melodies with heartstring-tugging lyrics. His music echoes the classics, but with a modern, social media-savvy twist.
Why he’s trending:
He’s mastered the digital-to-radio pipeline. Hayden proves that rising stars don’t need major labels to shine.
Isabella Vane makes waves with her ethereal blend of orchestral pop and electronic soundscapes. A classically trained violinist turned alt-pop singer, her music feels like a dream sequence.
Her 2025 EP Dreamhouse Days is an artistic masterpiece, merging haunting strings with synth-heavy beats. If Florence Welch and Billie Eilish had a musical baby in the Midwest, Isabella would be it.
Why she stands out:
Isabella’s cinematic approach to music brings something fresh to Oklahoma's rising star music scene, and she’s already in talks for scoring indie films.
This Stillwater-based duo is exploding onto the scene in 2025. The Ropers—comprised of brothers Jake and Luke Roper—deliver high-octane, harmony-driven songs that turn every venue into a honky-tonk party.
Their hit single “Flat Tire Blues” became the anthem of Oklahoma’s summer music festivals. They're fast becoming fan-favorite male country music stars with a reputation for rowdy live shows and feel-good vibes.
Why they’re gaining momentum:
They bring fun, relatability, and classic country swagger to a younger generation hungry for authentic good-time tunes.
Don’t let her fairy tale name fool you—Luna Belle is redefining the future of female pop music stars with bold lyrics and moody melodies.
A Muskogee native, Luna’s style merges modern synth pop with lyrical nods to her Southern upbringing. Her single “Cotton Candy Thunder” has topped indie charts and received airplay across college stations nationwide.
Why she’s a rising star:
She embodies the DIY spirit, producing her tracks and crafting a unique visual identity that has captured the attention of the alt-pop scene.
Hip-hop may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering Oklahoma, but Cam Wells is changing that. Raised in Lawton, Cam’s tracks reflect the complexities of growing up in the South—racism, resilience, hope, and hustle.
His 2025 mixtape, Dust Bowl Dreams, is a lyrical powerhouse, praised for its gritty realism and conscious flow. He’s been featured in XXL’s Freshman Class and was the surprise guest at a Kendrick Lamar pop-up in Dallas.
Why he’s the one to watch:
Cam is putting Oklahoma rap on the map, using storytelling and style to redefine what a rising star in hip-hop looks like.
This five-piece band from Norman offers melodic harmonies, acoustic charm, and lyrics that feel like a warm blanket. Their 2025 album, Windchime Waltz, is a love letter to Oklahoma sunsets and small-town stories.
Often compared to The Lumineers and First Aid Kit, The Prairie Doves bring folky vibes with a pop sensibility. They're favorites at local coffeehouses, folk festivals, and NPR Tiny Desk hopefuls.
Why do they shine?
Their music evokes nostalgia and hope, making them standouts in the bright star musical category that appeals across ages and genres.
So what accounts for Oklahoma’s surge of talent?
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Oklahoma’s 2025 breakout artists are more than talented—they are innovators, storytellers, and dreamers with something to say. From female pop music stars redefining femininity to male country music stars reviving tradition, the state is brimming with voices that deserve to be heard.
So, next time you update your playlist, avoid the mainstream. You might discover your new favorite artist from right here in Oklahoma.
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