Rising Stars to Watch at the 2025 Newport Folk Festival

Alex Giannascoli, better known as Alex G, makes his Newport debut fresh off the release of Headlights, his latest album. Known for his low-key presence and emotionally direct songwriting, Alex has built a devoted following since his early Bandcamp days. His new tracks like June Guitar and Beam Me Up show a slightly cleaner production style but still carry his signature hints of honesty and unpredictability. He’s not the loudest artist on the lineup, but that’s part of the appeal — his music hits quietly and lingers long after.

Jesse Welles, originally from Ozark, Arkansas, has been gaining momentum with his sharp, politically charged songwriting. After years fronting rock bands, he launched a solo project that caught fire on social media with acoustic performances tackling everything from healthcare to housing. Tracks like United Health and Life Like Mine have drawn millions of views and earned him recent festival invites and songwriter fellowships.

Mon Rovîa’s path to the Newport stage is anything but typical. Born in Liberia and raised in Tennessee, his music pulls from personal journals and a background shaped by displacement. His most recent EP, Act 4: Atonement, closes a four-part series that touches on grief, recovery, and identity. Whether performing on a tiny club stage or in front of festival crowds, Mon has a reputation for making every show feel personal. Songs like Winter Wash 24 and Running Boy don’t just tell stories — they feel like conversations.

Remi Wolf doesn’t really do quiet. Her shows are loud, colorful, and unpredictable — and fans love her for it. Since dropping her second album Big Ideas, she’s been playing sold-out dates around the world, touring with the likes of Olivia Rodrigo and Paramore. Songs like Cinderella and Soup showcase her chaotic energy, both onstage and off. Remi’s music isn’t typical folk, but Newport has never been about staying inside the lines — and her spot on the lineup proves it.