10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of November 14, 2025
We're only two weeks into November, but it might as well be the holiday season, because Christmas music has already started rolling in—and we think that'll be the trend through the rest of 2025.
Of course, this week wasn't only about festive favorites. We also got 5 Seconds of Summer's highly anticipated and experimental new album, an EP from Lewis Capaldi and some unforgettable singles setting the stage for the new year. Curious about what has us hooked? Keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Nov. 14, 2025.
(Photo credit: Brian Ziff)
1. Brenn! Finds Himself Again in 'Footing'
Up-and-coming folk-pop artist Brenn! has been celebrating a stellar year, with his Upstate EP in May birthing multiple viral hits. With an album on the way, he's ready to embark on his next musical adventure with the release of his new single, "Footing!" The folksy track is equal parts upbeat and moody as Brenn! sings about the angst of finding his footing again after the tough breakup, wishing his past love the best as he hopes they figure themself out, too.
"Things are ramping up to something much bigger," Brenn! explained in a post on Instagram. "Super excited to share all of what I've been doing with you guys so soon. Love you all my little amateurs."
2. Hadlie Jo Covers Dolly Parton's Classic 'Hard Candy Christmas'
It's beginning to look a lot like the holiday season, and the nostalgia's hitting us extra hard with Hadlie Jo's heartfelt new rendition of "Hard Candy Christmas." The song is best known for its 1982 Dolly Parton recording, and 17-year-old Hadlie's cover brings it new life with a sense of warmth, resilience and bittersweet heartache. It's a powerful song about appreciating the sweetness in life, even when things get tough, with a lush and romantic bluegrass production and Hadlie's distinct vocals setting it apart.
"The nostalgia of Dolly Parton's 'Hard Candy Christmas' has been a special part of Christmas ever since I can remember," Hadlie explained in a press release. "It's such a beautiful song about moving on and knowing it's all going to be okay, even when you don't think it will be. I wanted to record a bluegrass/country version to hopefully inspire that nostalgia in a new generation of people."
3. Sydney Rose Shares Her Complicated Christmas Feelings in 'The Holiday'
Our feelings about the holiday season have gotten more and more complicated as we've gotten older, and pop artist Sydney Rose tackles these emotions beautifully with her first-ever holiday track, "The Holiday." The some comes alive via whispery vocals, the strum of an acoustic guitar and warm, nostalgic horns as she shares her bittersweet feelings about going home for the holidays. It's supposed to be a time of celebration, but heartache is messing everything up and a nearly inevitable small-town run-in with her ex that will ruin the whole visit for everyone.
4. Garrison Nunn Goes Adrift With Feather In The Wind
Texas-born, Nashville-based artist Garrison Nunn is a country talent on the rise, and with the release of his debut album, Feather in the Wind, he's encapsulated his journey so far, both as a musician and a human being. The album consists of 10 raw and relatable tracks, including fan favorites "No Apologies" and "49ers," taking listeners along on Garrison's ongoing quest of self-discovery. Garrison's isn't just an artist pursuing a musical career, but also a student at pharmacy school, making his rich themes of finding your way in life even more poignant. He's moving through life with uncertainty and continuing on nonetheless, accepting that maybe drifting through life is precisely what he needs.
"The album is a snapshot of the last few years of my life—figuring out who I am, who I'm not, and trying to make sense of it all," Garrison shared in a post on Instagram. "Writing and recording these songs helped me process all of that, and I hope this album can do the same for you guys 🪶🤎"
5. Ruth B. Brings an Old Favorite to Life With 'Storm'
This is truly a full-circle moment for Ethiopian Canadian sensation Ruth B., because after first teasing the song on Vine years ago, she's finally released the full version of her song "Storm." The soulful pop track, backed by twinkling piano keys and a driving beat, tells the story of love and loss, and finding yourself all over again when you can no longer rely on the one you loved. It feels like the next big step toward something bigger, and we can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
"I started this song as a young adult just trying to make sense of my feelings, and I finished it as a woman who's lived through them," Ruth B. shared in a press release. "It's like a conversation between who I was and who I've become."
6. Ashlee Keating Doesn't Need Anyone Else for Christmas With 'Sleigh All Day'
We can always count on pop artist Ashlee Keating to spice up the holidays with her own twist on Christmas music, and 2025 is no different with the release of her new single, "Sleigh All Day." The track is a vibrant synth-pop anthem to self-love, with a playful sense of unbridled confidence. On the track, Ashlee proclaims that all she needs is herself to have the time of her life during the holidays, and nothing is going to get in the way of her
7. Cavetown Doesn't Feel Like a Player in His Own Life in 'NPC'
Cavetown's upcoming album, Running With Scissors, is one of our most eagerly anticipated albums of the new year (dropping on Jan. 16) and we just got another peek at what's to come with his latest single, "NPC." The warbly, bedroom pop-punk track is an anthem to the loneliness of feeling unseen, drawing inspiration from his childhood imaginary friend, Mr. Nobody. The reflective song sees Mr. Nobody all grown up, serving as a foil to Cavetown, who's feeling like an NPC in their own life, living in the spaces between concrete existence and belonging nowhere.
8. KUN Appreciates the Little Things With 'What a Day'
Not familiar with Chinese singer, producer and model KUN? It's time to change that, and his newest single "What a Day" is bound to make you an instant fan. The song is a swinging retro bop with plenty of soul, creating feel-good vibes with a jazz orchestra backing as he sings about embracing optimism and loving every little thing about life. He only made his international debut earlier this year, but it's already clear he's a star.
"'What a Day' is about appreciating the simple, ordinary moments in life," KUN revealed in a press release. "We recorded the song to tape to capture the energy of the live band and nod to some of the great artists who have shaped me. I want the listener to feel like they are in the studio with us."
9. Lewis Capaldi Reminds Us of the Power of Going On With His Survive EP
Again and again, Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi has shown us not just that he's a phenomenal artist, but that he's a survivor. His new EP, Survive—his first following his recent hiatus of almost two years—features four songs that might be his most deeply personal yet, tackling loss, overcoming trauma and reflection on the past. He's a masterful musician, taking these weighty topics and transforming them into soaring anthems.
"The Survive EP is out today and along with it the last song 'The Day That I Die,'" Lewis shared in a post on Instagram. "This is a tune I wrote about the lowest I've felt in my life and truth be told it feels a bit weird putting it out there for people to hear but I'm honestly the proudest I've ever been about a song with this one. It's been an absolute pleasure being back releasing music and playing shows the last six months and I'm honestly so pleased to say I feel so far removed from the place I was when I wrote this song. Looking forward to much more next year, love ya all."
10. 5 Seconds of Summer Showcase Their Evolution With New Album, EVERYONE'S A STAR! album
Multi-Platinum Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer has been around for 14 years, and with the release of their sixth album, EVERYONE'S A STAR!, they're reminding us yet again just how far they've come. The album's dozen tracks showcase their evolution as they play with entirely new sounds, incorporating frenetic alt-electronica and future pop sounds, without forgetting to come back to their roots and give the fans what they love. Featuring hits "NOT OK" and "Boyband," it's eclectic, raw and personal, and we can't wait for the guys to bring the album on a world tour throughout Europe, Australia and North America next year.
"A blockbuster release!" the band wrote in a post on Instagram. "EVERYONE'S A STAR! is finally out everywhere. Guaranteed to kill the depression and blow your mind. Let's go!"
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Nov. 7, 2025.