Amplifying the Undiscovered: A Look Inside NextFest LA 2025
By: Lucy Karyagina
NextFest LA is not just the largest indie music festival in the nation, it is a movement that amplifies the most deserving and understated independent artists. Since 2022, the brightest and boldest in independent music have gathered at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona to showcase what’s next in the indie scene. And this year, Jaded Productions was invited to be part of the annual fest!
Throughout the entirety of May, NextFest LA provides a platform for 350 musicians across six stages around the fairgrounds, allowing artists to feel just as important as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Curated by Unheard Gems, the Lagoon Stage on May 17, 2025, brought standout performances from Abby Sunga, Zoë Kilgren Band, Alex Ray, CHROMERA, Geena Fontanella, and Ally Nicholas.
Photos by Lucy Karyagina | Graphic by Mykel Merritt
Who you see: Alex Ray, DADĒ, and Ally Nicholas
A standout moment during Saturday’s set was Zoë Kilgren setting the rock scene for the rest of the night. While the quartet is best known for their genre-bending dynamic sound, their unique sound drove up a crowd that could not resist being part of the radiant energy on stage. Singing their 2024 release, “All the Time,” captivated the crowd: Caught in a moment between intimate and electric.
Following Zoë Kilgren was Alex Ray, an emerging indie artist who blends emotional storytelling with alt-rock. Ray cultivated a setlist that brought a variety of synth-pop and rock, although the standout performance was definitely her collaboration with electronic pop-artist Syd Tagle also known as DADĒ. Performing “Snake Eyes” live with special guest DADĒ was a highlight moment of the night, marking the first time DJ elements took over the stage and introduced a new energy that electrified the crowd. Ray also surprised the crowd by singing her newest single, “UR KINDA LUV,” which was just released on May 9th, signaling a possible new era.
Geena Fontana was the personality favorite as she transported the audience back to the 2000s with her millennial and Y2K-esque flair. Her high energy and passion gathered the crowd in unison as she performed fan favorite “Dylan’s Dad,” and recent single “Fightin’ For My Life.”
From the moment she hit the stage, it was clear Geena was not just performing, she was connecting. Drenched in nostalgia yet refreshingly current, her set was a love letter to the era of pop-punk heartbreak.
Lastly, Ally Nicholas took the stage as Saturday night’s headliner, just as a light rain began to fall over the glowing lights of the LA County Fair. The weather didn’t slow the momentum. NextFest carried on, and Ally delivered a powerful and emotional set that kept the audience engaged. Despite the drizzle, her performance felt grounded, closing the night on a memorable note.
NextFest LA proved once again why it stands as a beacon for independent artistry. More than a festival, it’s a celebration of unfiltered expression and the future of music. Each performance on the Lagoon Stage reminded audiences why these emerging artists deserve the spotlight. If you want to support these up-and-coming artists, make sure to check out @NextFest LA on Instagram to learn more!
