BFF.fm's end-of-the-year local music recap is finally here! We've compiled a list of the Bay Area artists that our BFF DJs played the most in 2025. Like last year, our very own DJs contributed to shouting out their favorites. <3333 Thank you to our very own Nick Mirov for compiling the Top 30 from our charts (and for all your chart work throughout the year, too, Nick)! We are extremely grateful for the support of the BFF.fm community and look forward to the New Year! 💫

30. Grooblen

"Always the funnest and freakiest, both live and recorded, when it comes to San Francisco bands, Grooblen is the 'first one' I think of. Come to their shows not only to step outside yourself and dance with your skeleton, but to see whichever bands they're sharing a bill with, because whoever they cross-pollinate with is sure to bee great." - Alexi Belchere

29. Marinero

"Marinero’s album La La La is SUCH A BOP! I can’t help but groove to it. I’m just singing to the spaghetti I’m making, the wooden spoon being my microphone. My partner is walking in the front door of my apartment and is amused by my antics. The album shifts from song to song, and the feelings flow with it. I feel like I’m listening to one of the best soundtracks to an indie film that doesn’t exist. Marinero makes music that I think belongs in every slice-of-life scenario and (maybe) a few that don’t. And it being released on Valentine’s Day?? My eyes are open, and so is my heart. I highly recommend you cop this album ASAP and any other Marinero you can get your fingies on. — DJ WORM, W.O.R.M.

Listen to MJ's West of Twin Peaks Radio interview with Marinero and read Kiley Stokes's interview, too!

28. Now

"Now fucking rules. I kind of don’t know what else to say except that. The band channels the swagger of glam rock, mixing it with Syd Barrett-esque baroque psych pop to make music that sounds just so completely cool. Listening to the appropriately titled Now Does The Trick is pure punk joy, like slipping into a glitter-infused dazed and confused daydream."— Kerri O'Malley, DIG!

27. tUnE-yArDs

"In preparation for this task, I re-listened to tUnE-yArDs’ newest EP, Tell the Future With Your Body. I HAVE TO SAY THIS: tUnE-yArDs are a band that makes me want to giggle and writhe in joy under the covers in my room with my diary like a pre-teen AND scream out my window and dance barefoot in the New Orleans streets with a crew of like-minded folx. It’s so deeply personal and desperately makes me want to connect on a deeper level with the people around me. It’s music that is so deeply human. It’s so hard to think of many bands that capture the human spirit and personal emotion that we feel… but godd@mn. I think tUnE-yArDs does the trick. AND with hella good music. Who does that? Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner, that’s who." — DJ WORM, W.O.R.M.

26. The Pennys

"Take two of the Bay's hottest artists of 2024, Tony Jay and R.E. Seraphin, and combine them to create the GIFT that is The Pennys. All the good from both artists blended perfectly together to create their self-titled album. A perfect example of how the artists in the Bay Area really rock with each other, literally and figuratively. SWEET." — Apple Gomez, Baydream

25. The Goods

"The Goods, led of course by Rob Good, have carved their own little cozy hole into the Bay Area’s power pop scene. Their debut record, Don’t Spoil The Fun, out on Dandy Boy Records, thrusts you into the sunniest day at the lushest park and leaves you there awhile to reminisce. Yes, there’s been a lot of power pop this year, but The Goods differentiate themselves by ripping an even bigger page from the Big Star songbook, and goddamn it, it works! A fun, blissful record that will come in handy in the spring months." — Trevor Schock, Schock Treatment

24. Luke Sweeney

"Bay indie’s greatest jump shooter has now decamped for the hoops of Nevada City, and the Bay Area will be a little more full of shit in his absence. As he sings in his song "Probably Me" from this year's Novel Tea, 'Out of all the Luke Sweeneys, I know only one will be me.' Good news, he tells me he’ll be back often." — Will, I Luv Mondays

Listen to MJ's West of Twin Peaks Radio #240 feat Luke Sweeney and read Alexi Belchere's interview with Luke Sweeney on his new single "Probably Me."

23. Softie

"There is almost nothing like the excitement and anticipation of seeing a local band play in an unconventional space. It’s moments like these that capture the whole energy of the local music scene, and that is exactly what I experienced when I saw Softie play at Rayko Photo Center in August as part of the Cherub Dreams Record Fest, which was a celebration of the local music, arts, and DIY scene. Hearing a song you had been listening to all year over your speakers and headphones and finally experiencing the rush of the fuzzy vocals, swirling guitars, propulsive bass, and crashing drums all mixing in a brick building filled with stoked audience members was a highlight of my 2025." — Swirving, Audiosyncracies

22. Affectionately

"More people need to be listening to Affectionately. I became a fan in 2024 with the soothing and dreamy track called 'perfect11' from the door is open, which instantly reminded me of my days as a melancholic and yearning 20-something driving around the Bay listening to Good Morning, Homeshake, and Alex G. Then we got the full 11-track album in 2025, called Then This Happens. Affectionately took the sleepy bedroom pop lo-fi vibes to the next level with a more expansive sound. It's a must. " — Apple Gomez, Baydream

Listen to MJ's West of Twin Peaks Radio Ep #245 feat Affectionately.

21. Above Me

"The striking thing about this album is how much it sounds like a kaleidoscope of familiar sounds, while bringing new elements to that classic shoegaze sound. For a genre so reliant on noise to generate feeling and emotions rather than lyrical content, the choices in production instrumentation on this album really push the boundaries and allow for the listeners to imagine a place where shoegaze doesn't just need to emulate the sounds of the past." — Swirving, Audiosyncrasies

20. Pure Hex

"WOWEE! Pure Hex's new album Spilling/Five of Tears is electric. 'Spare Me' and '(hexe)' have been on repeat for me and have made a feature on löded diper. Marta Alvarez's vocals simply fly and twist over the instrumentals in this album, with such passionate and glaring guitar solos. Pop this album on if you are looking for some seriously shoegazey alt rock GOODNESS!" — Elena, Löded Diper

19. Tony Molina

"Listened to this collection of under two minute mini-songs on repeat to try to pick a favorite but (after the seventh listen) opted to consider this latest project from Tony Molina a flowing, 22-minute medley of jangling indie pop and electrified west coast folk (with stellar contributions from co-producer Poundsign/Aisler Set's Alicia Vanden Heuvel on the harmonies and Hammond B3 and Ladybug Transistor's Gary Olson on trumpet). Even the wistful melancholy moments ("Despise The Sun," "Faded Holiday") sound bright." — Michele K-Tel, ALLSORTS

18. Bad Tiger

"Bad Tiger’s newest album, Bean Hollow, transports me back to my childhood bedroom in nowhere, Alabama. Nearby, there was a creek that you could hear from the open window. When the late summer started to have that autumnal glow and the lush foliage started to shed and catch on the breeze…I wish I would've had this album on CD to play quietly next to me as I watched the world through those young eyes. I felt so alone but also so connected to the universe around me. I think this would’ve helped cohesively contain me as well as make me climb out my window and rush to that creek to stick my bare toes in and let the minnows nibble, sun on my skin. Music good <3"— Kassie, DJ WORM, W.O.R.M.

17. Rhymies

"When Rhymies submitted their track, "I Dream Watching," through the BFF submission portal for local bands, I was instantly in love. A synthy bop with ethereal, dreamy vocals – I’m hooked! I had another local musician, Agness Twin, on my show soon after for an interview. One of my favorite things about interviewing artists is learning about new music through what they pick to play on the show. She brought a track by Seablite, "Pot of Boiling Water." I really loved it and thought it would pair well with this Rhymies track. It was perfect! As it was playing, we figured out that Rhymies is a project by Lauren Matsui, who is also one of the vocalists in Seablite! Rhymies’ I Dream Watching EP is one of the musical highlights of 2025 for me, and I am excited to see what else Lauren creates with this solo project!" — Alyce, DJ ShortyRock, WTFIFL

16. Sachi's Mirror

"Shaina Pan’s project Sachi’s Mirror is the perfect soundtrack to your esoteric San Francisco fantasy. The haunting violin amidst a lush soundscape keeps listeners curious. The melodies are ever-evolving and layered with texture reminiscent of San Francisco’s biodiversity. Pan’s vocals soothe the listener on their sonic journey. And yes, they’re just as good live. I saw Sachi’s Mirror at the Knockout and was captivated by their performance. Definitely one of my favorite sets I saw in 2025! " — Kayla, Penny Lame, The Road To Nowhere

Listen to Your's, Teddy's interview with Sachi's Mirror.

15. Josiah Flores

"Josiah Flores’ album Doin’ Fine blew me away this year with its raw and vivid storytelling rooted in his Bay Area and Chicano experience. Touching on themes of social justice, identity, family, and redemption, Flores balances vulnerability with moments of joy and humor. I was not surprised to learn during our interview on my radio show that his songwriting grew out of his poetry. Doin’ Fine not only showcases Flores’ growth as a songwriter but also invites deep exploration of its richly textured world." — Cosmic Amanda, Hot Local Singles

Listen to Cosmic Amanda's interview with Josiah Flores.

14. Whitney's Playland

"'Long Rehearsal,' the title track of the band’s three-song EP, is one of the catchiest bops to come out of the Bay this year. Warm, jangly, and over before you want it to be, I found myself returning to it again and again. The whole EP is a lovely lil snack, anchored by singer Inna Showalter’s vocals that ring like angelic bells through each track, cutting through comfortable fuzz and Pavement-esque noodlings. Loved their last record, too, and I'm excited to see what's next for this band!" — Kerri O'Malley, DIG!

13. Pink Breath of Heaven

"It's hard to explain how walls of distortion can pulse with groovy energy, but Pink Breath of Heaven makes it look easy. Their sound harnesses the sonic energy of shoegaze to supercharge psych rock anthems for addictive, hazy grooves that surround the soul." — Bridget, DJ B-rated, The Sunday Screeches

12. Aux Meadows

"The country/Americana scene in the Bay Area is criminally underrated, and Aux Meadows showcases the true beauty of the scene like few others. Their sparse soundscapes distill steely twang into cosmic explorations with a contemplative heart and a psychedelic soul." — Bridget, DJ B-rated, The Sunday Screeches

Listen to West of Twin Peaks Radio #229 featuring Aux Meadows.

11. Gloomy June

"San Francisco-based Gloomy June released their stunning self-titled album this year (in June, of course) during one of the coldest summers on record. From the stunning opener 'Escaping with You' to the delicate yet epic 'Picking Scabs' and danceable rocker 'Back from the Dead,' the album flows with a propulsive energy that will warm you up in the fog regardless of the season. Lyrically, the album dives into loss, love, and queer identity with bold reflection and honesty. Alexi Rose Belchere (vocals), Ash Hyatt (drums), Devin Nelson (guitar), and Jack Sundquist (bass) are a tight and supremely talented unit, heard on the record and also in their live performances, which you should make sure to witness in 2026." — Davia Schendel, SF Retro

Listen to SF Retro's Episode 11: Guest DJ Alexi Rose Belchere from Gloomy June.

10. The Telephone Numbers

"With the Telephone Numbers, bandleader Thomas Rubenstein has assembled a who’s who of Bay Area indie pop musicians. Members of Chime School, The Umbrellas, The Reds, Pinks and Purples, and guest spots from Anna Hillburg and Tony Molina? Sign me up! Their newest album, Scarecrow II, on Slumberland Records, is a high-water mark in a sea of incredible indie pop/power pop/whateveryouwannacall it releases this year. Gorgeous melodies and harmonies that would sound equally at home in a 60s or 90s record collection...it’s kinda perfect." — Trevor Schock, Schock Treatment

9. Fieldress

"Fieldress is a dreamy indie rock gem from the East Bay, led by Sasha Reynolds alongside Omi Golucino, Marissa Deitz, Phil Di Leo, and Francisco Camacho. This wonderful bunch of humans creates hauntingly beautiful melodies that feel like they’re pulled straight from the heart: melancholic, introspective, and achingly honest. Their music is proof that when great people come together, the sound is just as beautiful as the souls behind it." — Alex, DJ Webbles, The Hangover Sessions

Listen to West of Twin Peaks Radio #239 with MJ featuring Fieldress.

8. Ryli

"In June, Ryli released their debut record, Come and Get Me, on Dandy Boy Records. The band is led by Yea-Ming Chen (of Yea-Ming and the Rumours) and Rob Good (of The Goods) and backed by other Bay heavy hitters, which makes sense for why these songs quickly made their way into the BFF.fm charts. The vocals are airy, the guitars are hooky, the melodies are kinda perfect. It’s got all the defining characteristics of a classic Bay Area record, and we can call that another win for Dandy Boy!" — Trevor Schock, Schock Treatment

Listen to West of Twin Peaks Radio #237 with MJ featuring Ryli.

7. Madeline Kenney

"On The Same Again, a stripped-down re-release of 2023's A New Reality Mind, Oakland-based Madeline Kenney placed her singing and songwriting in the forefront of vulnerable piano pieces. The gorgeous reimagining of her songs was notable to me, as I had always thought of her as a guitar-based artist. I first saw her perform at the 20th Street Block Party when it was still tucked over on Alabama and Florida Streets. I was immediately enraptured by the opening beats of her song 'Signals,' magnetically pulled to the BandWagon stage with two dozen other unsuspecting moths drawn to the light of this incredibly talented artist. This was nearly ten years ago, and I still have that image of an unassuming young woman behind a guitar transitioning between dreamy patter and belted choruses. Since then, I have eagerly anticipated Kenney's prolific output, a full-length every other year, not to mention EPs and collaborations with Flock of Dimes and Naytronix. This year's Kiss from the Balcony was no different. I dragged friends (we're old now, some of us are parents) to the album release at the Independent. The show was packed. The energy was welcoming and joyous. Kenney has swapped her guitar for a keyboard and now wears a headset microphone, transitioning fully from the coy indie rocker I watched a decade ago into a charismatic popstar. Her songs maintain her trademark dynamism, driving anthemic moments interrupting shimmering melodic introspection, strength, and tenderness at play. The clarity of the production lets the layers of Kenney's dream pop provide listeners with a varied journey each spin that demonstrates the collaborative nature of this album with musicians Ben Sloan and Stephen Patota." — Sasha, A Third Place

6. Anna Hillburg

"Musical shape-shifter Anna Hillburg took a sharp turn this year, from pop country straight into the dancery. Dangerously Impressionable pulses with synthy goodness, inviting movement and joy without sacrificing the thoughtful songwriting style we’ve come to know and love her for. Hillburg and her partner-turned-collaborator Bill Rousseau truly pulled off something special together: a five-song EP that is both hauntingly introspective and irresistibly danceable." — Cosmic Amanda, Hot Local Singles

Read MJ'sInterview with Anna Hillburg.

5. Welcome Strawberry

"Bittersweet bliss swirls across ethereal melodies and hazy, warm vocals on desperate flower, the latest from Oakland's own Welcome Strawberry. Cyrus perfectly captures nostalgia filtered through half-memories, a fading yet beloved echo of another time. This is shoegaze at its heartfelt best." — Bridget, DJ B-rated, The Sunday Screeches

Listen to Bridget's interview with Welcome Strawberry on The Sunday Screeches.

4. Spellling

"Spellling makes the type of music that sticks to your ribs. Her vocals are ethereal, gut-wrenching, and revelatory. Her discography is layered and builds upon itself. Picture dark rooms, endless fields of clover, and burnt rose petals. Music for freaks has never sounded so good." — Jasper, therlslimtheydy & DCV, Key Party

3. Galore

"Galore’s second LP, Dirt, is really that awesome. Members Ava Rosen, Griffin Jones, guitarist Ainsley Wagoner, and Hannah Smith take listeners on a field trip. It is a methodically created album combining homegrown elements, contrasting textures, and vocal harmonies that sound like a sunny day. I highly recommend this album for a roadtrip with friends, walking through the park, and touching dirt (of course)." — Kayla, Penny Lame, The Road To Nowhere

Read DJ B-rated, Host of the Sunday Screeches, interview with Galore about their second album, Dirt.

2. Mae Powell

"Mae Powell's music is top-down cruising, tequila sunsets, and warm AM radio gold. 2025's Making Room for the Light exudes imagery of lost summers, sharing bottles of cheap rosé and drive-in romances. All the while, Mae's vocals lean into tapestries of the moments between reverie and clarity. Pretty in the best way possible." — Steve, DJ Steve Foxx, Wake The F up!

Read Kiley Stokes' interview with Mae Powell for their album, Making Room For The Light. If you need more listening, check out MJ's West of Twin Peaks Radio, Episode #238, featuring Mae Powell.

1. Hectorine

"Arrow of Love is a BIG record. Mystical, cathartic, symphonic, you get lost and found within it. In the layered, hypnotic, sometimes haunting melodies, Sarah Gagnon asks, 'Is love an illusion?' She proclaims, “For the record, I will never love again.” She sings boppy ahh-ooos about the uncertainty of true love finding you in the end. Your heart swells along with the music. Although so many songs are about feeling the hurt, they’re even more about persevering through the ache, without adding too much armor. As BFF.fm volunteer Kiley beautifully wrote in her premiere of Hectorine’s 'Heart of Stone' music video, 'It is her battle to keep a softened heart while journeying through a hardened world.' That’s a battle I think we all return to, and I’m grateful to Hectorine for giving us a soundtrack for it." — Kerri O'Malley, DIG!

Listen to Apple's Baydream episode featuring Hectorine and read Kiley Stokes talk about Hectorine's new music video for "Heart of Stone."