New music stars often go viral, but only a few actually cash in on their momentum.
A select group turned digital attention into tangible income and long-term career potential.
These artists didn’t just ride the hypeโthey transformed it into sustainable business moves.
Let us talk about the most prominent ones in 2025.
1. Junwav
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Korean-Canadian artist Junwav blends indie R&B with alternative rock to produce an ethereal, genre-crossing sound that escapes traditional commercial molds.
Attention spiked after โAugust Snow,โ an emotionally charged collaboration with cykim, hit over 800,000 Spotify streams and sparked a wave of curiosity.
Momentum built throughout 2024 without any label backing. That growth continued into 2025 as fans connected with his DIY approach.
Junwav capitalized through a strong digital presence, especially on TikTok, and began monetizing fan enthusiasm with well-timed merch releases. Several monetization tools became signature to his strategy:
- Limited-edition hoodies that reflect song aesthetics
- Zines that dive into creative inspiration
- Vinyl pressings designed with fan art and concept visuals
He didnโt aim for mass exposure through mainstream channels. Instead, he created value through scarcity and emotional connection.
Every release is carefully timed and marketed to his growing base. Projects often sell out within days, and fans feel a personal connection to each drop.
Streaming introduced listeners to the music, but long-term revenue comes through loyalty and experience.
2. Benson Boone
Benson Boone, an American pop singer, turned early TikTok buzz into a full-scale music business case study.
His viral hit โBeautiful Thingsโ didnโt just earn attentionโit propelled him into global rotation.
Nearly two billion Spotify streams later, his name remains in daily charts, playlists, and music conversations.
His edge comes from the fusion of polished songcraft and raw digital presence. Each track feels like it could dominate radio yet still resonates with fans online.
Those streaming numbers arenโt inflated by chance. His loyal audience shows up in real life, too. Sold-out shows underline fan investment.
Revenue didnโt stop at music platforms. Boone built financial momentum by diversifying his income streams:
- Streaming royalties from Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube
- Licensing deals and sync placements across commercials and TV
- Touring income is driven by sold-out shows across major venues
- Brand endorsements with lifestyle and apparel companies
- Social media promotions backed by a massive following
3. Raph
Raph, the Hong Kong-born artist based in LA, broke through with emotionally charged singles like โSummerโ and โificouldbelikeu.โ
His streaming stats climbed rapidly, but the real boost came through an unexpected avenue: online gambling.
Twitch became a key platform for expanding his reach. Instead of separating music and gaming, Raph blended both worlds in real time.
His poker and slot streams offered fans unfiltered access, merging live interaction with entertainment.
Viewers tuned in for his tracks, then stayed for the unpredictability and banter.
That hybrid presence evolved into a new income model. Sponsorships began to arrive, especially as Twitch emphasized affiliate-based monetization.
Raph is known for his love of online gambling. Some of the best online casinos can be found at VegasSlotsOnline.
Outlined below are the key income drivers shaping Raphโs financial rise:
- Millions of streams continue to provide a strong monthly base.
- Donations, subscriptions, and viewer interaction contribute to steady engagement.
- Deals with gaming and gambling platforms, including VegasSlotsOnline, offer lucrative sponsorship terms.
- Content consistency and personality keep followers engaged across music and streaming platforms.
While most artists rely on touring or merch to scale, Raph redefined audience engagement through constant access.
4. Lazer Dim 700
Lazer Dim 700 broke through Atlantaโs digital trenches with a sound and persona soaked in internet absurdity.
First seen as a walking meme, he reshaped perceptions with KEEPIN IT CLOUDY, a gritty 2024 release that added weight to the madness.
A surprise viral interview with Nardwuar helped elevate him from novelty to underground contender.
What separates Lazer from other viral rappers is his direct monetization strategy, built on chaos and niche loyalty. His merch drops play to irony, parody, and visual overstimulation.
Instead of polished campaigns, he leans into raw authenticity, delivering what his followers actually want. His income channels include:
- Low-fi aesthetics, DIY packaging, and drops announced with no warning.
- Anti-mainstream venues that amplify his underground credibility.
- No corporate machine, no handlersโjust content and connection.
Fans who once laughed now line up. Tickets to unadvertised events sell out fast. Performance-heavy income supported by a fanbase that thrives on unpredictability has made Lazer one of the rare meme-born rappers to translate chaos into cash flow.
5. Lola Young
@lolayoungggTOMORROWโฌ original sound – lolayounggg
Lola Young, based in South London, gained mass exposure after performing in a John Lewis Christmas ad that sparked emotional reactions across the UK.
Paired with viral TikTok covers, her visibility expanded quickly, laying a solid base for 2025 growth.
Live shows during her 2025 tour brought her raspy, soul-driven vocals to new listeners across continents.
Her songwriting balances emotional openness with grit, making it a natural fit for placements in TV scenes and sentimental advertising.
Revenue generation flows through several reliable streams:
- Streaming royalties from a growing discography
- Sync licensing for television and digital ad placements
- Brand collaborations with ethical and artistic leanings
Lolaโs image leans toward authenticity over mass-market polish. Creative control and a strategic team allow her to scale without diluting her voice. Storytelling brings the audience in. Monetization keeps the engine running.
6. Alex Coles
Alex Coles, based in Toronto, made waves in alt-pop with โI Hate Your Friends,โ a biting and melodic single that brought in over 5.1 million Spotify streams.
Known for sharp lyricism and emotionally charged humor, he created a hybrid of satire and sincerity.
Once the song took off, he moved quickly into live shows. Buzz across Canada turned into ticket sales and exclusive merch demand.
Fans connect not just with the songs but with his online presence, which plays a large role in his commercial success.
Key revenue areas include:
- Spotify royalties from repeat streaming
- Direct-to-fan sales through limited merch runs
- Event partnerships in regional scenes
Alex prioritizes direct communication with fans and avoids chasing broad popularity. Instead, he nurtures a focused audience willing to buy, stream, and support.
7. Samara Cyn
Samara Cyn, raised in Tennessee and refined in LA, delivers soul-rap that channels raw emotion and lyrical dexterity.
Co-signs from legends like Alicia Keys and Erykah Badu helped amplify her name, but her talent secured lasting respect.
Her debut project, The Drive Home, opened major doors, including a support slot for Nas. In 2025, she joined Sminoโs tour across the U.S., bringing her live presence to packed venues and new fans.
Her financial strategy includes:
- Tour income as a support and headlining act
- Merch lines aligned with clean, minimalist aesthetics
- Brand deals with skincare and slow fashion companies
Rather than adopt flash and extravagance, she lets her music and ethos speak. Her style attracts fans who value honesty, subtlety, and purpose.
8. Chanel Beads
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Chanel Beads, operating out of Minnesota, creates ambient pop fused with industrial minimalism.
Their 2024 album Your Day Will Come earned critical praise for emotional weight and artistic scale. Performances often resemble experimental art pieces more than concerts.
Their monetization doesnโt follow standard paths. Instead, the focus lies in curating a world around the music.
Their niche audience responds to tangible art as much as audio.
Revenue-building tactics include:
- Vinyl editions with customized artwork and packaging
- Abstract merchandise linked to visual concepts
- Immersive installations that blend performance and exhibition
- Collaborations with avant-garde brands targeting experiential campaigns
Everything sold or shown feels deliberate.
9. Ally Evenson
Ally Evenson, a Detroit-based alt-rock singer, delivers songs that feel like open wounds.
Her debut BLUE SUPER LOVE resonated deeply with indie fans drawn to raw, unfiltered emotion. No polish. No pretense. Just heart.
Touring with Wallice helped extend her reach across alt scenes. Marketing stays small-scale, but her fan loyalty runs deep.
Engagement through Patreon and Bandcamp supports an independent creative process.
Her income streams center around:
- Vinyl and cassette sales to die-hard supporters
- Patreon contributions for ongoing studio work
- Small venue tours for consistent cash flow
Allyโs model grows at a controlled pace. Fans appreciate her consistency and the honesty in both music and business.
10. 1900Rugrat
1900Rugrat built momentum inside meme-heavy online circles, where his animated visuals and high-octane trap songs turned heads fast. โClean & Dirtyโ triggered a spike in algorithmic engagement that carried into larger streaming audiences.
Internet energy matured into real infrastructure. He shifted toward serious releases while staying true to chaotic visuals and raw energy.
Newfound credibility led to diverse monetization plays.
His strategies include:
- Streetwear partnerships with ironic, internet-coded designs
- YouTube content combining mini-documentaries and behind-the-scenes clips
- Paid collaborations with digital-first brands targeting trap audiences
Instead of waiting for mainstream platforms to pick him up, Rugrat built a machine fueled by engagement and unpredictability.
The Bottom Line
In 2025, buzz alone wasn’t enough.
These artists turned moments into movements by connecting deeply, leveraging platforms, and monetizing creatively.
Streaming opened doors, but strategy built careers, and bank accounts.
