Big stages. Big names. Big energy. But let’s be real—some of the most unforgettable Wonderfront moments come from the ones you didn’t see coming. That’s where the Next Wave comes in.
Each year, we scout the freshest up-and-coming artists making noise in their scenes and bring them straight to the bay. Whether they’re igniting community stages in Seaport Village or leveling up to major slots, these artists represent the future of sound—and 2025’s lineup is stacked with genre-blenders, boundary-breakers, and full-on game-changers.
Meet the Wonderfront Next Wave crew:
Bombargo – Sunshine in sonic form. This Canadian collective is known for their euphoric indie-pop energy and feel-good festival vibes. Catch them live and expect pure serotonin.
Mexican Slum Rats – Raw, loud, and unapologetically DIY. These SoCal alt-rockers deliver gritty garage punk with heart, making every show feel like a sweaty house party (in the best way).
Yonny – A hometown hero in the making. San Diego’s own Yonny fuses R&B smoothness with dancefloor grooves. His sets? Vibe-heavy and dangerously addicting.
Timmy Skelly – A singer-songwriter with soul and edge, Timmy brings honest lyrics, catchy hooks, and a voice that hits somewhere between your chest and your heartstrings.
Uncle Chris – Funky, funky, funky. Uncle Chris blends psychedelic soul, groove-forward bass lines, and a touch of cosmic weirdness. Your hips won’t stop moving.
Saint Luna – Ethereal meets electric. Think dream-pop layered with shimmering synths, mellow vocals, and just the right amount of edge.
The Saint Cecilia – A genre-bending powerhouse. Their mix of jazz, funk, indie, and experimental pop is nothing short of mesmerizing. No two shows are ever the same.
Tommy Guala – Americana meets SoCal surf. With warm guitar riffs and storytelling lyrics, Tommy’s set feels like golden hour on the beach.
Boostive – Fusing reggae, hip hop, soul, and jazz into one tight, high-energy live act. Boostive is the kind of band that turns casual listeners into die-hard fans in one song.
Daring Greatly – Stadium-sized vocals with heartfelt songwriting. This family band blends classic rock vibes with modern soul, and their harmonies? Next-level.
Three Legged Dog – Alternative rock that hits with bite and bark. Expect gritty guitars, emotional vocals, and a stage presence that owns every second.
The Diz – Neo-psychedelic rock and funk fusion. These guys bring colorful chaos and unpredictable grooves that somehow always land just right.
Porcelain – Delicate but deadly. Their alt-pop sound is equal parts beautiful and haunting—melodies that stay in your head long after the set ends.
Where’s West? – Desert-rock storytelling with a cinematic twist. Think western grit meets indie flair. Their music feels like a road trip through your favorite movie scene.
Caravan – Nomadic energy in band form. Blending folk, funk, and experimental layers, Caravan is impossible to pin down—and that’s exactly why we love them.
Jordo Arnott – Smooth vocals, bold presence. Jordo’s soulful R&B hooks and heartfelt lyrics are already catching ears far beyond San Diego.
This is your official invitation to get to the stage early, soak in the sounds, and witness the next big thing before the rest of the world catches on. The Next Wave is crashing into Wonderfront—and trust us, you’re gonna want to be there 🌊🎶
