Sure, the headliners get all the attention, but if you’ve been to Bonnaroo before, you know some of the best sets come from the smaller names buried deep in the lineup. There’s nothing like catching a future star before they blow up, especially in a setting as magical and unpredictable as The Farm. Whether you’re looking for something new or just trying to fill out your schedule, here are five under-the-radar artists worth carving out time for at Bonnaroo 2025.
The Lemon Twigs
For Fans Of: Foxygen, The Beatles, David Bowie
The Lemon Twigs are one of those bands that feel like they stepped out of a time machine and that’s not a bad thing. Brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario bring a theatrical, retro-inspired energy to their live sets, blending baroque pop, glam rock, and a kind of Broadway-meets-Garage charm that’s hard to describe but unforgettable once you’ve seen it. They play real instruments, harmonize like angels, and are known to swap between guitar, drums, and keys mid-set. It’s weird, it’s catchy, and it’s completely captivating. Don’t sleep on them, especially if you love a little flair in your rock n’ roll.
Cameron Winter
For Fans Of: Geese, Radiohead, TV on the Radio
If you’re a fan of Brooklyn indie band Geese, you’ll definitely want to check out Cameron Winter’s solo set. His solo work leans more experimental and introspective, mixing angular guitar work, layered synths, and off-kilter rhythms that feel like they’re made for late-night headphones, but they translate beautifully live, too. Expect a moodier, more atmospheric vibe than the typical festival fare. This is the kind of artist you stumble on by accident and end up texting all your friends about.
Ginger Root
For Fans Of: Toro y Moi, Vulfpeck, Mac DeMarco
Ginger Root, aka Cameron Lew, describes his music as “aggressive elevator soul,” which is surprisingly accurate. It’s funky, groovy, synth-heavy pop that’s impossible not to move to. Think Japanese city pop meets modern indie vibes, with smooth vocals, slick basslines, and a throwback aesthetic that feels both retro and futuristic. His set will likely be a daytime party full of good vibes, sunshine, and dancing strangers. It’s one of those perfect midday palette cleansers that reminds you why you came to a music festival in the first place.
Beabadoobee
For Fans Of: Clairo, The Smashing Pumpkins, Phoebe Bridgers
Beabadoobee has quietly become one of the biggest names in the indie-rock-meets-bedroom-pop scene. Her sound is dreamy and nostalgic, loaded with fuzzy guitars, airy vocals, and lyrics that balance vulnerability with confidence. She’s already opened for Taylor Swift and landed songs on just about every Gen Z playlist that matters. Live, she brings a full-band energy that really brings her 90s-inspired sound to life. If you’re looking for a set that hits that sweet spot between head-bobbing and heartstring-pulling, this is it.
Jessie Murph
For Fans Of: Tate McRae, Noah Kahan, Halsey
Jessie Murph may still be a rising star, but she’s already racked up millions of streams and a fiercely loyal fanbase. Her sound blends moody pop with country and R&B undertones, anchored by raw, deeply emotional lyrics about heartbreak, anxiety, and self-worth. There’s something undeniably real about her music, and that honesty hits even harder live. Her voice carries a lot of weight, and watching her perform in the middle of a field full of strangers might just make you feel a little more connected to the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned Bonnaroovian or it’s your first trip to The Farm, don’t just stick to the big names. These smaller acts might just end up being the highlight of your weekend and you’ll get to say, “I saw them before they blew up.”
