Somehow, it’s December again! As the year is coming to a close, I’m looking back on yet another crazy year. 2025 introduced me to so many new people and opportunities, including my dream job in the music industry.
2025 was also a fantastic year for music. I feel like this was the first year I really ventured outside of my alt/indie/rock comfort zone and explored new genres I hadn’t dipped my toes into yet. And, of course, I went to some incredible shows. Here’s a little recap of my top three concerts of 2025, plus what I’m listening to these days.
3. Lord Huron — October 17th, 2025
Lord Huron does an perfect job blending Western, folklore, and themes of grief and death through a surreal lens. There’s a fine line between the feelings you experience when you lose someone through death and through a breakup, and Lord Huron’s music explores that boundary beautifully.
When I saw them at Moda Center, I was blown away by their visuals and stage setup. Their backdrop referenced their various songs and music videos, and I was thrilled to see their “Cosmic Selector” machine in person. The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1 is the title of their latest album and the theme of this tour. After doing some research, I learned the Cosmic Selector is considered a mythical jukebox that allows you to select your fate, just as you would select a song. Endless tracks, endless outcomes. (Hey, LH, I wanna try it. How much would it cost to ship the Selector to Portland?)
Hearing “I Lied” live from their 2021 record Long Lost was a highlight. This is a haunting song about two people realizing their relationship is ending and they can no longer keep the promises they once shared. The show even featured two ballet dancers performing the unraveling of a relationship. The whole night felt like magic. If you ever get the opportunity to see Lord Huron live, it’s so worth it.
2. Djo — April 3rd, 2025
Did you know Joe Keery (AKA Steve from Stranger Things) is in a band? Joe, who goes by Djo musically, released The Crux while performing the first of his three sold-out shows in Portland. This record was my spring soundtrack. In fact, it’s all a really listened to this spring. I absolutely adore the retro sound, with influences from The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and others.
He performed songs from The Crux for the first time at Revolution Hall, and the crowd ate it up. Djo clearly loves performing, and you can feel that joy on stage. I love when the artist has as much fun as the audience. My favorite songs to hear live were “Gloom” from his 2022 record DECIDE, “Link” and “Potion” from The Crux, and of course his most viral single, “End of Beginning.” I went with a few of my best friends from my last job, and we had an absolute blast screaming the lyrics at the top of our lungs.
1. The Wanted 2.0 — October 13th, 2025
Okay, if you follow my social media, you knew this one was coming. My favorite band of all time, The Wanted, broke up in 2014, then reformed in 2021 when band member Tom Parker was diagnosed with brain cancer. His last wish was to tour as a band again, so the boys came together and did just that. Tom passed away peacefully in March 2022.
In September 2024, Max and Siva announced they were continuing the band as The Wanted 2.0 and would be touring the U.S. Obviously, I cried. This band has meant so much to me since I was 13, and now that I’m an adult with adult money, I had to see them again, even if they didn’t come to Portland. So on October 13th, my sister Flora, my aunt Jenny, and I flew to L.A. to see The Wanted 2.0 at The Belasco in downtown L.A. (Also, this was my first time in L.A. and it was kinda nuts.)
It’s hard to put into words how great this night was, so I’ll keep it brief. The moment the guys stepped on stage, I time-traveled. The rest of the world faded away. I sang every word from the front row and was so incredibly happy. I chatted with them before the show and talked about Tom (with whom I had a special connection), their music, what it has meant to my sister and me, and life since 2014. I gifted them Oregon bucket hats with customized pins and gave them big hugs. These guys will always hold such a special place in my heart.
Now Playing In Sophie’s World
As we enter the holiday season, I’m not listening to Christmas music. But here’s what I am jamming to:
Kingfshr — Halcyon
These Irish indie-folk boys visited the Live Lounge I work at in October (apparently October was my month). They released Halcyon in August, and I was blown away by their talent. I honestly didn’t expect to be so pulled in by their music, but the minute they started playing, I was locked in. Their blend of traditional Irish influences with modern folk is stunning, and I’ve had this record on repeat ever since. I’m a quarter Irish by blood, so maybe their music was activating some ancient Celtic mode in my brain.
KIRBY — Miss Black America
KIRBY asks the hard questions. In her viral song “Na$ty” (which led me to this record), she asks: Is you a prophet or is you for profit? Is you for yourself or for the nation? It’s a seriously powerful track highlighting the struggle for genuine allyship versus toxic opportunism. She describes this album as “my Mississippi experience. It’s not a sweeping political commentary or abstract symbolism—it’s intimate, specific, and grounded in family. When I sing about reparations, I’m not pointing at the government. I’m thinking: If my grandmother’s life had been different, what would that have meant for her children? Or for me?” This is the type of music we need right now.
Lily Allen — West End Girl
This might be the catchiest call-out album of all time. Rooted in her experiences with her cheating ex-husband, Lily Allen doesn’t sugarcoat a thing. I’m obsessed with “Pussy Palace,” a heart-wrenching earworm, and “West End Girl.” The last time Lily released a record was in 2006. She was badass then, but she’s even more badass now.
Thanks for reading! Comment and let me know which shows you loved this year and which records you’ve had on repeat.
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