(Lambrini Girls photo by Harv Frost)
On Tuesday, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announced its seventh annual Fender Next class: "a global artist development program designed to spotlight and support the next generation of guitar players making waves in music and culture. Since its launch in 2019, Fender Next has elevated 175 artists across various genres and geographies, offering them the tools, visibility, and platform to shape the future of guitar."
"Handpicked by Fender’s Artist Marketing team, the 2025 Fender Nextartists hail from all corners of the U.S., Mexico, U.K., France, Germany, Japan, China, and New Zealand—showcasing the global impact and creative range of today’s guitar community," they said in a statement. "Since its inception, Fender Nexthas helped fuel the rise of dozens of genre-defining artists, with 75+ featured in Fender campaigns and eight earning FMIC signature models including boygenius, Blu DeTiger, Orville Peck, Kingfish, Tyler Bryant and much more."
"Selection for Fender Next is guided by guitar ability, artistic influence, fan engagement, and alignment with Fender’s brand, along with industry referrals and data-driven insights from managers, labels, agents, and tastemakers that further inform the curation process," they added. "Additionally, for the first time in Fender Next history, alumni Omar Apollo and IDLES, were invited to personally nominate artists, further enriching the program’s sense of community and creative continuity."
“Fender Next has always been about championing the artists who are redefining the role of guitar in music and culture,” said Jason Klein, Artist Marketing Lead, Fender. “What makes this year especially meaningful is that some of our past Fender Nextalumni helped identify and recommend artists of the new class—proof of both Fender and the creative community’s belief in this artist development program and its ability to inspire next generation guitarists. We’re honored to support these artists with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and grow, including collaborations with partners like Apple Music and Lagunitas that help expand their reach and celebrate their artistry on a larger stage.”
"Fender will drive increased exposure for the new class of Fender Next artists through the brand’s award-winning marketing campaigns, inclusion on Fender's website and social channels which boast more than 17 million followers worldwide," they said. "This year’s class will also receive a curated welcome pack featuring gear that supports their creativity in the studio and on the road, including a Player II Modified Stratocaster® with gig bag, HammertoneTM effects pedal, Mustang® Micro Plus headphone amp, PreSonus® HD9 headphones, Fender strap, cable, mug and a one-year PreSonus® Studio One® subscription."
"Beyond product and platform access, Fender Next artists benefit from strategic partnerships that help amplify their reach on the global stage," they continued. "This includes editorial support, playlisting through Apple Music, and unique programming and performance opportunities via Lagunitas Brewing Company; connecting artists with new fans and celebrating the intersection of music and culture."
"In 2025, the tradition continues with a new class reflecting modern guitar's bold, boundary-pushing spirit. Featuring rising stars like Malcolm Todd, Renee, Horsegirl, Leon Thomas, and many more, the Fender Next Class of 2025 boasts a stacked roster that spans genres, from pop and indie, to alt-rock, punk and R&B," they concluded. "These artists are redefining what it means to be a modern guitarist and pushing the boundaries of music across all styles and stages."
The Fender Next Class of 2025 Includes:
- Aziya (UK)
- Balu Brigada (New Zealand)
- Brandy Senki (Japan)
- Chinese Football (China)
- Cruza (USA)
- Darumas (USA)
- Flawed Mangoes (USA)
- Fleshwater (USA)
- Friko (USA)
- Horsegirl (USA)
- Lambrini Girls (UK)
- Leon Thomas (USA)
- Maggie Baugh (USA)
- Malcom Todd (USA)
- Man/Woman/Chainsaw (UK)
- Marc Scibilia (USA)
- Oracle Sisters (France)
- otoha (Japan)
- Renee (USA)
- wavvyboi (Germany)
“We are super excited to be part of Fender Next. Time to blast riffs and throw a TV out a hotel window. Thank you to all involved, may the gods of rock smile down on you, amen,” said Lambrini Girls.
“We’re so excited to be part of Fender Next! Getting creative with our guitars & other equipment has been really key to what we do since we started playing together. It’s a dream come true to have this kind of support,” said Man/Woman/Chainsaw.
