There’s just something about a good DIY punk band.. the raw edge, honest writing, the artistic passion that explodes out of the speakers and into your soul. Atlanta based up and comers, The Carolyn, have it all in spades.

Elder emos rejoice; Massachusetts foursome, Have Fun! are here to deliver all the nostalgic feels you’ve been missing. Their curious origin story includes early releases produced with Alan Day (Four Years Strong) and an appearance on Judge Jerry Springer. Since 2022, though, the guys have sorted out their lineup and their sound, inspired by classic scene sweethearts including Fall Out Boy and Bayside. Their songs range from playful pop-punk bangers to cozy, shoe gazey chill tracks; they bring a little something for every emo kid in your mom’s minivan. Have Fun! Is coming for every one of your sad little hearts, and they won’t stop until they’ve touched them all.  

Boy Throb versus the Shadow Baddies - it's this year's biggest boy band battle, not unlike NSYNC vs Backstreet Boys in the 90's. Only this time, something feels different. It’s raising an important question: Are these bands meant to be bands, or are they entertainers first and artists second?

2025 was a pivotal year in terms of new music releases - from bands that have been around for years, to up-and-coming artists bringing a fresh, new sound to the scene. With the turn of a new year, could 2026 possibly top the music drops of 2025?

Greetings, friends; allow me to introduce you to the most wholesome band in the scene. Meet The Drawn Out. With sparkling vocals and moving melodies, they join an exploding cohort of female-fronted bands taking over the scene.

2025 was the best year of my adult life when it comes to music. I feel blessed that so many of the bands on this list are bands who have been on our show (the instant hit podcast, Emo Kids Anonymous).

December is finally upon us and you know what that means! It’s list season! At this very moment, jits from every corner of the earth are writing their wish lists to the big guy while he’s checking and rechecking his list, making sure it’s perfect. That’s kind of an analogy for December, ya know?

Do you remember that one guy in high school? The gritty charmer who threw the wildest parties and never seemed to get in trouble? Well, he grew up, and today he’s cooler than ever.

Welcome to the first ever NAPNET Freshman Fifteen. If the Emo All Stars of 2025 list is the all-pro team, then is more like a top prospects lists than an all rookie team. Look, if hip hop and baseball get to do it then why can’t we?

The Art of Shattering, the debut album by Atlanta pop-rock band glimmers, dropped today. This has been one of my most anticipated full-length albums of the year. For years, glimmers (Maggie Schneider and Alex Downtain) have been crafting some of the most infectious pop-rock songs around. Now, with their first full-length album, they’re showing the full force of their sound when it unites into one cohesive story