The 2025 Artist of the Year is American musician Giulio Cercato. I discovered his music thanks to a friend of mine who used one of his songs, Good Vibes, in an Instagram story and highlights. I remember hearing it for the first time and thinking it had a catchy beat.
Giulio Cercato is a remarkable musician. He creates unique and interesting songs with bold energy. His voice is heartfelt and soulful. The instruments are outstanding. The musical richness in his songs is beautiful; it feels refreshing to the soul. After hearing the Good Vibes song, I checked out some of his other pieces. It’s impressive. I also listened to his two albums from two years ago: Midnight in Tokyo and Beautiful.
His songs consist primarily of music, but he occasionally sings. The music is immersive with vibrant or calming energy, depending on the vibe. It’s impressive to hear the variety of genres he plays, including Downtempo and Electronic. The songs’ music matches each title perfectly. The compositions are full of depth and incredible rhythm. Giulio Cercato is a fantastic songwriter. He knows how to create stories through music, creating a specific vibe or feeling. Some of his songs remind me of dance songs from the late 90s and 2000s, combined with bold, contemporary beats.
The songs I reviewed were Good Vibes, Heartstop, Summer Feeling, and Deep Blue. These are examples of music that feel rejuvenating and relaxing. The lyrics to his songs may be simplistic, but they express so much. The words are from the heart. Many of his pieces have a Summer vibe, which some will like during these winter months (for those in the Northern hemisphere).
I look forward to hearing more of his music. I wish him a successful career.
Happy New Year 2026!
Flora Youssef
