#United States #Hollywood #Fender Next #Fender Musical Instruments #artist development

Fender Unveils the 2025 Fender Next Class

In a thrilling announcement, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) revealed its seventh annual Fender Next class on July 22, 2025. The Fender Next program acts as a global artist development initiative, designed to support and showcase the next generation of guitar players making significant contributions to music. Since its inception in 2019, this program has elevated 175 artists across varied genres, offering essential resources and visibility that empower them to shape the future of the guitar world and beyond.

The 2025 class boasts an impressive ensemble of 20 artists from diverse locations, including the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, China, and New Zealand. This mix highlights the global creativity and broad influence of today’s guitar community. Fender Next has previously propelled dozens of groundbreaking artists into the spotlight, with more than 75 from the program featured in Fender campaigns, and eight attaining signature models—a significant accolade that includes well-known talents such as boygenius and Orville Peck among others.

Selecting the artists for the Fender Next class is primarily driven by various criteria, from guitar proficiency and artistic impact to fan engagement and alignment with Fender's brand ethos. This year marks a notable first, with alumni Omar Apollo and IDLES nominating artists for this class, enhancing the program's sense of community and continuity. “Fender Next has always prioritized supporting those artists reimagining the guitar's role in music,” expressed Jason Klein, Artist Marketing Lead at Fender. He emphasizes the significance of the alumni's involvement in recommending new talent, illustrating a shared belief in fostering the next generation of guitarists.

Fender places considerable emphasis on propelling these artists' visibility through award-winning marketing campaigns, social media outreach—tapping into a follower base of over 17 million—and more. Each participant in the 2025 class will receive a curated welcome pack containing necessary gear to fuel their creativity, including a Player II Modified Stratocaster and a range of accessories to enhance their recording and performance capabilities.

Expanding Artistic Horizons

Moreover, the program expands its outreach through strategic partnerships that amplify these artists' global presence. Collaborations with platforms like Apple Music and sponsorships with Lagunitas provide additional opportunities for these emerging talents. The support includes editorial assistance and performance programming, enabling them to connect with broader audiences and explore the intersection of music and culture.

The latest class of the Fender Next initiative represents a collective of innovative voices across genres, such as pop, indie, alt-rock, punk, and R&B. Artists like Malcolm Todd and Renee exemplify this new wave, eager to redefine what it means to be a modern guitarist.

The featured artists are:

• - Aziya (UK)
• - Lambrini Girls (UK)
• - Balu Brigada (New Zealand)
• - Leon Thomas (USA)
• - Brandy Senki (Japan)
• - Maggie Baugh (USA)
• - Chinese Football (China)
• - Malcolm Todd (USA)
• - Cruza (USA)
• - Man/Woman/Chainsaw (UK)
• - Darumas (USA)
• - Marc Scibilia (USA)
• - Flawed Mangoes (USA)
• - Oracle Sisters (France)
• - Fleshwater (USA)
• - otoha (Japan)
• - Friko (USA)
• - Renee (Mexico)
• - Horsegirl (USA)
• - wavvyboi (Germany)

Excitement runs high among the artists in the program. Lambrini Girls affirmed their enthusiasm, stating, “We are super excited to be part of Fender Next. Time to blast riffs!” Malcolm Todd expressed his feelings about the journey, calling it a dream come true and expressing his desire to inspire future guitarists to chase their ambition of being featured in Fender Next as well.

Conclusion

Fender Next continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing fresh talent and fostering the artistry of the next generation of guitarists. As the program thrives, it underscores Fender’s commitment to empowering musicians, reinforcing the brand's legacy for creative expression and innovation in the music industry. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2021, Fender remains dedicated to unlocking the potential of every player, and with the 2025 Fender Next class, the future of guitar music looks brighter than ever.