Scotch Plains-Fanwood is surrounded by a hub of hosts for musical entertainment, spanning from the Philadelphia area to Newark to New York City. Year-round, there is always some live music event to attend. Between musicals, concerts and music festivals there is a multifaceted world of consuming live music. The culture of music runs deep in New Jersey, connecting people from all backgrounds.
“There’s something about live music that you can’t get when streaming. You can see the emotion behind the artists and there is a complete energy shift. Music is an excellent tool that can inspire and help people,” sophomore Chris Allen said.
In 2024, Travis Scott took to Metlife Stadium for “One Night in Utopia,”, and at the Flushing Gardens in Queens, Governors Ball raged on for an epic three-day music fest. Many popular artists are on tour this year, making stops along the East Coast. Without further ado, here’s who students at SPFHS are planning on seeing this year.
- Kendrick Lamar and SZA
At the end of 2024, the prolific musical artists Kendrick Lamar and SZA announced they would be performing the “Grand National Tour” together starting in April 2025. They are visiting major metropolitan cities all around the US over the course of a couple of months. Throughout the years, the duo have collaborated on multiple tracks such as “Babylon” in 2014, and “Luther” from 2024 featured on Lamar’s newest album.
Both artists have had successful years with Lamar’s sixth studio album, “GNX” reaching the number-one spot on the Billboard charts. Additionally, SZA’s album, “SOS Deluxe” also made waves at the top of the Billboard charts. Their music resonates with millions of fans, and people are excited to see them perform. After the collaboration at the Super Bowl Halftime show, people are even more pumped up to see the dynamic duo perform in person.
- The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s toys, “After Hours Til Dawn” began in 2022 but have progressed into 2025 featuring music from “Hurry Up Tomorrow” and “DAWN FM”. The Canadian singer is known for his catchy lyrics with dark-electro-trap-pop music.
Tickets are a hot commodity with people paying hundreds of dollars to see him perform. The last stretch of dates all take place in the US, including the local Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. His openers for the concert include producer songwriter Mike Dean and Playboi Carti.
“I’m seeing The Weeknd with my friends and sister in June. I have been a die-hard fan for years and his music is the stuff I listen to for any feeling.” junior Jamie Trela said. “My favorite song right now is definitely “Baptized in Fear” from his new album.”
- Tyler, The Creator
After releasing the highly anticipated album, “Chromakopia”, Tyler, The Creator climbed the charts and announced he would be going on a world tour for the seventh time. The released album featured an impressive list of guest appearances including Doechii and Childish Gambino. The tour will take the route through North America, Europe, and Australia hitting major cities.
Artists Lil Yachty and Paris Texas will open for the artist and they will come to New York City and Newark, New Jersey at the end of July. Tyler’s album indulges in many genres such as hip-hop and jazz with emotional tracks that reflect on his life. The quality of the album has caused people to flock to ticket-selling sites to grab seats before they sell out.
“Tyler is very experimental with his music and his concerts look really fun and entertaining so I’m trying to get tickets to see him,” Allen said.
- Tate McRae
Emerging only in 2016, Tate McRae was signed by RCA Records and released singles in one of which hit the top ten of the charts. She then released three albums which became very popular among the younger communities. “The Think Later World Tour” began in 2024 but due to the high demand, is continuing throughout 2025.
She’ll be coming locally at the tailend of summer to showcase the performance that has people obsessed with her. Coming along for the tour, artists Benee, Zara Larsoon, and Alessi Rose will be opening for her in various locations.
- Billie Eilish
“The Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour debuted in 2024 by the powerhouse artist Billie Eilish and was extended to more dates in 2025. Ellish is known for her electro-pop songs that have darker undertones. She has been no stranger to awards and places on the billboard charts with her first hit “Ocean Eyes” in 2015. Since then, she has gained a huge fan pool of devoted stans who will support every business opportunity she creates.
She performed locally back in 2024 at the Prudential Center but students at SPFHS are hopeful to see her abroad. Artists including Nat & Alex Wolff, The Marias, and Towa Bird have opened for her, however many others are rumored to be joining her on the stage.
It’s safe to say that SPFHS definitely has a type when it comes to music. Experimental rap, synth and pop are the most favored genres and that is reflected in the artists everyone is seeing this year. Who are you planning to see this year? Does it align with the current trends?
