2024 saw the emergence of so much incredible new talent so, as we head into the new year, we've compiled a list of 25 artists you need to watch out for in 2025. Whether they broke onto the scene last year with their first single or they're gearing up for their debut album in 2025, every artist here is a must listen!
Adult DVD
Leed’s based group Adult DVD delivers a unique juxtaposition of sound. Releasing their EP ‘Next Day Shipping’ in early September, the group have set themselves apart, paving the way for something new. Electronic, indie, post-punk, influences of acid-house and Kraftwerk style instrumentals, combined with humorous lyricism, bold, energetic vocals and funky riffs, hooks, beats, you name it. 2025 isn’t ready.
November saw them support The Dare in Leeds, which is only a small highlight in their plethora of vibrant performances throughout the year, expect much more to follow. Already selling out shows in 2025, the group is certainly one to look out for.
Words by Cormac O'Carroll
about-faces
Currently leaving their footprints all over the South Yorkshire music scene are fresh Indie Rock outfit, about-faces. Hailing from Leeds, the band’s infectious sound and energetic lyrical work have already garnered praise from the likes of BBC Radio 1 and Radio X.
Recent release ‘Guestlist’ is somewhat somber in melody but hard-hitting with words, laced with a unique spin on a classic Indie sound. As they approach the end of the year with three well-rehearsed new singles in their arsenal, it’s safe to say that about-faces are armed and ready to turn the underground music scene completely on its head.
Words by Michaela Roper
Sophie Kilburn
Sophie Kilburn is a Derbyshire-born singer and songwriter - and self proclaimed “old-school rocker” - whose 2024 EP 'Don’t Make Me Angry' snagged attention across the country.
Shifting between fiery angst and melancholy reflection, Sophie weaves together opposing elements in her cameleon-esque discography. Her music offers comfort with its vintage sound and powerful storytelling, but also gives a modern twist to this bygone era of music. The influence of her musical heroes has left a stamp on each song, with glimpses of Fleetwood Mac, Boygenius and HAIM appearing for brief moments, leaving a tinge of nostalgia in their wake.
Words by Emily Warner
Hairpin
Another year has nearly rolled in and with 2025 right around the corner we ask that you put a pin in whatever you’re doing and “hair” us out about a very important ‘self-produced, self-induced’ band. It is the New York City Alt Indie Rock outfit Hairpin.
This band of four (Nate Pozin, Henry Buckingham, Ryan Couto, and Alex McGourty) provide a unique and new sound to the music scene mixing classical melodies with a reggaeton groove and hyper pop guitars. Their focus is on bringing together a “contrast of extremes” that will keep their “listeners on their toes”. Check out their latest single- ‘Oh Dear’ to get a taste.
Words by Beatrice Wright
Public Order
Public Order are a fast emerging three-piece band of Welsh boys with a shared passion for Alternative/Indie music. They provide grungy music that you can’t help but be enticed by.
Beginning with ‘Feels like summer’, their earlier music put the band in the public eye with a bang. More recently in 2024, the boys released ‘Stranger’, which continued to showcase their passion while offering a more chilled tone. Having seen multiple sides to their sound we can't wait to see what comes next.
Words by Ebony Mackellar
Lunar June
2024 has been quite a year for West London’s Lunar June. In February she released her second EP ‘an ode to the girl i once was’, and her newest single ‘are we really over?’ might be her best yet - infectiously catchy and impossible not to sing along to.
Not everyone can combined sad-girl lyrics with beautiful vocals and an upbeat Pop sound, but Lunar June nails it every time. Perfect for fans of Baby Queen, Olivia Rodrigo and Lorde, Lunar June has caught the attention of BBC Introducing and we’re sure 2025 will bring big things for her.
Words by Beth Turner
Fruit
Fruit are a Post-Rock band rooted from the musical hubs of Manchester and Liverpool. This six-piece ensemble weaves an array of instruments to create what The Mancunian describes as a “profoundly cultured racket”. With four releases under their belt thus far, their single, ‘Bleak’ has gathered popularity and is one to give a listen. Their latest offering, ‘Racehorse Deathwatch’, is a cathartic journey, packed with emotional depth.
The band's hallmark is their use of spoken word narration, which drives the storytelling within their compositions, accompanied by mini-surges and crescendos that heighten the emotional impact. Lyricist Josh Withers delves into themes of pessimistic inevitability, encapsulating moments like “his eyes force open; he begs for them to close again”—a sentiment familiar to anyone dreading the Monday morning commute. Among a backdrop of intricate various instrumental work, paired with a masterful use of pedals, an eerie and evocative soundscape is crafted. A tight band, whose chemistry is undeniable, they are definitely ones to keep an eye on!
Words by Isi Warnes
Sailor Honeymoon
“Korean girls invented Punk Rock not England” and Sailor Honeymoon are proving this statement. The South-Korean band released their self-titled debut EP this April, and we cannot get enough of it. Combining punchy drum beats with grungy, electronic guitar that create a perfect contrast to the soft, yet fierce, feminine vocals, Sailor Honeymoon are adding a feminine angst to the Punk genre comparable to Brooklyn-based duo Daisy Grenade.
Through this EP, Sailor Honeymoon challenge the pristine Pop culture of South Korea’s music industry by producing unedited, raw music that captures the unorthodox essence of the band, empowering women in an unfiltered defiance against social norms.
Words by Annalyse Slater-Jones
Queen Cult
Up and coming Alternative Rock band Queen Cult are an unapologetic, vibrant new group that have been showcasing their talents up and down the country. The 4-piece from Macclesfield have released three hard-hitting EPS already.
Their latest release, ‘BE BETTER’, plays around with grungy vocals and hard-hitting beats. With their emphasis on performing live, Queen Cult have taken to the stage across a series of festivals, including Y Not, Alt Escape and Brighton Pride. Currently working on new music set to be released in early 2025, Queen Cult are an inspiring band to watch out for.
Words by Eve Waterhouse
16. MOULD
Bristol-based trio, MOULD have been cooking up a storm this past year – from playing festivals, signing to a label and releasing their self-titled debut EP. Having only being formed in 2023, their immediate significance within the industry shows how determined and talented the members of the band are.
Their debut EP, ‘MOULD’, released in August of 2024 gives listeners an insight into what more is to come from the band. Taking inspiration from artists such as Fugazi and Weezer; MOULD are a must-listen for those searching for some fresh Punk bangers.
Words by Em Abbott
Lizzie Esau
At just 25, Lizzie Esau has already released three unbelievable EP’s. Artistically she’s a force to be reckoned with, by using her music to highlight social issues, she’s opened discussions especially around societies inability to protect women. Lizzie has an undeniable talent, with stunning vocals and incredibly powerful lyrics, she’s created her own musical identity.
Her most recent EP ‘Spilling Out The Truth’ only shows her indisputable talent. After performing at Glastonbury earlier this year, we’re all excited to see what her next achievements will be. Lizzie Esau is someone to watch for many years to come.
Words by Matilda Jane Sangster
Juju
The vocals that open Juju’s latest single ‘Swings and Roundabouts’ feel so intimate and forward in the mix that you can almost feel her breath as she delicately delivers a beautiful intro. However, this intimate sound is rudely interrupted by gritty instrumental stabs that slap you awake and kick start the Indie Rock swagger that drives the song forward.
The track is a feel-good nostalgic Indie hit that rings of Wet Leg, but with a much more expressive chorus that captures the carefree sunshine energy of Lauran Hibberd. It was stuck in our head all summer and we can’t wait to hear more in 2025.
Ziggy 2000
Bristolian at heart, Indonesian in soul, a candy princess and self-proclaimed ‘rag doll’, Ziggy 2000 has returned with a dreamy new single 'These Days'. The nostalgic, tape player effect on the Bedroom-Pop intro reminiscent of Beabadoobee has a really wholesome, cute aesthetic to it. It lulls you into a tranquil dreamstate, perfect for melting away on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
However, when the drums kick in a more purposeful 90s Indie sound emerges. There is still a playful, romantic spirit but with a brighter and more expressive groove with beautifully layered vocals. The production of Merseyside-based producer Kurran Karbal manages to blend this nostalgic vibe with the bright chorus wonderfully. We're grateful to have discovered this talented new songwriter and we can't wait to hear what she has in store this year.
12. Man/Woman/Chainsaw
Man/Woman/Chainsaw have plunged the world of Post-Punk into a state of chaos with their debut EP 'Eazy Peazy'. Each song twists the air round it, guitar lines slicing through grimy drum beats, violin notes spiralling above longing vocals.
Their EP plays with rhythm and volume, songs starting with a lilting violin and ending with a finale of synth and guitar, riffs chasing to keep up with the instrumentalists. Their giddy choruses have often got them compared to the likes of Black Country New Road, and 'Eazy Peazy' has truly solidified their position in the experimental Post-Punk world.
Heath 240
Josh Irish, aka Heath240 released a streak of new singles throughout 2024, all of which showed his ability to defy musical expectation, blending Indie Rock and Hip Hop together to create a totally unique sonic experience. His last single of the year, ‘ALL IN PLACE’, pushes him in an even more left field direction, with a danceable bass groove being thrown into the mix, blending perfectly with his distorted vocals.
Despite how upbeat the instrumental is, Josh remains deeply reflective on the track in his lyrics, as he formerly became to be known for. The track explores feelings such as ‘being stuck’ and needing ‘one last chance’, with a theme of desperation in the lyrics, despite how infectious the instrumental and Irish’s repetitive exclamations of ‘oh oh oh’ are. If you’re looking for a groovy alternative track, Heath240 is for you!
Words by Dylan Heeney
Celeste Madden
Dreamy Indie songwriter Celeste Madden has proven a stunning ability to create haunting soundscapes that slip you into a trance and captivate your attention from start to finish. After the poignant hypnotising haze of her previous single 'Joan Of Arc', she then followed this up with her latest release 'Fever Dream'.
This track builds up a floating Indie groove reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers which then allows Celeste to caress the soundscape with dreamy vocal lines filled with emotion. Her knack for creating these deeply textured and encapsulating sonic landscapes never fails to impress. Signed to Sad Club Records, we're hoping for lots more from Celeste in 2025.
Siobhán Winifred
Alt-Pop songwriter Siobhán Winifred has risen from obscurity to fame in the past three years. Her earliest songs, ‘This House’ and ‘Black Hole’, garnered praise from Spotify and the BBC. Since then, her two EP’s, ‘Stay For Good’ and ‘Don’t Do Well Alone’, have showcased the growing maturity of her voice and confidence in her own talent.
Driven by delightfully ethereal vocals, Siobhán delicately weaves parts of her own soul into each of her songs and you’ll be struck by the captivating vulnerability of each one.
Words by Emily Warner
San Jose
San Jose are a unique band from Glasgow, celebrated for their theatrical, high energy live performances. The band presents a fusion of Post-punk and Jazz to create an intense genre bending sound that challenges conventions and captivates audiences. In some elements sound comparable to Opus Kink.
Lyrics consisting of dark themes, underscored in tracks such as ‘For Jim, I Loved You’ and ‘Self Help’, carry a gritty rebellious commentary, reflective of the band's aesthetic and values. Their latest release, ‘Dirty Linen’, adds a folk-like quality to the mix with more whimsy vocals split across vivid instrumental sections, showcasing a dramatic flair and unique sonic landscapes. Definitely a band to add to the gig list.
Words by Isi Warnes
Skinner
Imagine yourself in late 1970s New York – in the raw and wild sound of the city's underground community. If you take this image and sound back to 2024 and add a touch of modern Grunge and Alt-Rock, you end up with Skinner.
Aaron Corcoran, who is the mind behind the eclectic music project Skinner, sings, produces, and writes in the spirit of the nostalgic chaos of New York's Post-Punk era. His debut album ‘New Wave Vaudeville’ will be released on the 10th of January and centres around the problems of growing up in the 21st century, underlined by his signature raw sound.
Words by Anna Naumenko
JD Cliffe
London-based Alternative Rapper JD Cliffe had a huge breakthrough year in 2024. His string of singles which dip between Electro-Rap soundscapes carrying the gloomy swagger of Post-Punk, and high-energy attacks that blend a ferocious Punk-Rock attitude and combine it with grumbling bass lines and punchy lyric flows.
The lyricism is heavy-hitting, personal and direct but never feels shoehorned it, it always flows naturally, swimming around the beat in silky fashion to deliver infectious rhythmic deliveries that will have you singing along...if you can keep up. The genre-bending 'BUSS UR HEAD' is undoubtedly the stand out hit, perfectly demonstrating JD Cliffe's unique concoction of hazy Indie instrumentals and unrelenting vocal punches. One of our favourite songs of 2024, we can't wait to hear more in 2025.
Overpass
We’ve been following Overpass since they initially started gaining traction in 2020, but 2024 was certainly their best year yet. From the release of their EP ‘From The Night’ at the start of the year, to supporting Blossoms in London and Manchester in November, they definitely show no sign of stopping as we move towards 2025.
Their captivating Indie Rock sound feels almost nostalgic, giving the feel of a coming-of-age movie, which translates spectacularly to live performances. They’re releasing another EP ‘Dependent’ and embarking on their own headline tour early next year, so be sure to keep an eye on Overpass as they continue to impress!
Lambrini Girls
Brighton duo Lambrini Girls may not be the first Punk band to tackle class disparity, misogyny, and racism, but they’re probably the most exciting UK act to do so since their 2024 tourmates, IDLES.
As they prepare to release their debut album ‘Who Let The Dogs Out’ on January 10th, Lambrini Girls are channeling their fury with razor-sharp precision. Lead single ‘Company Culture’ skewers workplace harassment with sharp wit whilst ‘Filthy Rich Nepo Baby’ speaks for itself. They’re not just talk either; earlier this year, they made headlines for pulling out of The Great Escape festival in protest of its Barclays sponsorship as they continue to be uncompromising in both their music and their morality.
Alien Chicks
Alien Chicks have brought a unique flair and Punk-spirited madness to the underground scene. Their 2024 EP 'Indulging The Mobs' and heavy-hitting follow up single ‘Babe’ blend the angsty frustrations and social unrest of traditional Punk Rock while showcasing an instrumental flavour more akin with Jazz and Funk. This blend makes for a sound that will scratch just about every musical itch you've ever had.
Aggressive political musings comparable to Shame and SOFT PLAY blend with the Math Rock rhythms of Squid and Geese. Meanwhile, moments of delicate artistic flair that ring of English Teacher quickly switch into frantic moshpit choruses reminiscent of early Sports Team. Musically hectic but lyrically thoughtful, Alien Chicks suck you into a scrappy whirlpool of Punk-fuelled madness that simultaneously forces you to let go of every care and intensely reflect on your whole life all at once.
Words by Steph Stanbrook
Divorce
Tying in elements of Country, Alt-Rock and Chamber Pop, Divorce have already landed regular playtime on BBC 6 Music thanks to two critically acclaimed EP’s. Co-vocalists Felix Mackenzie-Barrow and Tiger Cohen-Towell provide a unique sonic blend resulting in a lush listening experience.
The band are set to release their debut album ‘Drive To Goldhammer’ on March 7th 2025 and have already teased it with two singles ‘Antarctica’ and ‘All My Freaks’ which provide a warming listening experience. This album looks set to springboard Divorce so don’t be surprised if they take over the airwaves and dominate the festival circuit in 2025.
Words by Dylan Heeney
Westside Cowboy
Although the name of their debut single would have taken up half the word count of this review, Westside Cowboy have been one of our favourite bands to emerge out of the North-West this year. Having already grown a solid following on the Manchester scene, they finally released their debut single at the end of 2024 and it’s a beautifully rich track that has the overlapping vocal harmonies of Folk, the scrappy guitar textures of 90s Rock and playful yet poignant tonal blends of Sports Team.
The intimate moments have an emotive air thanks to the delicate vocal deliveries and rich accompaniment of rolling desert guitars. Lyrically they paint strong images throughout and take you on an artistic journey in a style similar to English Teacher. Having just signed to Nice Swan Records the label behind some of the comparative acts we’ve mentioned such as English Teacher and Sports Team, these guys look to be set on the same trajectory for success.
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