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
Comments