10 Artists set to be big in 2025
These artists are bound to do big things in 2025.
2024 has been a whirlwind — we’ve been all over the UK catching some of the newest talent and listening to some of the best releases. It’s been a massive year for music, with lots of talent emerging through the cracks of the struggling music industry.
Our list collates those who have caught our eye; who perhaps have only just started releasing music, maybe released an EP or two or those who are gearing up to share their debut album.
2025 is going to be a big year for these musicians:
mary in the junkyard
Photo: Isla Kerr
The trio, whose debut single, Tuesday, only came out in October of last year, saw the release of their debut EP, this old house, earlier this year (read our review here). The band have since seen themselves on the bill for several festivals and grown their audience through their signature chaotic sound.
See mary in the junkyard live:
2. Divorce
Photo: Flower Up & Rosie Sco
Exploding onto the scene with their debut EP Get Mean in 2022, the Nottingham country-cum-grunge quartet have only gone up from there. The 7th of March will see the band release their debut album Drive to Goldenhammer and cement themselves in indie music history. Get clued up!
Pre-order the record here.
See Divorce live:
3. Flat Party
Photo: Emma Swann
Ending 2024 on a high with the release of their debut EP It’s All Been Done Before, the London-based sextet have sown their seeds in the indie-rock scene, promising to make 2025 one to remember.
See Flat Party live:
4. Cardinals
Photo: Press
The Irish band, famously backed by Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten, have climbed the industry ladder in 2024, sharing a poignant self-titled debut EP that garnered them lots of support. It can only get better from here.
5. Esme Emerson
Photo: Nick Illot & Lydia Cooper
The brother and sister duo, aptly named Esme and Emerson respectively, are gearing up for the release of their new EP Applesauce out on March 7th and their first UK headline tour in April, so it’s safe to say if they’re not already, they should be firmly on your radar.
See Esme Emerson live:
6. Siobhán Winifred
Photo: Chaz Rudd
Siobhán made waves in the indie-pop scene last year, gaining fans up and down the country through supporting slots for household names like Blossoms and The Snuts. She heads out on her second ever headline tour in April, and fans will be hoping that 2025 sees the release of an eagerly awaited debut album.
See Siobhán Winifred live:
7. Prima Queen
Photo: Kiera Simpson
Louise Macphail and Kristen McFadden have set themselves up for a big year, with their debut album set to be released in April and their largest headline tour to date taking place in May. Recently released album title track The Prize has given us a tantalising taste of what to expect from the indie-pop duo this year.
See Prima Queen live:
8. Flip Top Head
Photo: Press
The unconventional Brighton six-piece impressed with their original style on their debut EP release in November. No doubt they’ll be looking to cement their position in the alternative scene with more releases and shows this year, with a hometown show already confirmed for August.
See Flip Top Head live:
9. Ellur
Photo: Sarah Oglesby
2024 saw the Halifax artist gain popularity with her infectious brand of indie-pop, releasing five singles and playing several shows and festival slots, including Reading and Leeds and SXSW. Her God Help Me Now EP was just released last week, promising to get the year off to an exciting start.
See Ellur live:
10. Mandrake Handshake
Photo: Jake Cavanagh
The nine-piece psychedelic wonders have already amassed a large following, despite not yet having released an album. This year will finally give fans what they’ve been waiting for, with debut album Earth-Sized Worlds being released on February 21st. They’ll also be embarking on a series of music store shows alongside the release, giving fans an opportunity to celebrate the occasion with them.
