Future Sounds: Our 2025 Festival Discoveries
Here’s our pick of the next wave of artists ready to break out into wider circles from this year’s UK festival stages.
The UK’s festival scene is bubbling with new talent that’s too good to ignore. Our 2025 playlist spotlights the bands and solo artists who turned our heads this year — acts that could easily become your favourite new discovery of 2025.
Welly
WELLY
Genre: Indie Pop / Dance-Punk
Southampton’s Welly spin sharp social observations into witty, high-energy indie-disco anthems. Their debut Big In The Suburbs is full of everyday chaos wrapped in catchy melodies — tracks like “Shopping” and “Home for the Weekend” prove why they’re tipped for big things. Expect sweat, synths, and a lot of jumping if you catch them live.
Sharp lyrics, suburban satire, and disco-punk energy — @WellyBand are the indie heroes your playlist’s been missing.
#NewMusic #FestivalFinds
Southampton-born band Welly is leading the charge for witty, observational indie. Combining the arch storytelling of classic UK acts like Pulp with an infectious, electronic-laced dance-punk energy, they’ve been dubbed “one of the most exciting new acts in ages” by Dork Magazine. Their recent album, Big In The Suburbs, is a riotous, sharp-edged love letter to modern British life. Tracks like “Shopping” and “Home for the Weekend” turn mundane suburban scenes into explosive, satirical indie-disco anthems. Welly’s live performances are famously energetic, backed by a blend of guitars, keyboards, and a driving drum machine beat, guaranteeing a memorable set whether you’re in a sweaty tent or a sprawling field. Keep your eyes peeled for their charismatic frontman, Elliot Hall, a new poet of the postcode.
LEMONSUCKR
LEMONSUCKR
Genre: Alternative Rock / Punk
Brighton’s LEMONSUCKR deliver an urgent mix of big riffs and pure adrenaline – a combination of grit and melody that’s perfect for late-night festival crowds. “H.E.A.T.” and “Instant Kinks” are built for big stages and louder speakers.
Sweat, swagger, and distortion — Brighton’s @lemonsuckr are ready to blow up. Turn up H.E.A.T. and feel the spark.
#AltRock #PunkEnergy
Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Brighton, LEMONSUCKR delivers a powerful dose of modern alternative rock with a sharp, punk edge. Their sound is high-octane and uncompromising, built on driving guitars and raw, passionate vocals. The band has quickly established a reputation for making music that is both aggressive and hooky, exemplified by tracks like the frantic “H.E.A.T.” and the instantly memorable “Instant Kinks.” Their recent EP solidifies their position as an act unafraid to blend heavy riffs with a sense of urgency and chaos. If you’re looking for an alternative band with the energy to tear the roof off any stage, LEMONSUCKR’s potent blend of noise and melody makes them a clear festival highlight.
Meryl Streek
MERYL STREEK
Genre: Punk / Spoken Word / Post-Punk
Dublin’s Meryl Streek uses raw punk power and spoken-word intensity to channel anger and honesty. Tracks like “Death To The Landlord” and “If This Is Life” (ft. Molly Vulpyne) turn frustration into fearless art. Loud, political, and unforgettable.
Rage with purpose — @MerylStreek’s post-punk sermons hit harder than any slogan. Turn it up and listen close.
#PunkVoice #NewMusic
Meryl Streek, an artist out of Dublin, is a voice of righteous, politically-charged anger in the modern punk landscape. Their music transcends simple genre labels, blending visceral post-punk noise with powerful, Irish-accented spoken word that confronts serious social and political issues head-on. Tracks like the heavy, atmospheric “If This Is Life” (featuring a collaboration with Molly Vulpyne) and the scathing “Death To The Landlord” are less songs and more deeply felt, volatile manifestos. Their delivery is raw, emotionally volatile, and deeply honest, creating a sound critics have called both “incendiary” and “heart-wrenching.” Meryl Streek’s debut album 796 was a critical success, and their new material, including tracks from Songs For The Deceased, cements their place as one of the most important new voices in rock music.
Getdown Services
GETDOWN SERVICES
Genre: Post-Punk / Electro-Funk / “Apocalyptic Disco”
From Bristol, Getdown Services pair deadpan humour with irresistible grooves. “Dog Dribble” and “I Got Views” are chaotic, funny and danceable — think LCD Soundsystem meets The Fall. A perfect soundtrack for dancing through the end times.
Cynical lyrics, apocalyptic grooves — @GetdownServices make chaos sound cool.
#IndieDance #PostPunk
Getdown Services are masters of cynical wit set to a surprisingly funky, danceable beat. They’ve perfected a sound often referred to as “apocalyptic disco,” combining the socio-political rant of acts like The Fall and Ian Dury with synth-heavy, 80s-inspired electronic grooves reminiscent of LCD Soundsystem. Tracks like “Dog Dribble” and “I Got Views” feature deadpan, irreverent lyrics that lampoon modern capitalism, middle-class anxieties, and life’s absurdities. Live, Getdown Services are a chaotic, theatrical spectacle—two charming rapscallions creating an instant, sweaty party. Their debut album is a perfect introduction to their unique world where biting satire meets irresistible synth-pop.
Hybrid Kid
HYBRID KID
Genre: Indie Rock / Garage Pop
Brighton’s Hybrid Kid is the solo project of multi-instrumentalist Danny Lloyd, whose hook-driven indie rock blends garage grit with melodic edge. “Dropped” and “123” showcase his ability to craft sharp, energetic songs that hit live and on record alike.
One man, big sound. Brighton’s @HybridKid delivers indie hooks with garage-rock bite.
#IndieRock #BrightonMusic
Brighton’s Hybrid Kid delivers an explosive, high-energy take on indie-rock. His sound is a thrilling blend of garage rock grit, hooky choruses, and an almost avant-garde unpredictability, drawing comparisons to The Futureheads and Devo. Songs like “Dropped” and “123” are sharp, tight, and bursting with propulsive energy that translates into a raucous, captivating live show. Hybrid Kid’s journey is a testament to his dynamic songwriting and the sheer force of his performance. He is a must-see for anyone who appreciates rock music with an infectious, wild streak.
Smag På Dig Selv (SPDS)
Smag På Dig Selv
Genre: Techno-Jazz / Experimental Punk
Copenhagen’s Smag På Dig Selv (“Taste Yourself”) fuse punk energy and free-jazz chaos with club rhythms. The trio’s tracks “Fuck Der Kommer Kontrol” and “Al Magt Til Overførselsindkomst” are hypnotic and wild — jazz for the rave generation.
Two saxophones. One drummer. Total chaos. Denmark’s @SPDSband are rewriting the rules of jazz-punk.
#LiveMusic #AvantJazz
The Danish instrumental trio Smag På Dig Selv (meaning “Taste Yourself”) are redefining the boundaries of jazz and punk. Their recipe—one drummer and two saxophonists—might sound like a traditional jazz setup, but the result is a thrilling fusion of techno-jazz and ecstatic, free-flowing punk. Their debut album, SPDS, was critically acclaimed for its ability to unite a rave party atmosphere with complex, improvisational musicality. Tracks like “Fuck Der Kommer Kontrol” and “Al Magt Til Overførsel” are dangerous, propulsive, and euphoric. Smag På Dig Selv is widely recognized as one of the wildest live acts in the Nordics, delivering instrumental euphoria that is both seductive and utterly boundary-pushing.
Good Health Good Wealth
Good Health Good Wealth
Genre: Funky Indie / Alt-Rap
East London duo Good Health Good Wealth serve up witty, spoken-word indie with funk-infused beats. “Full Circle” and “Beautiful Boy” groove with both brains and heart — a smart, modern twist on British storytelling pop.
Funky, clever, and very London — @GoodHealthGW blend sharp words and smooth beats.
#AltRap #IndieFunk
East London duo Good Health Good Wealth brings a unique blend of poetic storytelling and taut, funk-influenced production. Bruce Breakey’s observational, often witty vocals recall the everyday narrative style of The Streets or Baxter Dury, while Simon Kuzmickas provides a production backdrop that nods to The Neptunes, Daft Punk, and Prince. Their music is an intelligent, lightly funked-up take on UK life, exploring everything from punk attitudes to hip-hop delivery. Tracks like “Full Circle” and “Beautiful Boy” showcase their ability to make profound observations on modern society while keeping an undeniable groove. Good Health Good Wealth offers a fresh, smart, and ultimately very danceable perspective on the intersection of British indie and rap.
The Kabins
THE KABINS
Genre: Indie Rock / Britpop Revival
From Devon, The Kabins carry the swagger of classic Britpop with a modern indie edge. Singles “Whisper” and “Who Am I To Dream?” are big on melody and attitude — the sound of a young band on the rise.
Britpop spirit, fresh energy. Devon’s @TheKabins_ are your next festival crush.
#IndieRock #BritpopRevival
Hailing from the “Shire” of Devon, The Kabins are the torchbearers for aggressive, catchy, and richly layered Indie Rock. Formed by schoolmates, their sound is a fiery blend of classic Britpop swagger (Oasis, The Stone Roses) mixed with the energy of contemporary Indie acts. Their raw, punk-influenced studio single “Whisper” and the more contemplative “Who Am I To Dream?” illustrate their versatility. The Kabins have been praised for their on-stage chemistry and a sound reminiscent of early Arctic Monkeys, embracing their natural accent and delivering a formidable live performance. They’ve already sold out local venues and hit the UK tour circuit, marking them as genuine indie rock heroes in the making.
