Can you ever tell where a shooting star will land? That’s the question we ponder every year we compile the NME 100, a hundred new artists who are meteoric-in-the-making. These artists are burning bright and turning heads, and we’re putting you onto them to witness their trajectories.
Who is eligible for the NME 100?
Artists cannot have released their debut studio album by the date of publication, and artists can only be on the NME 100 once.
How is the NME 100 created?
NME creates a pool of hotly tipped emerging artists by tapping on our networks and collating nominations by staff, contributors and members of the music industry.
While narrowing down the list, editors assess artists’ creativity and potential, among other factors – and after much debate, the NME 100 is formed.
These are the names sure to produce the next rave staple, or that earworm you can’t stop putting in all your playlists. They might be the next indie cult hero, or the new megastar dominating every festival going. So you better get into them right now; the rest of the world’s got some serious catching up to do.
Alex Rigotti, Contributing Editor (New Music)
Words by: Alex Rigotti, Anagricel Duran, Andrew Trendell, Cyclone Wehner, David James Young, Doug Wallen, Fred Garratt-Stanley, Gladys Yeo, Hannah Mylrea, Jenessa Williams, Jonathan Garrett, JX Soo, Karen Gwee, Kayleigh Watson, Kyann-Sian Williams, Laura Molloy, Liberty Dunworth, Niall Smith, Otis Robinson, Rhian Daly, Rhys Buchanan, Rishi Shah, Skye Butchard, Surej Singh, Tanu I. Raj and Ziwei Puah
Alemeda
Top Dawg Entertainment signee with impeccable pop-rock sensibilities
From: Phoenix, USA
For fans of: SZA, Olivia Rodrigo
Born in Ethiopia but raised in the US, Alemeda has described herself as a “heavy Disney pop-punk kid”. But she also seems to enjoy surprises: her viral TikTok hit ‘Gonna Bleach My Eyebrows’ borrows from drum’n’bass, while the half-rapped delivery of ‘Don’t Call Me’ reveals the kind of humourous SZA-style storytelling that explains exactly why Top Dawg Entertainment saw fit to sign her as their next big thing. JW
Key track: ‘Don’t Call Me’
Annahstasia
A once-in-a-generation vocalist writing haunting love songs
From: Los Angeles, USA
For fans of: Tracy Chapman, Brittany Howard
Since humans learnt to set their longing to tape, there’ve been countless attempts to sum up the all-encompassing sensation of love in acoustic ballads. Few new artists do so as eloquently as Annahstasia. Her bewitching vocals bend and build to earth-shattering crescendos as effortlessly as they collapse to mere whispers, transforming the simplest confessions of admiration into deeply romantic pleas. With Annahstasia’s debut album on the way, it feels like there’s a gold mine waiting to be uncovered. LM
Key track: ‘Saturday’
babyMINT
Irresistibly weird pop overload from Taiwan’s wildest girl group
From: Taipei, Taiwan
For fans of: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Kero Kero Bonito
‘Hyperpop’ might be dead to some, but babyMINT still take ‘hyper’ness dead seriously. At any moment, this Taiwanese girl group might run from breakbeats to Ariana Grande impressions to rap verses about vegetables, lurching between Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, Chinese and English. While their pop bangers and absurd, sugary collages might sometimes feel indescribable, it’s probably much wiser to heed the message of their official debut single – don’t be a bore, because babyMINT are a lot of fun. JXS
Key track: ‘Hellokittybalahcurrihellokitty美味しい’
BADVILLAIN
Rookies bringing a fresh twist to K-pop’s girl crush concept
From: Seoul, South Korea
For fans of: 4minute, XG
Dynamic and future-facing, BADVILLAIN are setting themselves apart in the crowded K-pop girl group field by taking passé girl crush concepts and making them new again. But what really takes the septet to the next level is their commanding stage presence, led by Street Woman Fighter standout Emma and 1MILLION dancer Chloe Young. ZWP
Key track: ‘Hurricane’
Bambie Thug
The singular metal artist who made Eurovision last year worth watching
From: Macroom, Ireland
For fans of: Cassyette, Poppy
Did you miss Bambie Thug delivering Ireland’s best performance in 25 years at Eurovision 2024 or their dominant main stage performance at Download? Don’t worry – this year promises new heights for the ‘ouija pop’ singer, who’s using their platform to speak out against injustice and has already built a devoted legion of fans. What better way for Bambie Thug to kick off 2025 than an arena tour with Babymetal and Poppy? LD
Key track: ‘Doomsday Blue’
Bassvictim
Addictive bass music blending dubstep, electroclash and phonk
From: Poland/US
For fans of: Snow Strippers, Frost Children
Bassvictim’s music is all pleasure, no guilt. Their name is a promise to blow your brains out with every kind of bass imaginable, from walloping wubs to soaring phonk slides. Balancing primitive internet aesthetics with a genuine talent for melody and real heart, this London-based duo are making some of the best electroclash around. AR
Key track: ‘Air On A G String’
BEX
‘Punk’s newest daughter’ mixing explosive nu-rock with gritty attitude
From: Milton Keynes, UK
For fans of: Nova Twins, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
With middle fingers in the sky, Bex Mercer fuses nu-punk and alt-rock while also proudly taking influence from the likes of Blackpink and Olivia Rodrigo, packing her hyperactive music with a sense of immediacy. She’s set to appear at this year’s Download Festival, and her no-nonsense stage presence will win over rock and punk fans in an instant. RS
Key track: ‘Sum Kinda Syko’
bib sama.
The north Londoner rewriting the UK rap rulebook
From: London, UK
For fans of: JPEGMAFIA, Lancey Foux
Fusing homegrown UK genres (drum’n’bass, grime, jungle) with experimental rap, bib sama. has crafted “bibcore”: a sound bursting with electrifying fun that makes everyday life feel thrilling. 2024’s ‘Dogma’ mixtape cemented him as the UK underground’s sharpest innovator with the electrifying single ‘Oh Yea’ and ‘SKYLINES ’09’ proving he’s still light years ahead. While the rest of the world tries to catch up, bib sama. is already onto the next wave. KSW
Key track: ‘Oh Yea’
Big Wett
The deliciously filthy electronic pop party-starter
From: Melbourne, Australia
For fans of: Confidence Man, Kim Petras
At a Big Wett gig, the only person having more fun than the attendees of the brilliantly naughty show is Big Wett herself. Combining NSFW lyrics (like the frankly poetic “bodies gonna sweat/And I’m getting hot and wet/I’ve got a sick pussy/So I took her to the vet”) with throbbing beats and fizzing electronics, the results are a siren call to the most debauched dancefloor around. HM
Key track: ‘Eat My Ass’
Billianne
Sunshine songwriter trained at the school of Taylor Swift
From: Milton, Canada
For fans of: Maggie Rogers, Lizzy McAlpine
With the soulful timbre of her voice, Billianne is a welcome addition to the roster of singer-songwriters building enormous fanbases on intimately personal songs about youth and womanhood. Breakout single ‘Crush’ is exactly that: a propulsive, Haim-like ditty about falling hard and fast for her “meet-cute dream”. JW
Key track: ‘Crush’
Black Fondu
Standing at a new frontier of experimental, abstract grime
From: London, UK
For fans of: JPEGMafia, Death Grips
Grime has never sounded so alien in the hands of Black Fondu. The 20-year-old debuted last year with the incredible singles ‘Another Domestic’ and ‘SB13’, where his ear for textural, hazy instrumentals and visceral live shows have made him a regular at The Windmill in Brixton. A spellbinding young talent. AR
Key track: ‘Another Domestic’
Blusher
Dreamy, self-produced pop that’s engineered for the club
From: Melbourne, Australia
For fans of: Tove Lo, Charlotte Plank
Three solo artists join forces in Blusher, a modern pop group that mingles cross-generational nostalgia with future-forward production. You can tell that the members are diehard pop fans as much as they are meticulous creators, and their recurring themes of friendship and solidarity add an empowering edge to their purring electronic bubblegum. DW
Key track: ‘Accelerator’
Cardinals
Meet the daydream believers about to own your summer
From: Cork, Ireland
For fans of: Fontaines D.C., The Jesus & Mary Chain
Take The Strokes’ knack for a laissez-faire indie hook, a little bit of honey-drizzled shoegaze, some new wave grace, a whole lot of Irish spirit and chuck in an accordion for good measure and you’ve got the punky sun-kissed romance of this Cork six-piece: the Class Of 2025’s ‘most likely to do a Fontaines and get massive’. AT
Key track: ‘Twist And Turn’
CARI
The enigmatic auteur with her own adventurous take on British R&B
From: London, UK
For fans of: Lianne La Havas, Sampha
The mysterious west Londoner debuted in 2023 with the instantly cult psych’n’B ‘Colder In June’, impressing none other than Kendrick Lamar. Incorporating elements of dub, indie, trip hop and electronica, CARI is carrying the torch for a transgressive tradition of British R&B in the vein of Sade and Sananda Maitreya (Terence Trent D’Arby). Recently, she collaborated with the Stormzy-cosigned Tendai on another beguiling break-up ballad in ‘Bleeding’. What will she do next? CW
Key track: ‘Colder In June’
Ceechynaa
UK rap’s most thrilling provocateur
From: London, UK
For fans of: Azealia Banks, Megan Thee Stallion
Ceechynaa’s 2022 debut single ‘Legal Baby’ thrust the then-18-year-old into the spotlight, showing off her fearless, sex-positive attitude. She further cemented her reputation as rap’s rebel on the fiery diss track ‘Last Laugh’, which putt her raunchy, audacious lyrics on full display. But she turned fleeting virality into full-blown mania with last year’s provocative hit ‘Peggy’, which added the likes of Ellie Goulding, Cardi B and Charli XCX to the ranks of her ballooning fanbase. She’s bold, brash and utterly unstoppable in 2025. KSW
Key track: ‘Peggy’
chest.
Shouty post-punk that aims straight for the solar plexus
From: Paris, France
For fans of: Idles, The Murder Capital
This Parisian quintet (featuring one British expat) pulled no punches with their debut single ‘Going Clear’, a scabrous statement of intent that shook Idles-esque post-punk to its very foundations. Their latest, the ominously quaking ‘Aceta’, ups the ante even further. There’ll soon be more where that came from: their debut EP ‘All Things End’ is out at the end of the month. JG
Key track: ‘Going Clear’
Chloe Qisha
Masterfully crafted indie-pop with gut-punch lyricism
From: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
For fans of: Holly Humberstone, Baby Queen
London-based pop riser Chloe Qisha is a maestro when it comes to creating dangerously catchy earworms that pack an emotional punch. From the Phoebe Bridgers-evoking ‘Scary Movie’ to the slinky funk of ‘Sexy Goodbye’, each track is a moreish fusion of megawatt hooks and incisive lyricism. Top this winning recipe off with electric production and choruses destined for mass singalongs, and you’ve got a star gearing up to go stratospheric. HM
Key track: ‘I Lied, I’m Sorry’
Chy Cartier
North London’s princess of the mic
From: London, UK
For fans of: Headie One, K-Trap
Chy Cartier wields her flow like a lethal weapon, slaying beats with razor-sharp wordplay and cutthroat confidence that commands any arena – even when spitting in a tiny room during her viral Victory Lap cypher. Her raw, grime-inspired energy channels the essence of road rap, especially on the Headie One-assisted ‘Yo’. Bold, hungry, and unapologetic, Tottenham’s finest has the UK rap scene locked in her sights – and she’s coming for the throne. KSW
Key track: ‘Yo’ (feat. Headie One)
Clementine Douglas
The prolific dance vocalist venturing out with soulful breakbeat symphonies
From: Birmingham, UK
For fans of: Emeli Sandé, Raye
Previously fronting Brighton outfit Kudu Blue, Clementine Douglas has since become one of dance music’s fastest-rising vocalists. Her soulful toplines have elevated high street hits by everyone from Chase & Status to Sonny Fodera & MK to Duke Dumont (she even co-wrote Pink’s ‘Runaway’). Douglas launched her solo career last year with ‘Riddles’, blending the two-step classicism of MJ Cole’s ‘Sincere’ and confessional neo-soul. With a sold-out UK solo tour under her belt, the future is bright for Douglas… CW
Key track: ‘Riddles’
DEELA
A sharp-talking force claiming the underground rap crown
From: Lagos, Nigeria
For fans of: Flo Milli, JT
DEELA is a laser-cannon barrage of Afro-rave touches and trap-injected charm. With her 2024 Genio Bambino-assisted EP ‘Good Girl No Dey Pay’, she blends unapologetic Lil’ Kim-glazed bravado (‘Big Deel’, ‘Final Boss’) with sticky, blunt bars and straightforward flows. DEELA’s the new Lagos rap Barbie breaking out of the underground Dreamhouse. NS
Key track: ‘Take It Up’
Deto Black
A new queen on the vanguard of alté
From: Lagos, Nigeria
For fans of: Amaarae, Odunsi (The Engine)
A pillar in Nigeria’s alternative scene, Deto Black can do it all – and she knows it. Whether it’s pop, electronic, rock, or rap, her music is bold with a Nollywood-inspired flair, speaking for women who demand what they want. Her ‘NollyPop’ EP shifted from ethereal synth-pop ballads (‘Lady’) to dark, sensual anthems (‘Tease’) – proof she’s high-energy, unapologetic, and effortlessly cool. She’s set to unleash her boldest sounds yet – and lead a movement where women unapologetically own their power. KSW
Key track: ‘Jump’
Divorce
Larger-than-life country-tinged indie celebrating otherness
From: Nottingham, UK
For fans of: English Teacher, Boygenius
One of the buzziest new bands of 2025 off the back of online love, some stellar singles, beguiling live shows and props from Self Esteem, this Midlands four-piece excel at making weird feel as warm and welcoming as possible. We’ve already heard their accomplished debut album ‘Drive To Goldenhammer’ (coming March 7) and it’ll take some miracle for it not to be dominating end of year lists come December. AT
Key track: ‘All My Freaks’
Dog Race
Brutally fun guitar-gang bringing gothic glamour to the dancefloor
From: London, UK
For fans of: Bauhaus, Heartworms
Dog Race are carving out a fiercely inventive sound that sets them apart from their guitar-wielding peers. The band’s angular bangers might be navigating dark themes of anxiety and inner turmoil, but sonically they’re awash with a strobing and playful abandon. Vocalist Katie Healy reels through the trauma of a messy break-up in latest single ‘It’s The Squeeze’, which revives an ’80s gothic grandeur alongside the danceable spirit of more recent trailblazers in PVA and Heartworms. RB
Key track: ‘The Leader’
Duskus
Fred Again.. collaborator making blissful deep house
From: London, UK
For fans of: Overmono, Four Tet
Packing minimalist synth lines and glorious ambience into every song, the DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist born Simon White is proving his knack for conjuring up pure sonic escapism. Following in the footsteps of Barry Can’t Swim and Overmono, British dance music may already have its next star-in-waiting. RS
Key track: ‘Let Go’
Dust
Pulsing, talky post-punk with jazzy flourishes and nocturnal airs
From: Newcastle, Australia
For fans of: Iceage, Shame
Bolstered by three guitars and a saxophone, Dust made a major splash in 2023 with their precocious EP ‘Et Cetera, Etc’. They’ve toured Europe with genre icons Interpol, and their glowering yet ultra-melodic tunes represent everything exciting about post-punk’s latest wave of young practitioners. Look for their debut album later this year. DW
Key track: ‘Joy (Guilt)’
Ebbb
Experimental trio balancing choral vocals with pummeling techno
From: London, UK
For fans of: Death Grips, Animal Collective
With just one EP, Ebbb have managed to craft a completely singular sound. Combining vocalist Will Rowland’s choral background with glittering synth production from Lev Ceylan and the thudding techno drums of Scott MacDonald, this trio are a truly thrilling, game-changing force in UK indie. AR
Key track: ‘Himmel’
Elestee
Catchy Afrobeat grooves with a darker edge
From: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
For fans of: Ayra Starr, SZA
In 2025, Elestee is ready to kick off a new artistic chapter – starting with a change in moniker from Lifesize Teddy. The versatile Mavin Records signee who’s labelmates with Rema and Ayra Starr has developed a neat fusion of sugary Afropop vocals and honest, cleverly constructed rap verses – with plenty of bite. FGS
Key track: ‘Hypnotic’
Elmiene
BRIT Rising Star nominee cuts straight to the soul with buttery smooth R&B
From: Oxford, UK
For fans of: Maxwell, Snoh Aalegra
Listening to Elmiene feels like being wrapped in exquisite velvet. This old soul builds and centres his sincere – and often heartbreaking – storytelling around his dexterous and luscious voice, expertly drawing influence from gospel and old-school R&B to create quietly powerful moments that linger even when the music stops. ZWP
Key track: ‘Sweetness’
EMEREE
Soulful powerhouse vocalist unabashedly peeling back the layers of female sexuality
From: Melbourne, Australia
For fans of: Amy Winehouse, Raye
A spellbinding blend of contemporary R&B and soul tied together by one of the most incredible new voices out of Australia, EMEREE’s debut EP ‘Gold’ marked the Melburnian as one to watch. Bold yet introspective, her music – which she says she makes “for crazy bitches” – approaches matters of the heart (and the bedroom) from a distinctively queer female perspective with a refreshing warmth and candour. GY
Key track: ‘Smooth Honey’
Esme Emerson
Sibling duo finding belonging through muted indie-pop
From: Suffolk, UK
For fans of: Lizzy McAlpine, Hovvdy
Esme Emerson’s music exists in the same fuzzy realm of ageing home video tapes: the warm flicker of film, an unidentifiable background hum underscoring childhood laughter and the intangible, bittersweet heaviness of nostalgia. Welded together through wonky indie-pop and introspective lyrics snatched from diary entries, the sibling duo’s music feels akin to gazing longingly into the past while being gently guided into the future by a nurturing, loving hand. LM
Key track: ‘Yard’
f5ve
Zany interdimensional agents sending futuristic pop transmissions from Tokyo
From: Tokyo, Japan
For fans of: A.G. Cook, Charli XCX
J-pop offers its fair share of futuristic bands, but recently none seem to come quite as effortlessly cool and wacky as galactic-core girl group f5ve. Equally serious about oddly named takedowns of toxicity (‘Lettuce’) and beam-me-up love songs (‘UFO’), and equipped with edgy production from the likes of BloodPop and A.G. Cook, their debut project later this year is bound to launch you both into Tokyo’s underground and galaxies beyond. JXS
Key track: ‘Underground’
FloyyMenor
Adding a Chilean flair to pop-reggaeton
From: Vicuña, Chile
For fans of: Ozuna, Anuel AA
At just 19, FloyyMenor is ushering in a fresh wave of reggaeton, welding spaced-out trap synths – reminiscent of Travis Scott and Anuel AA – with the unmistakable rhythms and cadences of Chilean urbano. His enchanting single ‘Gata Only’ with Cris MJ was the most viral TikTok song around the globe last year, partly thanks to a remix with Anitta and Ozuna. With J Balvin already showing love and his debut album ‘YTSQS’ dropping this year, the teen is on the brink of a revolution, proving that Chilean reggaeton has a global seat at the table. KSW
Key track: ‘Peligrosa’
Folk Bitch Trio
Close harmonies, sharp lyrics and a timeless sense of melody
From: Melbourne, Australia
For fans of: Boygenius, Laura Marling
When three voices slot in together just right, there’s really nothing quite like it. No wonder Folk Bitch Trio have already sung on record with M Ward and on stage with Rufus Wainwright, among others. They’ve even earned a co-sign from Phoebe Bridgers. DW
Key track: ‘Analogue’
Glixen
Shoegazers unafraid to shoot for the stars
From: Phoenix, US
For fans of: My Bloody Valentine, Julie
So good they convinced beloved indie label Wichita Recordings to come out of semi-hibernation to sign them. It’s easy to hear why based on the Arizonans’ stellar singles to date, especially the swirling, wide-screen ‘Splendor.’ Just when you thought the shoegaze revival had reached its logical endpoint, along comes a band with the audacity to explode that notion. Catch them if you can on a slew of live dates in 2025, including a slot at Coachella. JG
Key track: ‘Splendor’
Gore.
Unpredictable, maximalist metal trio with a larger-than-life aura
From: Houston, USA
For fans of: Spiritbox, Cassyette
The clue’s in the name: Texas metallers Gore. love slicing a song in two with a disgusting, bone-crushing breakdown. Contending with violence and suffering (‘Doomsday’), womanhood (‘Babylon’) and parent-child relationships (‘Heaven Is Above Me’), with grand, soaring vocals by Haley Roughton, Gore. deliver cutting-edge modern metal at its most vulnerable. RS
Key track: ‘Pray’
Hang Linton
A weird, wacky, wonderful blend of dance-funk and psychedelia
From: London, UK
For fans of: The B-52s, The Specials
When Hang Linton dropped their debut EP ‘Demonstrations’ last year, NME praised the Leeds-based artist for their “strong creative vision and dynamic lyricism”. With its riveting reflection on the cost of living crisis, police brutality and life in modern Britain, it’s no surprise Hang Linton has also captured the attention of similarly outspoken post-punks Yard Act. Big things are predicted for this trailblazer. AR
Key track: ‘Demonstrations’
Hanumankind
Desi rap primed for the global stage
From: Malappuram, India
For fans of: Kendrick Lamar, Project Pat
In 2024, the global rap community put aside all beef to celebrate one track that unexpectedly captivated fans across the world: Hanumankind’s ‘Big Dawgs’, which showcased a Project Pat-inspired flow while proudly representing his Indian roots. In 2025, the Houston-raised rapper’s no doubt looking to prove that he’s more than a single viral track. He’s been doing this for years and is one of India’s most reliable rappers – now it’s the world’s turn to see why. SS
Key track: ‘Big Dawgs’
Heartcoregirl
Dreamy shoegaze with a glitchy, trap-inspired twist
From: Glasgow, Scotland
For fans of: Snow Strippers, Yves Tumor
There’s plenty of shoegaze bands knocking about, but the enigmatic Heartcoregirl has taken a rather unusual approach to the genre. Instead of travelling down the grungier path, she’s pairing the genre with gauzy trap rhythms with inklings of a hypercore ethos. It’s unique, mysterious and totally irresistible. AR
Key track: ‘No Trace’
Her New Knife
Philly’s next shoegaze luminaries bringing the darkness with noisy post-punk brooding
From: Philadelphia, USA
For fans of: They Are Gutting A Body Of Water, Julie
Philadelphia’s been an indie rock hotbed for the past decade, and Her New Knife crank out brilliantly tense songs that bite with post-hardcore snarl – released via Julia’s War Recordings, a recent haven for shoegaze. But like the genre’s best, there’s a deep-seated yearning to the quartet’s music that seeps through the noisy doomer gloom. And it’s sometimes served with a side of addictive nightcore, to keep you on your toes… JXS
Key track: ‘Mouth’
It Thing
Sneering Aussie garage punks with few fucks to give
From: Melbourne, Australia
For fans of: Amyl and the Sniffers, Lambrini Girls
There’s leveling up and then there’s It Thing’s ‘Spirit Level’. These Aussies reach a deafening crescendo on this smash ’n’ grab punk blast of an EP. Their secret weapon? The feral wail of frontwoman Charlotte Gigi, who detonates each line with maniacal, apocalyptic glee. JG
Key track: ‘Roman Baths’
Jacob Alon
Deeply confessional and magical indie folk
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
For fans of: Jeff Buckley, Adrianne Lenker
Though they’ve only released a spattering of singles to date, Jacob Alon’s remarkably assured voice and deeply poetic outlook already set them up to etch their name into a canon of singer-songwriters who weave magic from the ordinary fabric of life. They daydream of a world more whimsical than the one we find ourselves in – and, when you hear Alon’s imposing vocals, forged in Edinburgh’s folk clubs and defined by their devastating simplicity and clarity – you’ll find yourself tiptoeing into it, too. LM
Key track: ‘Confession’
Jacoténe
A powerful new voice that will stop you in your tracks
From: Melbourne, Australia
For fans of: Amy Winehouse, Lola Young
Jacoténe is all about the voice. It’s the 18-year-old R&B singer’s impressive vocal abilities that helped her win Australian broadcaster Triple J’s 2022 Unearthed High contest and what makes her songs so powerful. She’s since slowly shared a series of demos that give insight into her development, with last year’s debut single ‘Stop Calling’ – a relatable tale of getting rid of a sus boyfriend – showing she’s now ready to really make the spotlight her own. RD
Key track: ‘Stop Calling’
Jazzy
Feel-good dance artist who doesn’t compromise on lyrical heart
From: Dublin, Ireland
For fans of: Eliza Rose, The Blessed Madonna
As the vocalist on 2021 summer heater ‘Make Me Feel Good’ by Belters Only, you’re probably already familiar with the sheeny vocal tones of Jazzy. In her solo work, though, she’s all about establishing the party, blending ’90s Ibiza nostalgia with sentimental lyricism about love, confidence and being in the moment. JW
Key track: ‘No Bad Vibes’ (feat. Jayda G)
JD Cliffe
Shaking up the UK rap scene with big indie rock spirit
From: London, UK
For fans of: Bob Vylan, Master Peace
Growing in stature on the live circuit and rapidly snapping up fans on social media with his charmingly boisterous energy, the north-west London rapper is actively defying easy categorisation with his self-assured hybrid of UK rap, indie rock and more. His energetic banger ‘Buss Ur Head’ was one of NME’s best songs of 2024. FGS
Key track: ‘Buss Ur Head’
Jersey
Brash, nostalgic dance music with a sense of humour
From: Normandy, France
For fans of: Two Shell, Daft Punk
Brothers Carl and Renaud started making dance music in the basement of their family home on the Normandy coast. Soon they were drawing crowds at secret Parisian parties with giddy reimaginings of filter house and rave tunes. But even after co-signs from Barry Can’t Swim and Fred Again.. along with a sold-out tour, Jersey retain the anything-goes spirit of making music with your sibling for the hell of it. SB
Key track: ‘Talk Tonight’
Jessica Winter
The UK’s most exciting alt-pop oddball
From: Portsmouth, UK
For fans of: Allie X, Alison Goldfrapp
Jessica Winter’s alt-pop theatrics rarely settle in one genre. They whiplash between moody electro-punk (‘Like A Knife’) and post-disco (‘Funk This Up’) in a fit of indulgent grandiosity – yet the melodrama is consistent. Something like Kylie Minogue in a Kraftwerk fun-house mirror (‘Let Me In’), or A.G. Cook in Elton John’s hard-drive (‘Choreograph’), Winter is the UK’s most alluringly unpredictable up-and-comer – and we don’t have long to wait for her debut record. OR
Key track: ‘Choreograph’
Karen Dió
A Latin riot grrrl setting off her own wave of feminist punk
From: Santos, Brazil
For fans of: The Offspring, Amyl and the Sniffers
Karen Dió is here to make a powerful impact on punk. Since her move to the UK and the release of her debut EP as a solo artist last year, she’s captured attention with her raw intensity and fearless exploration of identity. With a spot at Download 2025 and a tour with Limp Bizkit on the horizon, Dió’s trajectory is best summed up in her own words: “Here I am. You can’t deny it’s my world”. LD
Key track: ‘Sick Ride’
KATSEYE
K-pop-trained rookies aiming for global domination
From: The Philippines/South Korea/Switzerland/US
For fans of: NewJeans, Little Mix
Stars of their own Netflix series Pop Star Academy, KATSEYE – Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae – are the result of the first joint training programme between K-pop juggernaut Hybe and US label Geffen. Blending Korean levels of dance precision with a sassy Western flair, their Y2K-inspired music is catchy, fun and liable to turn the entire world into ‘Eyekons’. JW
Key track: ‘Touch’
KiLLOWEN
Vivid city sketches peppered over powerful blends of UK rap and dance
From: London, UK
For fans of: The Streets, Hak Baker
Seizing the kind of clarity of thought spurred on by pints of Guinness, west London rapper and producer KiLLOWEN paints vivid images of nights spent chasing sweet oblivion in the inner suburbs. Now having toured the UK and Europe, smashed his Reading & Leeds slot with underground hits like ‘Sober’ and ‘One Thing’, and collaborated with artists like Songer, the only way is up for KiLLOWEN. FGS
Key track: ‘Bar Fights & Poetry’
Konyikeh
Complete, rip-roaring tales of love, loss and life
From: London, UK
For fans of: Joy Crookes, Cat Burns
With co-signs from the BRIT Awards and Colors, Konyikeh made an unforgettable debut with her 2023 EP ‘Litany’, and recently followed up with the stellar ‘Problem with Authority’. Blending a wide variety of genres, Konyikeh’s rich, deep vocals serve as the unifying thread, cutting through delicate instrumental butter with grace. Trance-like and deeply emotive, her music is a natural extension of her travelled, diverse creative sensibilities. NS
Key track: ‘Lie to Me’
Kurayamisaka
New-gen torchbearers for Japanese shoegaze tradition
From: Tokyo, Japan
For fans of: Kinoko Teikoku, Asian Kung-Fu Generation
If shoegazers stateside are cranking out noise fit for depressive floor-staring, their Japanese counterparts tend to stare at the sky in spells of nostalgic daydreaming. Keeping the flag running high for the country’s long-celebrated scene, Tokyo up-and-comers Kurayamisaka marry the melodic sensibilities of early 2000s J-rock with walls of majestic sludge (‘Cinema Paradiso’) and blood-pumping grooves (‘Curtain Call’). They make music that’s euphoric, cinematic and romantic all at the same time. JXS
Key track: ‘Farewell’
Kwn
Sleek R&B jams with a cheeky, experimental streak
From: London, UK
For fans of: Normani, PARTYNEXTDOOR
Walthamstow’s Kwn (pronounced ‘kay-wuhn’) has been honing her craft for years, moving in the same circles as Tendai and NME Cover star Jordan Adetunji. She’s arrived at a confident, free-roaming interpretation of modern R&B, bringing in elements of dancehall (‘Wn Up’), AutoTuned-hip-hop (‘Eyes Wide Open’) and gospel (‘Lord I’ve Tried’). If Kwn is good enough for Kehlani – who brought her on for a sultry feature on 2024’s ‘Clothes Off’ – she’s plenty good enough for us. JW
Key track: ‘Worst Behaviour’
Leonie Biney
Wistful dreamer writing songs to float away on
From: Somerset, UK
For fans of: Rachel Chinouriri, Billie Marten
Fans have said that Leonie Biney’s acoustic pop – gentle, contemplative, with flourishes of bossa nova – reminds them of Steven Universe, the comforting cartoon where everyone learns how to embrace their own unique magic. Biney’s openness about her own anxieties ends up providing some serious catharsis and a much-needed balm in our troubled times. JW
Key track: ‘If U Leave Me’
LeoStayTrill
A pop-minded wordsmith who flips sweet nostalgia into rap quotables
From: London, UK
For fans of: Kario Keyz, Blanco
In 2024, LeoStayTrill was more viral than a chesty cough. Frenetic yet effortlessly cool, he always stayed one step ahead of the game, leaving a trail of excitement in his wake. Breaking through the often-guarded UK rap bubble last year with the TikTok-viral ‘Pink Lemonade (Str8 Reload)’, his ability to bend words and bars to his will is unmatched. Easily one of the most exciting new voices in UK hip-hop. NS
Key track: ‘Pink Lemonade (Str8 Reload)’
Luvcat
Indie-pop newcomer who knows how to do drama just right
From: Liverpool, UK
For fans of: Suki Waterhouse, The Last Dinner Party
Pressing play on a Luvcat song is like stepping into a mini B-movie full of tension, gothic glamour and compelling storylines you want to keep unravelling. Whether she’s pleading for someone to “make me your baby” (‘Dinner @ Brasserie Zédel’) or plotting to off a partner so they “stay here forever” (‘He’s My Man’), the Liverpool star’s world is darkly intoxicating – as evidenced by the huge singalongs at her ever-growing live shows. RD
Key track: ‘Dinner @ Brasserie Zédel’
LVRA
Off-world, club-ready hyperpop felt in your mind, body and guts
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
For fans of: Sega Bodega, COBRAH
Through tense vocals and slinky production, Rachel Lu uses songwriting to overcome hard emotions. Twisting negativity into visceral dance tunes, LVRA struck London’s underground scene with their 2023 EP ‘Soft Like Steel’. With a sound that’s as arresting as their polished visuals, LVRA’s due to drop a collaborative album with Soda Plains later this year – with even more new music to come… SB
Key Track: ‘Venom’
Man/Woman/Chainsaw
A circus of orchestral grunge insanity
From: London, UK
For fans of: Sonic Youth, Porridge Radio
Their name may conjure the grizzliest and most gnarly of B-movies – and this jazzy quintet sure know how to petrify a village or two with their runaway art-rock chaos – but at their core is an elegant playfulness and future-proof curiosity. Grab your pitchforks and come get weird down at the front at the loudest horrorshow of 2025. AT
Key track: ‘Ode To Clio’
Maruja
The tension of modernity finally bursts with one helluva racket
From: Manchester, UK
For fans of: Black Country, New Road, Fat Dog
The words ‘jazz’ and ‘punk’ seldom go together and the combo may conjure quite wanky notions – but fear not. These Manc noiseniks (whose early rise has been partly fuelled by RateYourMusic and an Anthony Fantano co-sign) are dealing solely in reality; albeit by creating an out-of-body experience where psych sounds meet rapid-fire truths and feral moshpits. Their upcoming EP ‘Tir na nÓg’ is fully improvised. AT
Key track: ‘The Invisible Man’
Megra
Swedish producer making bulletproof, Four Tet and Fred Again-approved bangers
From: Stockholm, Sweden
For fans of: Overmono, Mall Grab
Call it Stockholm Syndrome: the knocking club heaters produced by London-based Swede Megra are irresistible. Dubstep, UKG and jungle course through the DNA of his tracks, which last year speckled the sets of Four Tet, Fred Again.. and Jamie xx. For a taster, sample the hypnotic yearning of ‘Look Into My Eyes’, though his discography, really, is all killer no filler. Just make sure you play it loud. KG
Key track: ‘Look Into My Eyes’
Miss Kaninna
Gritty political rap meets dancey R&B bangers and unshakeable energy
From: Bruny Island, Australia
For fans of: Lauryn Hill, Doechii
Miss Kaninna is on a winning streak: in the last six months alone the Tasmania-born rapper has released her head-turning debut EP, sold out her first headline tour in Australia and opened for livewires Amyl and the Sniffers. Between the confident bars, unwavering pride in her First Nations heritage and undeniable stage presence, Miss Kaninna has all the tools she needs to make 2025 her year. SS
Key track: ‘Blak Britney’
Monobloc
Precise post-punk from New York with a romantic bent
From: New York City, USA
For fans of: The Strokes, Interpol
Monobloc are trying to go as global as the ubiquitous chair they’re named after. So far the band have played festivals in London, Paris, Lisbon, Madrid, Reykjavík and Tokyo – and judging from their Gov Ball slot, they’re not stopping anytime soon. Look past the Strokesian sheen (Julian Casablancas fans will find much to love about frontman Timothy Waldron’s drawl) and you’ll find an intriguing palette of inspirations including Joy Division and Sovietwave. KG
Key track: ‘I’m Just Trying To Love You’
Mudrat
A piercing, prodigious, punk-rap poet laureate
From: Melbourne, Australia
For fans of: Kneecap, Bob Vylan
The project of firebrand rapper Sean Thompson, Mudrat takes the unabashed political fire of heritage acts like Public Enemy and Bad Brains and skulldrags it into the 2020s by ways of rallying punk rock and primitive nu-metal. Mudrat went viral in 2023 for a furious, foul-mouthed denouncement of the Australian government’s stance on Palestine, and is for those who like their hip-hop with fists of solidarity raised, fearlessly marching on the frontlines. DJY
Key track: ‘Mud’
Natanya
London’s latest R&B it-girl funnelling diaristic storytelling into danceable grooves
From: London, UK
For fans of: Amy Winehouse, The Internet
Natanya’s music is the kind of ethereal R&B bundled with a cinematic, coming-of-age sheen. Her undeniable charisma and journal-like vocal scribbles come to life with healthy heaps of electronic experimentation and glitzy pop appeal. With her forthcoming release ‘Feline’s Return’ on the horizon, Natanya is British R&B’s antidote to rigidity and repetition. NS
Key track: ‘Parasites’
Nate Sib
Infectious digicore with huge pop hooks
From: Los Angeles, US
For fans of: 2hollis, Justin Bieber
As part of the burgeoning digicore movement, Nate Sib makes contagious pop that owes as much to off-kilter hyperpop and shivering trap as it does to titans like Justin Bieber. Having just toured with 2hollis, scored a spot on the NHL 24 soundtrack and now just signed to Republic Records, things are only looking up for the LA native. AR
Key track: ‘Down’
Nia Smith
An earnest and soulful talent possessing versatile, observant songwriting flair
From: London, UK
For fans of: Jorja Smith, Raye
A classy vocalist with an unfussy delivery, Nia Smith’s tone has a timeless quality that belies her 21 years – as does her sage lyricism and wide sonic palette. The BRIT School alumnus capped 2024 supporting Jordan Rakei at the Royal Albert Hall and a stateside run with fellow NME 100 artist Elmiene; with a feature from dancehall icon Popcaan already in the bag, the Brixton singer is undeniably on the up. KW
Key track: ‘Personal’
October And The Eyes
Bold and brilliantly ambitious art rock destined for huge stages
From: Blenheim, New Zealand
For fans of: The Last Dinner Party, St. Vincent
October And The Eyes has previously described her music as “collage rock” due to the far-reaching and genre-spanning influences the London-based Kiwi pulls from. Combining lashings of ’60s psych, growling ’90s grunge, jangling organ embellishments, glam-rock flourishes and more, what’s been created is frighteningly good. HM
Key track: ‘Rubber Gloves’
Oreglo
A four-piece collective redefining jazz for young Londoners
From: London, UK
For fans of: Ezra Collective, Kokoroko
Having honed their craft through London’s community-driven youth clubs and forged their sonic identity through an eclectic mix of individual influences, Oreglo borrow snatches of sound from across the capital, bending reggae, grime, drill and indie-rock to their will as they carve out a portrait of the city’s identity today. Their debut EP ‘Not Real People’ captured the exuberance of their live performances, but be sure to catch their festival sets this year to witness them in action. LM
Key track: ‘Comet’ (feat. Bel Cobain)
Paige Kennedy
Quirky alt-pop with wise-cracking lyricism
From: Kent, UK
For fans of: Marina, The Dare
Having been releasing music since 2018, Paige Kennedy made their mark with last year’s ‘Babylotion’ EP. Taking inspiration from Prince, Björk, Peaches and many in between, the Manchester-based artist’s playful attitude to songwriting and mischievous lyricism sees them traverse existential crises (‘Life In Fear’), relationship stagnation (‘What Does Your Girlfriend Think?’), and the non-binary experience (‘Lingerie Model’). Think alt-pop with an ’80s quirk and a dash of indie sleaze, and you’ll be on the money. KW
Key track: ‘Lingerie Model’
Pozer
UK rapper making diaristic stories danceable
From: London, UK
For fans of: Nemzzz, AJ Tracey
Pozer is no late bloomer. When the 21-year-old rapper shared his debut single ‘Kitchen Stove’ last February, it immediately found a place on the Official UK Singles Chart. Two months later, he repeated the feat with ‘Malicious Intentions’, making him the first UK rapper to land his first two singles in the Top 40. Melding elements of Jersey club, drill and grime, the Croydon native’s infectious beats mask the darkness in lyrics about daily struggles and troubled youth. RD
Key track: ‘Kitchen Stove’
Pretty Girl
The vocalist, producer and DJ conjuring rainbow-hued rave
From: Melbourne, Australia
For fans of: Kelly Lee Owens, HAAi
Possessing an ethereal voice, Pretty Girl has attracted a global fanbase with dreamy dance tracks like ‘Sun Phase’ – house, UK garage, breakbeat, trance and ambient are all on her sonic moodboard. Romy personally requested the Melburnian remix her 2023 single ‘Strong’ with Fred Again.., and, by the next year, she had toured North America with her hybrid live show and auspiciously moved to London. Don’t let the title of her recent peaktime track ‘Rewind’ fool you: Pretty Girl is the future. CW
Key track: ‘Sun Phase’
Radio Free Alice
Post-punk rockers reviving retro sounds
From: Melbourne, Australia
For fans of: Bloc Party, The Smiths
Revitalising the distinct ’80s basslines and sharp guitar riffs of The Smiths and Joy Division, Melbourne’s Radio Free Alice have staked their claim as a rising force. From the slick and sexy ‘Spain’ to the riveting ‘On The Ground’, they’ve displayed their strength in transforming nostalgic, gritty post-punk sounds into something much more sleek and concise. The band are due to spend some time in the UK, where new music is soon to come… AD
Key track: ‘Johnny’
Ratbag
Shoegaze-inflected pop-rock accompanied by a seriously inventive visual world
From: Auckland, New Zealand
For fans of: Chloe Moriondo, Orla Gartland
Ratbag’s musical world is wildly creative. Having built a Gorillaz-esque band of monster musicians (drawn by Ratbag – real name Sophie Brown – herself) – her own brand of alt-rock is often accompanied by her sometimes spooky, but always intriguing visuals. And the music these monsters make? It’s scarily good. HM
Key track: ‘Pinky Girl’
Reble
The new kid on the block spitting fire and facts
From: Shillong, India
For fans of: Princess Nokia, Chanmina
Reble’s star is rising strong on the Indian hip-hop landscape. Her balancing act between fluid poetry and cutthroat commentary is a wonder to watch. From evocative verses exalting her Jaintia/Khasi tribal roots while channeling regional pride (‘Terror’), to keeping it real about making it as a female underground artist in India (‘Kill Switch’), Daiaphi Lamare has won fans over with a lethal flow and an inspiring loyalty to who she is. TIR
Key Track: ‘Terror’
RESCENE
Nostalgic K-pop that touches the heart
From: Seoul, South Korea
For fans of: Red Velvet, fromis_9
Arguably the most interesting K-pop act to debut last year, RESCENE radiate a natural musicality and sensitivity that suggest great depths to the members’ talents. Often hauntingly melodic, their music leaves listeners with a sweet sense of nostalgia. From the joyfully harmonic ‘Love Attack’ (one of NME’s best K-pop songs of 2024) to the silky smooth R&B of ‘Pinball’, the rising quintet have more than proven that they have what it takes to become the next big girl group. GY
Key track: ‘Love Attack’
Sailor Honeymoon
Infectious punk that tackles social issues with a sense of humour
From: Seoul, South Korea
For fans of: Bikini Kill, Lambrini Girls
Sailor Honeymoon are bringing back the spirit of riot grrrl with their own playful twist. While their short, sharp songs tackle the plights of patriarchy, periods and problematic friends, they do so in a way that puts humour front and centre, like on ‘Cockroach’, where an unwanted human pest becomes the titular insect. Their gigs, too, are sources of communal joy and often end in women being invited to join the band on stage for a final euphoric bounce. RD
Key track: ‘Bad Apple’
Sailorr
Enchanting R&B to warm the coldest of hearts
From: Jacksonville, USA
For fans of: Summer Walker, SZA
Sailorr weaves love’s highs and heartbreaks into tranquilising earworms that resonate with romantics worldwide. The Vietnamese-American artist’s breakout single ‘Pookie’s Requiem’ expertly blends electronic, R&B and more into a velvety, hypnotic track – and other singles like ‘Weathered’ and ‘W1LL U L13?’ show it wasn’t a one-off. Already co-signed by Timbaland and Summer Walker, this Floridian is quickly solidifying herself as one of R&B’s most exciting new voices. KSW
Key track: ‘W1LL U L13?’
Sam Alfred
The Tasmanian DJ/producer delivering retro-nuevo bangers
From: Launceston, Australia
For fans of: Jamie xx, Dom Dolla
Sam Alfred is a hot ticket on the international circuit with his big personality and massive club anthems. The DJ/producer revels in ’90s nostalgia – ‘1999 (Dub Mix)’ might just be Inner City reinvented by Bicep. But Alfred’s disavowment of old genre purism means he’s cultivated a liberating ‘anything goes’ ethos for the TikTok era. You’ll catch him bouncing between house, techno, UK garage, drum’n’bass and even trance (and did we mention his Royel Otis remix?). CW
Key track: ‘1999 (Dub Mix)’
Sex Week
Brooklyn duo making dark, lo-fi pop with a rough, sweet edge
From: New York City, USA
For fans of: Alex G, Babehoven
Pearl Amanda Dickson – an actress new to music – and Richard Orofino – who’s been writing songs since he was a teen – are a mismatch made in heaven. Together as Sex Week, they produce off-kilter bedroom pop evoking the ‘Bandcamp’s best-kept secret’ era of Alex G. Rot and romance intermingle in their songs: the self-titled EP they debuted with last year captures their singular blend of morbid and memorable. KG
Key track: ‘Cockpit’
SHEIVA
British-Iranian multi-instrumentalist who relishes unpredictable atmospherics
From: London, UK
For fans of: Wu-Lu, King Krule
It’s difficult to place the alluring mood pieces crafted by SHEIVA, who’ll put out spiky lo-fi hip-hop one second and a ghostly piano meditation the next. They’ve only got one EP under their belt, but ‘Heech’ (‘nothing’ in Farsi) shows great promise: ‘Into The Ground’ sublimates outrage from political upheaval while ‘Pink Skies’ offers woozy, emotional relief. KG
Key track: ‘Into The Ground’
Shelhiel
Malaysia’s glamorous electropop king lighting up underground dance floors and Douyin alike
From: Sungai Petani, Malaysia
For fans of: Alice Longyu Gao, Cascada
Whether it’s lampooning influencers while lighting up Douyin (‘AAA’), making glitzy, strobed-up Y2K electropop befitting his singing competition roots (‘BuDeBuAi’), or belting stark, gorgeous ballads grounded in his Malaysian roots (‘Sayang’), Shelhiel shapeshifts like a superstar. It’s a quality that explains his tongue-in-cheek yet earnest nickname ‘Mr. Asia’ – brace yourself for his debut album coming this year. JXS
Key track: ‘BuDeBuAi’
Six Sex
A slick, sex-forward femme-fatale rapper fusing reggaeton with rave
From: Buenos Aires, Argentina
For fans of: Nathy Peluso, Shygirl
Francisca Cuello is all about what her moniker Six Sex suggests: messy, maximalist anthems that conjure energetic sleaze at an undisclosed underground EDM party (any miscellaneous concrete cellar works). Where dry digital electronics and alternative dancehall bite through intoxicating reggaeton, Six Sex’s braggadocious bars infect and infatuate. She’s a new supreme of an exciting coterie of experimental, hyper-sexual female rappers pushing the future forward. OR
Key track: ‘Putishoot’
Slow Fiction
New York garage-rockers making urgent art out of modern problems
From: New York, US
For fans of: Parquet Courts, English Teacher
Being young in a major metropolis like New York has always been tough – especially right now. That’s the struggle Slow Fiction tap into, exorcising the strains of the daily grind via wiry guitar hooks and Julia Vassallo’s poetic lyrics. Their appeal stretches beyond the limits of the five boroughs, too: last year, the five-piece completed a successful stint of UK touring, proving their urgent indie rock can be a salve for modern life anywhere. RD
Key track: ‘Monday’
SNAYX
Gutsy punk trio fighting for safe spaces and a fairer society
From: Brighton, UK
For fans of: Lambrini Girls, Royal Blood
Mixing stomping Brit-punk with harsh, blunt lyricism, Snayx have been gradually building a dedicated following all over the UK through word-of-mouth buzz around their rampaging live show. They might not have a guitarist, but they don’t need one: Ollie Horner’s bass tone can shatter your eardrums on its own. Whether it’s hitting out against police abuse (‘Boys In Blue’) or political doom and gloom (‘Sink Or Swim’), Snayx make sure they shout the loudest – and have heaps of fun in the process. RS
Key track: ‘I’m Deranged’
Sofia Isella
Dark, evocative pop songwriting with a flair for the theatrical
From: Los Angeles, US
For fans of: Billie Eilish, Halsey
It’s no surprise that Sofia Isella has a fan in Taylor Swift, who had Isella as an opener on the Eras tour in London last year: her dark pop is brilliantly evocative. Each track plunges you into an eerie and unsettling sonic world, through which – no matter the musical landscape – her poetry-inspired songwriting always shines through. Now, Isella has won over thousands of fans – and plenty more to come. HM
Key track: ‘Everybody Supports Women’
Sophia Stel
Ethereal electro-pop elegance
From: Vancouver, Canada
For fans of: Caroline Polachek, Eartheater
If you like your pop considered, intricate and served with a healthy dash of AutoTune, give Sophia Stel a whirl. Having released her debut EP ‘Object Permanence’ last year, the Canadian has also previously opened for PC Music legend A.G. Cook and received co-signs from the likes of Caroline Polachek. A stunning take on indie pop. AR
Key track: ‘You Could Hate Me’
Star Bandz
The Chi-town spitfire blending drill, trap and everything in between
From: Chicago, US
For fans of: Latto, Chief Keef
Star Bandz is carving her name into Chicago’s storied rap hall of fame with an unapologetic DIY spirit. Tracks like ‘Yea Yea’ see the 16-year-old phenom flip Jay-Z’s 1996 classic ‘Feelin’ It’ into a shimmering trap anthem, while her straight-talking bars and youthful flair channel a young Chief Keef. Armed with screwface-inducing raps, a commanding vocal presence, and heaps of quotables, Star Bandz is ready to make the leap to the global stage. NS
Key track: ‘Yea Yea’
Stella Bridie
Shimmering, confessional indie rock for the Boygenius set
From: Melbourne, Australia
For fans of: Julia Jacklin, Lucy Dacus
Thriving within Australia’s singer-songwriter scene, Stella Bridie’s songs come with raw-nerve honesty and ornate production (care of Japanese Wallpaper’s Gab Strum). Her debut EP, ‘Speaking Terms’, lasts all of 15 minutes, but its songs will linger in your head long after the final note – both for how catchy and how heartbreaking they are. Consider it a warning shot for her debut album out later this year. DJY
Key track: ‘He Didn’t Mean It’
Sunday (1994)
A timeless soundtrack to balmy summer days
From: USA/UK
For fans of: Clairo, Faye Webster
Hailing from Los Angeles and, er, Slough, Sunday (1994) have embraced the more temperate side of the pond. The balmy clime is something that the real-life couple, Paige Turner and Lee Newell, have imbued into their music, which conjures a whimsical daydream of a bygone era – if its sepia hue ever existed at all. Leaning into ’90s guitar-pop as per their name, tracks like ‘Softly’ and the effervescent ‘Blonde’ capture hearts, but it’s the diaristic ‘Tired Boy’ that epitomises their singularly bittersweet sound. KW
Key track: ‘Tired Boy’
Tiberius b
Grungy, trip-hop-infused pop masterpieces that speak to raw human experience
From: Cortes Island, Canada
For fans of: Portishead, Nilüfer Yanya
Since bursting into public consciousness in 2021 with their pandemic-induced debut EP ‘Stains’, Tiberius b’s music has left a bold impression. Dispensing woozy musings on sexual awakenings, gender euphoria and youth over muted pop percussion and jittering trip-hop beats, they’ve steadily dropped a string of instant cult-favourite tracks like ‘Jetski’ and ‘New Life’. And, with backing from Mark Ronson and one of modern pop’s most distinct, assured visual identities, 2025 is poised to be their year. LM
Key track: ‘Jetski’
Tsu Nami
Captivating, euphoric house from Korean-American producer on the rise
From: Los Angeles, USA
For fans of: Eliza Rose, SG Lewis
With a distinct, playful take on euphoric house production, the artist born Sophia Pak is determined to show women of colour that a pathway is possible in the historically male-dominated electronic world. After showcasing her lush vocals for the first time on ‘Eye2eye’, she might have unlocked the key weapon to push her sound to new heights. RS
Key track: ‘Eye2eye’
TWS
Charismatic Korean group capturing boyhood through nostalgic, feel-good pop
From: Seoul, South Korea
For fans of: ASTRO, Golden Child
K-pop boybands might be best known for larger-than-life concepts and bombastic songs – but not TWS. The six-member group are taking a more grounded approach by exploring what it means to be a young man in the modern world. The fledgling idols won the hearts of South Koreans in 2024 with their earnest, endearing sound, and it’s only a matter of time before they charm the socks off the rest of the world. ZWP
Key track: ‘Plot Twist’
Ugly
Spellbinding art rock from a fearless sextet
From: Cambridge, UK
For fans of: Black Country, New Road, Friko
Fusing folk, art rock, and post-punk with splashes of psychedelia, the Cambridge-born, London-based sextet stir up an effortless whirlwind of playful musicality and raw vulnerability. Drawing inspiration from unconventional sources like chants and rituals (‘The Wheel’, ‘Sha’), Ugly showcase their theatricality by carving out an adventurous and boundary-pushing sound. This is a band you shouldn’t let fly under your radar this year. AD
Key track: ‘Shepherd’s Carol’
Valiant
Dancehall’s new hit machine
From: Kingston, Jamaica
For fans of: Skeng, Skillibeng
Valiant’s trap-dancehall rise put a hedonistic, fun-loving spin on life “back ah yard” that stood apart from his streetwise peers. Bursting onto the scene with ‘Mad Out’, he’s ignited dancefloors with his raw, unfiltered energy ever since. From viral TikTok anthems (‘Gwaan Suh’, ‘Lumbah’) to his toxic loverboy tracks (‘Narcissistic’, ‘Bubble Gum’), Valiant commands attention. Now signed to Epic Records UK, his global takeover is just beginning. KSW
Key track: ‘Mad Out’
Welly
Quintessentially British indie wordsmiths gearing up for their debut album
From: Brighton, UK
For fans of: Pulp, Yard Act
Storytelling through the lens of his life on Britain’s south coast, Welly’s main songwriter Elliot Hall could easily be Gen Z’s hyperactive answer to Alex Turner circa 2005. On upcoming debut album ‘Big In The Suburbs’, you can expect silly, punchy indie-pop with an overload of societal reference points – from Costa and Aldi to the gap year that Holly never shuts up about. RS
Key track: ‘Shopping’
Westside Cowboy
Big indie energy from ‘Range Life’-loving Mancunians
From: Manchester, UK
For fans of: Pavement, Happyness
British bands enthralled by American cultural ephemera are nothing new, and Westside Cowboy – signed to Nice Swan Records, the former label of English Teacher and Sprints – are just one of the new acts heralding a gloriously ramshackle new era of ’90s-styled slacker rock. Cue the impossibly long song titles and whimsical parentheticals – they call it ‘Britainicana’ and really, who are we to argue? JG
Key track: ‘I Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’
Xaviersobased
An underground rap disruptor
From: New York City, USA
For fans of: Tony Shhnow, Osamason
Dark, distorted and daring, Xaviersobased shatters expectations with his frenetic, rule-breaking approach to hip-hop. A student of Lil B and Chief Keef, his avant-garde style fuses all the internet’s favourite subgenres — jerk, plugg, hypertrap, sigilkore and more — into defiantly experimental tunes, as showcased on his breakout, boundary-pushing mixtapes ‘Keep It Goin Xav’ and ‘With 2’. Converting Gen Z’s ephemerality into blissed out, chaotic designer rap, Xaviersobased is an emerging leader of the current underground rebellion. KSW
Key track: ‘Love Hate’
YAANG
Explosive synth-punk repping Manchester’s DIY scene
From: Manchester, UK
For fans of: Fat Dog, LCD Soundsystem
This rambunctious trio tore up Manchester’s Beyond The Music festival with their blistering guitar solos, pounding 808s and exuberant performance style. Having played alongside fellow noise disruptors and NME 100 members Maruja, YAANG have marked themselves as one of the most exciting bands to come from the North West. Keep an eye out for their debut EP due for release in March. AR
Key track: ‘Too Much Money’
Yaeger
Sweden’s latest powerhouse star puts Scandipop into speed drive
From: Stockholm, Sweden
For fans of: Zara Larsson, MØ
Stockholm’s never short on Big Main Pop Girls, but Yaeger brings something more to the table. 26-year-old Hanna Jäger’s brand of pop is something like saccharine smelling salts and chrome sports cars; her 2024 track ‘Devil Mode’ is both fresh and familiar. Her super chic rave-pop (see 2023 EP ‘Jaguar’) is fast-lane catharsis that retains colourful and campy Scandipop sensibility, like Dua Lipa on a Eurovision upper. OR
Key track: ‘Devil Mode’
YHWH Nailgun
Visceral noise from New York cult favourites
From: New York City, USA
For fans of: Black Midi, Death Grips
Start your new year off right by kicking the shit out of your brain with a little help from one of the most brutal and unpredictable forces to emerge from the US since the H-Bomb. The NYC quartet’s jarring and jazzy noise-punk will leave you with no idea what’s happening to you, but you’re gonna love it. AT
Key track: ‘Castrato Raw (Fullback)’
YT
Oxford grad-turned-rap star with a porta-mic portal into a trap-tinged treehouse
From: Essex, UK
For fans of: Len, Jim Legxacy
A toyetic, video game-like energy propels YT’s hyper-rap-frosted formula. With a deck of viral moments including ‘Black and Tan’ with Lancey Foux (one of NME’s best songs of 2024), he’s mastered the art of crafting hare-brained earworms. His signature “oi” ad-lib and distinctive visual ecosystem (just check the Just Dance-coded visuals for ‘Prada or Celine’) reflect his one-of-a-kind creative ethos. Think Max B and Soulja Boy reimagined with cutting-edge refrains, brash beats and new-age linguistic flair. NS
Key track: ‘Prada or Celine’
The post The NME 100: essential emerging artists for 2025 appeared first on NME.
