We live in an era when it’s never been easier to break out with a viral track – and never been harder to sustain that momentum long-term. Nonetheless, there’s a whole host of astonishingly talented artists set to make their mark in 2025. Below, all of the names to note for the year ahead.
Mereba
If there’s an album to be looking out for next year, it’s Mereba’s The Breeze Grew a Fire, expected 14 February. The Ethiopian-American transcends traditional genres – blending a soulful mixture of R&B and hip hop with a raw approach to storytelling. Recognise her voice? Mereba’s lush vocals can be found on tracks such as “All Bad” by JID and “PTSD” from J Cole’s Revenge of the Dreamers III.
Must listen: “Counterfeit”
For fans of: SZA, Amaarae
Ceechynaa
Not many artists can boast millions of cross-platform streams within a week of releasing a track, especially when they’re completely independent. Ceechynaa has managed just that; her latest single “Peggy” is like a siren call, finding fans in the likes of Cardi B, Ellie Goulding and Doechii. Her unapologetically British delivery and hilarious lyrics are hard to forget – I’m pegging that man on the back of the bus / Feelin’ like Three 6 Mafia, I’m gonna fill up his nose with dust – as is her signature bikini-clad look.
Must listen: “Peggy” and “Legal Baby”
For fans of: Doechii, Enny
Myles Smith
Myles Smith’s folk-tinged pop made him an Official Charts regular in 2024 (his single, “Stargazing”, peaked at number four, stayed in the top 10 for 12 weeks, and has amassed nearly 600 million streams on Spotify alone). It’s his refreshingly uplifting take on a well-known genre that's set him apart and earnt him fans ranging from Barack Obama to Ed Sheeran – with Smith heading out on a stadium tour with the latter in the US next spring. No wonder he won the 2025 Brits Rising Star award.
Must listen: “Nice To Meet You”
For fans of: Michael Kiwanuka, Noah Kahan
flowerovlove
Nineteen-year-old flowerovlove (real name Joyce Cisse) has been an artist worth knowing for a hot minute now, but her 2024 EP ache in my tooth took her from dreamy bedroom singer to fledgling pop star status. Entering the charts for the first time and being dressed by the likes of Chanel and Gucci – to say nothing of her sold-out nationwide tour – it’s clear that flowerovlove is just getting started.
Must listen: “breaking news”
For fans of: Olivia Rodrigo, Caroline Polachek
Oreglo
I first discovered four-piece jazz outfit Oreglo on TikTok thanks to a jazz drill live groove they cooked up in someone’s shed. The quartet – Nicco, C-sé, Teigan and Linus – are redefining what London sounds like today, having cultivated a gaggle of staunch fans and played beloved stages like Cross the Tracks.
Must listen: “Comet” featuring Bel Cobain
For fans of: Ezra Collective, Yussef Dayes
Chloe Qisha
Chloe Qisha is carving out her own space in the alternative pop world. In 2024, the Malaysian-born, London-based singer-songwriter released her self-titled debut EP to resounding acclaim (a work of “intelligent lyricism and pure pop perfection” per NME) and is showing no signs of slowing down. She recently had her first live show – which promptly sold out – and will take to the road in the spring of 2025.
Must listen: “I Lied, I’m Sorry”
For fans of: Chappell Roan, Biig Piig
Polly Money
Any fan of The 1975 will be familiar with Polly Money, the multi-instrumentalist who’s been the band’s touring guitarist and vocalist for the past 18 months after years as a session musician. While she charmed Matty Healy and co, the Cornish singer shines brightly on her own, especially in recent releases like “I’m Not Proud” and “Anything”.
Must listen: “Anything”
For fans of: HAIM, Clairo
Paris Paloma
It didn’t take long for Derbyshire-born Paris Paloma’s folk-pop sound to make waves. Twenty-twenty-four saw the 23 year old support Stevie Nicks at BST Hyde Park (the same night that a certain Mr Styles returned to the stage), gain her first chart entry with stirring single “Labour”, and sell out her headline tour across both the UK and the US. With her haunting vulnerability and almost gothic aura, Paloma is quickly becoming a playlist regular. Prepare to fall in love.
Must listen: “Labour”
For fans of: Mitski, Phoebe Bridgers
Pozer
Croydon rapper Pozer’s infectious, unfiltered flow demands attention. It’s been an incredible year for the 22 year old: he made his TV debut on Later… With Jools Holland, received a nomination for the BBC Sound of 2025 and has been in the studio with UK rap heavyweights including Stormzy and AJ Tracey. He’s set to stand out in a big way.
Must listen: “Aquatic”
For fans of: Knucks, Central Cee
