Happy New Year! It’s that time of year when I pick out a few artists that I hope make some serious waves this year. It’s never been easier to release music, but cutting through the noise, the retromania, and the algorithm has never been harder. And as the BBC Sound of list seems to have gone for sure-fire established artists rather than those bubbling under, it would seem remiss not to try and help spread the word about artists who haven’t quite gained a footing but are, without a doubt, worthy of your attention.
Instead of overwhelming you with a huge exhaustive/exhausting list that’ll be forgotten by next week, I’ve narrowed it down to a magnificent 7. These are the ones that I reckon could tickle your fancy and make their mark this year
1.SUNDAY (1994)
Sunday (1994) emerged as a band capable of reaching back and touching fingers with the past while infusing their music with a contemporary twist. Founded around the creative nucleus of Englishman-in-L.A. Lee Newell and American Paige Turner, they began crafting music in their one-bedroom apartment and sharing it on TikTok. Their stunning debut single, “Tired Boy,” set the tone for their cinematic sound, allied to some striking lyrics which showcase their unique dark sense of humour . They have since released a debut EP and a deluxe edition that feels like a greatest hits collection. You can read my interview with them here which they tell me was their first-ever proper interview
https://www.undertheradarmag.com/interviews/sunday_1994_on_love_dark_humor_and_leaps_of_faith/
2. SOPHIE THATCHER
Best known for her roles in Yellowjackets, Heretic with Hugh Grant, and Pavement’s “Harness Your Hopes” video, Sophie Thatcher has proven herself to be a hugely gifted musician and songwriter.
Her 2024 debut EP, Pivot & Scrape, recorded with Adam McDaniel (Angel Olsen, Wednesday), showcased her mesmerising vocals and instinctive, abstract lyricism. Her music certainly reflects the brooding intensity of her acting, blending haunting beauty with atmospheric depth. With a knack for creating hypnotic, modernist soundscapes, she’s a multifaceted talent who looks set to gain wider acclaim in 2025.
You can read my interview with her below
https://www.undertheradarmag.com/interviews/sophie_thatcher_from_yellowjackets_to_experimental_pop
3. CLIFFORDS
Cliffords*, ( formally *The) an indie rock/pop band from Cork, make music that pulses with raw emotion—love, heartbreak, identity and everything else in between. Their sound mixes Wolf Alice’s anthemic grit, The Cranberries’ melodic introspection, and the haunting depth of Sinéad O’Connor, to create a compelling fusion of soaring and heartfelt indie pop. At the forefront is Iona Lynch, a lead singer and guitarist whose evocative vocals channel both power and vulnerability. After releasing an incredibly accomplished debut EP in 2024 Cliffords are shaping up to be one of Ireland’s most exciting emerging acts. Read My Interview with them below
https://www.undertheradarmag.com/interviews/cliffords_irelands_next_great_band
4.HOTWAX
HotWax, a powerhouse trio fronted by the fierce Tallulah Sim-Savage (vocals/guitar), are set to release their debut album Hot Shock, produced by Catherine Marks, this month. Having already delivered anthems like “”Barbie (Not Yours)”” “When We’re Dead” “Treasure,” and the relentless “Drop,” they’ve proven themselves as one of the UK’s most electrifying live acts. They’ve already shared the spotlight with icons like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Strokes, QOTSA, and Royal Blood, and it’s easy to see why they are so highly rated with Sim-Savage’s grunge-infused vocals channelling the raw energy of Hole and Nirvana. Backed by the tight rhythm section of Lola Sam (bass) and Alfie Sayers (drums), HotWax look set to make an even bigger impact this year with their forthcoming album.
5. LUVCAT
Luvcat is the alter ego of the “wonderfully (wonderfully) witty” Liverpool native Sophie Morgan Howarth. Since embracing her Cure-inspired moniker with some style she’s gained a cult following and soared into the limelight. With shows selling out across the UK and Paris, Luvcat’s blend of dark decadent pop and doomed romance has hit the sweet spot.
Her music fuses a brooding theatrical streak, with twisted romanticism, effervescent balladry, and chic à la Parisienne aesthetics. She already supported The Last Dinner Party, another band with an eye on maximalist pop.
After a string of promising singles in 2024, 2025 looks set to be the year of Luvcat, with a debut album that will hopefully enchant and intrigue in equal measure.
6. SANDHOUSE
South London duo Sandhouse—Anna and Caspar—made waves last year with two mesmerising singles and sold-out shows. Quite the achievement in today’s musical landscape, where algorithms often lull listeners into a cosy womb of nostalgia. While the pair draw inspiration from the past, they craft something distinctly modern and refreshingly original.
Their music brims with a thoughtful, genre-crossing intensity, with Anna’s ethereal vocals adding another layer of depth to an already intriguing musical project.They are working on their debut EP which will hopefully drop in the early part of this year
7.THE PILL
The Pill, aka Lily Hutchings and Lottie Massey, are the latest dynamic duo to emerge from the Isle of Wight. Their debut single, “Bale of Hay”—a fiery, tongue-in-cheek grunge-pop anthem about the trials and tribulations of being blonde—landed with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. It arrived seemingly out of nowhere, armed with sharp riffs and even sharper wit. They followed this up with the equally unhinged “Scaffolding Man” and “Woman Driver.” I interviewed them last year, and you can read via the link below
https://www.undertheradarmag.com/interviews/the_pill_interview_making_mischief_and_embracing_fun