As we head into 2025 we want to shine a light on a variety of artists we feel are going to dominate the airwaves next year
2024 is now behind us and the future is now on the horizon with 2025. We leave behind our bad habits (for now), plan our year, and get ready for what is hopefully another epic year of music. Of which, here are our next wave of artists we feel will dominate 2025. This isn’t your usual ones to watch list, this is a CLUNK Magazine Ballyhoo list.
Getdown Services
By Kieran Webber
Getdown Services are a duo we have been following for a few years now and watching them blossom into a big beautiful butterfly has been nothing short of a treat. It’s no surprise they’re on a huge upwards curve of late, their charming personalities matched with their witty, tongue-in-cheek lyricism makes for an alluring package. They have a truly special ability to craft music that is fun, entertaining, poignant, and very relatable to the listener. From the moment we heard ‘Biscuit Tin’ we knew that big things awaited these two wholesome heartthrobs and off the back of an incredibly busy and successful 2024, there is no doubt 2025 is going to be the year of Getdown Services… and frankly, we’re SO here for it.
Deadletter
By Kieran Webber
The frantic yet poetic sounds of Deadletter captured audiences across this fair land throughout 2023 and 2024. However, the release of their debut album ‘Hysterical Strength’ solidified them as one of the UK’s most exciting new bands. It was arguably their most full and comprehensive body of work that had their magnificence on full display. 2025 is now calling this young, politically charged outfit and we believe they will head the summons. Get ready for Deadletter because they’re about to be in your ears, eyes, and head throughout the next year.
The Manatees
By Lucy Fudge
With their latest EP ‘Different State Of Mind’ racking up over 200,000 streams, The Manatees have spent the year drawing people from all over the UK to their exciting, high-energy gigs. Having sold out a majority of their gigs in 2024 – including their biggest hometown show yet at the Southampton Papillon – the venues and the crowds just keep getting bigger. Their euphoric indie-rock style and contagious spirit make them a wonder to watch, and it certainly looks like The Manatees are set to remain on their speedy upward trajectory.
Who Ate All The Crayons
By Lucy Fudge
This laid-back four-piece from Berkshire formed as a result of jam sessions and open mic nights, and after amassing an impressive local fanbase, they recently set off on a tour across the south of the UK, which took them from Falmouth up and across to London, collecting many new fans along the way. Putting a unique twist on the indie-folk-rock genre, Who Ate All The Crayons saturate their tracks with twangy vocals, melodic guitars, and awe-inspiring crescendos, taking inspiration from the likes of Mumford and Sons and The Howl and the Hum.
Jo Hill
By Erin Terlier
Jo Hill came out with her debut LP ‘Girlhood’ this November and it’s likely this release is going to be a launchpad for the artist, who we predict will have a very busy year in 2025. Through 2024 she has hosted a variety of grassroots gatherings that are comparable to cosy listening parties with friends. Blending a variety of genres, such as soul, indie-pop, and a little touch of country, it’s a sound that is fun, full of warmth, and enjoyed best with friends. It also could become a safe space for anyone who knows what it feels like to be a girl growing up to become a woman and all the struggles that comes with it. We cannot wait to see what 2025 is going to bring her!
Another Day
By Aoife Hyland
From London’s rich underground music scene, Another Day are playing energetic live performances bringing together elements of music and art; with memorable moments like backflips on stage and poetry readings from friends like Astille Doherty. They’ve made their mark at iconic venues such as Bush Hall, Camden Assembly, and Sebright Arms, also having a residency at Carl Barât’s music venue in Margate and even an appearance in UK Vogue. We headed out to Another Day’s studio to catch up with the boys and here’s what they had to say: “There’s a lot of excitement and aggression in guitar music,” says Louis. “We focus on controlling that energy, adding depth and texture to our sound.” Their debut EP due for release in January 2025 followed by their UK tour. “We set no rules when writing,” Louis explains. “We trust the creative process and aim to give our true selves to the listener.” Another Day will be hitting the road their UK tour in March 2025, we can’t wait to see them on tour and be sure not to miss them!
Freak Slug
By Issy Packer
Xenya Genovese is Freak Slug. Hailing from Manchester, the Northern singer has already garnered fans for her amusing lyrics, sonic experimentation and her amalgamation of genres. There’s a rugged nature to the quality of her music, a certain bedroom pop, lo-fi sound that allows you to be up close and personal with the intimacy of each track. Her soft vocals give a wispy and wistfulness to her songs, reminiscent of the dream pop sound of Mitski. Freak Slug weaves such an array of genres and sounds that make her sound and style constantly evolving; you’d struggle to find another artist who encapsulates so many versions of pop.
Her debut album, ‘I Blow Out Big Candles’, was released last month, followed by a UK and Europe tour. She announced earlier this month that she’ll be taking her album tour to America and Canada in early 2025. As she climbs the ladder of the music industry, it won’t be long until she reaches the top. Catch her at intimate venues while you can!
Lip Filler
By George Ward
There are a lot of indie bands. In fact, there are a lot of indie bands from South London. But give Lip Filler a chance.
With their EP ‘witchescrew’ released this year, Lip Filler proved just how unique their sound is, jolting between genres like an impatient dog held back by a leash. From the punk yells of ‘CARLING’ to the rap of ‘Ashtray’ to the breakbeats of ‘Its Not Deep’, it’s not often that a project described as ‘unpredictable’ is actually this hard to predict.
Now, with new single ‘Tricky’, Lip Filler are back again with a catchy, sexy slice of indie rock, sounding far more confident than they should this early in the game. We recently chatted with the band, who teased that this single is the start of something big. In 2025, we hope to see a lot more Lip Filler.
Minor Conflict
By George Ward
Bristol’s Minor Conflict are a wonderful oddity of a band that we’re very excited for everyone to hear in 2025. Made up of harp, drums, synth, bass and the odd choir, the band sounds like nothing else.
It’s so refreshing to see a band led by a harp emerge from the sea of post-punk guitars and, through their complex arrangements and fascinating instrumental mix, they are entirely their own beast.
2025 will kick off with the release of their new EP ‘Parallels’, which takes you on a journey through themes and sounds, exploring love, separation, nature and politics through a wonky but beautiful lens.
The band have been away from the stage this year, busy writing ‘Parallels’ alongside newer material, and collaborating with the thriving Bristol scene from where they evolved. Whether you like folk, experimental or even a bit of post-punk, you will find something to love about Minor Conflict.
Jalen Ngonda
By Kieran Webber
We put Jalen Ngonda on our ‘Must See Artists At Boardmasters 2024’ list last year and after that performance, it’s no wonder he made our Ballyhoo List 25. We stand by our statement that Jalen Ngonda is a once in a generation voice. His soulful, funk draped music is reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, bringing a velvety, 70’s tinged retrospective sound to the listener. He has now amassed tens of millions of streams across his releases and is no rightly positioned to be absolutely huge in 2025. Mark our words, 2025 is the year that Jalen Ngonda becomes one of the largest artists in the world.
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