With the BRIT Awards having taken place over the past weekend, and Charli XCX earning everything she won, here comes that tendency to seek out ‘the next big thing.’
Could your new favourite band or musician be lurking around the Yorkshire scene? After the successes of previous acts Kaiser Chiefs, The Wedding Present and more recently Yard Act, the region has had more than its fair share of successes - be it conquering the charts or becoming cult heroes among music scenes.
We’ve brought together 13 (one for each month and an additional act to keep in your pocket for a future date) acts from the Yorkshire area that we think will end up becoming more of a name being spoken about in their respective scenes - and have taken a few cues from Leeds based non-profit Come Play With Me and a few obvious choices after award winning releases as much as we have scoured some recent releases on Bandcamp.
So who do we think you might be talking about a lot more in 2025? Read on to find out and start jumping on the bandwagon from today.
5. Graft (Leeds)
Graft, a rapper from Leeds, transitioned from a promising football career with the Leeds United Academy to music. His style is influenced by artists like Little Brother and Nas. In his recent jazz-inspired track, he reflects on his dedication to musical artistry and his role as a Northern artist. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
6. Thank (Leeds)
Thank are a cornerstone of the Leeds music scene, blending noisy instrumentation with sharp, often humorous lyricism. Their sound is truly one of a kind, with frontman Freddy Vinehill-Cliffe shifting between singing, shouting, speaking, and screaming. Their music balances chaotic, abrasive breakdowns with surreal synth interjections and witty observations, as seen in lyrics like, "Oh sweetheart, can we dismantle capitalism another day? I’m tired, and dinner’s getting cold." | Provided
7. Fuzz Lightyear (Leeds)
A personal favourite of this writer's, Fuzz Lightyear's debut EP, FUZZ II, showcased their raw potential, melding the gritty DIY ethos of their early recordings with a maturing sound. The band’s signature basement-style noise-grunge was captured in bedrooms and basements across Leeds. The EP garnered praise from Shell Zenner, BBC Introducing, and Brudenell Social Club, quickly establishing Fuzz Lightyear as a standout force in the local scene. | Bandcamp
8. Sunkissed Child (Leeds/London)
Sunkissed Child is the musical project of Yasmina, a Leeds/London-based artist originally from Lebanon. Blending neo-soul, R&B, and hip-hop with the rich influences of Lebanese, Arabic, and Middle Eastern culture, her music is a deeply personal reflection of her identity and life story. Through captivating lyrics and genre-fluid sounds, Yasmina weaves together multiple cultures and languages, creating a sound that is both unique and deeply expressive. | Provided