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Here is the ETC 2025 Longlist - listen to the acts now!
26th March 2025
We’re very pleased to announce the 90 acts on the longlist for our EMERGING TALENT COMPETITION 2025, which is supported by PRS for Music and the PRS Foundation. These acts were picked by our judging panel, made up of 30 of the UK’s best online music writers.
We’d like to say a big thank you to the many thousands of acts who entered the free contest, and the judges for helping to narrow them down to just 90 acts.
Listen to the playlist on youtube
Each of the judges has chosen their favourite three acts. They’re listed below, and check out the YouTube playlist of all the acts above.
These acts will now be narrowed down to a shortlist of just 8 acts who will compete at April’s live finals for a slot on one of the main stages at this year’s Festival.
The winners of the competition will also be awarded a £5,000 PRS for Music Foundation Talent Development prize, to help take their songwriting and performing to the next level. Two runners-up will also each be awarded a £2,500 PRS for Music Foundation Talent Development prize.
1 | Better Heaven – 24
It’s not an easy task to write an immediate indie-pop song that refuses to leave your head all day, but Better Heaven have done just that with the euphoric 24. Dualling vocals and soaring instrumentation make this track your new favourite indie banger.
2 | Red Ivory – 12th October
I was immediately drawn to Red Ivory’s sound. Think a contemporary take on 90s grunge with accompanying melodies that are super catchy. If the energy and attitude that leap from the recordings are anything to go by, this band will be a force of nature live.
3 | Tia Gordon – A Little Love For Myself
It feels like Tia Gordon is an artist in every sense of the word. Through her songs, she creates a world of feeling and storytelling. Then there’s her voice—a distinct and rich vocal that will have you hanging on every word.
1 | Rozsa – ALMOST PURPLE
Rozsa straddles the world between dark and pop, electronica and trip hop. The harp is a wonderful addition to her beats and dark melodies and really nice to watch. Rozsa’s voice is immaculate, has a soulful tinge and sounds pretty cool.
2 | Alleya – Anxiety
Alleya sits on the soul and R&B edge of pop music. Her rich vocal range is consistent throughout, crafting a low-slung energy in the pop world. Alleya is incredibly engaging—no gimmicks, no need for a catchy chorus or drops—just solid musicality and great singing.
3 | Red Vanilla – All These Better Things
A punchy rock band fronted by a soft female lead vocal isn’t anything new—it’s a tried and tested recipe for a great sound. Yet, Red Vanilla pull it off with rare authenticity. Great songwriting, amazing guitar riffs, energy, and a sense of romanticism make them stand out.
At the Barrier
1 | Slaney Bay – Move On
Kicking off with the shrill skirl of guitars, Move On is a huge slice of bouncy pop akin to old-school Big Country, delivered with a breathy and appealingly fragile vocal. The surge of the chorus belts out, instigating an instant feel-good factor with a flash of fire.
2 | Foxgloxe – Night Drive
Loving the huge guitar sound on this track, with the trebly parts reminiscent of some of the Manchester greats. A great upbeat track packed with reflective lyrics, capturing the feeling of a band chasing the dream. The wistful longing in the vocals has a touch of Kirsty MacColl.
3 | Mirrors – Na Soilse
Na Soilse is a stirring, atmospheric gothic croon with a spellbinding rhythmic groove that hypnotizes the listener. The post-rock, shoegaze-inflected crescendo invokes dark psychedelic visions. Mirrors show the beauty that’s to be found in the shadows.
Atomic Vox
1 | Dea Matrona – Red Button
A powerhouse rock band, they are truly a force to be reckoned with. Possessing undeniable talent, they evoke the likes of Fleetwood Mac and Greta Van Fleet while keeping their own dramatic flair at the forefront. Ireland’s worst-kept secret deserves a bigger stage.
2 | Twat Union – Red Flag
Combining witty social commentary with thumping drums and abrasive guitar, this band is fueled by riot grrrl energy—and they know exactly who they are. Their empowering spirit translates effortlessly to the live stage, where they truly thrive.
3 | Yara Liz – Selfish Heart
An artist who’s created her own enchanting world through her music, Yara Liz is certainly one to watch. Basing her music around the journey of an elf searching for love and meaning, her innate creativity shines. Featuring ethereal vocals and cinematic soundscapes, she belongs on a festival stage.
1 | Lo Lauren – Before The Kiss
Lo Lauren makes emotionally charged pop music with superb choruses and memorable hooks. She also carries the energy of her recordings into the live arena exceptionally well.
2 | Ellie Evans – Better With You
Ellie is a very impressive songwriter and storyteller. Her music is highly relatable, and there’s something undeniably compelling about her live performance.
3 | Nat Oaks – BAFTA
I love the collision of genres at play here, with Nat blending elements of rap, pop, R&B, and indie rock to create a sound that feels fresh and innovative. Definitely an artist to watch!
1 | Harry Strange – Brother
Harry Strange knows how to write a song. The band is polished, the vocals and lyrics are excellent, and they’re easily ready for a bigger stage. He captures the excitement and adventure of youth—one to watch.
2 | Lozeak – C’MON
It took Charli XCX years to break into the mainstream. Lozeak is already building a loyal fanbase, with over 500,000 TikTok followers. She has the charisma, the aesthetic, and most importantly, great tunes. A major label deal feels inevitable.
3 | VALA – Bleed Together
Vala is making all the right moves—lo-fi and understated, but with great songs and hooks. Gaining traction on Radio 1 and 2, they feel like a band on an upward trajectory. Pay attention now.
1 | Oli Harris – Chameleon Man
A joyous, glam-infused indie track—a kaleidoscopic blend of Bolan’s elfin boogie, Barrett’s surreal whimsy, and a sprinkling of Bowie’s kooky stardust. Swaggering, buoyant, and infectiously energetic, it’s a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
2 | Quiet Houses – Cold Water Swimming
Dreamy indie-folk that drifts in like morning mist on a still lake and lingers like a delicious secret. Ethereal vocals and shimmering melodies wrap around you like warm currents, pulling you under in the gentlest way.
3 | Shark School – Choose Life
Just when you thought it was safe to return to the water, Choose Life warns you nowhere is safe. A ferocious, wired blast of post-punk crackling with deliciously manic energy. It’s an adrenaline rush, a sonic assault with more bite than a Great White’s dentures.
1 | MORN – Demolition
Although they hail from South Wales, MORN’s spiritual home is clearly South London. Demolition is as quintessentially ‘Windmill’ as silver foil backdrops and urinal scrawls—terse, intense post-punk that proves inventive in an oversaturated market. Ones to watch.
2 | Eli Dayo – Confidence
Musically scuzzy yet vocally smooth, Eli Dayo’s Confidence positively oozes the stuff. A shape-shifting track with a cinematic middle eight that’s a real, and truly unanticipated, high point. Live performances are just as compelling, with standout bass lines.
3 | Lei Hope – Cranium
Exceptionally fresh, with nods to Blood Orange, Cranium by Lei Hope worms its way into your grey matter and settles in instantly. Slick guitar licks embellish the song beautifully, making it an unforgettable listen.
1 | Hank – DYLM
A fuzzy, wistful, and grungy ode to heartbreak, DYLM wields a graceful ferocity that tears open old wounds without mercy. The track crescendos with aching intensity, leaving you hollow yet deeply moved. Cathartic heartbreak at its finest.
2 | Mya K – Distraction
Mya K showcases flawless versatility on Distraction, seamlessly weaving soulful, sultry harmonies into futuristic, DnB-infused production. Her smooth, captivating vocals create an immersive experience that is both entrancing and dance-inducing.
3 | IBack – Dreaming
IBack possesses a rare blend of lyrical depth, technical skill, and compelling songwriting. Dreaming is a confident, honest, and deeply reflective window into her mind—showcasing impeccable clarity and an undeniable presence as a rapper.
1 | Jazzi Sirius – WRLDS A MESS
In her politically charged rap, Jazzi blends righteous anger with raw personal insights, closing the track with a smart lyric twist. Alongside rapid wordsmithery, her fine vocal skills shine through.
2 | Izzy Steele – Woman in The Shop Window
A beautifully structured song, laced with individual truths yet spun with such clear imagery that it resonates widely. Lyrically touching and musically uplifting, Izzy’s warm, intimate vocal tone elevates the entire piece.
3 | Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black – Wrong Foot Forward / Drams in the Field
A fusion of jazz rhythms and folk melodies, Eleanor and Gregor weave spacious, immersive, and evocative music. These contemporary pieces create a lovely and unusual pairing of harp and percussion.
1 | Tyson – Grunge
Tyson delivers a stunning vocal performance, with rich grooves and melody presented in a low-key, cool way. The Wu-Lu verse is an excellent addition, making the track artistically considered and unique in sound, look, and feel.
2 | Pleasure Centre – Heart
Heart is hypnotic, drawing on post-punk and math rock influences. The singer’s distinctive vocal style recalls Patti Smith and Nico, with a North Yorkshire twist. Cinematic and transportive, it’s a track that lingers.
3 | Loa – Hard Down Low
Achingly beautiful and lyrically somber yet hopeful, Hard Down Low pairs male and female voices in perfect harmony. With subtle production and humming backing vocals, it’s an emotional punch wrapped in a warm embrace.
1 | Dirty Blonde – Polly
What a bop! A noughties nostalgia trip packed with attitude and passion. Found myself hitting replay over and over again. Dirty Blonde is an exciting emerging band turning a lot of heads.
2 | Dan Millson – Saint Peter
An absolute anthem. Dan’s vocal range is incredible, shifting from mellow verses to soaring, chunky choruses. Saint Peter takes you on a journey—imagine the Worthy Farm crowds eating it up.
3 | Essii – Pourin
Smooth R&B with vocals front and center. Pourin is stripped back instrumentally, allowing the lyricism to shine. A staple for nighttime driving playlists.
1 | MANNY – Troubled Waters
Whether jamming in his car or performing live, Manny’s soulful voice stops you in your tracks. His phrasing and control are perfect, yet delivered with effortless grace, making every syllable feel deeply moving. Electrifying.
2 | Mace The Great – R U GD
Packed with creative wordplay, Mace The Great makes the well-trodden ‘making bank’ narrative feel fresh. Breezy, structurally interesting, and backed by feel-good beats, this track showcases his on-point storytelling.
3 | Jessie Reid – Trouble Calls
A sultry recounting of falling for the wrong people, Trouble Calls combines heartfelt storytelling with sumptuous vocals. The layered harmonies and percussive guitar technique add depth and richness.
1 | Chloe Foy – Spare
Spare was immediately compelling, drawing me into its emotional space. Chloe Foy’s vocal felt deep, rich and haunting, as did the folky guitar line. There’s a beautiful and sparse simplicity to the track, yet an emotive richness, captured by the lyric, “I’ve got nothing to spare.” I clicked play again immediately as soon as it had finished.
2 Norah Hendriks – Rough Love
The intensity dial on Norah Hendrik’s voice kept going up, notch by notch, during the song. The quality of the voice was immediately evident, but the immediacy and power of the emotional delivery gradually wrestled me into submission. Beautiful and melancholy.
3 Phoebe Hall – Real With You
Phoebe Hall has a truckload of charisma and enough pent-up energy to blow the sides off a festival tent. Real With You is such an endearing track. I could feel a smile spreading as I listened to Phoebe’s dynamic indie pop, as well as the urge to bounce around the room like a crazy fool.
1 | Mali Hâf – Esgusodion
Mesmerising track, this – a pulsing Welsh language tune drawing from the deeper ends of dance and folk. A heady combo and captivating all round.
2 | Dilettante – Easy Does It
A fantastic bit of wonky pop, horns and vocals taking you on a journey goodness knows where. Utterly compelling.
3 | Cat Florence – Fading Away
Top tier harmonies and a catchy chorus make this a joy to listen to from Cat – a sense there’s a lot to be gained by losing yourself in her world.
1 | Ramona Marx – Fight Night
Hard to imagine a single way to improve on this straight-to-the-point slice of brute force. You’ve got to hand it to Fight Night: created to be perfect for sweaty moshpits, but also skilled enough songcraft to deserve great success on, say, evening Radio 1 shows.
2 | A.S. Fanning – I Feel Bad
A.S. Fanning’s fully leaning into a gorgeous, baritone vocal style whilst embracing a stately, restrained sonic palette to now locate him somewhere in the middle of The National, Richard Hawley and Nick Cave. I Feel Bad is a dream high point of this approach: it finds Fanning confident that his meditative, slow burn game plan will win you over at his own pace.
3 | Jodie Langford – FOEFETTI
Imagine Azealia Banks crossed with Charli XCX, but from Hull. Jodie Langford’s music usually finds her either at the centre of a rave, or half-an-hour deep into an intense conversation on the night bus afterwards. Don’t expect manufactured pop artificiality here: what you see is absolutely what you get, and her live performances? Thrillingly visceral.
1 | Cortney Dixon – Stop This Party
A great style and attitude, Cortney Dixon oozes Pop stardom. Her unique vocal delivery is infectious, and is backed up by upbeat fuzzy guitars straight out of the noughties.
2 | POESY – The Celebration
Poesy’s voice is emphatically bold and wide ranging, from driving pop rock ballads, to guiding softer piano led tracks. Her talent is undeniable.
3 | Serena Sun – Sunny Blue
Serena Sun’s dreamy soft vocals deliver heartfelt lyrics, underscored by airy shoegaze guitars and compact drums, leading to atmospheric songs which soar from start to finish.
1 | Barbican – Greyscale/Heavy Water
Barbican’s heavy riffs had me nodding while I could almost feel the spittle on my face from the half growled post-punk poetry of the lyrics. There’s a hint of the IDLES social commentary, raging at both ‘people at the top who won’t condemn torture’ and those too soothed to take a stand.
2 | Kai Bosch – Funny
Bitter, playful and yes, funny. Kai Bosch’s anthem to the emotional tumult of breaking up was irresistible. It’s impossible not to sing along, as demonstrated live with Kai strutting down into the crowd and whipping them into such a frenzy they don’t know whether to sing, bounce or make sure it’s all recorded for their socials.
3 | Ghuraba || الغرباء – Golden Age
The hypnotic sounds of Ghuraba would transport a Glastonbury crowd to other worlds with their heady blend of African, middle eastern and Islamic music. They sent me down a wormhole in search of the ney flute, the daf drum and other percussive unknowns that raised the duo above the mass of pop and rock. Psychedelic electric guitar – with hints of Khruangbin – complete a sonic soup of cultural influences.
1 | Nectar Woode – How It’s Gotta Be
Nectar Woode is one of the best emerging voices in the UK soul scene. The London based artist’s vocals and song writing are timeless, evoking classic singers of the 1960s infused with a very modern feel. How It’s Gotta Be is a fantastically well-crafted song that really stood out. High profile fans include Elton John. Yes, that Elton John!
2 | Master Peace – Start You Up
Master Peace’s anthemic modern rock blends the power and energy of the Arctic Monkeys and Bloc Party with funk, punk and grime. Start You Up is among a raft of wonderful songs that have helped Master Peace, aka Peace Okezie, build up a strong following for his energetic live shows. Critical acclaim has also followed, having won the Ivor Novello Rising Star award last year.
3 | Edie Bens – Poster Child
Edie Bens blends alt-country and pop music to perfection. Poster Child is among her most memorable songs and the public agrees, with the song’s video gaining almost 300,000 views already on Youtube. She is real talent that will hopefully get an even bigger following through this competition.
1 | Sprout – In The Night (It’s Only You I Think Of)
This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Three heartbreaking minutes of yearning. You’ll never forget where you were the the first time you hear this voice.
2 | Morgana – I’ll Cry When I’m Dead
I’m already at a festival listening to this. “I’ll sleep whan I’m dead” is a big sweaty blue marquee banger. “I’ll turn off those country songs, I’ll cry when I’m dead is my line of the year
3 | LIFTER – I Have Done My Waiting
After 20 listens to “I have done my waiting” I am still finding gorgeous little details and I feel this will continue for a long time. Even writing about the huge horn filled finale gives me shivers
1 | Matt-Felix – Lay Low
This song is swirling with a romance and majesty that firmly sets Matt-Felix apart from his peers
2 | Westside Cowboy – I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met)
Westside Cowboy channel slacker rock giants with their own sense of youthful abandon
3 | Dog Race – It’s The Squeeze
Brutally fun guitar-gang bringing gothic glamour to the dancefloor
1 | Essence Martins – Like a Fool
A softly delivered verse gives way to a bold, plaintive chorus from a young performer with a lot of potential. You could hear this alongside any number of lauded folk-pop contemporaries and it would hold its ground.
2 | Lidstrom Liperé – See The World ft. Plumm & Barrel Jones
A refreshing take on experimental jazz, replete with driving percussion and hypnotic vocals, underpinned throughout by a swirling, ominous bassline that keeps the whole improvised journey on track. Just. What a ride.
3 | Meduulla – Limbo
A wildly catchy exploration of identity and heritage from a gifted, young MC atop a floating jazz-inflected beat. Definitely a talent on the come up.
1 | AKA KELZZ – Mango
From the very first note, Mango radiates warmth. Drawing me in with a sparse but captivating layers of haromines. As the song progresses Aka Kelzz voice pulls me in with her rich tone it’s and perfectly suited to the soulful essense of this song. I love the way it feels like a comforting embrace. From the production to the smooth vocal layering this song is gorgeously inviting on every note.
2 | Splitting Edges – Maybe
There’s something truly infectious about Splitting Edges. Their authenticity isn’t just evident it’s magnetic, pulling you in and making you feel like you’re part of the band. I love the energy to their track ‘Maybe’ a shimmering-late night summer anthem with a Bossa-nova twist just shows their versatility as writers. There is no denying these guys are full of passion.
3 | Spyres – Money
Spyres’ MONEY has been stuck in my head on repeat since I first heard it. The perfect soundtrack to a moment demanding your full attention. Apart from the catchiness of the song I enjoy the partnership between Kiera and Emily’s vocals, their harmonies work in perfect unison over the gritty guitars and together it ties the song in so well.
1 | Julia-Sophie – Telephone
There are a lot of musicians out making synthpop, but Julia-Sophie really knows how to make her synths shimmer in a way which really elevates her sound. Her voice is really soothing and this hook stays with you – not by sheer force, but with gentle repetition. Sonically, this is the level of quality I’d expect from a more established artist.
2 | Alx Romance – Where We Begin
Vocally, Alx’ style feels very contemporary – I hear elements of emo-included rappers such as Lil Uzi Vert and Post Malone. But rather than choosing a trap beat, Alx skillfully rides through this twinkling electronica production, which feels fresh and hard to define.
3 | Che3kz – Seven sizzling sausages
Ch3kz is a dextous lyricist and she’s got a sense of humour that could catch people’s attention. I can tell from the video that she’s got good stage prescence. Che3kz will surely do that with herfreestyles and cyphers.
1 | Claudia Kane – Under My Skin
Claudia is an exciting artist, who I have followed for some time. She’s versatlie in her sound and is a great songwriter. She’s also a really strong live performer.
2 | Hutch – Sorry
Quite raw, but what a talent. Love his vocal tone and feel like he’s got a very bright future ahead. One to watch.
3 | Simon a. – The Mantra
Love everything about what he’s doing. The style, the flow & the thought-provoking lyrics. Feels like one of the classic backpack rappers.
1 | Rosie Miles – On Solitude
Fluttering and fluid, crisp and effortless, Rosie Miles’ voice is uncannily reminiscent of the Laurel Canyon greats. As for the sophisticated songwriting, well I had to triple check it wasn’t a cover from that era. ‘On Solitude’ is a warm trip through the sun-dappled nostalgia of that Californian valley in the 1970s carried by the gentlest of guitar breezes and I could listen to it all my life.
2 | Ari Tsugi – November
The number of moods contained within this 8-minute opus is staggering and does that oh so important job of keeping you hooked until the end. The rich, smooth jazz vocals lure you in while the ensuing wonderful French alliterative wordplay sparks nothing but joy. Embracing psychedelic tendencies and living for the experimental, there is no telling where Ari Tsugi will go next.
3 | Matilda Grace – Not your ex yet
Forgive me, but I just can’t ignore a pop hook this delicious! We’re talking studied at the school of Olivia Rodrigo and Lily Allen pop here – it’s angry, it’s cheeky and I want to hear more. I want to hear the thumping guitars spat out through a massive festival sound system with the crowd singing back every word!
1 | Ella More – Sweet Rose
Ella stands out in how rich and controlled her vocals are – just a total joy hearing the way she moves between power and vulnerability.
2 | Sarah Meth – Steps / Lonely World Girl
I really enjoy Sarah’s composition and delivery – there’s a very grounded and honest dimension to the way she performs and as the foundation of where she’ll go next, it’s very exciting to me!
3 | HolysseusFly – Teach Me
Holly’s sound is such a fresh translation of so many influences, put together in a way that’s affecting and elevated but most of all just very well balanced. A really impressive new talent.
1 | Isabel InkCap – Time To Let Go
Isabel’s music is so impactful, it demands repeat listens. The music revels in moody and dark atmospheres, but there’s an intrinsic subtle fragility at the heart of it with stunning vocals and a brilliant supporting band.
2 | NuAloe – Touch
Punchy and immediate neo-soul full of personality from NuAloe. Effortlessly combines the foundations of old soul, jazz, and hip-hop with a uniquely fresh take on the genre.
3 | Currls – Throwback
Scuzzy garage punk full of attitude, but with a pop-rock approachability ready to welcome you with open arms. It’s catchy, quick and clearly a contender!
1 | Amethyst – Loving Is A Crime
A track that caught my attention by blending dreamy synths with an emotional melody. A big fan of the atmospheric production and it was easily one of the standouts.
2 | Jack Critchlow – Lucy’s Diamonds (Fell From The Sky)
Jack immediately stood out to me once his voice came in on this one. He blends a mix of pop and indie influences on Lucy’s Diamonds and it’s a track that I could easily imagine hearing on the radio. One to keep an eye on.
3 | The Covasettes – Love in Polaroid
Love in Polaroid is a vibrant indie-pop track that captures the essence of summer and love. With a memorable chorus and some catchy melodies, I wouldn’t be surprised to see The Covasettes on a number of festival stages in the coming years.
1 | atmos bloom – Time
Elegant dream pop that’s reminiscent of Cocteau Twins, Melody’s Echo Chamber or Slowdive.’Time’ is a beautiful piece of music that has an evocative and timeless feel about it while highlighting atmos bloom as masters of their craft. Definitely deserves to be playing at an event like Glastonbury.
2 | Air Drawn Dagger – Stigmata
Really incisive, emotionally driven, punk pop that’s both captivating and incendiary. Air Drawn Dagger’s distinctive vocals and taut musicianship ensures they stand out from the crowd, and should pave the way to a long and prospective future in music. For fans of Paramore, My Chemical Romance and Jinjer
3 | Chaplaine – Totally With You
Really interesting pop that veers between upbeat melodrama (‘Totally With You’) and introspective piano ballads (‘Sorry’) that show very different sides of an incredibly talented artist. Chaplaine has massive potential and will be a household name in the none too distant future if songs like “Totally With You” are anything to go by