Feats. Ones-to-Watch 2025 Festival Round Up
Every year, a handful of artists break through the festival season with sets that spark conversations long after the fields empty. Some are already on the rise, others are just getting started, but all have shown why they deserve a spot on your radar. Here are five acts that caught attention across the UK this summer - and where you can see them next.
HotWax - Latitude and Victorious
Tom Ellis (TJEphotos/FEATS)
HotWax continue to establish themselves as one of the most exciting new guitar bands in the UK. Their mix of grunge, punk and sharp hooks was on full display this summer, with appearances at Latitude and Victorious pulling in strong reactions from crowds. Songs like Treasure and Rip It Out proved popular talking points, with fans highlighting the energy and urgency of their live shows.
We caught up with HotWax ahead of their Latitude performance to talk about their debut album and life on tour with Nova Twins - you can read the full interview here.
Lola Young - Glastonbury
Blending confessional songwriting with alt-pop polish, Lola Young brought her distinctive voice to the Park Stage at Glastonbury this summer. Fans said her set stood out for its openness, with tracks like Messy resonating strongly and being shared widely online afterwards. It was another step in a growing career that balances vulnerability with power.
VLURE - Reading and Leeds
Glasgow’s VLURE have been on our radar for a while. Back in 2023, we followed them through the release of Cut It and spoke about their ability to merge the emotion of post-punk with the physicality of club music (Read Our Original Article Here). That same mix has only grown stronger.
This summer they brought their electronic-punk energy to Reading and Leeds, with crowds responding to the intensity of tracks that move between raw vulnerability and euphoric release. Fans described the shows as moments of catharsis - heavy, emotional, but built to move.
Nxdia - Reading and Leeds
Manchester’s Nxdia combined alt-pop melodies with punk spirit at both Reading and Leeds, drawing strong reactions across the weekend. Songs like Boy Clothes and She Likes a Boy became instant singalongs, with fans praising the sense of inclusivity and openness that shaped the sets. For many, it was a first introduction that quickly turned into a highlight.
Tour dates: 5 Oct – The Lodge, Manchester, 6 Oct – King Tuts, Glasgow.
Flowerovlove - Latitude, Tramlines, Standon Calling, Camp Bestival
Flowerovlove (Joyce Cissé) brought bright, melodic indie-pop to a busy festival summer with appearances at Latitude, Tramlines, Standon Calling and Camp Bestival. Her shows leaned on warmth and accessibility, with songs like Love You and Coffee Shop drawing positive reactions from fans online and on site. That balance of energy and calm has made her one of the most talked-about young names on the circuit.
What’s next: More UK live shows are expected following her summer run.
HotWax, Lola Young, VLURE, Nxdia and Flowerovlove all picked up momentum this summer, with performances that stood out across the UK festival season. Their upcoming dates are the next chance to catch them before they move onto bigger stages.
