It’s fair to say that 2024 has been another tough one, but if there’s one positive to take away, it’s the immense amount of incredible new music that’s been released, and the hope of even more wonderful offerings from new bands and artists in 2025.
Following our Tracks Of 2024, Albums & EPS of 2024 and Highlights of 2024 features, we’re now sharing our Ones To Watch for 2025 – naming a handful of bands and artists who we’ve loved through 2024 and that we predict will be reaching ears far and wide next year. Have a read of our choices and make sure you give them all a follow to keep track of their achievements over the next twelve months.
Comic Sans
Having completely blown us away with their immense energy playing live at New River Studios in October, London queer emo-punks Comic Sans have had quite the year. Supporting Amyl and the Sniffers on tour in France in June, and releasing their soaring punk anthem ‘Mr President’, they really have marked themselves out as ones to watch. Bringing a fierce sense of urgency and swirling playful charisma to everything they do, seeing them live is a truly memorable experience; their unique empowering energy shining through, immersing the crowd in a joyous, raging catharsis. I’m pretty sure some exciting things must be lined up for this hard-working, riotous, witty and hugely loveable band over the next twelve months…
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)
THE NONE
Birmingham-based four piece THE NONE are an experimental punk supergroup. Formed of vocalist Kaila Whyte (Blue Ruth, Youth Man), bassist Gordon Moakes (Bloc Party, Young Legionnaire), guitarist Jim Beck (Cassels) and drummer Chris Francombe (Frauds), the band formed at the start of 2023 and create cathartic, abrasive anthems that are inspired by ego-less experimentation and open collaboration. This passion comes screaming through in their live performances and their knockout set at Supersonic Festival in September was a riot of abrasive punk cacophonies that completely pulverized my eardrums. THE NONE shared their debut EP, MATTER, on bandcamp earlier this year – but you need to hear their music in the flesh to fully appreciate its raw, tenacious spirit.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)
Jasmine 4.t
Based in Manchester, this year trans artist Jasmine.4.t was the first UK signee to Phoebe Bridgers’ new label Saddest Factory Records and I fell instantly in love with her exquisite single ‘Skin On Skin’. Reflecting on both the camaraderie and isolation that can be a part of transfeminine life, its stirring glistening emotion and twinkling hooks are as beautifully perfect as you’d expect. Jasmine’s debut album – You Are The Morning – is set for release on 17th January; produced by Bridgers alongside fellow Boygenius members Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus, it offers an ode to queer friendship, and I cannot wait to immerse myself in all its heartfelt majesty.
(ML)
Tiiva
I’ve been following the work of Bristol-based, non-binary producer and electronic artist Tiiva for some time now, and their collaborative efforts are equally as impressive as their solo output. Having remixed tracks for Clementine Blue, Tiece and El Hardwick in the past, Tiiva put themselves into the spotlight again this year in September when they released their second EP, DESERT PLAINS. Formed of seven tracks, the record traces a personal journey of change and empowerment for Tiiva, underscored by their lilting electronica and soft vocals, which I think are perfectly encapsulated on ‘TORNADOS’. I’ve yet to see Tiiva perform live, but I’m hoping that will change in 2025. (KC)
Gay Skeleton Club
London based queer DIY band Gay Skeleton Club formed at First Timers Fest last year and have been total faves of mine since they played live for us at Matchstick Piehouse in December. I just love their fizzing pop-punk sounds and quirky, tongue-in-cheek energy, all showcased perfectly in the 7-track demos EP that they released back in October, alongside the band’s raging, fun-filled spirit. Already a pivotal part of the London DIY queer scene, both on and off stage, and huge supporters of all their peers, Gay Skeleton Club deserve every success to come their way and I can’t wait to see what they do next. And they’re kicking off 2025 in style, playing live for us at New River Studios, supporting Thwack! On 7th February – nab your tickets now. (ML)
Jæd
I already named London-based, Irish-Puerto Rican musician Jæd in our Albums of 2024 feature, but I couldn’t resist naming her again here. Her dynamic vocal range and virtuoso guitar playing have all translated beautifully into the tracks that form her debut album, I Loved The Gauntlet And There Was No Other Way, released via cult Irish label The Delphi Label. Jæd has been grafting away for years creating the tracks that form her debut record, which is inspired by personal hardship and the endurance of the creative spirit. It’s cliché to say it, but Jæd’s talent really is best appreciated live. (KC)
Skutterfly
After being recommended by numerous people to check out Skutterfly earlier this year, I was super chuffed to be able to book the First Timers alumni to play for us at The Cavendish Arms, supporting The Baby Seals, back in October. With their sparkling energy and jangly hooks fizzing throughout each ‘90s-reminiscent grunge-tinged offering, they completely won us over with a set full of scuzzy goodness, including a unique rendition of No Doubt’s ‘Just A Girl’. They released their debut single ‘Changing Room’ in October, and I can’t wait to hear more from this exciting new band in 2025! (ML)
Fetch
In November, I had the honour of hosting the debut gig for queer punk-pop supergroup FETCH. Consisting of legends Chuck SJ, Beth White and Frankie Tuffragette, they delivered a fiercely fun-filled set oozing a perfect balance of gritty riotous energy and unifying queer joy (plus, they had the cutest merch table ever). Formed out of a desire to create nostalgic punk-pop through a queer lens, they offer a much-needed antidote to the frequently cis male dominated scene, and to say I’m excited to see/hear more from them in 2025 is an understatement! (ML)
Despite our apprehensions about 2025, at least we’re heading into the new year with some fantastic music to accompany it! Massive thanks to all who’ve supported GIHE throughout 2024, it really means the world. And huge thanks to all the amazing bands and artists who’ve soundtracked it, and who will continue to soundtrack the next twelve months! If possible, please support your favourite artists by downloading their music from Bandcamp, following them on social media and nabbing tickets to see them live!
A great way to discover your new favourite band is to come along to our gigs – next up, we’re at The Cavendish Arms on 23rd January with Leeds noise-pop band Wormboys, dreamy indie faves Schande and brand new twee queercore supergroup Tomboy Grandpa. Nab tickets now!
Get In Her Ears 
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