Indie band English Teacher and singer-songwriter Myles Smith have secured the fifth and fourth spots in BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2025 countdown.
The Sound of 2025 is an annual poll that highlights the most promising emerging artists with the potential to make a significant impact in the music industry over the coming year. The 2025 longlist, unveiled last year, featured 11 acts, including Chappell Roan, KNEECAP, Pozer, and Ezra Collective.
Curated by 180 music industry experts, the poll has a reputation for predicting future stars with “the best chance of mainstream success”. Past winners include Adele, Sam Smith, and Michael Kiwanuka, who have all become internationally renowned artists.
The countdown is being revealed throughout the week, with the announcement of the winner on Friday (January 10).
Chappell Roan and Ezra Collective on BBC Sound of 2025 list https://t.co/cCUFmwZZvg
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) November 21, 2024
Landing at number five is Leeds-based quartet English Teacher. Known for their bold post-punk sound, the band captivated audiences and critics alike with their Mercury Prize-winning debut album ‘This Could Be Texas’. The record is a vivid exploration of life in northern England and the universality of these experiences, contrasting enduring friendships with the challenges of social issues.
Since their debut single ‘R&B’ in 2021, the group as continued to delve into societal issues through their music and was praised by the Mercury Prize judges for their “winning lyrical mix of surrealism and social observation”, applauding their “fresh approach to the traditional guitar band format.”
Speaking to the BBC, guitarist Lewis Whiting described their creative process as exploratory: “We never really set out with an aim to create something specific. But, that’s the fun part, right? Trying to make something new and interesting.”
Formed at the Leeds Conservatoire, the group’s sound continues to evolve characterised by shifting time signatures and distinct guitar riffs that showcase their unique artistry. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the band found their footing in 2023.
Lead vocalist Lily Fontaine reflected to the BBC, “I feel like it was only late into 2023 that we really found our confidence.” By which point they were already deep into recording their critically acclaimed debut album.
As English Teacher prepare to kick off their 2025 Tour, fans are eagerly anticipating what this year has in store for the band.
In fourth place is singer-songwriter Myles Smith. His breakout hit ‘Stargazing’, became one of the best-selling singles of 2024 and even featured on Barack Obama’s favourite music of 2024. The single describes a moment of human connection, a theme which runs throughout Smith’s discography notably through songs like ‘River’ and ‘Wait For You’.
Set to receive the BRIT Rising Star Award in March, Smith follows in the footsteps of its past recipients like Sam Fender and Adele. Though his rise to stardom has been rapid, Smith has been a fan of music since he first heard Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’ and was inspired to write his own music at age 11.
Reflecting on his early influences, he said to the BBC: “I went through a lot of stages. I was a huge Green Day fan at one point. I even went through a bit of a Screamo phase.” He began to find his own style while playing open mic nights in Luton, performing covers of Ed Sheeran and Marcus Mumford, which have contributed to his unique Folk-Pop style.
After earning a sociology degree in 2019 and becoming an entrepreneur, Smith began creating music in his spare time. To the BBC, he noted: “I understood quite early on that just because I’m good at something, it doesn’t necessarily mean I’m passionate about it.” But it wasn’t until his viral cover of ‘Sweater Weather’ by The Neighbourhood in 2022 that he pursued music full time.
Turning to TikTok, he began to release more covers, but it was his original song ‘Solo’ that gained massive traction and landed him a deal with RCA Records. Speaking about the power of social media in the music industry, Smith said: “If your objective is to go viral, then you’re always going to be fighting a losing battle. But if your objective is to establish a community and a place where your music belongs, it becomes a lot more rewarding.”
With his EP ‘A Minute’ now out and preparations for his debut album and upcoming tour underway, Smith is poised for a big year ahead.
@mylessmithuk You promised a lifetime, but left in a moment… #newmusic #acoustic #singersongwriter ♬ SOLO by Myles Smith – Myles Smith
The Sound of 2025 countdown celebrates the depth and variety of today’s emerging talent. English Teacher’s bold Post-Punk approach and Myles Smith’s heartfelt Folk-Pop set the stage for the remaining three acts, highlighting the diverse creativity of this year’s nominees. With the countdown ongoing, the top three are certain to feature artists destined for groundbreaking success.
