Ones To Watch at Leeds Festival

For those lucky enough to be gracing the festival fields later this week, ticket holders are spoilt for choice as the artists from across the world descend on Bramham Park for the party of the summer. But who shouldn’t you be missing out on? What up-and-coming talent is on offer? The Gryphon rounds up our ones to watch for Leeds Festival 2025. 

Radio Free Alice 

The post-punk five-piece, descending from Melbourne, Australia, are no strangers to Leeds crowds. After recently playing a sold-out show at Oporto, Radio Free Alice are back to open the Festival Republic Stage on Friday. Their new single, ‘Toyota Camry’, produced by Peter Katis (Interpol, Bloc Party), sets the tone for the upcoming EP Empty Words (2025), playing to their signature sound with 80s-inspired backing vocals and shimmery, bright guitar rhythms. While they were a late addition to this year’s lineup, they’re not one to sleep through because you’re undoubtedly hungover from Thursday’s antics. Come on, get out of your tent and show some support for these future stars.

Radio Free Alice perform at 12:00 pm on Friday at the Festival Republic Stage. 

Del Water Gap

The fact that this artist is so criminally far down the lineup is upsetting. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Del Water Gap is the solo project of S. Holden Jaffe. Whilst he’s been making music since the mid-2010s, Jaffe rose to indie prominence following the release of the 2020 single ‘Ode to a Conversation Stick in Your Throat’. Now, five years down the line, he’s opened for Niall Horan, collaborated with Holly Humberstone, and released two studio albums with a third on the way. Holden’s lyrics are critically self-aware, exploring the existential maze that is living in the twenty-first century, married with excellently crafted musicianship and production. While you may not recognise his name, any dignified indie playlist on your music streaming platform of choice will be sure to include Jaffe’s music. He isn’t one to miss this weekend.

Catch Del Water Gap on the Chevron Stage at 2.05 pm on Friday.

Nell Mescal 

If you haven’t cried to Nell Mescal, where have you been? Her lyrics are raw and heartfelt, and coupled with a powerful and charismatic stage presence, Mescal’s performance is one not to be glossed over on this year’s lineup. While many discovered her after her single ‘In My Head’ featured on Netflix’s Heartstopper, her debut EP Can I Miss It For A Minute (2024) navigates relatable growing pains and the inevitable friendship breakups that come with growing up. A personal favourite, ‘Killing Time’, has arguably one of the most cathartic bridges to come from a pop song in recent years. Honestly, blast it on full volume on your car radio, and I’m sure it’ll make you feel better. After recently signing with Atlantic Records and releasing a new single, ‘Carried Away’, I’m sure we’ll be seeing much more from Nell in the coming months. 

Nell Mescal takes to the Festival Republic Stage on Friday at 2:20 pm. 

Overpass

If you’ve read any of The Gryphon’s articles in recent months, I’m sure you’ll have seen this band’s name continually popping up in our music section. Don’t worry, we’re not a broken record; they’re just really, really good. In a sea of same-same indie quartets, they’ve carved out their road in the UK music scene, packing out festival tents across the country and selling out headline shows this autumn. They brought raw energy and passion to The Wardrobe earlier this year on the heels of their Dependent (2025) EP release, with songs like ‘Take It Or Leave It’ and ‘Be Good to Yourself’ going down a treat for the live audience. Mosh pits are a promise with their diehard fanbase, so if you fancy a good old dance or a singalong to their arguably most popular track, ‘Beautiful’, practice those lyrics and get down early for an indie masterclass. 

Overpass play the BBC Introducing Stage on Saturday at 5:30 pm. 

Alessi Rose

For fans of LUVCAT, Matilda Mann and Nieve Ella, the English singer-songwriter crafts alt-pop anthems that don’t hold back. 2025 has already seen the release of not one but two EPs so far this year. The first, for your validation (2025), explores the impending doom of falling in love, while the latter, Voyeur (2025), is angrier in reflection, but not regretful. It’s vulnerable yet self-assured, balancing humour and honesty while documenting the rollercoaster that is being a woman in your twenties. After supporting Dua Lipa earlier in the year and set to accompany Tate McRae around the States this autumn, Alessi Rose is sure to ascend into future pop royalty. 

Don’t miss Alessi Rose on the Main Stage at 12:40 pm on Saturday. 

Balu Brigada 

After the viral sensation of ‘Backseat’ taking over a corner of the internet, Balu Brigada have solidified their status as a band to watch with bookings rolling in for next year’s festival season already. Their music adopts a multi-instrumentalist approach, with brothers Henry and Pierre Beasley taking on dual vocalist roles across many of their tracks. Their debut album, Portal (2025), is set for release on the 29^th of August, but if you can’t wait that long, I’m sure you’ll be able to catch some of their new music in the fields later this week. 

Balu Brigada play the Festival Republic Stage on Friday at 1:30 pm.

The Pill

If anyone knows how to turn hitting someone’s car into an in-your-face punk anthem, it’s these two. The Isle of Wight duo, Lily and Lottie, take a satirical look at everyday minor tragedies, whether it’s denting a car door in a car park or the local scaffolder catching you naked through an upstairs window. The Pill is sure to bring the energy with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a chaotic attitude, but no fear, if you can’t catch them this time, they’re back at Oporto on the 25^th of September. 

The Pill perform at 6:25 pm on Sunday at the BBC Introducing Stage. 

Words by Arabella Wright