As we charge into the new year, take a minute to peak into the Qobuz team’s crystal ball and see which artists we’re predicting to see more of this year.

SOFIA ISELLA

Sofia Isella, described by the Courtney Love as “the Gen Z Trent Reznor or Brian Eno,” is a rising 19-year-old artist making waves on the global stage. Born in Beverly Hills and raised in Queensland Australia, she gained attention through Triple J’s Unearthed in 2021, and her 2023 hit “Hot Gum” further solidified her presence. Her distinct sound and growing fanbase led to her selection as an opening act for the biggest tour of 2024, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium. Classically trained on the violin since age three, Sofia is a multi-talented songwriter and producer. Her music fuses alternative bedroom pop with a grungy, experimental edge, earning comparisons to the likes of Billie Eilish and Nick Cave. Sofia’s debut EP, I Can Be Your Mother, explores themes of fame and womanhood through poetic lyrics and haunting soundscapes. With a standout year behind her, Sofia Isella is poised to make a significant impact on the music industry.

JOHN GLACIER

John Glacier, the enigmatic rapper and producer from Hackney, has been making waves in the music scene since her 2021 debut project, SHILOH, with her hazy, stream-of-consciousness sound. Her 2024 single “Money Shows,” featuring Eartheater, encapsulates her experimental flair. Glacier’s forthcoming album, Like A Ribbon, sees her collaborating with forward-thinking artists such as Sampha, Flume, and Surf Gang. Following her first hometown headline show and opening performances for Sampha and Jamie xx, she continues to push boundaries, turning her artistic mission into an unstoppable force. With her new album on the horizon, John Glacier is set for an impactful next chapter in her career.

ADÉLAÏDE FERRIÈRE

Adélaïde Ferrière, hailed as “a phenomenon” by Le Monde, is transforming the classical music landscape by placing percussion centre stage. A virtuoso marimbist and percussionist, she has garnered numerous accolades, including the Revelation Instrumental Soloist award at the 24th Victoires de la Musique Classique, marking a historic first for percussionists. Her extensive repertoire includes over fifty world premieres, collaborating with composers such as Philippe Hurel and Camille Pépin. In the 2024-25 season, Adélaïde Ferrière will make her debut with the Orchestre National de France at the Festival Présences and perform with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, the Geneva Chamber Orchestra, the Brno Philharmonic, and as an associate artist with the Orchestre Dijon Bourgogne. Ferrière’s innovative artistry continues to captivate audiences and redefine the role of percussion in classical music. With her last album, Contemporary, released five years ago, anticipation is high to see what she will create next.

NECTAR WOODE

Nectar Woode, the London-based Ghanaian soul singer, is steadily making her mark on the UK music scene. Following an interview with Clash Magazine, a two successful EP’s, and her inclusion in the first 50 artists announced for the Great Escape festival, Nectar is set for a standout 2025. Known for her radiant voice and evocative songwriting, she draws inspiration from soul legends like D’Angelo, Minnie Riperton and Erykah Badu. Her recent EP, Head Above Water, showcases deep emotional honesty infused with a spontaneous and nostalgic touch. As she prepares for her first headline tour across the UK in 2025, Nectar Woode is undoubtedly an artist to watch.

OREGLO

London four-piece oreglo are one of those groups that are refreshingly difficult to pin a label on. Made up of members Linus Barry (guitar), Nicco Rocco (drums), C-sé (keys) and Teigan Hastings (tuba), the group released their debut EP, Not Real People, in July 2024, placing them firmly on our radar as one of the most exciting young British jazz groups about. Signed to Gilles Peterson’s genre-defying Brownswood Records, it’s hard to think of a better home for the group’s sound which mixes elements of jazz, soul, reggae and UK rap. Oreglo’s sound is a true London cocktail, bringing together some of the city’s most vibrant and flourishing scenes in a sonic explosion that reflects its diverse cultural and musical influences. Having already supported the likes of Gabriels at Somerset House, and now having hit the ground running with their debut EP, keep an eye out for oreglo in 2025… We certainly will be!

ELA MINUS

Colombian Ela Minus (born Gabriela Jimeno) boasts a truly unique sound, injecting key elements of genres such as punk and techno into her intimate brand of electro-pop, elevating her music to another level. Having fallen in love with punk and heavy metal at a young age, Jimeno went on to study at Berklee College of Music, majoring in jazz drumming and later synthesiser design after discovering a love for electronic music. Eventually launching her solo music project in 2015, Ela Minus combines her electro-heavy sound with bilingual vocals, adding another facet to her work and propelling her singularity as an artist. Focusing largely on political themes, Ela’s debut album acts of rebellion was released in 2020, before a 2022 collab with DJ Python on the ♡ (Corazon) EP. Innovative and unmistakable, the Ela Minus sound is set to return in 2025 with her second album, DÍA, expanding on acts of rebellion with a more self-reflective and resilient flavour. We’ve been waiting impatiently for some time now, but the Friday, January 17th release date is just around the corner!

Discover your next favourite artist with our Ones to Watch 2025 playlist!

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