The up-and-coming British musicians we’re obsessed with

From Harry Styles to Stormzy, Dua Lipa to Raye, British artists are everywhere right now. But while we’ll always crank up the volume when “As It Was” comes on the radio, there’s something about September that has us craving fresh sounds. Luckily, there’s a tonne of emerging talent to discover. 

Whether your playlists could use a refresh or you’re hunting for that “I was listening to them before they were big” feeling, here is our pick of the British artists set to dominate the charts – and your headphones – in 2024 and beyond. 

Dylan

It’s debatable whether Dylan can be called ‘up-and-coming’ at all: while she’s not yet a household name, the 23-year-old singer has already got a significant fanbase. After a meteoric rise on TikTok, Suffolk-born Dylan – whose real name is Natasha Woods – has spent the past couple of years touring with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Bastille and Tate McRae, as well as playing at festivals across the UK and internationally. Sour Milk, the lead song from her debut EP, earned her support from BBC Introducing and Spotify and became BBC Radio 1’s track of the week. Her moody tone might be reminiscent of Billie Eilish and Lorde but her epic guitar riffs and rousing vocals are influenced by the likes of AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses, giving Dylan a sound all her own. 

Sipho

Sipho’s genre-defying music blends R&B, gospel and electronic pop while his lyrics muse on Black male identity and creativity. One of the latest artists to emerge from iconic West London indie label Dirty Hit (home to the likes of The 1975, Wolf Alice and Rina Sawayama), he’s already appeared on Jools Holland and Majestic Casual, as well as selling out his first UK tour. His soulful voice has drawn comparisons to Sam Smith and Jacob Banks but Sipho’s (pronounced See-Poe) influences stretch from Frank Ocean to Solange and James Blake. His debut album, Prayers & Paranoia, is out this October and is set to cement his breakout status.

flowerovlove

She might not have hit her twenties yet but don’t underestimate flowerovlove. The 18-year-old musician is not only a talented songwriter but also a successful model, walking at London and Paris Fashion Weeks and appearing in campaigns for the likes of Gucci. In true Gen Z style, the South London-based singer’s moniker started off as an Instagram handle but has become something of a mantra, symbolising human resilience, unstoppable growth and the power of womanhood. Also known as Joyce, the singer describes her music as being like “the softest mosh pit ever.” Her vibey tunes, sunny lyricism and ethereal soundscapes have already captured the hearts of young listeners and seasoned critics alike and have seen her named BBC Radio 1’s Future Artist of the Month and one of VEVO’s Artists to Watch for 2023.

Venbee

Even if Venbee’s name doesn’t sound familiar, chances are you’ve heard her music. Her breakout track, Messy in Heaven – a collaboration with drum & bass producer Goddard – recently spent over 34 weeks in the UK Top 40 after a snippet went viral on TikTok. Real name Erin Doyle, Venbee has won hearts with her unpretentious approach to music and her smart, honest lyrics which deal with issues like addiction and mental health. She’s continuing to make waves in the British dance music scene, has dropped a series of fantastic follow-ups to Messy in Heaven and recently played a buzzy set at Reading Festival. Keep an eye out for her much-anticipated upcoming EP. 

Mae Stephens

Mae Stephens might just be one of the UK’s biggest TikTok sensations. The 20-year-old from Kettering, Northamptonshire, was working at Asda when she posted a demo of her song, If We Ever Broke Up, on the social media platform. It racked up millions of views and was used by thousands of creators to soundtrack their videos. She later released the song officially, seeing it peak at number 13 on the UK Official Charts, and getting her a record deal with EMI Records. She has teamed up with American pop sensation Meghan Trainor for her latest single, a glittering, infectious track laden with Stephens’ signature sass. 

No Guidnce

Is R&B back? Absolutely, if vocal group, No Guidnce, has anything to say about it. Another social media smash, London-based No Guidnce are all about silky vocals, old school harmonies and soulful ballads. The group’s almost 3 million TikTok followers can’t get enough of their acapella covers of iconic R&B tunes, often recorded in car parks (for the unbeatable acoustics, naturally). Their online presence caught the eye of singer-songwriter Victoria Monét (who has penned hits for the likes of Ariana Grande), who then invited the boys to come to Los Angeles to collaborate with her. Off the back of acts like FLO and Bellah leading a UK R&B revival, No Guidnce seems set to soar into 2024.