THE FRONT ROW

We’re back with the sixth edition of our ambitious series spotlighting the most exciting emerging acts shaping the future of music. This time, we’re digging into the letter F, unearthing ten artists you’ll want on your radar before everyone else catches on. From the introspective folk of Fiona Lee to the high-octane indie rock of Five Lines and the polished country-pop of First Time Flyers, this list proves that fresh ideas and fearless songwriting are alive across every genre. Whether you’re after anthems built for festival fields or hushed confessionals that stay with you long after the last note, the F crew has you covered.

Finn Forster

Straight out of Middlesbrough, Finn Forster is fast becoming one of the North East’s most compelling voices. His music is built on raw honesty, blending singer-songwriter storytelling with big, emotive choruses that feel made for festival main stages. Whether he’s laying bare the frustration of chasing dreams on Broken Game or finding defiance in the darkness on Can’t Back Down, there’s a refreshing sincerity in everything he releases.

Finn’s journey started in local venues where he’d pack out rooms on word of mouth alone. Those early gigs forged a connection that still fuels his growing fanbase, one that stretches far beyond Teesside. His 2025 EP Embers set the tone with its mix of introspection and anthemic ambition, earning him praise as an artist who can tug at the heartstrings while delivering choruses that stick.

It’s that balance, gritty realism paired with widescreen hooks, that has seen Finn share stages with Stereophonics, Bastille and Andrew Cushin. Radio stations have already picked up on the buzz, with BBC Introducing calling him one to watch and regional press naming him a voice of his generation. But perhaps the biggest endorsement comes from the thousands who’ve turned up to hear him sing stories that feel like their own.

With his distinctive rasp, heartfelt lyrics and a work ethic that’s taken him from backroom bars to major festivals, Finn Forster looks primed to leap into the national consciousness. As he readies his next run of releases and builds momentum across the UK, don’t be surprised if these anthems start showing up on bigger stages and bigger playlists.

For Fans Of: Paolo Nutini, Stereophonics, Chris Stapleton
Start With: “Feels Like”

Freddie Halkon

Freddie Halkon is the sound of late nights and early mornings, of scribbled lyrics on the back of receipts and the ache of growing up too fast. Hailing from South Yorkshire, this young songwriter is already turning heads with a style that pairs indie-rock grit with the storytelling warmth of a born troubadour. Whether he’s strumming acoustic ballads or leaning into punchy, full-band arrangements, Freddie’s music always feels honest and close to the bone.

Tracks like Room 26 and Carry On Where We Left Off showcase his knack for capturing everyday moments with disarming clarity. There’s a sense of real life running through each song: conversations overheard, heartbreaks endured, and small victories savoured. That authenticity has built a loyal following, from university halls to regional venues, where crowds belt back every word.

It’s a balancing act few could pull off, studying law at university by day and playing sold-out gigs by night, but Freddie seems to thrive on it. Over the past year, he’s opened for The Reytons, racked up tens of thousands of streams, and made his mark on festivals like Tramlines and Live at Leeds. With every show, the buzz grows louder.

Freddie Halkon’s appeal is simple: songs that feel lived in, delivered with a voice that sounds like your mate pouring their heart out over a pint. It’s that combination of down-to-earth relatability and genuine talent that’s got industry insiders tipping him for bigger stages. As he prepares new material and expands his reach, this is an artist you’ll want to say you discovered early.

For Fans Of: The Reytons, The K’s, Courteeners
Start With: “Room 26”

Florentenes

Manchester-based Florentenes are masters of the kind of shimmering indie that feels tailor-made for festival fields and long drives home. With a sound that threads together jangling guitars, soaring vocals, and a touch of cinematic ambition, they’re quickly becoming one of the North’s most exciting new bands.

Their breakout single Glue set the tone, an anthem full of bright melodies and restless yearning. Follow-ups like The Gun and Miss Undertsands have only strengthened their reputation for crafting songs that get lodged in your head for days. There’s something unmistakably hopeful about their music, even when it grapples with heartbreak and uncertainty. That emotional pull has earned them a fast-growing fanbase who turn up in force to sing every lyric back at them.

Live, Florentenes channel the same energy that’s made their recordings so addictive. Their gigs have become word-of-mouth events, packing out venues across the north and beyond. It’s no surprise they’ve been championed by BBC Introducing and tapped by tastemakers as a band destined for bigger things.

While plenty of groups chase that euphoric indie rush, Florentenes have found a way to make it feel fresh again. They’re not afraid to embrace huge choruses or lean into vulnerability when the moment calls for it. Each track feels like a snapshot of growing up and growing apart, set to a soundtrack that makes you want to dance your way through it.

With new releases on the horizon and momentum building by the month, Florentenes are well on their way to breaking out of Greater Manchester and onto national playlists and festival lineups. Now’s the time to get on board.

For Fans Of: The Strokes, The Lathums, Two Door Cinema Club
Start With: “Glue”

Five Lines

Born in London and raised on a steady diet of anthems, Five Lines are the kind of band that thrive on sweaty gig rooms and singalong choruses. Their sound is sharp-edged and urgent, big hooks, driving basslines, and the sort of lyrics that capture exactly what it feels like to be young, skint, and hungry for more.

Their recent single Nosebleeds sums it up perfectly: a blast of wiry guitars and no-nonsense attitude that feels made for closing time chaos. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to grab your mates and belt out every word, pint in hand. Other releases like Semi Nude and See Red show the same knack for packing raw energy into three-minute bursts without losing their melodic instincts.

On stage, Five Lines have earned a reputation for leaving it all out there, sweat, conviction, and the kind of chemistry you can’t fake. Those live shows have seen them play a number of London venues, building that local fanbase. The connection is real: crowds turn up not just for the tunes, but for the shared feeling of something happening right here, right now.

With a slowly growing catalogue of singles and word spreading fast in 2025, Five Lines are perfectly positioned to step up to bigger stages and broader audiences. They’ve got the songs, the attitude, and the work ethic, and in a scene always searching for the next great guitar band, they feel like the real thing.

Keep an eye on them, because these choruses are only getting louder.

For Fans Of: Wunderhorse, The Enemy, Fontained D.C.
Start With: “Nosebleeds”

Fortune Teller

If you’re craving heavy riffs with a melodic heart, Fortune Teller are ready to oblige. This metalcore outfit have built a reputation for balancing bone-rattling aggression with sky-high choruses that feel impossible to ignore. It’s a sound that nods to the giants of modern metal while staking out their own urgent territory.

Only two singles behind them at the moment The Fortune Teller and Savage Seas, are showcases of that duality. One moment, vocalist Theresa Smith is unleashing guttural roars over thunderous breakdowns; the next, she’s delivering hooks you’ll find yourself humming for days. It’s a formula that’s earned them early acclaim, not to mention a fiercely loyal following who turn their gigs into cathartic communal experiences.

The last year has been a blur of milestones. They’ve shared bills with As Everything Unfolds and InVisions, and snagged a slot at Bloodstock Open Air, no small feat for an independent band still early in their journey. Each live show feels like a declaration: Fortune Teller are here to take this as far as it will go.

As they look ahead to bigger tours and more releases, there’s no question this band are on a collision course with the wider metal world. Watch this space, because Fortune Teller are coming for the main stage.

For Fans Of: Architects, While She Sleeps, Polaris
Start With: “Savage Seas”

Frankie Dobson

Frankie Dobson is the North East’s best-kept secret, though probably not for much longer. With an instinct for melody and a knack for finding the poetry in everyday life, he’s crafting indie pop that feels both effortlessly catchy and deeply relatable. His songs are built on breezy grooves, shimmering guitar lines, and lyrics that land like late-night confessions.

So far we only have two released tracks,Candy and Move to LA, but both are perfect examples of what makes Frankie stand out. They’re warm, hook-laden and just a little bit nostalgic, evoking the feeling of driving nowhere in particular with the windows down. It’s no wonder that crowds across Stockton and Teesside have already embraced him as one of their own.

Live, he’s equally compelling. Whether it’s a packed festival stage at Stockton Calling or an intimate venue set, Frankie has that rare ability to make a room feel like it’s in on the same secret. He’s also earned early love from BBC Introducing, who were quick to flag him as a regional standout. That buzz is only growing as word spreads beyond the North East.

But it’s more than just the songs, it’s the heart behind them. There’s no pretence in what Frankie does. His music is open-handed and unguarded, built on the small truths that stick with you long after the last chorus fades. It’s the sound of someone writing because they have to, and that urgency is what makes every release feel special.

With more singles in the pipeline and a growing profile across streaming platforms and festival lineups, Frankie Dobson is quietly setting himself up for something much bigger. Get in now, before the secret’s out.

For Fans Of: Sam Fender, Ten Tonnes, Tom Grennan
Start With: “Candy”

First Time Flyers

If you think country belongs exclusively to Nashville, First Time Flyers are here to prove you wrong. This UK four-piece have taken the warm glow of Americana and fused it with the polish and hook-laden energy of British pop. The result is a sound that feels tailor-made for radio, road trips, and festival singalongs alike.

Their story reads like a modern country fairy tale. All four members, Poppy Fardell, Vicki Manser, Tim Prottey-Jones, and Jake Morrell, were already respected artists in their own right. When they joined forces, the chemistry was immediate. Songs like Happier and Heartbreak Handshake showcase their effortless harmonies and an optimism that feels downright infectious.

Since their debut, First Time Flyers have wasted no time making an impact. They sold out their first headline tour, racked up BBC Radio 2 airplay, and secured slots at The Long Road and C2C, two of the UK’s biggest country stages. Their live shows are all feelgood energy, tight musicianship, and choruses that make you want to raise a glass.

What sets them apart isn’t just the slick production or the foot-tapping melodies. It’s the sense of togetherness in their music, four voices locked in perfect harmony, telling stories about love, hope, and finding your way back home. They’re living proof that country music, done right, speaks to everyone.

As they prepare their debut album and expand their reach across the UK and beyond, First Time Flyers look poised to be the country-pop breakout that finally pushes the genre into the British mainstream. If you haven’t heard them yet, now’s the perfect time to jump on board.

For Fans Of: Lady A, The Shires, Little Big Town
Start With: “Happier”

Foxglove

Manchester’s Foxglove are quietly becoming one of the most irresistible new names in indie-pop. Their music is a glistening blend of lush guitar textures, shimmering synth flourishes and choruses that feel purpose-built for summer nights. It’s dreamy, melodic and just the right side of melancholic, perfect for anyone who likes their indie with both sparkle and substance.

Singles like Run and Night Drive showcase what Foxglove do best: big hooks wrapped in warm, atmospheric production. There’s a polish to their sound that sets them apart from the pack, but underneath it all is an emotional honesty that grounds every track. These aren’t just songs to soundtrack good times, they’re songs to lean on when life gets complicated.

Their live shows have become something of a rite of passage for Manchester gig-goers. Whether packing out Night & Day Café or opening for rising indie favourites like Larkins, Foxglove have built a reputation as a band who can turn any room into a sea of phones and voices lifted skyward. That connection is real, and it’s growing fast.

Beyond the stage, they’ve racked up streaming numbers that prove they’re resonating far beyond their hometown. Each release feels like another step up, another reason to believe this is a band ready to make a national impact. With new music on the way and momentum building every month, Foxglove are on the cusp of something bigger.

If you’re looking for the next band to fall head over heels for, start here. Foxglove are proof that indie-pop can still feel fresh, vital, and full of heart.

For Fans Of: The 1975, The Japanese House, Larkins
Start With: “Run”

Fiona-Lee

Yorkshire’s Fiona-Lee delivers a quietly powerful take on alt-folk, blending intimate storytelling with a voice that feels both tender and deeply resonant. Her songs capture moments of vulnerability and strength, painting vivid emotional landscapes that linger long after they end.

Tracks like Mother and Through It All are perfect examples of Fiona’s gift for crafting music that’s both delicate and cinematic. The subtle acoustic arrangements build around her expressive vocals, inviting listeners into stories that feel personal yet universal. It’s folk music that speaks in whispers but echoes loudly.

Her live shows have earned her respect far beyond her local scene. From intimate venues to festival stages, Fiona has a way of connecting that feels unguarded and sincere, like a conversation with an old friend. This sincerity has helped her build a dedicated and growing fanbase eager for every new release.

Fiona-Lee is part of a new wave of folk artists who are expanding the genre’s boundaries without losing its heart. Her songwriting strikes a perfect balance between modern and timeless, ensuring her music feels fresh yet deeply rooted in tradition.

As she moves towards a debut album and wider recognition, Fiona is one to watch closely. Her quiet confidence and remarkable storytelling suggest she’s just getting started, and that bigger things lie ahead.

For Fans Of: Billie Marten, Lucy Rose, Julien Baker
Start With: “Through It All”

The Forensics

Lancashire’s The Forensics bring a fresh injection of jangly, post-punk-infused indie that’s as urgent as it is melodic. Their sound mixes razor-sharp guitars with driving rhythms and vocal hooks that hit with both bite and heart. Each track feels like a tightrope walk between brooding atmosphere and singalong choruses, making their music perfect for late-night gigs and early morning replays.

Songs like Same Maxine and By My Side highlight their ability to combine dark, moody textures with infectious melodies, creating a tension that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish. The band’s knack for storytelling adds depth, painting vivid pictures of city life and personal struggle with a raw, unfiltered honesty.

The Forensics have carved out a reputation on the Preston and Lancashire live scene, their growing presence has earned them airtime on BBC Introducing Merseyside and support from indie tastemakers who recognise their potential.

What sets The Forensics apart is their seamless blend of post-punk grit and indie rock accessibility. They manage to sound fresh and timeless all at once, capturing the spirit of their city while pushing their sound forward. Their steady stream of singles showcases a band on the brink of a bigger breakthrough.

With an authentic DIY ethos and a hunger to grow, The Forensics are poised to make waves beyond their hometown. Keep an eye on them they’re building momentum fast and look set to break through in a big way in the coming years.

For Fans Of: The Murder Capital, Courteeners, Fontaines D.C.
Start With: “Maxine”

That wraps up our journey through ten standout artists whose names all start with F but whose sounds span the spectrum of modern music. Each of them is carving their own path, building dedicated followings, and proving that the next wave of essential artists isn’t just coming, it’s already here. Bookmark this list, hit play on their recommended tracks, and keep watching: we’ll be back soon with the letter G and another batch of future favourites.