FOCUS Wales recently announced the first wave of artists for its 15th anniversary edition, taking place in 8th – 10th May 2025. From its beginnings as a grassroots music event, the festival has grown into one of the UK’s premier showcases for new and contemporary music, celebrated for its cutting-edge programming and commitment to emerging talent from the UK, Europe, and beyond. Following a record-breaking 2024—with over 250 acts and delegates from 21 nations— FOCUS Wales is once again set to highlight the global diversity of music while shining a spotlight on the vitality of the Welsh scene. The upcoming 2025 anniversary edition also introduces the start of a new partnership with Marshall, whose support will enhance the performer experience with world-class backline and upgraded artist village facilities.
Sarah Jones, Director of FOCUS Wales, shares: “We’re thrilled to reveal the first names for our 15th anniversary edition, which promises to be our most international and most diverse lineup yet. As always, FOCUS Wales will showcase an incredible variety of artists for fans to discover, and we have plenty of surprises still to come. This year, we’re also very excited to announce our partnership with Marshall, an iconic name in music. Their support will boost the artist experience and will help us to grow the festival moving forward.”
Nicole Ross, Head of Marketing EMEA at Marshall adds: “FOCUS Wales stands as a beacon for independent music, offering an essential platform for grassroots artists and emerging talent to thrive. Our partnership reflects a shared dedication to fostering creativity and supporting the vital work FOCUS Wales does in creating opportunities for new voices in music. By working together, we aim to elevate their incredible event and celebrate the transformative role it plays in championing the independent music community.”
The 2025 lineup reflects FOCUS Wales’ mission to elevate Welsh talent on an international stage, with headliner Gruff Rhys returning to the festival after his standout 2021 performance. Known for his ground-breaking work with Super Furry Animals and his acclaimed solo career, Rhys will perform material from his latest LP Sadness Sets Me Free. Other headliners include BRIT Award winners Nova Twins, the London-based duo blending grime and punk, and SPRINTS, the Dublin rock band whose 2024 debut album Letter to Self has garnered international praise.
With 63% of last year’s lineup featuring Welsh artists, the first announcement for 2025 confirms FOCUS Wales as a tastemaker event presenting the best of Welsh music to the world. Welsh highlights include LEMFRECK, who played his debut show at FOCUS Wales and now returns as a Welsh Music Prize winner, and Ogun, whose music and activism champion diversity, drawing on his journey as an asylum seeker in Wales. Afro Cluster brings infectious West African funk and Afrobeat, NOOKEE blends 70s soul with psych rock in their theatrical performances, and SAMANA offers haunting, string-infused soundscapes exploring themes of transformation. Acclaimed Welsh harpist Catrin Finch, known for her groundbreaking collaborations, joins Dublin’s Aoife Ní Bhriain, a virtuoso violinist in both classical and Irish traditions, in a stunning cross-cultural musical fusion. Cult favourites and experimental projects also feature prominently, with Das Koolies, formed by members of Super Furry Animals, delivering experimental psychedelia, and McLusky returning with sharp, post-hardcore energy after nearly two decades.
Once again, the FOCUS Wales 2025 lineup extends its reach across the UK, highlighting exceptional talent from Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. From Kent, non-binary alt-pop artist Paige Kennedy pairs infectious basslines, quirky lyrics, and synth-driven hooks, earning acclaim for their EP Babylotion and standout performances at Latitude and Sŵn. London’s Vanity Fairy delivers a captivating mix of ’80s-inspired synth-pop, sultry disco, and high-camp theatrics, drawing comparisons to icons like Kate Bush and Barry Gibb. Glasgow-based Zimbabwean rapper and singer-songwriter EYVE fuses hip-hop, trap, jazz, and African influences with a compelling message of inclusivity. Also representing Scotland, Kathryn Joseph, winner of the Scottish Album of the Year Award, offers raw, emotionally resonant performances that showcase her intimate, fearless sound. From Ireland, Derry/Donegal quartet TRAMP blends grunge-tinged indie rock with ethereal vocals and timeless melodies, channelling the spirit of Sinéad O’Connor and early Smiths.
Over the past decade, the festival’s international focus has grown steadily, with 22% of last year’s lineup comprising international acts. The 2025 edition is set to continue this tradition, with today’s announcement featuring artists from across Europe, as well as Canada, South Korea, and Somaliland. Highlights include Swiss indie-pop artist Anna Erhard, whose witty lyrics and adventurous grooves have made her a BBC 6 Music favourite; Dutch post-punk band Tramhaus, known for their fiery and cinematic live shows; and Canada’s The Deep Dark Woods, whose Celtic-infused gothic folk draws on surreal storytelling. Somali artist and cultural activist Sahra Halgan brings her powerful fusion of Somali song and rock, reflecting her tireless advocacy for liberty and female empowerment. With artists hailing from Cardiff to Jakarta, FOCUS Wales 2025 underscores its reputation as a platform where global and local music converge.
Supported by the Arts Council of Wales, Welsh Government, and PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Network, FOCUS Wales continues to champion emerging talent while connecting local and global audiences.
www.focuswales.com.
