Radio 1's Future Artist of the Month
Every month, Radio 1's presenters and producers pick a new artist who they see destined for big things.
These could be artists at any stage in their career - there is no strict criteria, they're just musicians that Radio 1 sees itself backing in the future.
See who we've picked since Future Artist of the Month first launched...
April 2026 - Samara Cyn
A LA-based rapper with a poetic skew, Samara Cyn went up a level with the release of 2026 EP 'Detour', which trades in smart, minimal production and some of her sharpest wordplay to date. 2025 saw her performing at Tyler, the Creator's Camp Flow Gnaw festival in the US, and before that she was invited to perform on stage with Lauryn Hill and opened for Nas at the Royal Albert Hall.
March 2026 - Audrey Hobert
American singer-songwriter Audrey Hobert stepped into the spotlight with the release of her hit single, Sue Me, in 2025, after playing a monumental part in the success of Gracie Abrams' hit record, The Secret of Us in 2024. Audrey's debut album, Who's the Clown, radiates her wit, charm and song-writing prowess, winning her fans across the globe. The album is a raw, open-door view into her experience of navigating the world as a "new" grown up, with her addictive pop sound and honest lyrics leaving you wanting more. Having started songwriting in 2023, the New Yorker has attained huge success with her hit debut album, tens-of-millions of streams and a world tour.
February 2026 - Erin LeCount
Erin LeCount first appeared on the music scene in 2017 after appearing on the first series of The Voice Kids, making it all the way to the final. The 22-year-old singer-songwriter has crafted not just a sound, but a whole visual identity, and her music has been described as having an ethereal, synth-pop, and gothic-pop vibe. The Essex born singer is known for her total creative autonomy – she began writing, recording and producing music in her garden shed in her youth, and even crafted her own set design for her appearance on the BBC Introducing stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool last year.
January 2026 - Fcukers
This duo, made up of vocalist Shanny Wise and producer and multi-instrumentalist Jackson Walker Lewis, formed in New York in 2022. Both members had previously been in indie bands and were looking to move more into electronic music. The last few years have seen them go from playing their first gig to collaborating with LCD Soundsystem, touring with Tame Impala and playing at Glastonbury.
December 2025 - EsDeeKid
EsDeeKid is a rising rapper from Liverpool, who started releasing music on Soundcloud in 2024 and quickly got recognised for his distinctive Scouse accent and his musical style, drawn from cloud rap. He swiftly went on to release a debut album, Rebel, in summer 2025. He keeps his identity private, wearing a balaclava in any visual content, a fact which has led to speculation about who he is. One popular internet theory linked him to Timothée Chalamet, which culminated in the two collaborating on a remix of his track 4 Raws at the end of 2025.
November 2025 - SIENNA SPIRO
London-based singer-songwriter SIENNA SPIRO only released her debut single in summer 2024 and in just over a year she has cemented herself as a rising star in the UK scene, at only 20 years old. She quickly garnered attention for her timeless voice and her soulful, mellow pop. The hype has continued to build around her since she dropped her debut EP earlier this year, culminating in the success of her latest single, piano ballad Die On This Hill, which has spent 5 weeks in the top 40 since its release in October.
October 2025 - kwn
Walthamstow's kwn (pronounced kay-one) is a rapper, singer and producer, and her skill and finesse has gained her a huge following since she started releasing music in 2022. Her raw, unfiltered R&B is known for huge choral moments, bold production choices, and lyrics celebrating queer love and desire. The last year has seen her perform at Wireless Festival and work with Kehlani on a remix of her single 'Worst Behaviour'. He started 2026 by appearing in Radio 1's Sound Of poll.
September 2025 - Sasha Keable
Years of hard graft have paid off for Sasha Keable, who's had more than her fair share of music industry setbacks but now finds herself on the cusp of stardom. Possessing one of the finest, most soulful voices in the UK today, she's proof that true talent pays off - it can just take time.
August 2025 - Jim Legxacy
Lewisham, south London rapper + producer Jim Legxacy had a hand in producing 'Sprinter', the huge 2023 hit for Dave and Central Cee. His collage-like approach, displayed in new project 'black british music', brings in vast influences from hip-hop, U.S. emo and nostalgic R&B. He cites Bon Iver, Paramore, Drake, Frank Ocean and even Daniel Bedingfield amongst his inspirations. He started 2026 by appearing in Radio 1's Sound Of poll.
July 2025 - Josh Baker
A firm favourite of Radio 1 Dance, Manchester DJ Josh Baker is making a name for himself worldwide via a future-facing take on house music.
June 2025 - Alessi Rose
Alessi Rose is a go-to new artist for Radio 1's Future Pop show, having performed in session for Mollie King back in 2024. She takes an honesty-first approach to pop, which recently earned her a support slot on Dua Lipa's Europe arena tour. This summer she opens the Other Stage at Glastonbury.
May 2025 - Kettama
Irish DJ KETTAMA is a firm favourite of Radio 1's Future Dance show - he even co-hosted a Friday night with Sarah Story back in March 2025. His fun-first approach to production nods to old school rave culture and hard-hitting techno. Standout track 'Feeling Emotions', which samples Mariah Carey, has become a staple on Radio 1 Dance.
April 2025 - Nemzzz
Nemiah Simms aka Nemzzz is a fast-rising Manchester rapper who's already collaborated with Central Cee (on the addictive 'RENT'S DUE'), and hit the UK charts with two mixtapes; 2024's 'Do Not Disturb' and 2025's 'Rent's Due'.
March 2025 - South Arcade
Self-described pop-rock 'Y2Kcore' four-piece South Arcade played a standout set at Radio 1's New Music gig in Halifax, back in 2024. They've since become a regular staple of our Future Sounds and Future Artists shows.
February 2025 – Matilda Mann
Folk sensation Matilda Mann cites Big Thief and Laura Marling as some of her inspirations, and she released debut album 'Roxwell' in Feb 2025.
January 2025 – ATRIP
The electronic artist merges club-ready sonics with dreamy soundscapes.
December 2024 - Victor Ray
The Newcastle-raised talent cites Ed Sheeran, J. Cole and Donny Hathaway as his early inspirations.
November 2024 - Doechii
Before landing a spot in the Sound of 2025 and winning her first Grammy, Radio 1 tipped rapper Doechii as Future Artist of the Month.
October 2024 – Mk.gee
A guitar prodigy unlike any other, mk.gee's breakthrough arrived in 2024 via the 80s-nodding album 'Two Star & the Dream Police'.
September 2024 - Jaz Karis
Gifted South London songwriter Jaz Karis is a regular favourite of Radio 1's Future Soul show.
August 2024 - A Little Sound
Fast-rising D&B star A Little Sound joined Radio 1 for a one-month Residency in September 2024.
July 2024 - POZER
The Croydon rapper's early tracks have a confidence-driven bounce. After being tipped as Future Artist of the Month, he landed a spot in the Sound of 2025 longlist.
June 2024 - Myles Smith
Luton-born popstar Myles Smith broke through in 2024 with the hits 'Stargazing' and 'Nice to Meet You', later being tipped in the Sound of 2025.
Note: The BBC is not responsible for content in external sites.
May 2024 - Chappell Roan
At the cusp of superstardom, Radio 1 tipped Chappell Roan as our Future Artist of the Month. A few months later, she won the BBC Sound of 2025 prize.
April 2024 - Artemas
Breaking through with 'i like the way you kiss me', Artemas is a British pop trailblazer with a serious eye for hooks.
March 2024 - Hannah Laing
The Scottish dentist-turned-DJ specialises in fast-paced, hard-hitting techno and trance.
February 2024 - Etta Marcus
London songwriter Etta Marcus looks poised to have a long and successful career - debut album 'The Death of Summer and Other Promises' set out a stall for boundary-pushing pop.
January 2024 - Sammy Virji
The London DJ has gone on to win Radio 1's coveted Essential Mix of the Year prize, at our 2025 Dance Awards.
