Mad Cool 2025 takes place next month. With a lush, astroturfed arena and a lineup featuring the coolest pop, rock and dance acts around, it’s got more in common with Coachella than any of the soggy festivals taking place in the UK this summer.
We’re not going to sit here and tell you to check out the headliners because, really, how much convincing do you need to go and see Olivia Rodrigo fresh from headlining Glastonbury? There’s also the pulverising force of Nine Inch Nails, Weezer’s power-pop anthems and Gracie Abrams’ heart-breakingly relatable songs that have set her on course to become the next Taylor Swift. All brilliant, all obvious picks.
Instead, we’re going to recommend you go and see some of the artists that are displayed in a slightly smaller font on Mad Cool’s impressive lineup poster. From buzzy newcomers to living legends, there’s something for everyone.
Royel Otis
Royel Otis’ 2024 debut ‘PRATTS & PAINS’ was full of dreamy, blissed-out summertime anthems that were made for afternoon festival slots, while last year’s huge UK headline tour proved the Sydney duo could make even the coldest of winter nights feel warm. Since then, they’ve toured with Halsey and teased a bunch of new music – with recent single ‘Moody’ a playfully upbeat jam that will sound perfect with a glass of Sangria in one hand.
Stick around to hear: ‘Sofa King’
