Five New Acts Not To Miss at CloseUp Festival

Next month, CloseUp Festival is taking over Colours Hoxton with a stellar line-up of new and emerging artists. Celebrating 10 years of the festival, the three-day event in East London will see performances by incredible indie and electronic acts from across the UK and beyond. Organised by CloseUp promotions and in collaboration with Signature Brew, CloseUp Festival will take over one of London’s most iconic music venues from 22nd to 24th May. 

The eclectic line-up of artists includes a headline set from Dublin’s electronic-infused indie four-piece milk, a late-night DJ set from alt-pop sensation Ellie Dixon and a whole host of acts for which 2025 promises to be a big year. CloseUp Festival is known for platforming the latest emerging artists! So, to help you find those new and unskippable tracks for your playlist and get ready for CloseUp Festival, here are five new acts you will not want to miss.

1 - CATTY

Following the release of her debut EP, ‘Healing Out Of Spite’ in October and selling out her first two headline shows in 2024, Welsh singer-songwriter CATTY will be rocking out on the CloseUp Festival stage. As the headline act on Thursday 22nd, CATTY promises to bring grit, honesty and a whole lot of energy with her WLW anthems. Think queer pop meets theatrics with a dark edge, CATTY is taking the music industry by storm. 

2 - Indoor Pets

Whilst hardly new to the industry, Indoor Pets are back on the scene following a four-year hiatus. With a slightly heavier edge, the Kent-based four-piece will be headlining the Friday night, with a set guaranteed to get the crowd dancing. Building momentum throughout 2024, Indoor Pets brought their alternative-rock hits to new and old audiences with a headline tour and the release of their second album ‘Pathetic Apathetic’. Following a much shorter hibernation since September, do not miss the chance to catch Indoor Pets live!

3 - Scout

Fresh from their first headline show in February, CloseUp Festival will be Scout’s first festival set. Scout’s soft indie-pop draws influence from across Europe, born in Hamburg, raised in Sweden and living in London. Gaining popularity throughout the last year, with numerous support slots including Dolores Forever, Scout released their second EP, ‘Winner’ in March. Exploring themes of femininity, Scout combines beautifully crafted synths with honest storytelling lyricism. Catch their set on Saturday 24th.

4 - Cruush

Manchester-based, Cruush are pushing the boundaries of alternative and indie music. Politically charged and prioritising artistic freedom, the band will be performing at CloseUp Festival on Saturday 24th. Often self-described as a shoegaze band (including in their Instagram bio), the four-piece combines dreamy vocals with distorted guitars and delay to create a unique and enchanting sonic world. Releasing their latest EP ‘Nice Things Now, All The Time’ last year, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for Cruush.

5 - Lala Hayden

British-Spanish artist, Lala Hayden, has been redefining herself as a solo artist over the last few years, creating infectious dance and electro-pop hits. Having already released two singles in 2025, ‘Rush Of Love’ and ‘Honeymoon Suite’, Hayden is set to release her second EP later this year. Do not miss Lala Hayden’s performance on Thursday 22nd.  

CloseUp Festival is taking place on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th May 2025 at Colours Hoxton, London. Tickets are available via DICE here.

Maisy Neale

@maisycreative

Image: CloseUp Festival Official Line-Up Poster

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