Future Sounds 2025: Young West London Artists Shine on Stage for All-Star Music Industry Panel

01 April 2025 - Press release

Rising local stars perform for Coldplay’s Will Champion, Sharleen Spiteri, Big Zuu and Hollie Cook at the 10th anniversary of the Future Sounds competition.

The Tri-borough Music Hub and The Rhythm Studio marked the 10th anniversary of Future Sounds last week with a spectacular live showcase at Bush Hall in West London. Seven exceptional young acts took to the stage, performing an original song and a cover version each in front of a full house and an all-star panel featuring Coldplay’s Will Champion, Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri, rapper and broadcaster Big Zuu, and acclaimed reggae artist Hollie Cook.

After a dazzling evening of live music, 14-year-old R&B singer Domingos was named Future Sounds 2025 Champion, receiving a recording day at the world-class ThreeSixZero studios.

Future Sounds is a landmark annual event that champions emerging youth talent in West London by giving them the opportunity to perform at a professional venue and receive valuable feedback and mentoring from music industry leaders.Over the last decade, the event has been supported by influential names including Bryan Adams, Cerys Matthews, Guy Chambers, Gareth Malone, Amy Lamé and Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell.

In January 2025, more than 45 acts auditioned at The Rhythm Studio, with just seven selected to perform at the final in front of their peers, family, and leading music industry figures. This year’s event was made possible thanks to the generous support of music management company ThreeSixZero, live entertainment leader AEG Presents, recording artist Griff and live music curators Sofar Sounds - each contributing special prizes and performance opportunities for the young artists.

Panel member Will Champion of Coldplay commented: "It was a privilege to watch all of the extraordinary performers, each memorable in their own way. So much talent, so much energy and passion and such a feeling of camaraderie and supportiveness. What a fantastic night!"

Big Zuu added: "What a night, filled with talent! So happy to be involved and can't wait to see how these artists develop and become superstars in the future!"

Appearing for the third time as a Future Sounds panellist, Sharleen Spiteri said: "The level of musicianship was outstanding. This event never fails to remind me how much amazing young talent is out there, and of the nurturing and guidance provided by organisations like The Rhythm Studio and the Tri-borough Music Hub."

Hollie Cook added: "Future Sounds is such a special event. For young people to have a space to express their creativity and have their talent encouraged is so important, and it is a joy to be part of in any small way."

Stuart Whatmore, Head of the Tri-borough Music Hub, said: "We started this event 10 years ago to offer our local state-school students access to and opportunities within the music industry and to support their songwriting and performance skills. It has had a major impact on the lives of emerging young artists, giving them a springboard to the industry. Future Sounds does not happen on its own, which is why working in partnership is crucial. It is essential that the whole ecosystem can get better at joining up the dots between music education, grass roots venues and the music industry. We will continue to advocate for, fight for, and champion our state-schools to have access to the highest possible music education we can give them; and we invite others to join us and support us."

Chris Hodges, Founder and CEO of The Rhythm Studio, added: "In a world where equality of opportunity for young musicians is increasingly limited, we are enormously proud of the legacy of the Future Sounds competition as we celebrate its 10th Anniversary. Over the last 10 years Future Sounds has allowed hundreds of talented and deserving young musicians to experience the joy of performing at a leading professional music venue and receive guidance from inspirational figures from the music industry."