ALBUM OF THE MONTH: SAM FENDER - PEOPLE WATCHING DELUXE

Record shops know what’s coming next. So we asked them. UK independent record stores were invited to nominate the local artists they believe are ones to watch for 2026. No hype. No algorithms. Just genuine recommendations from the people closest to the music. Together with Jack Daniel's and Metropolis Studios, we’ve collated and curated five standout artists tipped by record shops across the UK; a snapshot of what’s next, according to those who live and breathe vinyl every day.

Record Store Day and Breed Media are delighted to announce Zo Lief as the winner of RSD Unsigned 2025, the nationwide competition celebrating the UK’s most exciting unsigned talent. Selected from hundreds of entries across the country, Zo Lief impressed the judging panel with their hypnotic and heavenly psychedelic dream-pop sound. Zo Lief is a Dutch/British duo, Laura Chen (vocals, guitar) and James Attwood (multi-instrumentalist), whose cinematic songs blend chamber pop, garage rock, and ’90s shoegaze. The panel included Karen Emanuel (CEO and Founder, Key Production Group & Breed Media), Emma Perks (Spinning Around Records), Elsie Chadwick (Head of Customer Services, Stamper Discs) and singer-songwriter Girli. As this year’s winners, Zo Lief will have their music pressed onto 500 vinyl records, courtesy of Breed Media - a music manufacturing and vinyl pressing agency which specialises in supporting emerging artists, after an exclusive mastering session at Abbey Road Studios, courtesy of RSD UK partner, Bowers & Wilkins. Zo Lief will also receive a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 bookshelf speakers and a Marantz Stereo 70s amplifier to support their ongoing music creation journey. Zo Lief said: “Releasing our new EP 'Hypnosis' on vinyl is a real pinch me moment for the band - the cherry on top of 2025, which has been our busiest and most fun year yet. Having the EP available in physical form will give the songs a new lease of life, give us more opportunities to connect with and grow our fanbase/listenership, and ultimately, will keep the EP's momentum ongoing whilst we zealously work on our next release behind the scenes. As vinyl lovers and collectors, it's a dream come true to get our own music pressed on vinyl. We are beyond excited to soon be holding our music in our hands!” Karen Emanuel, CEO, Key Production Group & Breed Media, said: “This was such joy to listen to, and the band presented really professionally. They are deserving winners.” Emma Perks, owner of Spinning Around Records, said: “I was immediately drawn to the angelic vocals and indie-pop sound. I know their music will go down incredibly well with my customers in store, and I’m already keen to get one of those vinyl pressings spinning as soon as they’re ready.” Elsie Chadwick, Head of Customer Services, Stamper Discs, said: “I loved the dreamy pop combination of their guitar and vocals. I’m delighted they won, I could listen to this song again and again .” Girli, Singer-songwriter, said: “I love the fusion of influences in Zo Lief’s sound, the bright sounds and vocals are infectious, and the live show looks so captivating. It was such a privilege to be able to listen to so much incredible music while judging RSD Unsigned this year!” Record Store Day Unsigned, the competition supporting emerging UK artists, has previously helped acts including 4 The Brotherhood, Currls, Amy Fitz Doyley, and Heavy Rapids, many of whom have gone on to secure radio play, tours, and festival slots.