Abbie McCarthy’s Future Karma returns! In a series of shows across London in January and February 2025, Future Karma will be hosting twelve of the UK’s most hotly tipped rising stars across four dates. Tickets are on sale from 10am Wednesday 27 November.
We had a chat with Future Karma founder, award winning TV and Radio presenter, podcast host and DJ Abbie McCarthy about what we can expect from these upcoming shows! Full line-up, dates and information below.
Hi Abbie! Thanks for chatting with us!
Hiya! It’s a pleasure.
In its fourth year now, Future Karma has hosted an array of artists in their infancy who have gone on to become successful, widely celebrated acts. What do you look for in an artist when curating your lineup?
For me, it’s all about authenticity and connection. I’m looking for artists who bring something real to the table – whether that’s through their storytelling, their amazing energy on stage or how they engage with their fanbase.
It’s not simply about talent, it’s about creating an experience. I love artists who really build a world for their music that as fans we can get lost in. When an artist can make people feel seen, understood or inspired, that’s when they truly stand out.
You’ve been a key player in helping to spotlight up and coming talent in the industry. What do you find are the biggest challenges facing artists today?
One of the biggest challenges for artists right now is just cutting through the noise. There’s SO much talent out there and while social media and digital platforms have made it easier to get your work out there, it’s also made it harder to stand out. Everyone’s competing for that same slice of attention and it can feel overwhelming.
It’s not just about artistry anymore – new acts have to wear many hats – creator, marketer, sometimes even manager – which can leave less room for actually being creative and making the thing that matters the most – the music!
And honestly, access is still a massive issue. Not everyone has the same resources, connections or opportunities to get their work seen. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping emerging talent, I always want to provide a platform where they can show off their talent.
How impactful have events like Good Karma Club and Future Karma been in highlighting these issues and providing a platform for these artists?
I hope the night is helping and empowering new artists to gain visibility and more opportunities as that is the exact mission of Good Karma Club, and what we’ve always set out to do from the off!
I also think there’s something powerful about being part of a lineup, it can be inspiring to share a stage with other talented artists and to feel that sense of community. It reminds new artists that they’re not alone in the grind and hopefully gives them a boost of confidence to keep going and building.
The gigs are a chance for artists to play in front of an audience they might not reach otherwise – new fans, people from the industry and sometimes other artists too. That kind of exposure can open doors, whether it’s connecting with fans, catching the attention of someone who can help elevate their music or maybe even finding a key collaborator. We’ve had people meet through our nights that have gone on to work on hit songs together, or artists who’ve then been picked up by national radio or even booked to play live on TV for Jools Holland. I’m really looking forward to building the Good Karma Club community and seeing what 2025 has in store for our next lineups!
Can you shout out any act in particular that you are excited to host on the bill this year?
Ah, this is the tough question! I am genuinely buzzing with the whole lineup for Future Karma but I’ll pick Florence Road – it’s so cool to be hosting their first ever UK show! An all female band from Ireland who have built up a really dedicated fanbase online and have huge potential and incredible songs to come… I think they’ll be massive by this time next year so remember the name!
Future Karma London 2025:
Wed 29 Jan | The Lower Third | Florence Road, Beattie, Mudi Sam
Thu 30 Jan | Oslo | SILK, Douvelle19, Dada Jones
Fri 31 Jan | The Lower Third | Soap, My First Time, Florentenes
Wed 05 Feb | Oslo | Crystal Tides, Balancing Act, Cliffords
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