We hear from the winners of Future Sound of Nottingham 2025
Saffron Gray and Archy & the Astronauts were crowned Nottingham’s next big thing on Sunday…
Each year, the Future Sound of Nottingham (FSN) competition shines a spotlight on the region’s most exciting up-and-coming artists, offering them the chance to play one of the city’s most iconic stages - Rock City - and ultimately secure a coveted slot at Splendour Festival.
This year’s final showcased a stunning range of talent, with performances that moved crowds and left judges in awe. But it was Saffron Gray, Nottingham’s self-proclaimed RnB Princess with a voice that radiates soul and truth, and Archy & the Astronauts, a high-octane alt-rock trio with a flair for the theatrical, who rose to the top. Both acts impressed with authenticity, energy and a clear sense of identity - leaving no doubt they’re ready for even bigger stages.
We caught up with the winners to talk about their roots, Rock City and what’s coming next for them..
Saffron Gray
Hi Saffron! Can you introduce yourselves and tell us where in Nottingham you’re from?
I am Saffron Gray also known as ‘The RnB Princess’. I’m a singer-songwriter, I grew up in church where my love for music and passionate singing came from, so it’s very heart warming to see how my sound has evolved with the city that shaped me. I’m born and raised in Nottingham, firstly Radford then grew up in Bestwood.
When did you start making music?
This is such a a tricky question to answer directly as I have been writing and making songs from such a very young age. I released my first single on SoundCloud in college in 2017 and then started taking music a lot more seriously in University and released my first EP in 2019 called ‘Levitation’ working with Nottingham’s very own Homegrown talent 80pandchewsday, then moving on to work with the likes of SuperBeats and currently on my most recent project I have been working closely with GameChangerz - BD.
How would you describe your sound?
At its core, my sound is rooted in R&B and soul but is consistently evolving. I’m inspired by so many different genres I’ve grown up loving, so you’ll hear elements of garage, dancehall, gospel, and even a bit of alternative.
Right now, I’m exploring R&B with a dancehall twist as my heritage is Jamaican and new songs on my upcoming EP have a little bit of hip-hop influence, so it’s emotional but rhythmic as I don’t like to box myself in. I want to make music that feels real to me and moves people you never might get a R&B Reggae song out of me!
How did you decide which songs to perform at FSN?
I’ve written a lot of songs over the years so choosing wasn’t easy at all. I really wanted to perform something that reflects who I am right now in my career emotionally and artistically. I chose songs that feel personal but also allow me to share my vocal ability, have fun but connect deeply with the audience so for me it’s about choosing songs that move people and get the crowd involved - that’s what I care the most about!
How was the experience of playing Rock City?
Honestly, it was unreal. Growing up in Notts, Rock City is one of those iconic venues you dream of performing at. So to be on that stage, with my live band, pouring out everything... I will never forget it! The energy, the love in the room, it was just so magical.
What does the title of FSN winner 2025 mean to you, and did you expect to win?
Winning FSN means the world! But it’s not just a title to me - it’s recognition of my hard work, the tears, the quiet moments when I have questioned myself and asked what the hell am I doing? I left my job 3 months ago to pursue my dreams, I started busking to build confidence on stage, and practise intensely for opportunities like this.
So for this to happen shows me I must be doing something right! I hoped to win of course, but the competition was so strong, I had doubts and because I didn’t want the anxiety to take over, I was just focused on giving my best, so when Mark called my name, I was genuinely so overwhelmed, I started to cry!
How are you feeling about playing Splendour, and what should people expect from your set?
I’m beyond excited to hit the stage at Splendour! It is all still so surreal. But expect an emotional, soulful high energy performance. Me and the band will be back again bringing all the vibes. We hope to have people dancing one minute and goosebumps the next - I want it to be a full experience not just a set!
What have you got planned for the rest of the year?
I have got some exciting releases coming up, a release party for my upcoming EP ‘Pieces of Me’ on 25th July at LACE BAR Nottingham, tickets are available on Eventbrite, you can find the link on my social media platforms. I was recently selected for the Next GEN Youth Music fund so I will be releasing a project very soon with them. I plan to start busking in different cities to extend my confidence building and public interactions. Also I have some ‘Saffron Gray’ Merch coming very soon.
Archy & the Astronauts
Hi guys! Can you introduce yourselves and tell us where in Nottingham you’re from?
We’re Archy & the Astronauts, a boiler suit-wearing, alt-rock trio blasting out tunes somewhere between chaos and catharsis. Archy grew up in Long Eaton and is heading back to Notts after a stint surrounded by nothing but cabbage fields. Travis is Radcliffe born and bred, and Nathan… well, he’s from Lincoln (we let him off!)
When did you start making music?
Archy and Nathan met at college and have been writing and playing together for six years now. Archy’s been playing music since he could reach a fretboard, and Nathan got properly stuck in around age 15. Travis has been smacking the skins since he could hold a pair of sticks. He joined three years ago and has somehow put up with us ever since.
How would you describe your sound?
Imagine if classic rock, alt rock and pop punk went on a night out together and didn’t make it home ‘til 3am. We’re that perfect middle ground between headbanging and foot tapping. It’s chaotic, catchy and occasionally classy. Think music for mosh pits and car singalongs.
How did you decide which songs to perform at FSN?
We wanted to cram our full musical personality into just three songs - not easy, but we think we nailed it. We picked tracks that showed our range, brought the energy and most importantly, made us grin like idiots on stage. If we’re having fun, the crowd will too.
How was the experience of playing Rock City?
It was completely surreal, like all the planets aligned (yes, pun intended). Rock City is one of those places that feels legendary when you walk in, and playing on the same stage as some of our heroes was mad. We’ve done our fair share of pub corners and empty rooms, so this felt like a proper ‘pinch me’ moment. Also, shout out to the crowd, they were electric.
What does the title of FSN Winner 2025 mean to you, and did you expect to win?
It means the world. Every act absolutely smashed it and it genuinely could’ve gone to anyone. But winning has given us this huge push to take things up a gear. We’ll wear the badge with pride and use every opportunity it opens. Still buzzing, still processing!
How are you feeling about playing Splendour, and what should people expect from your set?
Still not sure it’s real, might need someone to pinch us. We’re over the moon (we’re legally obligated to make space puns). Expect a set that builds on Rock City but turned up to eleven. More energy, more noise and definitely more running around - mostly from Nathan, who treats stages like obstacle courses.
What have you got planned for the rest of the year?
We’re flying out to New York just a few days after Rock City to play shows with Kids Rock for Kids and Brooklyn Music Lab, a charity we’re proud to work with. Then it’s straight back for Splendour. No big deal, just a casual 7,000 mile round trip between gigs.
After that, it’s more releases, more shows, and hopefully building a team to take on some even bigger projects. Basically: no sleep, lots of tunes and having as much fun as humanly (or astronaut-ly?) possible.
Image credit: Jade Vowles