Green Man Rising Finalists Announced

Five acts are set to compete to open Green Man 2025 in Cardiff live final hosted by Huw Stephens

The five shortlisted artists competing to open the iconic Mountain Stage at sold out Green Man 2025 were revealed yesterday, they include Shale, and also a Lesser Version, lots of hands, Sarah Meth and Wing!

Green Man, Wales’ largest music, arts and science festival has confirmed details of its 16th edition of the Green Man Rising Final, presented by BBC 6 Music’s Huw Stephens at Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff on 20th May from 7pm with free entry.

Chosen this year from over a record-breaking 4000 talented entrants, the finalists are all in with the chance of nabbing the opening slot on the Mountain Stage. A panel of leading music industry experts will select the winner on the night.

Part of Green Man’s pledge to support the festival headliners of the future, the esteemed Green Man Rising competition offers new artists from across the UK the opportunity to compete for a slot at the sold out 2025 edition of Green Man later this summer.

This year, the Rising final will include a Lesser Version from Liverpool, Leeds band lots of hands, London singer-songwriter Sarah Meth, Cardiff-based Shale and finally Wing! who are also London based. The winner will be awarded the coveted opening slot on the iconic Mountain Stage at Green Man 2025, following in the footsteps of 2024 Rising winners The Orchestra (For Now), who have since gone on to secure industry acclaim from BBC 6 Music, NME, Rolling Stone, The Line of Best Fit, Clash and many more.

The runners-up will not miss out on the festival and will perform on Green Man 2025’s Rising Stage, which has previously hosted the likes of BRIT Award winners The Last Dinner Party, Mercury Prize awarded English Teacher and Welsh legends Melin Melyn. Each shortlisted artist will also receive a professional recording at the festival, offering invaluable opportunities to showcase their talents to future labels, agents, festivals and more.

Meet the artists:

a Lesser Version

'a Lesser Version' are an upcoming alternative band from Liverpool and have release two albums to date since first releasing music in 2021. Combing elements of shoegaze, post hardcore and Midwest Emo, their genre blending songs are unique and captivating.

Shale

'Shale' cites the likes of The Cure, LCD Soundsystem, The Smiths and of course The Beatles as the way of best describing their sound. These groups gave the four young Cardiff boys the passion for great music that seeps together to form the unique Indie Pop, Punk, Dance stepping stone known as Shale. Their rise to stardom has been incredibly quick with support slots with the likes of Slate and Panic Shack and even their own headline gigs in some of the most iconic venues in Wales.

wing!

'wing!' is a mysterious indie artist from London with a enigmatic sound. With only two singles released to date and a limited social media presence, this is a project to discover and one to watch for the future. With cinematic sounds and a unique tone, they are an artist who you will want to see live.

Sarah Meth

'Sarah Meth' is a London born and bred artist. Her eclectic musical knowledge and vulnerable lyrics create a depth to her music which is groundbreaking. Never shy of expressing her thoughts and emotions, Sarah’s tracks have landed her in a secure spot in the ever developing music industry. With plenty of tracks influenced by various artists and genres, she is creating a new pathway for herself within the scene.

lots of hands

'lots of hands' are a duo from Newcastle who are continuing to grow and impress audiences across the country. They have just released their latest album 'into a pretty room' which is a creative and dynamic journey through a clever use of instruments and storytelling. Vibrant and exciting, they are set to engage the audience at the Green Man Rising final this year.

Free tickets for the Green Man Rising final are available now via Dice. Ticket holders in attendance will also be entered into an exclusive raffle, with 2 x tickets to the sold out, 2025 edition of Green Man to be won on the night.