A lovingly compiled guide to whatever ‘the talent’ decided counted as a highlight this year

Every year is full of big, showy cultural milestones, but the things people actually carry with them are usually smaller, stranger and much more personal. We asked a bunch of ‘the talent’ to tell us – in their own words – what genuinely made their 2025: the films that stuck in their heads for weeks, the gigs that shook something loose, the lyrics that knocked them sideways, and the real-life shifts that changed everything. 

CHLOE SLATER

On Hayley Williams changing everything (again)

A real positive highlight of my year has been the return of Hayley Williams’ solo music. Her first solo album, ‘Petals For Armor’, is one of my favourite albums and got me through lockdown, so to experience a new era of her music in such a different part of my life feels so special. The first I heard about the new music was after she sent her new songs to radio stations in the States, which I thought was such a cool way to build hype. I think the new album, ‘Ego Death At A Bachelor Party’, is such an exciting progression and a testament to my belief that I will always love anything Hayley Williams touches.

LUCY KATZ, DREAM NAILS

On the most chaotic gig of the year

Back in April, I went to see YHWH Nailgun at the ICA in London. I was initially drawn to them as they also have the word ‘nail’ in their band name, and solidarity is important in the music industry. The sound is impossible to pin down. If you wanted to be boring, you’d call it noise rock. Their album is a 21-minute chokehold of explosive, acidic bursts – a start-to-finish racket that’s both earthy and celestial. How?! As a live act, our brothers-in-nails play a chaotic and caustic show; the tension and energy helmed by Sam Pickard, who makes his drums scream and sing so that his beats feel warped and the songs feel primal. So expressive, so cool, so raw that it feels dangerous. I’m still feeling the aftershocks eight months later.

PHOEBE LUNNY, LAMBRINI GIRLS

On weaponised humiliation

One of the best things that happened this year was during Trump’s UK state visit. The activist group Led By Donkeys projected videos of Epstein and Trump onto Windsor Castle, while another group, Everybody Hates Elon, rolled out a 400-square-foot photo of Epstein and Trump outside the castle. Not only was this hilarious, but I absolutely subscribe to the notion that you can dismantle corruption by making someone look like a total bellend. Humiliation is a powerful tool, and considering that Trump’s visit cost the British taxpayer £15 million, it’s good to see us put that to good use.

PICTURE PARLOUR

On their favourite storytellers

Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard are a highlight of 2025 for Picture Parlour. We love everything they do, from their horror exhibition at Somerset House in 2023 to the release of their film ‘Broken English’ this year, which explores the life of the inimitable Marianne Faithfull. I become deeply immersed in everything they conjure because I’m hooked on their unique perspective and aesthetic that blends art, music and cinema. It’s inspiring that Iain and Jane lean into a hybrid storytelling of fact and fiction – that’s what songwriting is to me. The grey areas and the uncanny are the most exciting. I’d pretty much harvest my own organs to work with them one day. Until then, we celebrate them as a highlight of our 2025.

AVA JOE

On discovering David Lynch

This year, I indulged myself in a David Lynch film for the first time after hearing his name all around me. I watched ‘Mulholland Drive’ and have never finished a film that left me in such contemplation over its creepy and eerie storyline. I still don’t quite understand many things about the film, but that’s the beauty of it. More than anything, I understand how it made me feel – just like art should. I’ll definitely be watching more David Lynch films. I also found one of my favourite songs this year from the film, ‘I’ve Told Every Little Star’ by Linda Scott.

LIME GARDEN

On the film that hit too close to home

I watched Norwegian romantic comedy ‘The Worst Person In The World’ on an overnight flight to New York, and it left me with a bittersweet confusion. Growing up, I was obsessed with chick flicks and romance films, which has led me to endlessly search for someone to declare a grand gesture of love to me in the same vein as Mr Darcy or William Thacker. But this film was so painfully realistic and true to modern romance that I was stunned. It showed the power of choosing yourself and that nothing is set in stone. Everything can change at any moment, and that thought alone excites and terrifies me in equal measure. Everyone in their 20s who loves film should watch this. It moved me and solidified that nothing lasts forever – and that’s okay.

PIRI, PIRI & TOMMY

On a film that recharged everything

Tommy and I watched the Pharrell LEGO movie this year, and it hit us so hard. Hearing ‘I Wish’ by Stevie Wonder at the start of the film with the LEGO visuals was just insane. It was so cool to see how much music we also love inspired a legend like Pharrell. His story and the troubles he faced during his career hit us close to home, too. Being an artist is such a rollercoaster, and it was nice to relate to him in that way. A really inspiring film with incredible music – definitely encouraging for us putting out more funky music this year.

JADE BIRD

On two songs that kept her going

My highlight of 2025 would be stumbling across two songs. First, ‘Swimming Song’ by Loudon Wainwright. I’ve found myself in all sorts of places this year. This song has been on repeat every week since it came on randomly in a hotel room at The Chateau Marmont. Whether it was the joint or the spot or both, this song makes me feel lucky to be alive. It’s about swimming – that simple. Then ‘Nobody’s Fault But My Own’ by Beck. Sometimes I get a bit sick of music. I do most of my touring in the car, which I love, but finding 50 hours of music can be tough. This song is a total palette cleanser spiritually and musically. I love to play it on the road at night, where there are slow bends and opaque tree lines, but it always scratches the itch wherever I am.

BETTER JOY

On the album that reset her songwriting brain

I’m pretty obsessed with Lily Allen’s new album ‘West End Girl’. The storytelling is so good, and because it’s so story-led, that’s what caught my attention first. Then the more I listened, the more I fell in love with the melodies – intricate and deceptively simple, tied up in a catchy pop bow with an edge. Lily Allen’s songwriting just has so much flair, and I’m so here for it. As a songwriter, I can get caught up in the details, and this record reminded me to loosen up and enjoy the process. It’s free, brave and iconic. Favourite tracks: ‘Tennis’, ‘Pussy Palace’ and ‘Dallas Major’.

KATIE GREGSON-MACLEOD

On the poetry that shaped her year

My mum got me a poetry anthology for Christmas last year called ‘Every Night Is Full Of Stars’, and I’ve enjoyed picking that up some mornings and flicking through. The first one I read was ‘Small Kindnesses’ by Danusha Laméris, about the little acts in our everyday that show our instinct to be kind. It’s very sweet. The one by Brian Bilston made me smile and inspired a song out of me called ‘Serenity Prayer’. It’s a brief ode to an uneventful day we’ll never remember. I liked that idea.

CAVETOWN

On becoming a brother

This year, I got to experience the joy of becoming a brother for the first time. My little sibling was born in May, and despite being super busy touring and moving house, I was able to hold her when she was less than a day old. It was mind-blowing for me as an only child. I used to dream of having a little friend to grow up with. As time went on and my family disintegrated, I settled into the idea that it just wasn’t going to happen for me. When my dad told me the news, it brought up so many emotions, but at the forefront, I feel proud and excited to finally be a brother to this sweet little baby. I can’t wait to meet all the versions of them as they grow and to support them in ways only a sibling can.

GRETEL

On the album that hurts (in a good way)

I love the new Geese record so much that I can only stand to listen to it via their little social media soundbites. It’s like the music is so good that listening to a full song, let alone the album, is terrifying – like it hurts. So I haven’t listened to the whole record, but I don’t have to to know it’s my favourite of the year. I saw them at The George Tavern and it was the best thing I’ve ever seen. Timeless, but exactly what music culture craves right now. I’m sure I’m in the majority that can’t recommend them enough.

LUVCAT

On the record that knocked her sideways

I was absolutely floored by the release of ‘Getting Killed’ by Geese. Every so often, an album comes along that fiercely inspires you but also makes you want to give up trying. This record has all of my favourite things – maximalist, absurd, intricate, yet still free-spirited, with heaps of sharpness and swagger. And my favourite lyric of the year: “If you want me to pay my taxes / You better come over with a crucifix / You’re gonna have to nail me down.” Chaotic perfection.

Taken from the December 2025 / January 2026 issue of Dork, out now.