Festivals Ashleys, Rodrigo Ramírez, Miss Blanche & more: meet the winners of Mad Cool Talent 2025
Ahead of the Spanish weekender kicking off this week, we take a glimpse at some of the more local, emerging artists who are set to take to the stage.
While Mad Cool Festival prides itself on bringing together some of music’s biggest names for four days of unforgettable entertainment - look no further than the stacked bill of Olivia Rodrigo, Nine Inch Nails, Iggy Pop and more - the festival and its organisers equally understand how important it is to support the next generation of artists too. That’s exactly why they’ve teamed up with Vibra Mahou for the Mad Cool Talent contest, which, in 2025, will give six artists the chance to perform across the festival’s bill.
What’s more, a selection of these artists are local to Madrid itself (like Ashleys or Lavin) so if you fancy getting a glimpse into the local music scene while you’re in the Spanish capital, look no further. To mark the occasion, we asked the festival to guide us through the acts that have been chosen. So, without further ado, meet this year’s Mad Cool Talent winners…
LAVIN
“Lavin, an emerging band from Madrid, are carving out their own space in the music scene. Blending the energy of powerful rock guitars with touches of hyperpop and breakcore, they create a vibrant and catchy sound that’s seen them rise as one of the winning bands of Mad Cool Talent 2025. Their lyrics delve into the complexities of human interactions, the pulse of modern city life, and technology. With their first tracks and several live shows already under their belt, Lavin are set for a solid, rhythm-filled journey ahead.”
Lavin play the Mahou Reserva on Thursday 10th July at 6pm.
WILL KOLAK
“From Tbilisi to Mad Cool, with a stop along the way to win Mad Cool Talent 2025, Will Kolak has established himself as one of the most hypnotic and enigmatic acts in the Caucasus alternative scene. His sound drifts between atmospheric post-rock, minimalist psychedelia, and an electronic sensitivity that disarms with its delicacy. His debut album, ‘All My Friends and Enemies Are Fine’, captures a post-Soviet, lo-fi essence, and his debut at Mad Cool 2025 promises to be a sensory journey that will leave no one unmoved.”
Will Kolak plays the Mahou Reserva on Friday 11th July at 6pm.
JØL
“In the clutches of the capital, JØL was born — a synth-punk and industrial rock project that fuses infectious melodies with sonic hostility. With a fiery and loyal fanbase, JØL are one of the winning bands of 2025’s Mad Cool Talent, having also packed out venues in Madrid and played in other cities such as Barcelona, Granada, and Valencia. Their explosive live performances — brimming with theatricality, sensuality, and violence — have led them to conquer the alternative scene, elements that are clearly reflected in their latest single ‘ROCKNROLL’.”
JØL play the Mahou Cinco Estrellas on Friday 11th July at 6.40pm.
ASHLEYS
“Hailing from Salamanca and Madrid, Ashleys have emerged as one of the most promising acts with their alternative pop rock sound. The group — made up of members Bea, Marta, Roi, and Mónica — is known for its fresh and authentic approach, creating a sound that blends introspection with boundless energy. Their music defies labels, offering a unique proposition within today’s scene. With releases such as their double single ‘Cómplices para matar’, the quartet are forging their own path towards a successful future.”
Ashleys play the Mahou Reserva on Saturday 12th July at 6pm.
MISS BLANCHE
“Inspired by musical icons such as Lauryn Hill, Silk Sonic, and Jill Scott, Spanish-Swiss artist Miss Blanche, currently based in London, is emerging as a promising figure in the R&B genre. Her sound blends soulful vocals with hip-hop rhythms, pop-jazz chords, and catchy R&B melodies, enriched with clear funk influences, while her lyrics explore themes of female empowerment and love. Her 2024 debut single, ‘Destined to be Alone’ introduced her to the music scene, evoking the sounds of ’90s R&B. And with several live performances under her belt in cities such as London, Madrid, and Liverpool, Miss Blanche is paving her own way towards a successful future, following her win at the latest edition of Mad Cool Talent by Vibra Mahou.”
Miss Blanche plays the Mahou Cinco Estrellas on Saturday 12th July at 6.45pm.
RODRIGO RAMÍREZ
“Hailing from Madrid, Rodrigo Ramírez arrives at Mad Cool as an artist bringing a fresh voice to the music scene. His sound blends melodic vocals with contemporary rhythms and carefully crafted chords, showing clear influences from singer-songwriter traditions. His lyrics explore themes of everyday life, personal reflections, and love, and his debut single introduced him to the public with a fresh sonic approach. With several live performances in venues across the capital, Rodrigo Ramírez is steadily developing his musical career.”
Rodrigo Ramírez plays the Mahou Cinco Estrellas on Saturday 12th July at 9.45pm.
All of these artists will play Mad Cool Festival, which takes place from 10th-13th July 2025 in Villaverde, Madrid. Find out more and get tickets at madcoolfestival.es.
This article is brought to you as part of our media partnership with Mad Cool Festival. Check out our playlist below.
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