Zo Lief Win Record Store Day’s Unsigned 2025 Competition

The shoegaze/psychedelic dream-pop project of vocalist and guitarist Laura Chen and multi-instrumentalist James Attwood, the duo was selected from hundreds of entrants and will have their new EP, Hypnosis, pressed onto 500 vinyl records.

The band, who describe the win as a “pinch me moment," also win an exclusive mastering session at Abbey Road Studios, facilitated by Bowers & Wilkins along with Bowers & Wilkins bookshelf speakers and a Marantz amplifier. "Having the EP available in physical form will give the songs a new lease of life," add the band, " and give us more opportunities to connect with and grow our fanbase/listenership, and ultimately, will keep the EP's momentum ongoing whilst we zealously work on our next release behind the scenes."

Amon the judging panel, Karen Emanuel, CEO of Key Production Group and Breed Media, who will handle the vinyl manufacture, said "This was such joy to listen to, and the band presented really professionally. They are deserving winners!"

The win caps what Zo Lief called their “busiest and most fun year yet.” Record Store Day Unsigned focuses on providing tangible career support for artists at an early stage. The vinyl pressing and high-profile mastering session are intended to offer a significant boost in an increasingly competitive landscape for independent musicians.