Artists on your radar for 2026

2025 is almost finished and it was a big year in music. From thousands of indie releases that garnered our attention to huge platinum selling artists' new albums including Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Lana Del Rey, Lily Allen, SZA, and more, this year's musical releases had something for everyone. Looking ahead to 2026, check out a collection of 10 risers who are ones to watch. This is the next generation of talent who should be on your radar.

Tash Blake

Tash Blake is emerging as one of the most compelling dance-pop artists to watch in 2026. At just 24, the Los Angeles–born, NYC-based performer has carved out a sonic identity that nods to icons like Madonna, Britney Spears, and Lady Gaga while remaining unmistakably her own. Her world is a fusion of grunge and glam, fueled by bold choreography, theatrical visuals, and a fearless emotional core. Tash Blake doesn’t just make music, she creates a universe where vulnerability becomes strength and pop transforms into high-impact art.

With two EPs, multiple supporting tour slots, and a string of sold-out shows across NYC, Los Angeles, Paris, and more, Tash Blake’s momentum is undeniable. Her latest release, “Die In Your Arms,” follows the success of “TOKYO” and “TOKYO (tashi’s version),” signaling a powerful new era marked by amplified sound and elevated performance artistry. As she continues to expand her creative boundaries and build a rapidly growing fanbase, Tash Blake stands poised for a breakout year, one that could redefine the next wave of pop in 2026.

Marie Ann Hedonia

Marie Ann Hedonia stands poised to be one of 2026’s most exciting risers thanks to her rare ability to merge genres without losing emotional clarity or sonic identity. With a background that spans techno, synth-pop, dark ambient, and jazz, her work continually pushes electronic music into new and unpredictable territory. Her collaborations with artists like Kristof Bathory and Scott Denman established her as a force in darker experimental circuits, while her acclaimed venture into jazz on Jeremy Pelt’s Woven showcased her versatility and musical sensitivity.

In 2026, Marie Ann Hedonia’s momentum accelerated with Lunar Eclipse, a deeply introspective solo EP that sharpens her voice as both composer and producer. Paired with Total Eclipse, a full-length project uniting her recent EPs, she’s entering the year with her most conceptually cohesive and sonically ambitious work yet. Add to that a national run of performances and a planned summer tour, and Marie Ann Hedonia is positioning herself not just as a prolific creator, but as an artist defining the future of hybrid electronic music. Her consistent evolution, creative fearlessness, and expanding national presence make her an essential artist to watch in the year ahead.

Joey Myron

Joey Myron is known as a musical outliner whose ability to transcend and fuse genres makes him a standout force. With his rich baritone vocals and a musical sensibility that bridges the timeless and the contemporary, he represents a rare kind of talent. Drawing inspiration from icons like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, The Weeknd, and Post Malone, he crafts a sound that sits comfortably between classic storytelling and modern edge. The success of the single “Chills,” created with renowned producer Mickey Valen and now surpassing 100 million streams, proved his ability to create culturally resonant music long before he found his true home in country.

Now rooted in Nashville, Joey Myron is redefining what country music can sound like. His collaboration with James Shelley and Michel Heyaca, signals a bold new chapter, merging cutting-edge production with the grit and warmth of traditional country influences. Together, they are shaping an Urban Cowboy aesthetic that feels as innovative as it is authentic. His latest single "Best Western" showcases his knack for crafting songs that are at once playful, soulful, and undeniable crowd-pleasers. Joey Myron stands out as a singular talent whose vision and skill set him up for a breakout year in 2026.

Mollie Elizabeth

Mollie Elizabeth enters 2026 with the unmistakable momentum of an artist who has already built her own world, and is now ready to expand it. Following the quietly seismic impact of her debut EP Dirty Blonde and the emotional clarity of her new era preview, “The Disappearing Girl,” she’s proving herself a singular storyteller whose songs feel both intimate and cinematic. Her ability to turn personal struggle into universally resonant art, paired with her whimsical yet melancholic signature sound, sets her apart as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most compelling new voices. With early collaborators including heavy-hitters like Dean Reid and GRAMMY-nominated Casey Smith, and a creative vision that stretches from production to visual direction, Mollie is building a catalog defined by craft, vulnerability, and world-building ambition.

As she gears up for a new EP on Neon Gold / Futures and a slate of 2026 live shows, Mollie Elizabeth stands on the cusp of a breakout year. From her first viral moment with “Vegas Venetian” to the recent introspection of “The Disappearing Girl,” she’s demonstrated an instinct for melodies that both soothe and challenge, offering refuge while pushing toward self-discovery. With new music on the horizon and an artistic vision growing more focused and fearless, Mollie Elizabeth is poised to become one of 2026’s most magnetic emerging artists.

Luisa Wilson

Hailing from Memphis and now based in NYC, Luisa Wilson is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter who "makes music for the pessimistic hopeless-romantics in the world." Known for her cutting lyrics, soul-drenched vocals and genre-defying musical releases, Luisa Wilson is carving her own path taking listeners around the world with her. Her music blends Jazz, pop, soul and Motown for a thrilling listen which has drawn comparisons to Olivia Dean, Eloise, Billie Eilish, and RAYE. Her recent single release "Love & Oxygen" entices with every note with her timeless vocals and heartfeltly poignant delivery. Her music makes the listener feel, in all the best ways.

Amassing over 1 million streams already, Luisa Wilson is set to share a five song EP in 2026. The upcoming music promises to blend a range of sonic landscapes and genres highlighting what makes this artist so captivating, her vocals and knack for touching the soul with her songwriting. Luisa Wilson will further be opening for artist MT-Jones at Baby’s All Right on January 20th.

Emmy Adelle

Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Emmy Adelle has rapidly become a force in the dance and indie-pop worlds, blending infectious dance-floor energy with deeply personal, cinematic storytelling. A self-taught producer and multi-instrumentalist, she has transformed her lifelong love of songwriting into a global presence, amassing over 500K Spotify streams and 10M TikTok views. Her viral single “About U” not only caught the attention of industry heavyweights like FISHER but also led to collaborations with top-tier engineers behind artists such as David Guetta, Ariana Grande, and Post Malone. Her latest single "Running" is a pop-dance thrill.

Looking ahead to 2026, Emmy Adelle is poised to take her artistry to new heights. She’s deepening her sonic palette through live instrumentation, expanded collaborations, and immersive visual storytelling, crafting a project designed to resonate. With plans to bring her music to festival stages and create a fully realized world for her fans, Emmy is not just building a career, she’s building an experience. Her rare combination of technical skill, emotional depth, and stage presence makes her one of the most exciting artists to watch next year, promising music that doesn’t just entertain but becomes a soundtrack to people’s lives.

Kelcey Ayer

After two decades as the co-founder, singer, and songwriter of indie-rock mainstays Local Natives, Kelcey Ayer is stepping into 2026 with a bold new chapter as a solo artist. The Colombian-American musician’s recent EPs, No Sleep and Hand Me Downs, capture the raw, intimate realities of fatherhood with a depth and vulnerability that has resonated with both critics and fans. From storytelling about neighborhood dogs to the sleepless highs and lows of new parenthood, Kelcey Ayer’s music merges his brooding indie-rock past with a tender, reflective lyricism, creating a sound that is entirely his own. With praise from major outlets and extensive radio play, it’s clear that Kelcey Ayer’s transition to a solo career is striking a chord.

Kelcey Ayer is set to further cement his presence in 2026 as a rising solo force. He will open for Jordana on her US tour in March, hitting 11 cities and delivering a special solo show in Chicago, giving audiences a glimpse of his growing repertoire. With new music on the horizon and a debut album in the works, the creative is poised to make 2026 a defining year. Combining the experience of a seasoned musician with the fresh perspective of fatherhood, Kelcey Ayer is an artist whose evolution, honesty, and melodic craft make him one of the most exciting acts to watch in the coming year.

MT Jones

UK soul singer-songwriter and creative powerhouse MT Jones is known for his timeless songwriting, irresistible vocals and a sound that feels both nostalgic yet fresh. The artist began performing as a kid, busking in the streets of Chester, England. After years of dedication, MT Jones began garnering acclaim from the likes of BBC and Jazz FM, drawing comparisons to Donny Hathaway, Carole King, and D’Angelo. His single release "Gentle Reminder" is a soul-drenched seduction filled with funk-fueled soundscapes and MT Jones' signature enticing vocals. The track touched audiences around the globe and the dynamic and powerhouse performer sold-out iconic venues across the UK.

MT Jones is set to play two special shows in the US, December 12th at the Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles and January 20th at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, NY. He further will tour Europe in February with St. Paul and The Broken Bones and is set to play the popular Floydfest in Virginia in July. Sky's the limit for this blue-eyed soul meets retro-R&B mastermind.

Naomi Jane

Naomi Jane is an artist to watch in 2026 thanks to her proven mastery of songcraft and relentless creative drive. A two-time International Songwriting Competition honoree, claiming 1st place in the Teen category in 2023 and 2nd place in Unsigned 2024, she has already demonstrated a maturity in songwriting that belies her age, complemented by a publishing deal signed at just 16. Since 2023, she has maintained a staggering output, releasing a new track every six weeks alongside an EP, with each song accompanied by a video, including three official releases that each surpassed one million views in under a month. This combination of consistent, intentional work and clear artistic vision sets her apart as a young artist building a lasting presence rather than chasing fleeting trends. Her latest single "I Cry" is an emotional alt pop banger that lets out all the feels.
Naomi’s impact is measurable and meaningful.

With over 9 million streams, 15 million video views, 200K followers, and a reach of 19.5 million through playlists, she has cultivated a genuine connection with her audience. Her artistry blends Joni Mitchell style world-building, Zach Bryan level lyrical specificity, Megan Moroney’s country edge, and an Alanis-esque alt-pop bite, all woven into a carefully planned narrative arc, the Letterman Trilogy and the forthcoming debut LP dissonance. Equally committed to using her platform for change, Naomi champions youth arts access and gun-violence prevention, demonstrating that her purpose extends beyond the stage. With the release of “IDWK” as the centerpiece of her breakout year, Naomi Jane is poised to define 2026 as a year of both artistic and cultural resonance.

D’Arcy

D’Arcy is an artist to watch in 2026, having made a striking entrance with her debut album The Art of Flying in November 2021. Garnering rave reviews, her work has been described as “scary good” and “spellbinding,” with her live shows selling out iconic venues like Los Angeles’ Fonda Theatre. D’Arcy has already played over 100 shows across the U.S., supporting acts such as She Wants Revenge and Lee DeWyze. Beyond her performances, she commands the DJ booth, spinning techno and house at New York City hotspots like Good Room, Le Bain, and Public, solidifying her presence across multiple facets of the music scene. Her impact was further recognized when she was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2025. Her latest single "One Night" is a raw, personal and unfiltered single all about having a relapse from sobriety. The pop-punk drenched rock track touched listeners around the world, as D'Arcy created an honest take on the struggle of addiction.

D’Arcy is poised to continue expanding her influence in music in 2026. She plans to release a full-length album while performing more live shows and DJ sets, bringing her signature energy to audiences nationwide. In addition to her artistic pursuits, she has launched her own artist management company, Til Death, and will continue signing and mentoring emerging talent. With her proven versatility, critical acclaim, and entrepreneurial drive, D’Arcy is not just a rising star, she’s a multifaceted force shaping the future of contemporary music.