Artists on the radar for 2026: Part 2

2025 was an impressive year, overflowing with incredible releases across every genre. As we look ahead to the new year, it’s the perfect time to spotlight the rising stars poised for breakout success. From soul and pop to indie, rock, and beyond, this list of 2026 Artists on the radar has something for every music lover.

Kayla DiVenere

Kayla DiVenere brings a rare multidimensional presence to alt-pop, seamlessly blending her background as a working actress with a sharply defined musical voice. Having already made her mark on screen through roles in Love, Victor, Law & Order, and Light as a Feather, with a forthcoming feature film The Swallow on the way, Kayla translates that storytelling instinct directly into her music. Her songs are anchored by introspective, emotionally candid lyrics and instantly memorable melodies, positioning her alongside artists like Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Gracie Abrams while still sounding unmistakably her own.

Equally compelling is Kayla’s organic momentum and deeply engaged Gen Z audience. Her growth reflects genuine fan connection rather than fleeting virality. Her latest single "Final Girl" fuses her love of horror and storytelling into a riveting and empowering banger. She has had a recent sync placement on Amazon’s Motorheads, further propelling her into the spotlight. With more music to come and a plethora of live shows, Kayla DiVenere is entering 2026 with both creative credibility and measurable traction, an artist poised to break through on a larger scale.

Jade LeMac

Jade LeMac is an artist to watch in 2026 because she pairs rare emotional precision with a growing cultural presence that feels both timely and lasting. With a pen that zeroes in on pop’s most vulnerable corners, the Vancouver-based singer-songwriter has built a melodic world defined by honesty, intimacy, and quiet strength. Her breakout single “Constellations” didn’t just resonate, it endured, earning Gold certification in the U.S. and Platinum in Canada while finding new life through high-profile syncs on Netflix and film. Each subsequent release, from Constellations to Confessions and her latest EP It’s Always At Night.

Beyond the songs themselves, Jade’s momentum is undeniable. Her openness about her queer and Vietnamese identity, combined with an authentic connection to fans, has fostered a deeply loyal audience and critical acclaim from major outlets. Industry recognition, from GLAAD’s 20 Under 20 to an Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist nomination, has been matched by a rapid rise on major stages, including standout festival appearances at Lollapalooza and Osheaga and touring alongside Maren Morris. As she heads into 2026 with a full slate of festival dates and high-profile support tours on the horizon, Jade LeMac is positioned at a pivotal moment: an artist whose emotional clarity, representation, and expanding live presence signal a leap from emerging favorite to essential voice in pop’s next chapter.

Secret Rendezvous

Secret Rendezvous is a band that has already built a rare balance between classic soul credibility and modern relevance. The duo composed of Sietske Morsch and Remi Lauw draw clear inspiration from timeless icons like Prince and Minnie Riperton while channeling the contemporary smoothness of artists such as Cleo Sol and Lucky Daye. That blend has translated into real momentum: their music has received airplay from tastemakers including KCRW, Pharrell on Beats 1, BBC and more. Their debut album For Real earned critical acclaim, their songs continue to appear in major TV shows like Love Island Australia and Good Trouble in the US, and their cover of “At Your Best (You Are Love)” has surpassed 3 million streams, clear proof of both reach and staying power.

Their latest album In Between Dreams is a soul-laced genre-fusing musical awakening. The ten track album explores themes such as self liberation, love and connection. Secret Rendezvous enter 2026 poised for their biggest year yet. Known for their rich, full-band live shows, they’ve already toured extensively across The Netherlands, the UK, Germany, Belgium, and France, building a loyal international audience along the way. In spring 2026, they’ll kick off a new tour in the Netherlands with plans to expand further across Europe, alongside acoustic and remix releases that will keep the album evolving. At the same time, the duo is heading back into the studio to create new material they can immediately road-test live, a sign of an act still pushing forward creatively, and one that’s clearly just getting started.

Sarah Hollins

Sarah Hollins occupies a rare intersection of literary depth and electrifying indie rock musicianship. An indie singer-songwriter from New Jersey now based in Los Angeles, the artist balances her life as a public librarian with a fiercely creative musical career, a duality that deeply informs her work. Her songwriting has garnered much critical acclaim, while her live performances at iconic venues including Capitol Studios, The Troubadour, BottleRock Napa Valley, and more signal both credibility and momentum. Backed by a strong academic foundation in creative writing and information science, Hollins brings precision, narrative clarity, and emotional intelligence to her songs, qualities that set her apart in an increasingly crowded indie landscape. Her latest single "Mother" is an indie rock dream built on strong melodies and heightened instrumentation.

Looking ahead, 2026 marks a pivotal expansion of her artistic vision. She is currently collaborating with acclaimed producer Erik Kertes, with two new singles and an EP slated for release in early and spring 2026, respectively, projects poised to elevate her sound. Beyond original music, Sarah Hollins plans to release a series of covers that reimagine male-written songs through a feminine and queer lens, reinforcing her commitment to reinterpretation and representation. Sarah Hollins is positioned not just for visibility in 2026, but for lasting artistic impact.

Velvet Chains

Las Vegas’ Velvet Chains have quietly built the kind of momentum that turns “buzz band” into a breakout act, and all signs point to 2026 being their biggest year yet. The band have charted on the Active Rock Charts, landed Top 5 Most Added two weeks in a row, and added to rotation on SiriusXM’s Octane, a rare trifecta for a rising rock act. Velvet Chains are known for their electrifying, arena-worthy hard rock and their latest single "How The Story Ends" is no exception. The single with an important existential meaning shows the band asking the question of how do you search for meaning in a world that seems broken and uncertain?

What truly sets Velvet Chains apart is their global touring experience and aggressive release strategy. With national and international tours under their belt, and shared stages with heavyweights like Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Stone Temple Pilots, Sepultura, and Hinder, the band is road-tested and ready for the next level. 2026 marks plans for a major U.S. support tour, more music and European, and Brazilian festivals. Rather than chasing momentum, Velvet Chains are engineering it, making them not just a band to watch in 2026, but one poised to claim it.

Sylvia Black

Sylvia Black is a multi-faceted force in contemporary dark music, and her upcoming album Shadowtime, set for release on January 16, 2026, positions her as one of the most compelling artists to watch next year. The gothrock femme fatale has built a reputation for crafting immersive soundscapes where pitch-black textures meet post-punk urgency and new-wave allure. The first tastes of her upcoming album include the recently released single "Talking in Tongues”, where she delves into nostalgia and futurism, blending hypnotic rhythms, cinematic layers, and visceral emotion. And the ethereal "Long Gone Gardens" featuring a riveting bassline and dream-laced vocals.

Beyond her distinctive sound, Sylvia Black’s versatility and artistic rigor make her a standout in 2026. A seasoned performer, bassist, producer, and songwriter, she has collaborated with luminaries from Tony Visconti to Moby and fronted projects ranging from the East Village band Kudu to high-profile pop collaborations. Her approach to songwriting, building from bass foundations to vocal peaks, reflects a meticulous craft that balances technical mastery with raw emotionality. Sylvia Black is an essential voice in the continuing renaissance of dark, cinematic indie music.

Sumi X

Sumi X is an alt-pop powerhouse rewriting the rules of pop music. With raw lyrics, soul-drenched vocals, and a passionate stage presence, she blends her jazz and trumpet roots, Indian and Caribbean heritage, and influences from icons like Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, and Florence and the Machine into a sound that’s entirely her own. Her live shows are unforgettable, merging music, poetry, and dance into immersive performances that leave audiences buzzing long after the last note. Her latest single is the upbeat pop banger "Watch Me". The track impresses as Sumi X shows off her unique sense of swagger and confidence.

In just a few short years, Sumi X has garnered a fanbase all around the world, performed a private show for Ne-Yo, and shared stages with legends like Wynton Marsalis and the Plain White T’s. She’s collaborated with Grammy-winning producers and next-gen talent alike, all while championing Asian American artists as the host of Asian PaCivics. Bold, inventive, and unapologetically authentic, Sumi X is one of 2026’s must-watch artists, and she’s only just getting started.

Labit

Stephen Ordoñez aka Labit is a man of many talents. As an artist, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer, the Los Angeles-based Filipino-American impresses with his mesmerizing blend of soul-laced pop. His smooth vocals, storytelling lyrics and gorgeous melodies, has landed him viral success and rightfully so. Labit 's latest single "2" is a breezy feel-good indie pop meets soul banger featuring Patrick Hizon. The song features sparkly keys and honeyed- vocals for a seductive and enticing listen. Outside of his solo project, Ordoñez is a phenomenal and acclaimed songwriter whose countless credits (Emei, BYRNE, and more) across genres have earned him much industry acclaim.

With his genre-blurring sound, magnetic stage presence, and knack for unforgettable hooks, Labit is quickly emerging as one of 2026’s most exciting artists to watch. Whether in the studio or on stage, he delivers music that’s as soulful as it is infectious, and with new singles and high-profile tour dates supporting Galdive on the horizon, Labit is poised to make a major splash in the year ahead.

The Zappe Cats

The Zappe Cats are a band poised to make waves in 2026, blending the raw energy of punk with the melodic sophistication of alternative rock and flashes of post-punk texture. Formed by Venezuelan musicians Luis Irán, Lucas Paredes, and Ozzie Perez, the Miami-based trio has quickly become a fixture in South Florida’s independent scene, captivating audiences at iconic venues alike. Their 2025 EP MISU MISU, showed the band's fearless approach to songwriting, mixing distorted riffs, moody textures, and a playful yet surreal sense of rhythm. Their live performances, now enhanced with guitarist Fernando Salinas, combine tight, dynamic grooves with a compelling stage presence that leaves a lasting impression.

In 2026, The Zappe Cats are set to enter an exciting new chapter of growth and experimentation. The band is exploring darker soundscapes, unconventional rhythmic patterns, and a slower-burn tension in their songwriting, hinting at a more expansive and mature sound for their next release. Alongside this artistic evolution, the trio is broadening their reach geographically, planning shows beyond Florida for the first time and targeting festival appearances that match their energy and aesthetic. Early experiments with bilingual lyrics and shoegaze-influenced textures signal a widening of their creative palette, making 2026 a year of bold reinvention. With both their sound and ambitions evolving, The Zappe Cats are a band to watch as they carve out a distinct place on the national alternative scene.

Kabuki Love

Brooklyn’s Kabuki Love is the kind of rock project that demands your attention. Born during the 2020 pandemic, the band, led by the multi-talented enigma Rima N., fuses goth, new wave, punk, post-punk, grunge, and alternative into a sound that’s simultaneously dark, catchy, irresistible and haunting. With introspective lyrics, swirling guitars, and a keen sense for melodic eruption, Kabuki Love captures the tension and chaos of our times, carving out a space that’s both timeless and utterly of-the-moment. The latest single "Howling" features colliding guitar riffs, pitch-black bass and gutsy vocals that thrill, making for a compelling and experimental 2025 single release.

As 2026 approaches, Kabuki Love is gearing up for bigger releases, more live shows, and wider recognition. Their ambition is matched by a commitment to authenticity, music as a healing force that connects with listeners on a visceral level. With their signature blend of melancholy and energy, Kabuki Love isn’t just making music, they’re building an experience. Keep an eye on them: this is one project ready to leave a mark on the rock scene in the year ahead.