Artists to add to your summer playlist 2026

Summer is here and the weather is hot hot hot! But in between going to the beach, lake and summer music festivals, there have been some amazing music discoveries that have caught my radar. From indie rock, pop, electronic, hip hop, here are some artists to watch this summer. Add these gems to your favorite playlist.

"Ignition (feat. Echonomist)" by HAAi

HAAi is an innovator of sound. The London-based, Australian-born producer, songwriter and DJ, has just shared her latest single and music video featuring Echonomist. The layered electronic embrace entitled "Ignition" is off of her upcoming and highly anticipated dance floor focused album, DIGITiSE, set for release October 9th on Mute. With "Ignition", HAAi and Echonomist create an intoxicating dance banger filled with swirling synths, glitchy beats, deep crystalline grooves and warm vocals. The music contemplates what it means to be human in our increasingly digital landscape. The song thrives on community, collaboration and the importance of shared art, music and places.

The single arrives with a captivating and experimental music video, showing cuts of fast moving cars and HAAi covered in bright yellow post-its. The video feels nostalgic but also futuristic at the same time, mirroring the sonics of "Ignitions".

"Juntas" by Lauren Ruth Ward

The charismatic and electrifying rock artist Lauren Ruth Ward is back with another banger. Entitled "Juntas" the single is the highlight and title track off of her forthcoming Spanish-English EP. With "Juntas", Lauren Ruth Ward blends Latin-rhythms with psychedelic rock guitars and memorable lines for a must-hear musical escape. The single also features a viby groove-induced dance beat adding to the allure. She sings to a new love interest, "I'm afraid if I come to you / I won't come back to LA / Can you really make some room for me baby?"

In support of the new EP Lauren Ruth Ward is set to tour Mexico for a very special “Juntas Tour”. The tour is a journey built hand in hand with the people who have supported it from the beginning, her incredible fan club. Take a listen now and add this one-of-kind new single to your playlist!

"Island" by Alfie Jukes

Heartfelt and captivating Brighton-born singer-songwriter Alfie Jukes returns with his latest single, "Island." The emotional pop anthem explores the bittersweet experience of letting go of someone you love. Written about his sister moving away from home, "Island" pairs soaring melodies with intimate storytelling. He sings, "Hold it in / Keep it quiet / I do want the best for you," shows this relatable narrative. "Island" features warm production complete with lush acoustic guitars, an anthemic chorus and Jukes' signature heartfelt lyricism. The single is another standout addition to his ever-growing catalogue and a glimpse into the exciting future of one of the UK's most promising pop artists.

Alongside the release, Jukes has announced that he will join Asha on tour, marking his first-ever performances in the United States. Following the success of his three EPs, and a rapidly growing fanbase of more than one million followers across social media, Jukes continues to build momentum as both a songwriter and live performer. Equal parts uplifting and emotionally resonant, "Island" is a beautifully crafted pop offering that showcases his gift for honest storytelling and memorable songwriting.

"Light Show" by Zo Trapalot

Memphis rapper and hip hop riser Zo Trapalot is back with his latest single, "Light Show." Arriving fresh off the release of "Renegade" and following the announcement that he is the first artist signed to Key Glock's newly launched Cutthroat La Familia label, the track finds Zo delivering sharp lyricism and slick punchlines with effortless confidence. Anchored by a hypnotic hook and hard-hitting production, "Light Show" is a bold statement of ambition, success and self-assurance, offering an exciting preview of what's to come from the South Memphis native.

The single arrives alongside a high-energy music video directed by Cameron McDole, following Zo from his home to the club and out on the water beneath a sky illuminated by fireworks. Complete with flashy jewelry, luxury aesthetics and a cameo from Key Glock, the visual perfectly matches the song's larger-than-life energy set in the backdrop of Miami. Zo Trapalot continues to cement himself as one of Memphis' most exciting rappers, with "Light Show" marking another confident step forward.

"CHASE THE RABBIT" by TwoLips

Genre-defying artist TwoLips returns with a bold new project that showcases her fearless approach to music and storytelling. Blending elements of desert-metal, rap and afro-beat, the album entitled DIE ON EVERY HILL finds the New Mexico-born artist pushing creative boundaries while drawing from her lived experience as a multi-racial Black and Indigenous (Dena'ina, Lakota) woman. Rich with emotion, intensity and cultural identity, the album is a striking statement from an artist unafraid to carve out her own lane. One of the highlights is the track "CHASE THE RABBIT", a hard-hitting innovative musical piece driven by commanding vocals, razor-sharp lyricism, and punk-rock drenched sonics.

In support of the release, TwoLips will embark on a run of live dates across the Southwest, including performances in Los Angeles, San Diego, Albuquerque and Phoenix. Beyond music, she has built a multidisciplinary career spanning visual art, dance, circus and acting, earning appearances at SXSW, Echo Park Rising and Indigenous Peoples' Day Fest, alongside exhibitions in Los Angeles and Albuquerque. With a magnetic stage presence and a growing reputation for captivating live performances, TwoLips continues to establish herself as a singular creative force, making this latest release an essential listen for fans of innovative and boundary-pushing music.

"Kiss Me" by Zarenae

Los Angeles-based pop captivator Zarenae continues her rise with the release of her dreamy new single, "Kiss Me." Blending radio-friendly melodies with R&B drenched beats, the track is a cinematic love letter to the romance many grew up watching on screen, pairing seductive vocals with playful lyricism and modern production. She sings, "You should be here with me / I love it when you kiss me kiss me," showing her affection. Accompanied by a visually striking music video, "Kiss Me" showcases Zarenae's ability to create music that is equal parts heartfelt, confident and effortlessly fun, further establishing her as one of LA's most exciting pop artists.

Zarenae has been steadily building her own creative universe through Z World, an ever-growing community. After independently dropping multiple singles throughout 2026, launching original merchandise and continuing to craft memorable visuals, she has earned a reputation for her relentless work ethic and authentic connection with fans. With an unmistakable artistic identity, Zarenae is creating a world entirely her own, with "Kiss Me" marking another exciting chapter in her journey.

"UNDER THE NIGHT SKY" by Goodtime Greg

Los Angeles-based genre-collider Goodtime Greg returns with his latest captivating release. Called "UNDER THE NIGHT SKY", the single is an atmospheric alt-pop track exploring love, heartbreak and the clarity that comes with moving forward. Blending conscious hip-hop with dreamy melodies, electronic textures and a warm groove, the track showcases Greg's unique ability to merge genres, making his music feel freshly intoxicating. Through his measured, conversational delivery, he reflects on past memories, wild nights and promises of forever, ultimately finding beauty in the acceptance and growth that follows the end of a relationship. The cinematic music video shares this story in a visually impactful way.

Drawing from influences across hip-hop, alternative rock and electronic music, Goodtime Greg has crafted a sound resonating around the globe. With live performances at iconic Los Angeles venues including the Viper Room, the Bourbon Room and Lucky Strike, alongside opening for Mickey Avalon, Greg has established himself as a captivating performer with a powerful connection to his audience. "UNDER THE NIGHT SKY" captures the artist at his most authentic and relatable, proving that letting go can become the foundation for something new.

"Meet Me At Yours" by Gabriella Lin

Indie-pop singer-songwriter Gabriella Lin returns with her latest release, "Meet Me At Yours," an intimate and playful track capturing the excitement, uncertainty and vulnerability of developing a new crush. Blending warm bedroom pop with conversational lyricism, the song transforms everyday moments into a vivid portrait of early romance, where small gestures feel meaningful and every interaction carries the possibility of something more. The single features playful guitar riffs, sweet vocals, an upbeat sing-a-long worthy chorus and charming storytelling for a must hear summer soundtrack.

Raised between China and New Zealand and now based in Los Angeles, Gabriella Lin has built a growing reputation for her diary-like songwriting and emotionally rich indie-pop sound. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, she draws from themes of love, self-reflection and personal growth, creating music that embraces vulnerability while searching for moments of clarity and hope. Following the success of her breakout track "Biscuit and Tea," and a catalog that has reached millions of listeners across platforms in China, Gabriella continues to establish herself as a thoughtful and captivating voice in the indie-pop landscape. With "Meet Me At Yours," she delivers a heartfelt reminder of the beauty and uncertainty found in falling for someone new.

"Heavenly" by Maya Kuriel

Immersive LA-based singer-songwriter Maya Kuriel has just shared her highly anticipated new EP, A Quiet Collapse. The seven song collection explores the fragile space between falling apart and finding yourself again. Led by the standout single "Heavenly," the EP showcases her ability to transform moments of isolation, longing and self-reflection into emotionally powerful songs. The single begins with Kuriel;'s soft layered vocals soon ushering in a fuller confident and soulful tone. Haunting sonic backdrops and atmospheric synths add to the track's allure.

Maya Kuriel continues to redefine the boundaries of alternative pop with her unique blend of ethereal vocals, gritty textures and cinematic storytelling. Since debuting in 2020, the first-generation Korean American artist has amassed more than 2.5 million streams across platforms while building a sound that embraces emotional complexity and honest self-exploration. As she continues to carve out space for underrepresented voices in pop, Maya proves herself to be one of alternative music's most compelling emerging artists.