New Year, New Sounds

2026 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for many upcoming artists, adding a fresh wave of talent ready to redefine genres and captivate audiences in the rapidly evolving music industry. Emerging artists across indie, pop, and alternative genres are pushing creative boundaries with storytelling, exceptional vocals, and electrifying performances. Many artists are carving out unique identities that are poised to break into the mainstream in the coming year. Here are a few artists to keep an eye on. Watch closely, as you may see some of these names making it big in 2026!

Jake Minch George album cover

Jake Minch is a 22-year-old from Connecticut who is slowly carving out a space for himself in the indie scene with his direct, emotionally resonant songwriting that’s both unfiltered and intimate. His music leans into his own vulnerability without overproducing it; he lets his soft vocals and layered instruments truly create his own sound. His music is authentic and raw, sounding like late-night thoughts put on tape. His debut album, George, was released in November and is best experienced with headphones on and distractions off. The lead single “Fingers and Clothes” has become a trending audio on TikTok and other social media platforms, where users post experiences that have stayed with them throughout their lives, set to Minch’s song. If you haven’t heard it yet, consider this your sign to take a listen.

Truman Sinclair is a 23-year-old  indie-rock and folk singer-songwriter from Chicago. He’s had a long journey in the music industry. In his early years, Sinclair played in an emo-metal band called Frat Mouse, for which he recorded and produced multiple albums before starting his solo career. Making this switch revealed Sinclair’s clear resonance with folk and honest songwriting. In the past year, he released his debut album, American Recordings, which features heartfelt tracks such as “Sit By My Fire” and “Chicago Flood,” followed by “dustland,” an evocative single that poetically explores coming of age amid uncertainty. Truman Sinclair excels at blending intricate instrumentals with deep lyrics and soft yet distinctive vocals. His sound is truly compelling and worth discovering for anyone who loves earnest lyrics and an indie-folk-driven sound. 

Photo by JOE CALIXTO

Teenage Wrist is a Los Angeles-based alt-rock band that has been quietly developing a sound blending shoegaze and grunge, with heavy ‘90s influences. After forming in 2014, they released their debut EP, “Dazed,” and later their full-length debut album, Chrome Neon Jesus. This album showcased their love for fuzzy guitars, emotive lyrics, and driving rhythms. Over the years, they’ve evolved and tried different things, which truly makes them great musicians. Earth Is a Black Hole (2021) is one of their more introspective albums, while Still Love (2023) is more expansive– marrying raw emotion with a more textured and polished production that marks their growth as musicians. With a large and diverse catalog, Teenage Wrist is poised to reach a broader audience and gain recognition among fans of heartfelt, guitar-driven rock.

Holly Lieba is an actor and singer/songwriter from Las Vegas. She began her journey at age 5, appearing in a few short films and developing her passion for singing. In her later years, she was cast as the lead role in Matilda the Musical’s second regional run. In 2025, Lieba began releasing her own music, and since then, she has gained attention among underground music fans for her distinctive voice and heartfelt songwriting. Her first single, “Close We Are,” showcases her expressive tone and ability to deliver lyrics that create an intimate, fresh feel. What makes her voice particularly compelling is its unique character, blending youthful clarity with old-soul depth, conveying strength in her vulnerability, which really makes her vocals shine and makes her music stand out in the ever-growing indie landscape. Holly Lieba offers authentic music, making her growth inevitable as more people discover her. 

Eulansis is a small artist who's carving out a moody and introspective sound whilst blending electronic, punk, alternative, and experimental pop. Their music often pairs striking atmospheric soundscapes with emotionally direct lyrics, creating a listening experience that’s immersive rather than loud. On tracks such as “The Comedown” and “Like I Always Do” from the Stargirl EP, layered electronic textures and reflective vocals pull you into a contemplative mood. Tracks like “Same Old!” and the single “Outside” showcase how Eulansis balances catchy melodic ideas with thoughtful lyrical depth, making their sound distinctive among emerging pop and alternative artists. That combination of emotive storytelling and textured production gives Eulansis the potential to connect deeply with listeners who crave music that feels as much as it sounds.

SEQUOIA is an independent artist from Orange County, California. The 17-year-old musician has been writing and producing her own music since she was 15. Her genre-blending singles sit comfortably between jazz, soul, and experimental pop. Her recent single “love doesn’t grow on trees” and earlier releases such as “RUN” and “slow burn” showcase SEQUOIA’s thoughtful songwriting, atmospheric production, and her deep emotions through her vocals. Her projects speak quietly but linger. Over her years as an artist, she has grown as a musician. She’s been able to expand her creative capabilities to better serve her audience and connect with them. Her sound stands out for being lush and soft, and for balancing vulnerability with sophistication, creating moments that feel both personal and universal to listeners. SEQUOIA has not broken into mainstream yet, making her music a gem for those who love discovering artists before they get big; a musician who's ever-evolving, with creativity that’s just starting to unfold. Become a fan of hers before SEQUOIA becomes a household name!

As the new year unfolds, these few artists represent the quiet corners of the music industry where some of the hardest and most meaningful work is happening and just waiting to be discovered. There are too many talented artists to count who have the potential to make it mainstream; now is your time to discover them. They may not dominate the charts or stats yet, but give them a chance; their genuine honesty, originality, and willingness to take creative risks set them apart from others. Discovering them now is not just about being an early fan but being a part of what the future of music looks like long before the rest of the world catches on. These artists are quietly shaping the industry. Be a part of that– listen before everyone else does.