Artists to Watch in 2026: A New Wave of Original Voices
The musical landscape is changing; it’s clear that molds have broken, and being authentic is increasingly more important than being trendy. That’s why we bring you a list of artists whose tours, albums, and songs you shouldn’t lose sight of in 2026, all with that magical ingredient: originality.
From queer experience with Vietnamese roots as a central narrative to the boldness of maintaining Spanish in the Canadian market, the definitive decision to stop living behind the scenes working for others, and the revival of the organic, analog, and emotional in a market flooded by AI, these artists are not just here to break the algorithm but to prove that you don’t need to copy to transcend.
Jade LeMac
Jade LeMac is driven by a message far beyond music. She has been crafting a pop sensibility anchored in emotional precision. Based in Vancouver and with a talent that includes mastery of several instruments, the artist has built her musical catalog around a message centered on her queer orientation and Vietnamese roots.
Looking ahead to 2026, Jade is stepping confidently into a phase of wider expansion. With tours planned from spring through fall, appearances at festivals, and potential support slots with higher-profile artists, the next year is shaping up to be a moment of consolidation.
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Izza
Izza writes pop like she’s writing in an open diary, with the city of Los Angeles always pulsing between the lines, evident in songs like her most recent EP, “Confessions of a Valley Girl.” A singer, songwriter, and producer, she’s also an advocate for mental health, and thanks to this drive, her name has popped up at events like the 320 Festival alongside Chris Martin of Coldplay and at Audacy’s We Can Survive 2023.
In 2026, Izza takes the first step in a new project with the release of “Swan Lake,” a track that marks the beginning of a more ambitious sonic and visual phase, set to arrive in January. With new releases, tours, and a schedule combining shows and festivals, the upcoming year is shaping up as a turning point for an artist who views pop as a space for personal affirmation and self-expression.
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Secret Rendezvous
Formed by Sietske Morsch and Remi Lauw, the duo Secret Rendezvous works from a place unhurried by trends, where the influence of the ’80s and ’90s coexists with contemporary sensibilities. Their music feels organic, warm, and meant to be heard in full, without skips. Across their releases, they’ve landed airplay on influential radio and television syncs, building a career rooted in consistency and discipline.
After the release of “In Between Dreams,” 2026 finds them ready to hit the road again. The year will be marked by a European tour kicking off in the Netherlands, new acoustic versions and remixes, and a return to the studio to keep expanding their repertoire. Secret Rendezvous moves forward without fanfare, betting that depth still has a place in today’s music circuit.
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Carol Ades
Carol Ades knows the craft inside and out. Before establishing herself as a solo artist, she wrote for major pop names, an experience that sharpened her perspective and storytelling. Today, based in Los Angeles, her personal project stands on clear lyrics, relatable performances, and an aesthetic that dialogues with indie and alternative pop without losing identity. Festival sets and tours alongside key scene artists have solidified her presence.
Though no formal announcements have been made yet, 2026 will be a year of new releases. Carol is preparing unreleased material that will continue expanding her sonic universe, with a proposal that prioritizes direct emotion and honest songwriting. Without rushing, her growth projects organically and steadily.
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Sharmond
From Louisiana, Sharmond’s music tackles grief, loss, and healing with deep sensitivity. Moving between pop and R&B with a narrative steeped in emotion, his recognition from media and cultural spaces tied to diversity is no coincidence, as his work stands on honesty that permeates both lyrics and aesthetics.
In 2026, that emotional journey culminates with “Before the Moon Rises,” a project developed over five years. It’s a body of work that condenses a complete life stage, inviting listeners to move from breakdown to rebuilding. The next year will be a moment of creative maturity for Sharmond.
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D’Arcy
D’Arcy built her career from the stage, with intense shows and a magnetic presence that quickly caught critics’ attention. Her debut album, “The Art of Flying,” was welcomed enthusiastically and led her on a U.S. tour. Simultaneously, her work as a DJ broadened her creative range and connected her with the underground electronic scene.
For 2026, D’Arcy is gearing up for a particularly active year with new shows, DJ sets, and the release of a full-length album. She will also continue developing her own artist management company, reaffirming her role as an integral figure in the music industry.
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JACE Carrillo
Despite building his career in Canada, Venezuela-born JACE Carrillo hasn’t shied away from his native tongue. From Montreal, he has leveraged the diversity around him to fuse Afro-Latin rhythms, pop, and R&B with Spanish lyrics. This cocktail of seemingly impossible mixes has taken him to festivals, awards, and recognition by international media as a music promise.
2026 is poised to be huge for JACE, marking a new chapter with the release of his third studio album. The project will include launch shows in Montreal and Toronto, plus tours across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
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Gabrielle Vaughn
Gabrielle Vaughn defies categories with her voice. Her music moves between pop, rock, and R&B with an intensity that amplifies live. With a solid trajectory in Nashville, she’s an active part of bands like ElectraQueens and Space Radio, keeping her engaged and relevant in the local scene. In 2026, she will continue releasing new music produced with Grammy winner Jesse Brock to deepen a more robust and visceral sound.
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Box Blonde
Box Blonde conceives music as a complete visual and narrative universe. Emily Mest, her real name, draws her aesthetic from classic European cinema and feminine duality, oscillating between intimacy and challenge. Every release acts as a piece in a larger story, carefully constructed. With her debut album slated for 2026, Box Blonde is preparing for a key year. New singles and live performances will give final shape to a project envisioned as a refuge where listeners can navigate.
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Sevi (Sevilla Merritt)
Based in Los Angeles, Sevi combines her artistic education with a constant curiosity to explore personal sounds and narratives. At her young age, she already displays uncommon discipline and clarity. In 2026, she plans a steady pace of releases, with new singles every few weeks and more live shows. Accompanied by seasoned producers and musicians, the upcoming year will be crucial in cementing her identity and expanding her presence in the emerging scene.
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