Leading the Sounds of 2026: APAC

As we look ahead to 2026, we are highlighting a group of APAC artists who continue to stand out through their unique creativity, consistency, and undeniable growth. Each of these artists has spent the past year building real momentum through their releases, live performances, and everything in between. Leading the Sounds of 2026 is our way of recognizing the work these artists have already put in while looking ahead to what’s next for them. Based on everything we have seen so far, we wholeheartedly believe they are set up for a strong year ahead, and we are incredibly proud to support them as their journeys continue. 🎼 🏆 Without further ado, here are our final picks for artists Leading the Sounds of 2026 in APAC…

Leading the Sounds of 2026: APAC

CED

CED is a bilingual rapper from Taiwan whose music blends modern hip-hop with sharp wordplay and personal storytelling. Known for his fluid switch between Chinese and English, he brings a natural cadence and calm confidence to his delivery. Emerging from Taiwan’s independent scene, CED has performed at festivals like Dawumen Hip-Hop Festival and LUCfest, collaborated with artists including LEO37, Keev, and Tongli, and recently marked a new chapter with his debut project, When All Is CED and Done, positioning himself as a standout voice in the new wave of Mandarin hip-hop. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Curos

Curos is a talented emerging artist making emotionally driven, pop-leaning music that hits with both heart and melody. Tracks like BABY YOU, Divine, and I WISH showcase his knack for personal, reflective lyrics wrapped in catchy, memorable hooks you can’t help but replay over and over. As he continues to grow his presence across streaming platforms, Curos is turning music into a force for connection and positivity, making him undeniably one to watch in 2026. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Haneri

Haneri, formerly known as Daphne Khoo, is an Australian-Singaporean singer-songwriter whose music blends pop and EDM with heartfelt lyricism. She first made waves with her 2017 single Burning Up, which charted in six countries and reached #9 on Singapore’s Spotify charts, followed by hits like Feel Alright and Real Love, featured on shows including MTV’s Catfish and Netflix’s Queer Eye. With collaborations spanning artists such as Charlie Puth, Kehlani, and Paloma Faith, and work with top EDM producers including Dash Berlin, Paul van Dyk, and R3hab, Haneri has built a global presence. Currently in her romantic era, she’s preparing her upcoming EP LOVE, and with over 59 million streams, she’s poised for an even bigger year ahead. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Harryan Yoosoan

Harryan Yoosoan is a South Korean sibling duo crafting soulful acoustic pop that blends intricate guitar melodies with rich, harmonious vocals. Their music moves effortlessly between heartfelt original songs and inventive covers, each carrying a genuine emotional weight. Known for performances that feel personal yet universally resonant, Harryan Yoosoan connects deeply with listeners while showcasing their versatility and creativity. With growing recognition across Asia and beyond, they’re stepping into 2026 ready to expand their sound and make their mark on a wider audience. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Over October

Over October is a pop/alternative rock band bringing high-energy hooks and heartfelt songwriting to every track. Fronted by Josh on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, with Lua on lead guitar, Anton on rhythm, Janessa on drums, and Joric on bass, the band blends catchy melodies with driving instrumentation that demands attention. Known for their dynamic live performances and infectious chemistry, Over October is turning heads and gearing up for a breakout year in 2026. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

SherryZ

SherryZ is a Taiwan-based singer-songwriter known for her smoky alto and genre-blending sound that fuses classic R&B and soul with modern alt-pop. Trained in classical music but inspired by legends like Anita Baker, Amy Winehouse, and Erykah Badu, she first gained recognition through college competitions and later placed 11th on Chinese Million Star. Her debut EP Night, one of Taiwan’s first crowdfunded vinyl releases, earned praise for bringing a soulful voice to the modern scene. With her upcoming album Time, SherryZ explores growth, heartbreak, and self-redemption through a mix of retro soul and trip-hop-inspired alt-R&B, highlighting her vocal depth and artistry while continuing to make her mark on the international music stage. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

SIVIA

SIVIA is an Indonesian singer-songwriter whose music blends heartfelt storytelling with emotional depth. From singing in choir at age five to launching her independent career with New York in 2019, she has crafted a body of work that includes the deeply personal album Love Spells and the hopeful EP Camellia. Her talent has taken her beyond Indonesia, including performing Reflection for Disney’s Mulan soundtrack. Now 28 and working on her second album Kenali, Terima, Pahami, SIVIA continues to explore identity, growth, and transformation, creating music that connects with listeners while setting the stage for an exciting and promising future. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Tash

Tash, the 23-year-old Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist Natasha Ami Palmer, has been turning heads with her soulful R&B-pop sound, silken vocals, and deeply personal lyrics. Discovered by American producer Mark J. Feist in 2016, she has released over 75 singles and 30 music videos, amassing more than 80 million streams across platforms. With her expressive songwriting and commanding presence, Tash continues to grow her artistry and is poised for an even bigger breakthrough in the years ahead. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Wicked Lights

Wicked Lights is the long‑forming musical project of Thailand‑born Two Charuson, whose global upbringing and wide range of influences inform a sound that sits at the intersection of indie rock, alternative folk, and cinematic songwriting. Over decades of honing his craft and mastering multiple instruments, Two has created music that moves between introspective anthems and lush soundscapes, from brooding tracks like Grasping At Straws to atmospheric songs such as Valparaiso and Have A Nice Dream, combining thoughtful lyricism with dynamic arrangement to explore themes of loss, hope, love, and resilience. With several LPs, EPs, and singles to his name, Wicked Lights continues to carve out a distinctive presence in the Asian music scene and shows a wide range of musical depth and storytelling power that points to even bigger creative moments ahead. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

XTIE

XTIE is a Grammy-recognised producer and singer-songwriter from Hong Kong who describes her music as “dance pop for introverts.” Starting out as a C-pop producer for other artists, she has emerged as a solo force with her “cosmic pop” sound, blending Electronica, Drum and Bass, Techno, and Progressive House with shimmering pop beats. Her 2023 introductory EP showcases intimate yet electrifying tracks that explore self-love, resilience, body positivity, and mental health, turning personal experiences into songs that resonate universally. XTIE continues to push boundaries in the Hong Kong pop scene, establishing herself as a bold, innovative voice with a bright future ahead. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Want to hear more of our favorite artists from the past year? 

Check out our ‘Best of 2025: Asia Pacific’ playlist on Spotify below…