Leading the Sounds of 2026: US

As we look ahead to 2026, we are spotlighting a group of artists who continue to stand out through their originality, consistency, and steady creative growth. Over the past year, these artists have built real momentum through new releases, live performances, and the daily work that happens behind the scenes. Leading the Sounds of 2026 is our way of recognizing the foundation they have laid while looking ahead to what’s next. Based on everything we’ve seen so far, we genuinely believe these artists are positioned for a strong year ahead, and we’re proud to support them as their journeys continue. 🎶 🔥 Without further ado, here are our final picks for artists Leading the Sounds of 2026 in the US…

Leading the Sounds of 2026: US

BECCS

BECCS is an alternative pop artist known for her fearless songwriting and emotionally raw vocal delivery. Named one of NYLON Magazine’s “favorite cool girls” and a John Lennon Songwriting finalist, she creates music that holds up a mirror to both herself and the world around her, blending playful modern pop with a timeless, Laurel Canyon–inspired warmth. A SXSW official artist, BECCS has toured nationally, opened for Pussy Riot, and earned critical praise across outlets like KCRW, Refinery29, and HuffPost. Her latest EP stay moist is a bold, colorful indie pop project that showcases her vulnerability, wit, and unmistakable voice. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

HAFFWAY

HAFFWAY is the musical project of Tulsa-born and Nashville-based singer-songwriter and producer Sam Westhoff, known for blending folk, indie, and alternative sounds into emotionally rich, cinematic songs. What began as a personal creative outlet turned into a standout artistic chapter with early releases like the Prequel EP, followed by acclaimed singles and his 2025 album Wither, which explores themes of love, loss, and resilience. His track “Right Here” gained wider attention through its placement on Grey’s Anatomy, and he’s since toured with artists like Brent Cobb and Elle Coves, connecting deeply with audiences across North America. With his dual strengths as both a performer and a producer, HAFFWAY continues to craft music that’s intimate, reflective, and resonant.  // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Jasmine Kelly

Jasmine Kelly is a Thailand-born, Hong Kong–raised indie pop artist now based in New York City. Blending intimate indie pop storytelling with the warmth of bedroom R&B and alternative production, her sound moves between delicate vulnerability and bold experimentation. Drawing from her roots in Asia and her life in New York’s indie scene, Jasmine creates music that bridges cultures and genres with ease. As a fully self-producing and self-releasing artist, she crafts each song with care, layering lush harmonies, subtle electronic textures, and confessional lyrics that feel both personal and universal. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Jimmy October

Jimmy October is a multi-genre, award-winning artist from Trinidad and Tobago whose sound blends Caribbean tradition with global influence. He first made his name locally as a poet and rapper, opening shows for artists like J. Cole, Major Lazer, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Machel Montano, before landing his first international release in 2017 with Steve Aoki on the track “No Time.” Since then, Jimmy has leaned fully into his roots, crafting what he calls “New Calypso,” a groove-driven fusion of soca and calypso with elements of Afrobeats, dancehall, hip hop, and R&B. Praised by FADER as “Trinidad’s newest musical innovator” and named one of Complex UK’s artists to watch, Jimmy October continues to push Caribbean music forward on his own terms. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Lila Iké

Lila Iké is a Jamaican singer-songwriter known for her distinctive delivery, old-school sensibilities, and modern-day swagger. Raised in Christiana, Jamaica, she first performed at local open mic nights before being signed by Grammy-nominated artist Protoje to In.Digg.Nation Collective. Her debut EP The ExPerience earned critical acclaim and a MOBO nomination for Best Reggae Act, with performances on NPR Tiny Desk and A Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Lila has collaborated with artists like Protoje, Ini Kamoze, Jorja Smith, and Davido, creating music that celebrates love, positivity, and social consciousness. With her first full-length album on the horizon, she continues to captivate audiences around the world. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez

Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez is a singer, composer, pianist, and music educator whose work blends jazz, R&B, folk, and singer-songwriter traditions. Known for her lyrical clarity and emotional vulnerability, she has performed at venues including Joe’s Pub, Brooklyn Bowl, MoMA PS1, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. A Bard College graduate with a focus in Jazz Studies, Raina has collaborated with artists such as William Parker and D.D. Jackson, and served as an artist-in-residence at the Millay Center for the Arts and Ancram Center for the Arts. Her seamless, sultry style and emotive songwriting continue to captivate audiences across genres and stages. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Shepherd

Shepherd is a Miami-based artist whose music is rooted in faith, culture, and purpose. Raised within Cuban and Costa Rican-American communities, he was drawn to hip hop early on through his older brother’s influence and has since built a sound that blends high-energy production with Latin rhythmic bars and message-driven lyrics. In 2024, he released his EP Familia Forever and founded the label of the same name, which quickly secured multiple sync placements across major platforms. With over 25 million streams and collaborations alongside artists like Social Club Misfits, Ace Hood, and Lizzy Parra, Shepherd continues to create music that motivates, uplifts, and reflects his commitment to both his heritage and his faith. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

The Elovaters

The Elovaters are a progressive roots band from Massachusetts known for their reggae-infused rock and chart-topping releases. They burst onto the scene in 2018 with their #1 Billboard Reggae album Defy Gravity and have since earned accolades, including Artist of the Year and Live Act of the Year at the 2022 New England Music Awards, as well as Reggae/Ska Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards. Their music has appeared on CBS’s Hawaii Five-0 and in the World Series Parade for the Boston Red Sox, with heavy rotation on SiriusXM stations like No Shoes Radio and Margaritaville. Touring across North America and the Pacific Islands in support of their 2023 album ENDLESS SUMMER, The Elovaters continue to captivate fans with their high-energy performances and uplifting sound. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

The Space Ocean

The Space Ocean is an independent band from Zapopan, Mexico, led by vocalist, guitarist, and producer Omar de la Rosa alongside Josel Vega, Jose Pablo Leyva, Karla, and Alexis Hurtado. Their sound blends dreamy guitars, emotional vocals, and nostalgic textures that sit between alternative rock and dream pop. With releases like No Me Rescates and Sadness Is a Pretty Girl, The Space Ocean has become part of a new wave of Mexican indie artists crafting cinematic, emotionally honest music that resonates beyond language and borders. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Wendy Wang

Wendy Wang is a Chinese-American artist whose music blends electro-pop lullabies with the haunting textures of dark indie-alternative rock. Raised between Beijing and California, she brings a unique cultural perspective to her songwriting, weaving emotionally raw lyrics and strong melodies that explore love, mental health, and her passion for animals. With a signature sound that is both intimate and cinematic, Wendy Wang creates music that resonates deeply with listeners and leaves a lasting impression. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

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

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