Leading the Sounds of 2026: Europe

As we look ahead to 2026, we are spotlighting a group of European artists who continue to stand out through their originality, consistency, and steady creative evolution. Over the past year, each of these artists has been building real momentum through new releases, live shows, and the day-to-day work that happens behind the scenes. Leading the Sounds of 2026 is our way of recognizing the foundation they have laid while looking forward to what is still to come. Based on everything we have seen so far, we genuinely believe these artists are positioned for a strong year ahead, and we are proud to support them as their journeys continue. 🎧 ⚡️ Without further ado, here are our final picks for artists Leading the Sounds of 2026 in Europe…

Leading the Sounds of 2026: Europe

Alexia Evellyn

Alexia Evellyn is a Brazilian singer-songwriter and digital creator whose music blends soulful pop with introspective lyricism and global influences. Hailing from Florianópolis, she first gained widespread attention through viral performances on TikTok and social media, where her ethereal vocals and strong visual identity helped her build a passionate international following. In 2025, she released her debut EP Dark Side, a six-track project that explores themes of resilience and self-discovery and has already connected with listeners worldwide. She also made history as the first Brazilian artist to compete on The Singer 2025, earning praise for her dynamic, cross-cultural performances on one of China’s most-watched music shows. With a sound shaped by her Brazilian roots and a clear global outlook, Alexia is entering 2026 with growing momentum and a strong creative vision. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Hugo Barriol

Hugo Barriol is a French singer-songwriter whose journey began busking on the streets of Sydney, Australia, before bringing his songs back home to Paris. After a year of traveling, he gained early recognition by winning the Metro Music Awards in 2015 and went on to record his debut EP in 2017, with its breakout single surpassing 15 million streams. In 2019, Hugo released his debut album, produced by Ian Grimble, and spent the year playing more than 40 shows and festivals across Europe. During the pandemic, he followed up with the Hey Love EP, recorded just weeks before lockdown, and in 2022 returned with the self-produced single “Long Way From Home,” written in his Paris apartment and inspired by the stories of close friends. Blending folk, pop, rock, and indie influences, Hugo’s music leans melancholic yet hopeful, driven by honest storytelling and an unwavering commitment to emotional truth. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

ILLIE

ILLIE is a Dutch rapper from Heerlen whose raw voice, original flows, and unfiltered storytelling have marked him as one of the Netherlands’ rising hip‑hop names. Known for tackling honest themes about life, identity, and his city, he’s steadily built momentum with standout tracks like ZERO BLA BLA and high‑profile appearances, including a verse on Flemming alongside Ronnie Flex and S10. Over the past year, he’s landed nominations for multiple FunX Awards, including Best Collabo and Next Best, asserting his growing presence in the scene. With a style that blends street‑wise lyricism and a distinctive sound all his own, ILLIE is poised for a breakout year in 2026. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Lydia the Bard

Lydia the Bard is a London‑based singer‑songwriter who has grown from a viral cover artist into a compelling original voice in folk‑rock and indie folk. She first built a global audience on YouTube with her covers starting in 2021, amassing hundreds of thousands of subscribers before pivoting to release her own music and expanding her reach beyond the platform. Her 2024 EP Afraid of Quiet racked up millions of streams and set the stage for her next chapter. In October 2025, she released her debut full‑length album, The Woods, a 12‑track collection that blends storytelling, raw emotion, and cinematic folk‑rock energy with influences from artists like Florence and the Machine and The Crane Wives. With a sound that’s both intimate and expansive and a growing base of listeners around the world, Lydia is poised to make an even bigger impact in 2026.  // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Mickey Callisto

Mickey Callisto is a queer pop artist from Sunderland known for his powerful vocals and psychedelic synth-pop sound. Born Michael Spence, he gained national attention after reaching the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent Series 18, wowing judges and audiences alike. His music blends theatrical pop with disco-infused production, and his stage name, a nod to Jupiter’s moon Callisto, reflects his love of space and imagination. With a growing catalogue of originals and a flair for dynamic live performances, Mickey is set for a standout 2026. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Nick & June

Nick & June are a U.S.-based indie duo whose sound drifts through reverb-soaked guitars, shimmering synths, and hypnotic harmonies. Their music blends melancholic indie folk with dream-pop textures and alternative rock influences, drawing comparisons to Bon Iver, Beach House, and The National. They collaborated with Grammy-winning producer Peter Katis to refine their cinematic yet intimate sound, showcased on their worldwide hit EP Beach Baby, Baby, which has racked up 30 million streams. With sold-out shows, critical acclaim, and a growing catalogue of emotive, expansive songs, Nick & June are poised for a big 2026. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

RUTH

RUTH is a Spanish singer-songwriter and television personality who first gained recognition in the UK after finishing fifth on the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008. Known for her powerful voice and emotive songwriting, she started in pop but has since returned to her roots in rock, crafting songs that are honest, raw, and deeply personal. With a loyal fanbase and a return to her rock roots, RUTH continues to craft music that’s raw, bold, and unmistakably hers. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

The Rumpled

The Rumpled are an energetic Celtic punk band from the Italian side of the Dolomites whose sound blends traditional Irish folk, rock, ska, and punk influences. Known for turning every gig into a massive party, they’ve played top festivals in Italy and abroad and shared the stage with acts like The Rumjacks, Paddy & the Rats, and Modena City Ramblers. In 2022, they supported Italian rock legend Vasco Rossi on his Italian tour, performing to crowds of up to 120,000 at iconic venues. With two albums, five EPs, and over 10 million Spotify streams under their belt, The Rumpled continue to craft high-energy music designed to make audiences jump, dance, and sing along. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Tim Vantol

Tim Vantol is an Amsterdam-born rock singer-songwriter known for his honest storytelling and rugged, heartfelt sound. Over the years, he has built a devoted following with songs that capture the thrill of life on the road, the feeling of distance, and the small moments that make us feel alive. Blending folk, rock, and indie influences, Tim’s music feels both intimate and expansive, with a voice that is steady, warm, and reassuring. His honest approach and raw energy continue to draw listeners across Europe, making every new release feel like a journey worth taking. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Zaska

ZASKA is a modern soul and indie jazz band led by guitarist, songwriter, and producer Max Zaska. Known for high-energy live shows that leave audiences buzzing, the band blends soul, R&B, jazz, and hip-hop with a groove-driven style inspired by Wes Montgomery, Nile Rodgers, and Carlos Santana. ZASKA has collaborated with artists including Hozier and performed at iconic venues and festivals such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the Mladí ladí Jazz Open Air Festival in Prague, and the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. With their third studio album NECTAR set for full streaming release in 2026, ZASKA continues to deliver joyous, danceable music that celebrates collaboration and infectious energy. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

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

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