As 2026 approaches, the music world is overflowing with artists who demand attention. From rising pop voices to soulful storytellers, each of the musicians below offers a distinct perspective and a sound that lingers. Their songwriting, voices, and creative vision point toward new directions in contemporary music. Across pop, country, indie, and soul, these artists are shaping what comes next, making now the right moment to start listening.
Jena Malone
A commanding vocalist and gifted musician, Jena Malone brings depth and intensity that feel overdue for wider recognition. “Create In Your Name,” her latest track, leans into a dark, experimental atmosphere while exploring the search for a deeper, more meaningful connection in a world overwhelmed by screens and digital noise. Malone explains that the song reflects a desire for more than endless swiping and surface-level dating. It centers on building something real with another person, finding inspiration through intimacy, and seeing creativity as the spark that draws people closer.
2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Jena, with a new album set to be teased ahead of its release in February.
Sam Quealy
Sam Quealy’s “Love Lasso” is intense, driven by a pulsing beat, heavy bass, and swirling synths that keep it moving. The song captures the pull of a dangerous romance, one Quealy describes as the kind of love you return to even when you know it isn’t good for you. That tension carries into the video, which opens with Quealy arriving on horseback and closes with her confronting and defeating a group of male bodybuilders.
Quealy will release her album “JAWBREAKER” in January. On the record, she pushes pop in a sharper, more forward-leaning direction, pairing sleek vocals with hard-hitting production. Blending synth-pop, electro-pop, Eurodance, and disco influences, the project signals a confident new chapter, positioning Quealy as an artist focused firmly on what’s ahead.
Jade LeMac
Jade LeMac is a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose pop music is grounded in honesty and emotional clarity. Her songs center on vulnerability, pairing intimate lyrics with soft, expressive vocals. Open about her queer and Vietnamese identity, she has cultivated a strong and loyal online following.
In 2026, Jade plans to tour throughout late spring, summer, and fall. She is expected to join a larger artist as a supporting act rather than a headliner, though plans may still evolve. Festival appearances are also part of her schedule.
Tyra Madison
Tyra Madison is an emerging country artist recognized for her strong voice and story-driven songwriting. Raised in Pine Top, Kentucky, she began singing at just four, laying the foundation for her musical path. Growing up in a small town, she was first immersed in bluegrass, and as she got older, her sound naturally shifted toward country music during high school, marking a turning point in her artistic development.
Looking ahead to 2026, Tyra plans to release a steady stream of new music, highlighted by an unannounced project expected in the first half of the year.
Naomi Jane
Naomi Jane enters 2026 with focus and purpose. Since 2023, she has been releasing songs and videos every six weeks, building a connected narrative that has now surpassed 15 million views. Her new single, “IDWK (I Don’t Wanna Know),” marks a decisive shift between the vulnerability of her earlier hits and a more alt‑indie and folk‑pop sound, inviting fans to join her on the next stage of her journey.
The track links her previous work, from the “Letterman Trilogy” and the “sweet talk” EP, to viral hits like “Lightning” and “Mr. Incognito,” toward her upcoming debut LP. With every release planned and every video crafted as part of a larger world, Naomi Jane turns her music into a journey where listeners become part of the story and the anticipation of what comes next.
MT Jones
British soul singer and songwriter MT Jones released his new single, “Gentle Reminder,” ahead of his debut album, “Joy,” arriving March 20, 2026. He describes “Gentle Reminder” as “a love letter, a postcard” written during his first U.S. tour, a way to let someone know they’re in your thoughts while you’re away. The song reflects the intimacy that defines his understated, emotionally driven style.
Blending ’60s and ’70s soul with modern R&B and jazz influences, Jones’ music pairs timeless songwriting and live instrumentation with a voice that balances vulnerability and power.
MT Jones will tour across the U.S., UK, and Europe next year. He’s confirmed for January 20 at NYC’s Baby’s All Right, followed by European dates in February alongside St. Paul and The Broken Bones. He’s also scheduled to perform at FloydFest in Virginia this July.
Labit
Los Angeles-based Filipino-American multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and producer Labit brings a refreshing perspective to today’s music landscape. His work blends personal storytelling with openness, drawing from his own experiences and the people who have shaped him.
Labit’s 2026 is set to be a year of expansion and collaboration. He joins Galdive on tour, drops new singles and EPs with fellow artists, and may unveil music from his upcoming third studio album. Fans might also catch him at international festivals across Southeast Asia as he continues to grow his global presence.
Madison Olivia
Madison Olivia is a Nashville-based artist from Flint, Michigan, carving out her space with a thoughtful approach to country music. “Whiskey Burns,” her latest release, pairs strong lyrics with a voice that immediately draws listeners in. Madison is steadily positioning herself as a rising name in country music.
2026 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for her. She will release a collection of new songs that signal the start of her next era, bolder, more intentional, and reflective of where she is both personally and creatively. Her music centers on openness, joy, love, and growth, capturing Madison thriving at 30 rather than lingering on heartbreak.
She is set to perform at CRS in March and hopes to spend more time on the road with her band, continuing to develop her live show and connect with new audiences. Visuals will also play a key role in 2026, with music videos planned to complement her songs and build a cohesive visual world.
Secret Rendezvous
Sietske Morsch and Remi Lauw are the duo behind Secret Rendezvous, crafting music that fuses the rich melodies of past decades while weaving in contemporary influences. Known for their full-band live performances, Secret Rendezvous has toured across the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, Belgium, and France.
In 2026, they plan to kick off a spring tour in the Netherlands, with hopes of adding more European dates. They will also release acoustic and remix versions of the album before returning to the studio to create new music set to debut on tour.
Marxoxo
Marxoxo, the Bay Area pop artist also known as Mar Omega, draws from her hopes and dreams when crafting her music. Influenced by icons like Britney Spears and Sailor Moon, she has evolved into an unapologetic pop princess, blending playful fantasy with bold self-expression.
Marxoxo kicks off 2026 with the release of her new album “IDOLL,” marking a bold step in her musical journey. She will debut a music video for the energetic track “Like This,” which fans have already enjoyed during her live performances in Oakland and San Jose. Later in the year, she’ll follow up with a remix album featuring inventive reinterpretations from artists including Svuvn, Hectic, Boy Sim, and Ghozt.