[2026] A must-see for music lovers! Up-and-coming artists to watch
An era where new artists are emerging one after another at incredible speed.
It’s no longer uncommon for artists to gain traction through social media and then catch fire on streaming services!
In this article, we’ll spotlight rising musicians—primarily up-and-coming singer-songwriters and rock bands who are trending right now.
We’ll feature not only brand-new debuts, but also artists whose hard-earned efforts are finally blossoming and whose popularity is rapidly skyrocketing.
Be sure to find a favorite creator and give them a listen!
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[2026] Music lovers, don’t miss this! Up-and-coming new artists (61–70)
See you againMOL.
Formed in Kyoto, the four-piece band mol-74 has been drawing attention with a delicate sound reminiscent of Nordic post-rock.
They offer songs featuring a translucent falsetto and lyrics that capture everyday emotions, expanding their musical palette from rock to dream pop.
Their self-titled album “mol-74,” which marked their major-label debut in April 2019, showcases the band’s appeal in full.
They later released the album “Kioku no Sumika,” further establishing a world uniquely their own.
They produced the ending theme for the TV Tokyo anime BORUTO, and in September 2024 received YouTube Creator Awards’ Silver Play Button.
In November 2023, they embarked on their third tour of China, earning high acclaim overseas as well—Shanghai sold out immediately.
With their delicate sensibilities and melodic songwriting that strikes a chord, mol-74 is a band poised for even greater success.
Yellow ToyAooo
Aooo is a powerhouse four-piece with diverse backgrounds, formed in August 2023.
Centered on rock, their appeal lies in an original sound that draws on each member’s skills and creativity.
The lineup—featuring the former vocalist of Akai Koen, a Vocaloid producer behind numerous hits, a female bassist with Coachella experience, and a drummer active as a top creator—crafts a distinctive musicality that captivates listeners.
They made their major-label debut in October 2024, and their album “Aooo” won an award at the 17th CD Shop Awards.
Their first headlining tour, held over the New Year period, took Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka by storm.
A new-generation band that transcends age groups, they’re recommended not only for rock fans but also for lovers of pop and Vocaloid music.
Crazy LoveXY
XY is a rising boy group that made a spectacular debut under the production of YOSHIKI.
Formed by members who won the audition show “YOSHIKI SUPERSTAR PROJECT X,” their debut track captivates with its dramatic beats and moving piano melodies.
Their vibrant dance and vocals are even more compelling when experienced live.
If you’re looking to discover and support a new boy group, be sure to check out XY.
We’re excited to see where their journey goes from here.
Nagisaimase
Imase is a singer who drew attention when artists like Jungkook from the Korean boy group BTS and Stray Kids mentioned him as a favorite.
He only just made his major debut in 2021 with the digital single “Have a nice day,” making him an artist to watch.
His 2023 release “Nagisa” is a love song featuring sweet lyrics set to a mellow melody.
With its contemporary, urban sound, it’s also perfect as background music for spending sweet, cozy time with your partner at home.
Riding in a Time Machineneguse.
Neguse is a four-member male band from Nagoya that has been attracting attention since their formation in 2020 with relatable lyrics and catchy melodies.
The lead vocalist, Ryota, has a refreshing voice loved by a wide range of listeners, and Naoya is a multi-instrumentalist who, in addition to being the guitarist, is also active as a Vocaloid producer.
Their exhilarating live performances have already earned them many fans, and their presence in the indie scene looks set to grow even further.
Mr./Ms. Despairmei-chan
This is Mei-chan, known for an energetic, refreshing singing voice that’s a pleasure to listen to.
They began their singing career on Nico Nico Douga in 2011 and have since been active across a wide range of fields, mainly online.
As a singer, they made their major debut in 2017, and they’re a multi-talented creator who can also write and compose music and works as a Vocaloid producer.
In addition, together with fellow singer-turned-artist Gero, they’re active under the YouTuber group name Niku Chomolungma.
It’s no exaggeration to say they’re a person brimming with vitality, with more accomplishments than we can fully introduce here.
it’s not that (…); it doesn’t mean (that …)maruri to ryūga
A male-female duo formed in 2018.
Their cover videos went viral, earning strong support from men and women of the same generation.
Their popularity grew mainly through Instagram Live, and they made their major debut with “Kimagure na Shigure.” Ryuga handles the songwriting and composition, crafting relatable love songs that fit into everyday life and evoke the worlds of Shota Shimizu and Miliyah Kato.
And their beautiful two-part harmonies are simply wonderful.
Their vocals are absolutely irresistible.
