[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] A Must-See for Music Lovers! Emerging Artists to Watch (11–20)
24/7 YOU…LANA
LANA is a female rapper who began her career in 2020.
Her brother LEX is also a rapper, and her sister LILI is active as a dancer.
Drawing on her sharp sensibilities, her music is compelling—incorporating a variety of beats, including Jersey drill.
Her sound spans from danceable tracks to mellow ballads, always pursuing new forms of music.
She’s an artist recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh music from a new talent.
Glyn Greenredrikon densetsu
Rikon Densetsu (Divorce Legend) is a band consisting of vocalist Ayumu Matsuda, known for a sweet high-tone voice, and guitarist Jun Beppu.
While rooted in pop music, they excel at songcraft that reflects a variety of musical backgrounds, sure to resonate with a wide range of listeners.
The depth of their influences even shows in their band name: “Divorce Legend” is said to be inspired by Marvin Gaye’s album Here, My Dear.
They’re recommended not only for fans of J-pop and R&B, but for anyone seeking a fresh musical experience.
Transposetota
Tota is a young female singer-songwriter who represents contemporary bedroom pop.
Bedroom pop refers to music that’s created using tools like DAWs and released on social media—music that can be completed entirely in one’s own room—a thoroughly modern approach to making music.
She is known for an alternative sound that blends a wide range of genres, and she has gained attention for her one-of-a-kind metaphors and poetic sensibility.
She also produces her own tracks, continually pursuing music as a means of self-expression.
She’s definitely an artist to keep an eye on.
rendezvousshaitoopu
ShyTope is a rising three-piece rock band formed in 2022.
Based in the Kansai region, they quickly drew attention in a short time.
Starting with their debut single “Margarine/Room,” they continued releasing emotionally rich songs that captivated many listeners, including “Rendezvous,” which reached No.
1 on Spotify’s Viral Top 50 the following year.
Their music is characterized by lyrics that directly express everyday struggles and feelings of love.
Expanding their reach from live houses to stages across the country, ShyTope is a band highly recommended for those who love music that stays close to raw, real emotions.
escaperjo0ji
Hailing from Tottori Prefecture, jo0ji works at his local fishing port while pursuing music.
In 2023, he began his full-fledged music career after releasing “Fukutsu ni Hana,” a song created with thoughts of a friend, on YouTube.
jo0ji’s music channels the deep emotions and memories he feels in everyday life, offering listeners a heartwarming and moving experience.
From songs written for loved ones to universally relatable scenes, his works are recommended for a wide range of listeners.
Planet of Love ‘You’Tomioka Ai
Ai Tomioka, who began her activities on TikTok in the summer of 2021 and quickly drew attention, has been steadily growing her fanbase through street performances and social media.
Accompanying herself on guitar, she covers a wide range of songs from J-pop to The Beatles, and her clear, warm vocal expression captivates many listeners.
In particular, her emotional delivery in Rapunzel, written by Yuuri, and Not Like Me, which she wrote and composed herself, has been highly praised.
She is especially recommended for those who love rich, emotive songs and a voice with depth.
[2026] A Must-See for Music Lovers! Up-and-Coming New Artists (21–30)
Great Tokyo ExpoTempalay
Tempalay is a rock band that has been active since 2014.
Their strength lies in their refined, indie-leaning songs, and their body of work spans a wide range—from pop to psychedelic.
They have extensive experience performing at major festivals both in Japan and abroad; the fact that they’ve played SXSW in the United States should give you an idea of how they’re regarded on the global music scene.
If you’re tired of straightforward, conventional rock bands, they’re a group we highly recommend.
