[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)
omnidirectional beautynozomi
Starting in 2022, Noshi began producing music in earnest and is a multi-artist who handles everything herself, from songwriting and composition to video production and artwork.
Her original track “Zenhōkō Bishōjo” quickly gained recognition, ranking high on TikTok’s Trending list and Spotify’s Viral charts.
With her diverse musical styles and sultry, glossy vocals, her songs are especially recommended for those seeking fresh musical discoveries.
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)
words of blessingTele
Tele suddenly appeared in 2022 as the solo project of Kitaro Taniguchi, who handles vocals.
In 2023, they were booked for major rock festivals, and they’re an artist expected to make even bigger waves on the music scene.
Their appeal lies in the accessibility of the songs.
Overall, the music has a pop atmosphere, with a soft high-tone voice and plenty of catchy elements, making many tracks easy to listen to for a wide audience.
But that’s not all—each song also carries a deeper charm, such as dramatic developments and lyrics that evoke vivid scenes.
Be sure to explore various tracks.
