[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! Up-and-Coming New Artists (21–30)
Changing seasonsren
More and more artists are breaking out thanks to TikTok, and Ren is one of them.
One reason for his popularity is lyrics that deeply resonate, especially with people of his generation.
He also has many fans who are captivated by his vocal ability and tone.
His must-hear singing skills let him smoothly switch from low notes that make use of his natural voice to high notes in falsetto.
His voice has a distinctive resonance with a hint of huskiness, and plenty of listeners love singers with that kind of tone!
heavy smokenishina
One young female singer-songwriter drawing attention in 2021 is nishina.
She previously gained experience performing in a band and an acoustic duo, and in 2019 she made waves by providing the vocals for “KISS no tabi Gyutto Gutto,” a track from Enon Kawatani’s solo project.
Step by step, she has built her career, and her appeal lies in a mellow, rounded voice with real depth.
Her lyrics resonate strongly and are easy for many listeners to relate to, and her music spans a wide range—from band-driven sounds to R&B-inspired tracks—making her an artist to watch as we look forward to what she’ll release next.
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.
Love markerPenthouse
Penthouse is a city-soul band formed in 2018 by six men and women who met in a University of Tokyo music club.
They gained attention through wide-ranging activities on YouTube and social media.
Their catchy songs incorporate a variety of musical styles, and their genreless sound is one of their key appeals.
While member Shintaro Namioka, who handles writing and composing the original songs, leads the creative side, each member also maintains a career as a company employee.
Be sure to check out their pop music, which features technical musicianship and soulful vocals.
To You at DawnTOMOO
Singer-songwriter TOMOO, who was also selected for Spotify’s playlist showcasing the next breakout artists, “RADAR: Early Noise.” Her music is characterized by a band sound in which she sings while playing the piano, and her rich, resonant lower-mid register over piano rock is particularly captivating.
A skilled artist with a track record that includes starting piano at age six and composing songs since middle school.
Beyond her musicality, the profound worldview of her lyrics is also a major draw, so be sure to listen to her songs while reading the lyrics.
Free! Free! Free!Takeuchi Anna
A singer-songwriter born in the United States and based in Japan.
Their style, which incorporates slapping on acoustic guitar, pairs beautifully with a clear singing voice.
Shortly after debuting, they performed at major festivals and on tours, including SXSW.
In Japan, “alright” gained traction after being pushed on the radio.
Their sound, which absorbs and strums through various genres, is refined yet brimming with fun.
I hope people searching for stylish music will give it a listen.
Don’t get my hopes up.maharājiyan
Maharajan is a mysterious singer-songwriter with a curious look: a suit paired with a turban.
While working as a salaryman, he also pursued music and released his first recording in 2019.
He later quit his job to focus on music full-time, and after appearing on THE FIRST TAKE in 2021, even more music fans came to know his name.
Having devoured music from all kinds of genres during his university days, his songs are stylishly crafted with influences from a wide range of styles.
Many of his tracks are addictively catchy, and it really feels like his popularity is set to soar!