[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, Take Note! Up-and-Coming New Artists (41–50)
Youth Fantasy PoemHakanasono
The song Youth Phantasy Poem sings of the fleeting nature of youth.
Thanks to its hit success, Hakanen has drawn the attention of many music fans.
He excels at infusing his tracks with complex emotions that are hard to put into words.
Although much of his profile remains shrouded in mystery, his Twitter and Instagram offer small glimpses into who he is.
Checking those alongside his music will likely make you appreciate him even more.
The images he posts also suggest he has a talent for photography.
A song about being cheated on but still in love.riria.
Riria’s “Uwakisareta kedo Mada Suki tte Kyoku” (Cheated On, But I Still Love You) became such a hot topic that it was covered by online news as “a cheating song written by a teen.” For many people, this song was their introduction to her, wasn’t it? The lyrics—said to be based on love advice sent by fans and friends—resonated with many and became a big hit.
Her clear, beautiful voice, praised as angelic, is another part of her appeal, and she’s a singer-songwriter expected to break out even more in the future.
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.
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.
RippleAo
ao is a singer-songwriter who made her major-label debut in 2021 at the young age of 15.
She drew attention for being selected for RADAR: Early Noise 2022, Spotify’s annual showcase of next-break artists, and if you listen to the radio often, you may have already heard her songs.
Having started writing music in elementary school, she captivates with her songwriting talent and rich, resonant voice.
Her irresistibly absorbing tracks are sure to garner even more attention in the future.
Dinner Songtuki.
Singer-songwriter tuki., who has gained attention through activity centered on the internet such as YouTube.
She writes and composes her own songs, and her 2023 release “Bansanka” drew major attention for having been produced when she was 15 years old.
She uploads warm, performance-focused guitar and piano self-accompanied videos to YouTube and Instagram, releasing both covers and original tracks.
A female vocalist who delivers heartwarming songs to listeners with a clear, translucent voice.
Because I like you.Yuika
Yuika, whose signature song “Suki Dakara” broke out thanks to TikTok.
Many of you may have come across her not only on TikTok, but also by chance on Spotify playlists or in YouTube’s recommended section.
Her soft, approachable vocals are captivating and soothing to listen to.
She also shines with a gift for lyric writing that resonates powerfully, especially with younger listeners.
She’s a rising artist to watch, likely to keep releasing songs that continue to gain popularity.