[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)
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.
[2026] Music lovers, take note! Up-and-coming new artists (51–60)
Sentimental☆Lucky Girlshallm
Shallm is a band project led by the new-generation singer-songwriter Lia.
Their major-label debut single, “Sentimental☆Lucky Girl,” was suddenly picked as the opening theme for the drama “High School Girls Become Monks,” which has been creating a buzz.
In addition to live performances, Shallm is actively posting videos on their YouTube channel.
You can of course enjoy their music, and there are also videos that convey their personality.
Youth Changing RoomKarin.
In 2019, when she was in high school, the song “Seishun Datsuisho” from her album Identity Crisis became a major hit.
Its lyrics, which seem to cut straight into listeners’ hearts, resonated widely, and the “brutal lyrics,” as she herself calls them, are one of her key appeals.
Another is her distinctive singing voice: unadorned and natural, yet uniquely compelling with occasional rasp and breathy delivery.
love hangover7co
7co is a duo gaining attention for their distinctive sound that blends roots in R&B and hip-hop with refined pop elements.
Launched in 2022 by producer RYUJA and singer-songwriter Nanako Ashida, they’ve racked up numerous viral hits across streaming platforms.
7co has earned high praise both within and beyond the industry, being selected as an artist to watch on Spotify and Apple Music.
They’ve also sparked buzz with ventures beyond music, including a collaboration on a new product with the confectionery brand Aoyama Decarbo and creating songs originating from the fiction platform monogatary.com.
They’re a recommended listen for fans of pop music infused with R&B and hip-hop, and for anyone seeking fresh, innovative sounds.
Who is he?zaki no suke.
Haretadoki, which was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Rationally Impossible: Detective Ryoko Kamizuru’s Investigation,” became a big hit.
The artist who made a name for himself with this track is Zakinousuke.
His frequent appearances on music shows and in magazines speak to the strong public response.
He started playing in a band in middle school and was already writing lyrics and composing songs early on.
He was also a finalist in an audition hosted by THE FIRST TAKE.
Listening to the song, you can see why he has such an impressive background.
Talking Box (Dirty Pop Remix)WurtS
WurtS began his solo music career online in 2020.
Starting in 2021, those tracks garnered attention, and he quickly rose to popularity.
In signature songs like “Wakattenai yo” and “Mahou no Soup,” his relaxed, unforced vocals, catchy melodies, and danceable beats layer together for a fun result.
He has a way of making alternative rock feel more familiar and approachable.
I love you!Cody Rī (Ri)
Cody・Lee (李) is a five-member band for whom the word “shape-shifting” fits perfectly.
That’s because they tackle songs across every genre, from hard-hitting rock to city pop and even heavy metal.
Among their work, their signature track is considered to be “Aishitemasu!” It pairs an electro-styled sound with lyrics that express love in a straightforward way.
Since the vibe changes dramatically from song to song, it’s really fun to listen through an entire album.