[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 (51–60)
hellsong. (let it in)CVLTE
Hokkaido’s Sapporo-born band CVLTE is unstoppable! By the way, it’s pronounced “cult.” They say they tweaked the French word “culte” to name it CVLTE.
The four-piece unit consists of vocalist aviel kaei, guitarist Takuya, bassist fuji, and drummer HAL.
If you had to define their sound, it would be alternative rock.
Just give them a listen—they’re seriously cool!
Tokyo cruisin’tonun
Tonun is a singer-songwriter from Hiroshima who not only writes and composes his own music, but also handles mixing and mastering himself.
He specializes in crafting groovy tracks influenced by Black music and R&B.
Many of his songs carry a moody, mature vibe, making them a great match for everyday background music.
It’s also recommended to kick back and chill to his sweet, gentle vocals.
How about giving his cool yet passionate love songs—reminiscent of neo-soul—a listen?
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.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
Tota is a bedroom artist with a diverse musical palette, ranging from indie rock to synth-pop.
They began their online activities in February 2021 and have been gaining attention primarily through social media.
In 2023, they provided the tie-in song for Kanro’s Pure Gummy web commercial.
Their own tracks have also earned overwhelming support from younger listeners, with more than 400 million plays on TikTok.
Their appeal lies in a distinctive husky voice—powerful yet transparent—and poetic word choice.
On the album “oidaki,” philosophical lyrics blend beautifully with tracks that evoke elements of bedroom pop.
In October 2023, they held their first solo live show at Shibuya WWW in Tokyo, drawing attention as a live performer as well.
Tota is an artist recommended for those seeking solace in delicate lyrics and a uniquely compelling voice.
[2026] Music lovers, don’t miss this! Up-and-coming new artists (61–70)
bright futureMom
Mom is active as a singer-songwriter and trackmaker.
He drew attention when his song “Akarui Mirai” was featured in an Apple Mac commercial.
While his music is rooted in hip-hop, you can also sense a subtle rock influence—apparently because he has long listened not only to hip-hop and other Black music, but also to songs by overseas rock bands.
With a youthful sensibility that weaves his own background into his output in exquisite balance, he’s an artist to watch going forward.
traditionCHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN
CHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN is a name you won’t forget once you hear it.
Their charm lies in a sound they call “four-and-a-half-mat Tropicalia,” built on electronica and blending folk music with electronic elements.
After ramping up activities in 2021, they drew attention via social media.
In 2024, their song Watatsumi was featured in a JR East commercial, and Tradition was used in a Glico Pocky ad.
They were also selected for Spotify’s RADAR: Early Noise 2024 and have been in high demand at major festivals, including Fuji Rock.
It’s also intriguing that member Yuta is the grandson of Haruomi Hosono.
If you’re seeking a genreless, fresh musical experience, definitely give them a listen!
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.