Diary 💗 10 Artists to watch in 2026
Whether you're into punk, pop, or R&B — there's something for everyone this year
Grace’s Diary is a monthly series of personal stories and deep-cut discoveries by TSCML’s Editor-in-Chief, Grace Lilly.
It’s a habit
I usually don’t listen to contemporary music, mostly out of habit. Even when I was a kid, I opted for whatever my mom listened to — The Eagles and Joni Mitchell — instead of Christina Aguilera or Justin Timberlake (I once had a classmate print lyrics to a Black Eyed Peas song for me to take home and memorize so I could fit in better with my peers).
Most of the time I listen to anything from the 60s, 70s & 80s — the classics, the artists that have already made a big impact on culture. Since I didn’t live through that era, I always feel like I have a lot of catching up to do.
But sometimes I get curious. I pop out of my Stevie Nicks daydream and into reality, craving something new, something rooted in the present.
If you’re anything like me, contemporary music can feel like a vast sea of options. Where do I dive in? There’s so much new music constantly being released that it can feel overwhelming to find something to grab onto.
This list is designed to help. I’ve rounded up ten of the most talented, highly-anticipated new artists and no matter what genre of music you’re into, you’ll be able to find something to enjoy.
All of these artists are people whose music I will definitely be listening to this year. I hope you’ll join me!
There’s a playlist at the bottom of this post 🎧
Alternative Pop
1. Mikayla Geier
If you like:
❤️ Sabrina Carpenter
❤️ Lily Allen
❤️ Lady Gaga
❤️ MARINA
❤️ Robyn
About Mikayla:
Canadian singer-songwriter
Makes “Orchestral Pop Music” — genre-bending sound, think Tchaikovsky meets The Beatles
Nostalgic and fresh at once, features impressive classical progressions
Often discusses her multifaceted ethnicity, Chinese and German descent
Trained as a dancer growing up, went to an elite Russian ballet academy
Spotify Mikayla Geier
Instagram @mikaylageier
Songs to check out: “ego of a man” • “piano in the sky” • “diva” • “pearl of glue”
R&B
2. Isaia Huron
If you like:
❤️ SZA
❤️ Leon Bridges
❤️ Daniel Caesar
❤️ PARTYNEXTDOOR
❤️ James Blake
About Isaia:
Atmospheric pop-R&B
South Carolina native praised for creating his own sound in the genre
Themes of love and heartache, self-reflexive songwriting
Smooth vocals, sometimes mistaken for Justin Bieber
The son of a pastor and a choir director, his music blends his spiritual upbringing with a rebellious streak, seeking universal truths
Spotify Isaia Huron
Instagram @isaiahuron
Songs to check out: “CONCUBANIA!” • “FIDDY” • “I CHOSE YOU” • “FALLEN”
Punk/Hardcore
3. Die Spitz
If you like:
❤️ Bikini Kill
❤️ Sonic Youth
❤️ Sleater Kinney
❤️ The Runaways
❤️ Hole
About Die Spitz:
Describe themselves as “a mayhem inciting cohort from Austin, Texas”
Energy of early 90s grunge & alt-rock, often drawing comparisons to riot grrrl
Blend of raw social commentary, energetic rock, and melodic hooks
Their name means “pointed” or “sharp” in German, picked because of their sharp sound and feel
Politically charged lyrics, critiques of American politics & systemic issues like war and apathy
Spotify Die Spitz
Instagram @diespitz
Songs to check out: “Voir Dire” • “American Porn” • “Chug” • “Monkey Song”
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