BY: India McCarty

We’re coming up on the end of the year, and there have been plenty of big hits and breakout stars. From pop stars in the making, to retro-inspired bands, here are the artists you need to know before 2026 comes to a close.

Ninajirachi

Australian DJ Ninajirachi is one of the biggest up-and-comers of the year — and no one saw her coming. Her 2025 debut album I Love My Computer was a success in electronic music circles, but her Coachella performance this year made her a star. She’s currently touring Europe, with plans to hit the States this fall and winter.

 

Feng

British rapper and producer Feng started attracting the attention of the UK underground rap scene following the release of his 2025 mixtape, What The Feng. His 2026 album, Weekend Rockstar, includes hit single “XOXO,” which has already racked up over 32 million streams.

 

PLUTO

With over 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a hit single (“WHIM WHAMIEE”), PLUTO has been setting the rap scene on fire this year. Her high-energy songs have made her one to watch.

 

Young Cister

A rising star in the reggaeton scene, Young Cister is one of many Latin artists who are hitting big with listeners around the world. His latest album, LA CUIDAD NUNCA DUERME*, blends R&B, trap, Afrobeat, and electronica for a completely unique sound.

 

Adéla

Adéla just dropped her debut album, but the pop artist has had tongues wagging all summer. Singles like “Ain’t In LA” and “KGB” have been streamed thousands of times, wowing listeners with her blend of hiphop, pop, and glitchy electronica.

 

Infinity Song

Siblings Abraham, Angel, Israel and Momo Boyd make up soft-rock band Infinity Song. The family’s vocal blend brings groups like Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles to mind, harmonizing effortlessly on popular tracks like “Metamorphosis” and “Hater’s Anthem.” The group dropped the self-titled INFINITY SONG this year, and are currently on the road, hitting up cities across the world through November.

 

Sawyer Hill

Like a throwback from another time, Sawyer Hill’s soulful voice, rock rhythms, and long locks bring to mind the very best of Southern 70s rock, with a modern twist. His debut album, Everybody’s Home, Nobody’s Happy, dropped earlier this summer, earning him fans all over the world.

 

MOLIY

The Afrobeats genre has been taking off, and MOLIY is one of the artists leading the charge. Her sophomore album, BADDIES <3 MOLIY, has racked up millions of streams, thanks in large part due to hit single “SHAKE IT TO THE MAX.”