I’m saying it. 2025 was a great year for music. People are listening to more than just a lead single, and the artists are putting their all into it again. Aside from the big guns (Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, etc), there have been a flurry of breakthrough acts this year, too – from underground anonymous rap to heart-on-sleeve soul, new names are rising through the charts, selling out venues and building gaggles of die-hard fans.
Want to get ahead of what’s new? Consider this your whistle-stop tour for 2026’s musical break-outs.
Demae
If there’s one project to listen to from 2025 it’s Demae’s Deep Dive, the eight-track, multi-genre EP that has cemented her as one of the most exciting new voices in the UK R&B and soul scene. Hailing from northwest London, the singer, songwriter and multidisciplinary artist has been on every stage and radio station (and in a Bianca Saunders campaign) whilst supporting the likes of Jorja Smith on tour. Bookmark her name, now.
For fans of: Solange, Ravyn Lenae
