Rolling Stone AU/NZ has unveiled its annual Future of Music list for 2026, spotlighting 25 Australian and New Zealand artists tipped to become the next wave of breakout stars.
Now in its third year, the Future 25 series highlights emerging talent across a wide range of genres, from pop and hip-hop through to indie rock and singer-songwriter fare. This year’s class includes names already building momentum internationally, alongside artists rapidly making their mark closer to home.
“Our newsroom debates and discussions are always lively, but putting together the Future of Music Class of ’26 was arguably the toughest we’ve had to date,” says Editor-in-Chief Neil Griffiths. “That’s a testament to the calibre of talent we have in Australia and New Zealand right now.
“Whether it’s acts who are already gaining international traction like Balu Brigada and Keli Holiday, or ones who are already making waves locally like Folk Bitch Trio, BOY SODA, and Geneva AM, the 2026 class prove that our countries are producing music as good as anywhere else in the world.
“Our job is to spotlight and showcase these incredible artists. Get on board now before they become global superstars!”
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Among those are Auckland brothers Henry and Pierre Beasley, who lead Balu Brigada. The breakout moment came with “So Cold”, a sleek, infectious single that has amassed more than 55 million global streams, hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart, landed on the EA Sports FC 25 soundtrack, and earned the band a late-night TV debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!.”
The list also features Melbourne trio Gracie Sinclair, Jeanie Pilkington, and Heide Peverelle, better known as Folk Bitch Trio, whose debut album “Now Would Be a Good Time” showcases their perfect timelessness, close harmonies, acoustic arrangements, and beautiful vocal chemistry.
Keli Holiday – the solo project of Peking Duk’s Adam Hyde – is also among those on the list, with his latest era having pushed him firmly into breakout territory. Similarly for Memphis LK, who previously made music as part of Saatsuma.
Aotearoa hip-hop isn’t struggling for top talent right now, but impressively, RNZŌ is standing out from the pack. Meanwhile, as a straightforward alt-pop artist, Theia went independent at the start of the 2020s and has since flourished like never before.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ will publish exclusive interviews and live sessions with the Class of ’26 in the coming weeks. See here for all the details.