Ones to Watch: New Music 2026
As we wrap up our 25th anniversary celebrations in 2025, we’re looking ahead to the next 25 years — and beyond — of PRS Foundation support. To mark the moment, we’re launching the first edition of our annual Ones to Watch list: 25 exciting artists hand-picked by our team.
It’s no easy task when we support over 400 new music projects every year. Our team are deeply immersed in new music — regularly attending gigs and festivals, working closely with artists and partners, and assessing hundreds of projects annually. That constant connection to what’s being made, performed and pushed forward means they’re uniquely placed to spot what’s coming next.
So how do you choose just one artist from the New Music Biennial when you’ve also been moved to tears by performances from Jasdeep Singh Degun with the BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra — or single out just a handful of POWER UP artists when each one brings something vital and uniquely their own?
In the end, we asked the team not to overthink it — and simply name the artists they’re most excited to watch next, based on what immediately springs to mind, the shows they’ve seen and the music that’s stayed with them longest.
Quotes reflect a snapshot of conversations and live moments that stayed with our team – not every artist is quoted, but every artist is one we’re excited to watch.
Check out the playlist on our YouTube Channel.
Antony Szmierek
Manchester-based spoken-word artist and producer blending poetry, club culture and literate pop, delivering high-energy live performances with strong audience connection.
“Loved watching him in Manchester. It was a very crowded gig, and I also heard that tickets sold out quite quickly, so I think he has great traction for his live-sets. We funded him to play ESNS 2025. Really looking forward to seeing him sell larger cap venues in 2026 because of his fusion sound.”
— Palak Rannkka, Communications Coordinator
PRS Foundation support: BBC Introducing & PRS Foundation Showcase Fund (SXSW 2025)
Alex Groves
Composer and curator working across contemporary classical and electronic music, known for blending acoustic instruments with live electronics and inventive performance formats. He performed as part of New Music Biennial 2025.
“Alex’s work fuses classical and electronic worlds in a way that feels fresh and urgent – I’m excited to see how his music evolves into new spaces next.”
— Elizabeth Sills, Grants and Programmes Manager
PRS Foundation support: International Showcase Fund
AYA
Boundary-pushing electronic artist and producer known for genre-defying, confrontational work that challenges pop and club conventions.
“Also listed as number 1 album in the Quietus albums of the year.”
— Westley Holdsworth, Grants and Programmes Manager
PRS Foundation support: International Showcase Fund
Becky Sikasa
Scottish singer-songwriter creating intimate, soulful music rooted in jazz, folk and contemporary pop traditions.
“Becky Sikasa from Scotland! She was on POWER UP a few years ago and I think she is incredible.”
— Yaw Owusu, Senior POWER UP Manager
PRS Foundation support: PPL Momentum Music Fund, International Showcase Fund
Bel Cobain
London-based singer-songwriter blending jazz, soul and introspective rap, known for poetic lyricism and emotionally rich, genre-fluid songwriting.
“Has a really emotionally rich and distinct voice, which brings a very raw and natural quality to her music. Will be very exciting to see how that evolves with time.”
— Olivia Martin-Snowsill, Administrator & Executive Assistant
PRS Foundation support: PPL Momentum Music Fund
Blanco
London-based rapper combining sharp storytelling with melodic flair, bringing emotional depth and social insight to contemporary UK hip-hop
“Has loads of energy behind his rap, and it feels super powerful and authentic. I feel like Blanco brings a bold and fresh sound to the UK rap scene at the moment, which is exciting.”
— Olivia Martin-Snowsill, Administrator & Executive Assistant
PRS Foundation support: PPL Momentum Music Fund
Cole Yourstruly
Producer and songwriter shaping the sound of contemporary UK R&B, including Grammy-nominated work with leading artists.
“Recently Grammy nominated for his work with UK R&B Trio Flo, Cole has been influential in shaping the current sound of the emerging UK R&B scene and is starting to work with the bigger US artists on his UK creditials. Working with some key artists in the next generation of Global R&B we feel Cole is one to keep an eye on beyond 2026.”
— John Hendrickse, Grants and Programmes Manager
PRS Foundation support: The Hitmaker Fund
Ellur
Alt-pop artist recognised for emotionally direct songwriting and striking live shows, with growing international showcase momentum.
“Ellur performed at SXSW London earlier this year and it was one of the most impressive showcases I’ve seen for a while. We had the pleasure of her joining our PPL x PRS Foundation showcase in Manchester as part of Unconvention too and I can’t wait for more releases next year.”
— Joe Frankland, CEO
PRS Foundation support: PPL Momentum Music Fund, International Showcase Fund
Freddie Lewis
Emerging artist blending contemporary pop sensibilities with expressive vocals and polished production, showing strong potential for crossover appeal.
— Aysha Hussain, Keychange Research Manager
PRS Foundation support: Keychange
Finn Forster
North East artist delivering powerful, polished live performances and emerging as a major new regional pop voice.
“Finn Forster because his live set is so good and is making big strides and looks like being the latest superstar to come from the North-East.”
— Ben Price, Grants and Programmes Manager
PRS Foundation support: PPL Momentum Music Fund
Hang Linton
Leeds-based indie artist known for poetic storytelling, warmth and inventive, socially observant live performances.
“One of my highlights has been seeing Hang Linton perform in Leeds, it’s one of the best shows I’ve been to – for everyone who has had to think twice about using the heating – his love song to a radiator is pure art.”
— Alison Williams, Communications Manager
PRS Foundation support: Open Fund
Joe Harvey Whyte
UK-based pedal steel guitarist and songwriter whose expressive, atmospheric playing has become a defining presence in contemporary Americana and alternative rock. A sought-after collaborator, he has performed and recorded with artists including Sam Fender (PPL Momentum) and The Hanging Stars (ISF).
“I went to see Joe play a solo gig on a line up with legendary pedal steel player B J Cole on a boat (Theatreship, Docklands) and it was such a beautiful night. Whether it’s his recent work with Geir Sundstøl and Bobby Lee or his own evolving work as a solo artist, I can’t wait to hear what he does next. ”
— Alison Williams, Communications Manager
PRS Foundation support: International Showcase Fund (Hanging Stars)
Natalie Wildgoose
Singer-songwriter with a lo-fi, analogue sound and ethereal vocals, evoking classic folk intimacy through sparse arrangements.
“Her captivating new single ‘in the North’ played on Cerys Matthews last Sunday and sent me into a bit of a reverie. I love her analogue sound and the simplicity of the arrangements with the ethereal vocals– like the crackly warmth of Molly Drake or Connie Converse.”
— Tilly Fletcher, Grants Coordinator
PRS Foundation support: Women Make Music
Nat Sharp
Multi-sensory performance artist and musician working across immersive live art and experimental sound. Sharp’s boundary-pushing work places them at the heart of what The Quietus has described as “New Weird Britain.”
“Nat Sharp has been a quiet constant in the underground for years – I’m late to the party but keen to hear more…”
— Alison Williams, Communications Manager
PRS Foundation support: Open Fund
Nectar Woode
London-based singer-songwriter blending soul, R&B and jazz-inflected pop, known for standout live performances and rapidly growing international profile.
“I loved Nectar’s set at Eurosonic in January 2025 and she has since gone on to sign to Since 93/RCA records, with a series of great releases this year…so I’m expecting more great things in 2026”
— Joe Frankland, CEO
PRS Foundation support: Women Make Music
Nneka Cummins
Composer and multidisciplinary artist whose experimental work spans sound, performance and collaboration.
“A recent Ivor Novello winner. Their work is so varied, experimental and I really see them being an NMB artist in the next iteration.”
— Andrew Barney, Assistant Producer
PRS Foundation support: POWER UP
PEM
Rising artist with a distinctive vocal style and understated songwriting, gaining attention through European showcase festivals.
“Originally a tip-off from Hannah who saw her perform at Reeperbahn. I think her voice is very distinctive, and I really rate her 2024 track ‘awe’ so excited to see what’s next!”
— Tilly Fletcher, Grants Coordinator
PRS Foundation support: Open Fund
Reevah
Derry-based singer-songwriter creates and performs indie/pop songs which express the frailties, confusions and vulnerabilities that come with everyday experience. Reevah’s debut album ‘Daylight Savings Time’ was well received with an 8/10 review in Hot Press and nomination for album of the year at NI Music Prize.
“Reevah is a fantastic songwriter… and so very much looking forward to new music in 2026!”
— Liam McMahon, Senior Communications Manager
PRS Foundation support: PPL Momentum Music Fund, International Showcase Fund
RÓIS
Irish artist blending experimental electronics with folk traditions across Irish and English languages, with strong international interest.
“A really unique talent, ROIS’s music is haunting and immersive. Blending ancient keening traditions with modern electronic textures. I love how ROIS draws on Irish folklore and histories alongside fresh visuals and contemporary synthesisers, distortions and drone effects!”
— Hannah Bashir-Eviston, Grants Coordinator
PRS Foundation support: Open Fund
Roxanne Tataei
Classically trained vocalist working across opera, contemporary and experimental forms; currently composing her own opera The Water Carrier.
“Currently on Power Up is a brilliant vocalist specialising in opera and many other genres. She’s currently composing her own opera ‘The Water Carrier’…”
— Andrew Barney, Assistant Producer
PRS Foundation support: POWER UP
Shri Sriram
Composer and producer working across classical, electronic and experimental music, with a distinctive cross-genre perspective.
“One of my (many) New Music Biennial highlights – Shri knows how to shred a bass and blew our minds!”
— Becci Scotcher, Senior Grants and Programmes Manager
PRS Foundation support: New Music Biennial
Tora-i (pictured – in hero image)
Singer-songwriter with an evolving, eclectic sound, balancing strong melodic instincts with authenticity and emotional clarity.
“An incredible singer/songwriter with a steady evolution to date. With the potential we see in Tora-i, she has a bright and promising career. While staying true to her artistry she maintains an authentic and eclectic sound.”
— John Hendrickse, Grants and Programmes Manager
PRS Foundation support: PPL Momentum Music Fund
TTSSFU
Shoegaze-inflected solo project pairing heavy distortion with intimate songwriting, earning international attention for emotionally charged releases and immersive live performances.
— Hannah Bashir-Eviston, Grants Coordinator
PRS Foundation support: International Showcase Fund
Westside Cowboy
Rising indie-rock band delivering confident, melody-led songs with a playful edge, quickly building buzz through standout live shows and festival appearances.
“I also saw Westside Cowboy at Reeperbahn, the energy of the gig permeated my bones. The set featured highs that made me want to jump up on the bar, as well as tender vulnerable moments of the set that drew the crowd in close and still. If you have a chance to see this band live then do it while you can see them in smaller venue.”
— Hannah Bashir-Eviston, Grants Coordinator
PRS Foundation support: Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition
Whitelands
London-based shoegaze band whose textured guitar sound has found renewed global resonance during the genre’s resurgence.
— Westley Holdsworth, Grants and Programmes Manager
PRS Foundation support: Open Fund, International Showcase Fund