Spotify has unveiled its highly anticipated global lists for "Artists to Watch 2026" and "Songwriters to Watch 2026," spotlighting emerging talent that is actively shaping the global music landscape. These announcements challenge the notion that guitar bands are fading, particularly in Australia, where rock and alternative acts are showing significant momentum on the streaming platform.

The global "Artists to Watch 2026" list encompasses a wide array of genres, including Afrobeats, country, hip-hop, and Latin. Australian artists are prominently featured, with two of the three acts in the rock/alternative category hailing from the continent: genre-bending rock artist Ecca Vandal and Speed, the NSW Music Prize-winning Sydney hardcore act. Also making the cut in this category is Austin, TX rock act Die Spitz. Additionally, Melbourne indie-folk group Folk Bitch Trio is recognized in Spotify’s indie-folk category, further showcasing Australia's diverse musical talent.

Ben Watts, Spotify’s AUNZ head of music, commented on the selections, stating that "Australian artists are increasingly shaping global music culture, and these three are right at the forefront." He emphasized that Ecca Vandal, Speed, and Folk Bitch Trio are not only building substantial audiences both domestically and internationally but also pushing their genres forward, which is the core mission of Spotify’s "Artists to Watch" initiative.

The annual list is meticulously curated by Spotify’s local and global editorial teams. Their selection process is based on identifying emerging artists who are gaining significant traction on playlists, successfully cultivating international audiences, and innovating within their respective genres. Each featured artist benefits from valuable exposure, with an "essential" track added to the dedicated "Artists to Watch 2026" playlist. Other notable artists highlighted for the upcoming year include the Irish electronic dance act KETTAMA, U.S. indie band Fcukers, and Chilean singer Young Cister, underscoring the truly global scope of Spotify's talent identification.

In a related announcement, Spotify’s global editors and its songwriter and publisher partnerships team have also revealed their "Songwriters to Watch class for 2026." This initiative aims to bring deserved recognition to the creators behind beloved songs. Jacqueline Ankner, Spotify's head of songwriter & publisher partnerships, explained the rationale, noting, "Songwriters are the architects of the songs we fall in love with, and too often their stories stay behind the scenes." The "Songwriters to Watch 2026" list is designed to spotlight creators who are influencing culture across various genres, from Nashville hitmakers to global pop builders and producer-writers who are advancing contemporary sound. The objective is to help these talented writers reach new audiences, achieve deeper industry recognition, and celebrate the intricate craft inherent in every great song. Among those acknowledged in this year's selection are Travis Wood, IKKY, and Caitlin Stubbs, each of whom has two essential cuts added to the "Songwriters to Watch 2026" playlist.

These announcements are made as Spotify continues its impressive growth. By late 2025, the platform boasted over 713 million users worldwide, including 281 million paid subscribers across more than 180 markets, highlighting its expansive reach and significant influence within the global music industry.