2026 will be a memorable year in music, and these four artists will have the best year. Broaden your music taste this year and listen to WHATMORE, DUCKWRTH, Genia and Cherie Amour.

WHATMORE 

WHATMORE made their names known in 2025, making their debut as an eclectic group. The five-piece supergroup composed of Yoshi T., Sebastiano, Elijah Judah, Jackson August and Cisco Swank. Telling their band’s story of formation through TikTok as a rollout for their self-titled album, they had the internet intrigued. The 12 songs on their debut album showcase their musicality and how they reinvent the genres that inspire them into their own sound. Wrapping up 2025 with opening for LAUNDRY DAY and a COLORS performance of their song, “put it on hearts, we hope that WHATMORE will continue to rattle the industry in 2026.

Our Favorite songs by WHATMORE: Jenny’s, put it on hearts, bombay (keep it alive)

DUCKWRTH

DUCKWRTH captivated the music industry in 2025, releasing his album All American F**kboy, going on tour, and dropping a tour documentary. In the album, DUCKWRTH tells his story of living a noncommittal lifestyle and how his past influenced his present. He blends R&B, alternative, and rap to create a 21-song masterpiece featuring interludes by actor Lakeith Stanfield. With a Grammy nomination for Best Immersive Audio Album, DUCKWRTH’s future looks extra bright.

Our Favorite Songs by DUCKWRTH: Toxic Romantic, Pray, I’m Stressed, and Ce Soir.

Genia

Genia made her mark in the music world by releasing two R&B bangers featuring notable artists/producers like Monaleo and Timbaland. In her song “Give”, Genia and Monaleo sing and rap about not giving men the time of day in the pop-R&B banger. She also released “Toastyyy” with Timbaland, which is a Y2K bop that samples Aaliyah’s “Try Again”. As Genia prepares to release her debut album, her TikTok snippets will keep listeners excited. Genia (or GenAI) will be a name that you remember by the time 2026 is over. 

Our Favorite Songs by Genia: Pretty Lies, Toastyyy, Gratitude and 10 Out Of 10.

Cherie Amour 

Cherie Amour had a great 2025, as they wrapped up their shows opening for Bearings and As It Is. The four-piece band consists of Trey Miller, Casey Reid, Ronnie Sherman and Brendan Willis. They also released their first independent album, CHROME HEARTS, featuring funky bass lines, catchy hooks, and soulful vocals. This album draws on R&B, rap, and pop, blending them into smooth alternative music. If you haven’t heard of them until now, give them a listen. We’re betting on Cherie Amour to have an iconic 2026.

Our Favorite Songs by Cherie Amour: Eons, Beyblade, 1800PARANOID, and Rom-Com Type Beat

Which artist from this list is your favorite? Let us know in the comments or on Instagram!