Meet the 24 artists in YouTube Music’s Foundry Class of 2026

Since 2015, YouTube Music's Foundry program has had one clear mission: to support the diverse and innovative voices of the global independent music community. We’re proud to have worked with more than 250 artists, helping them build sustainable careers on their own terms. Today, we're thrilled to continue that mission by announcing the first 24 artists of the Foundry Class of 2026.

This year, we’re welcoming our most global class yet, with artists from 11 countries, including our first-ever participants from Poland and Morocco, and a return to the vibrant music scene in Korea. The music video is as vital as ever in building lasting fandom, so we are proud to continue supporting developing artists who are strongly building unique visual worlds for every format on YouTube.

“The Foundry Program gave me the tools and the push when I needed it most and I’ll always appreciate Youtube for that,” said Foundry alum, Tems. “A huge congrats to those selected this year.”

“YouTube has been a big part of my journey from the beginning. I taught myself how to make beats from YouTube, constantly watched early 2000s music videos, saw Nirvana live at the Paramount, and daydreamed of being able to do what I do now. It was a massive part of my creative life and offered me so much knowledge,” said Foundry alum, Arlo Parks. “When I became part of the Foundry in 2018, I knew that the visual world was a big part of Arlo Parks and it gave me the resources to tap into that. I had the space to play and express myself and was given a lot of guidance that helped shape the visual storytelling for Collapsed in Sunbeams.”

This year’s class represents the cutting edge of modern music across every genre:

• Amanda Magalhães (BR), a multi-talented artist known for her creative "memixes" and sonic collages that blend traditional Brazilian music with modern electronic influences.
• Antara and Ankita Nandy (IN), a viral musical duo from North East of India have wowed audiences with their unique brand of musical renditions using the Ukulele and household items for percussion.
• CIZA (SA), an artist at the forefront of the Afro House wave, turning up club floors worldwide with viral breakout hits.
• Damini Bhatla (IN), a classically trained vocalist bridging regional cinema with the global indie stage for a loyal audience.
• Draganov (MA), a trailblazing rapper and producer redefining the region's hip-hop scene through his distinctive sound and cinematic visual identity.
• Franco, The Sir! (BR), a self-taught 19-year-old powerhouse whose viral performances and multi-layered production have earned praise from top names of Brazilian trap.
• Garvit-Priyansh (IN), the duo redefining the intersection of Indian Classical and contemporary Bollywood pop with cinematic sound.
• Hamilton (CO), a leader of the fast-growing Latin Afrobeat movement out of Cartagena, bringing vibrant coastal rhythms to the world.
• HANRORO (KR), an emerging talent in indie pop/rock, known for her deeply relatable storytelling and cinematic soundscapes.
• Julia Wolf (US), an edgy pop artist with the attention of her peers and global superstars alike, manifesting in co-signs and collaborations.
• Kelela (US), a cultural innovator and icon on the cusp of another evolution of her genre-defying sound.
• MC Luanna (BR), a powerful Bahia-born force, blending rap, trap and funk to embody the strength of Black, bisexual, favela-born women.
• MEEK (UK), is a fearlessly authentic artist already captivating a worldwide audience with her irresistible debut single ‘Fabulous’.
• Momo Boyd (US), a singular voice seamlessly blending Americana, Alternative and Pop; and a member of the beloved sibling band Infinity Song.
• Natanya (UK), an undeniable pop star in the making, who has already captured the attention of superstars like Janet Jackson, SZA, Tyler the Creator, Doechii, Bjork and many more!
• OutStation (IN), the rising Indian boyband has captured a devoted fanbase built through sincere camaraderie and viral performances.
• RaiNao (US), the next standout from Puerto Rico, as co-signed by Bad Bunny, fusing Latin influences with elements of alternative pop and jazz.
• Silica Gel (KR), a three-time Korean Music Awards winner blending indie rock, electronic, and psychedelic sounds into a fresh, unique vibe.
• Soffie (DE), a breakout indie-pop force transforming vulnerable storytelling into euphoric, anthemic main-character anthems.
• The Paradox (US), the fresh new faces of the burgeoning pop punk revival delivering high-energy anthems for a new generation.
• TKS2G (FR), a dynamic Parisian talent bringing fresh energy to the French scene by mixing playful, sharp rap with sun-soaked shatta and dancehall.
• Wasia Project (UK), a brilliant sibling duo redefining English indie pop with their sophisticated, cinematic, and ever-evolving sonic storytelling.
• wave to earth (KR), a leading voice in alternative indie, seamlessly blending lo-fi jazz, indie pop, and soft rock to create a distinctively soothing, global soundscape.
• Zippy Ogar (PO), a new force in Polish hip-hop, captivating audiences by fusing melodic, high-energy production with deeply honest storytelling.

Additionally, we are thrilled to support artists like Dangrangto (VT), Ino Casablanca (FR), Martox (DR), Mack Keane (US), Rey Quinto (MX), Ruti (UK), Quiet Light (US), Vintonic (ID), and others, through our Foundry Rising program. Foundry Rising focuses on emerging artists who are at an earlier stage in their YouTube journey by giving them tools to help them grow.

Ready to discover your new favorite artist? Dive into the sounds of the most promising independent artists with the official Foundry Playlist on YouTube Music. Plus, stay tuned for more exciting artists joining the Foundry program later this year.