As 2026 slowly approaches, anticipation is high, and the closer we get the more everyone begins to set goals and expectations for what the new year will bring. One of my biggest goals for this upcoming year is to engage with my local music scene, and discover more talent in the city to support. With this goal in mind, and having recently moved to Philadelphia I believe it is only right to start this blog off by highlighting some of the artists and bands in my city that I am most looking forward to hearing new music from going into next year. That being said, below is a list of 5 artists and bands across different genres that I am most excited about!
1. SHEMAR PIERRE
I first came across Shemar Pierre in early-mid 2024 as he began the rollout of his album LEATHER & FUR. I was first drawn in by the gritty videography featuring gothic aesthetics and brutalist background that just resulted in very interesting and captivating music videos. As this rollout continued my attention continued to be captured, and when the album finally dropped I made sure to listen.
When I described LEATHER & FUR to my friends to try and convince them to listen I’d start off by saying “Imagine if Pop Smoke made an album on Yeezus beats!” Although I do stand by that comparison, I do not mean it to box in the artist that is Shemar Pierre, because I believe in the creativity and potential that this artist has! What I do mean by that comparison is that Shemar Pierre has this captivating voice that is reminiscent of the late Pop Smoke, and the production on this album is just as beautiful and random as that of the iconic album that is Yeezus. This combination has resulted in this album being one of my favorite and most interesting releases over the last two years.
More recently Shemar Pierre has released two songs in this past year (2025) those being “X-FACTOR” and “HARLEM SHAKE”. These two singles can be best described by having a rhythmic randomness within its production utilizing horns, synths and quite honestly sounds that I have never heard in my life (and I mean that in the best of ways). If he is following the same blueprint as the rollout from his last album; I would expect another album that defies the status quo in 2026 from Shemar Pierre.
Listen to Shemar Pierre on Apple Music & Spotify
Follow Shemar Pierre on Instagram
2. COVE
The mystery that is Cove is hard to describe, follow, or fully understand—but honestly, that’s the beauty of it. I’ve had the pleasure of following Cove since 2020, and one thing I can guarantee is that everything he does is calculated. From art direction to features to world-building, I’ve seen very few independent artists approach their music with such precision. A testament to this is the fact that I couldn’t find a single clear photo of him online to include in this article. (That is true commitment to the mystery.)
As for the music, Cove exists in a unique pocket that blends several corners of hip-hop, making it genuinely tough to label him. He leans on trap production but pairs it with soft, melodic vocals and creative ad-libs. And when it comes to songwriting, I have yet to hear a track from him that doesn’t have a great chorus that’s bound to get stuck in your head.
One thing that’s undeniable is that the man is a true vocalist—and if you’re anything like me, you’ll keep coming back to his music for that reason alone. My favorite part about Cove, though, is the way he puts together albums. His two projects currently on streaming, Me-2 and ID, could arguably be seen as continuations of each other. The production, mixing, and mastering create a soundscape that flows so seamlessly between the two that it almost feels like they’re chapters of a single project. They’re just that dialed in. The pacing and energy shifts across both records let you sit with every emotion possible, and to me, that’s the mark of a great project.
Most recently, Cove released four singles under a cohesive branding: “URLIKEDRUGS.mp3,” “N0rav3,” “2027,” and “Don’t Trip.” These tracks introduce a completely different sound. While they still tap into his hip-hop roots, they lean more toward a hyperpop aesthetic with clear EDM influence. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the quality control and attention to detail. If this next era is anything like the last, I expect nothing but great things from Cove.
Since I’ve been following along for a while now, I also wanted to drop a few personal favorites to check out: “Omg!,” “NO PARTiES,” and “Outmyhead!” And make sure to keep up with his SoundCloud, where you can find some of his newest releases.
Listen to Cove on Apple Music, Spotify, and SoundCloud
Follow Cove on Instagram
3). A COUNTRY WESTERN
If you’re looking for the next breakout act in indie rock, now is the time to hop on the A Country Western bandwagon. The Philadelphia-based band embodies everything that makes this genre exciting right now: authenticity, emotional range, and an infectious energy that feels like four friends making music simply because they love it.
What draws me to A Country Western most is their unmistakable chemistry. Their songs radiate a sense of joy, camaraderie, and creative freedom—an energy that feels genuine rather than manufactured. Listening to their music makes me want to go out with friends, yell lyrics into the night, and spend an evening lost in the moment. Their sound is contagious in the best way.
To really understand the scope of what this band has to offer, I recommend starting with their most recent full-length album, Life on the Lawn. This record feels like a milestone in their artistic journey, showcasing the full spectrum of their capabilities. Their range is one of the reasons I believe they’re poised to go far: within a single album, they deliver high-energy standouts like “Sidewalk” and “The Dreamer,” while also offering softer, emotionally rich tracks such as “The Spine.” Bands that can meet listeners across an entire emotional spectrum tend to build the strongest connections—and ACW clearly has that ability.
Their most recent release, the September EP Four-Team Dream Machine, is a short but sweet glimpse into where the band may be headed next. With a total runtime of just three minutes, it’s short, intentional, and surprisingly impactful. The first track, “Clouds”, is a poetic, atmospheric piece built around a single chorus that appears only once. The rest of the song drifts into a moving, reflective instrumental that echoes the poem introduced at the start. The second track, “GG,” is a raw and charming melody supported by raw guitar chords and drums. Each song is just over a minute long, yet I often find myself playing both three or four times in a row—they’re that compelling.
A Country Western is everything you could want from an emerging indie rock band: heartfelt songwriting, memorable melodies, and a dynamic emotional range. If they continue on their current trajectory, I wouldn’t be surprised to see their name rise quickly within the scene.
Listen to A Country Western on Apple Music & Spotify
Follow A Country Western on Instagram
4). FULL BODY 2
I was only recently put onto this band by a good friend, but despite being a brand-new fan, it felt only right to include them on this list—because few artists have gotten me this excited, this quickly. The best way to describe their sound is beautiful chaos. Listening to their EP Infinity Signature feels like stepping straight into a video game soundtrack. (Go for a run with it playing and you’ll feel like Sonic the Hedgehog.)
What really stands out is their command of space and texture. Each track is built around intricate, syncopated drum patterns, layered vocal harmonies, and shimmering, atmospheric synths that give the music a sense of controlled improvisation. Their arrangements feel spontaneous without ever losing precision, which makes the entire EP feel alive and constantly shifting.
Start with their most popular song on DSPs, “Ador // Ation,” and you’ll get a sharp, complete snapshot of what this band brings to the table. The moment you hit play, you’re met with an immediate surge of energy—dynamic percussion, evolving synth motifs, and a momentum that carries you through the nearly four-minute track. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Although it’s been well over a year since their last official release, the band recently announced U.S. tour dates running from March 4th, 2026 to April 4th, 2026. Definitely take the opportunity to catch them live if they’re coming to your city.
As this compelling band continues to grow, I can only hope we’ll hear new music from them in the coming year.
Listen to Full Body 2 on Apple Music & Spotfiy
Follow Full Body 2 on Instagram
5). JEWELSSEA
In a city full of great DJs, JEWELSSEA stands out—and for good reason. As a DJ, producer, and vocalist, she brings a level of intention and energy that’s hard to forget. Seeing one of their sets at a neighborhood club became one of my favorite nights out since moving to Philly. Nothing is more telling of a great DJ than someone who keeps the energy fluid and fresh, and JEWELSSEA does exactly that—shaping the room, reading the crowd, and keeping you dancing from start to finish.
What sets their sets apart is the dynamic pacing: a seamless rise and fall of high-energy peaks and atmospheric lows that arrive at exactly the right moment. The transitions feel purposeful, the blends are clean, and the track selection shows a deep understanding of rhythm, texture, and vibe management.
But JEWELSSEA’s artistry goes far beyond the booth. Step into the world of their original music, and you’re immediately drawn into something hypnotic—almost mystical. Each track feels like an adventure, built on lush sound design, ethereal vocals, and imaginative sampling choices that add layers of personality and narrative. Their debut album, Dwelling, is the perfect place to begin that journey.
As you’ve probably noticed from the artists on my list so far, I have a deep appreciation for intentional and cohesive art direction—and that’s something JEWELSSEA excels at. From cover art to music videos to the way they curate their social presence, everything feels interconnected, like chapters of a larger story I’m eager to piece together. That level of world-building is rare, and it’s part of why they stand out so distinctly.
With the vision, skill, and consistency they’ve already shown, I truly believe JEWELSSEA has the potential to be on major festival stages sooner than later—and when that day comes, just know I’ll be in the crowd. If you’re in Philadelphia and looking to dance, find out where they’re playing next. I can guarantee you’ll have a great time.
Listen to JEWELSSEA on Apple Music & Spotfiy
Follow JEWELSSEA on Instagram
LIFE BACKSTAGE 
Leave a comment