Discover the next generation of UK independent talent, led by our Breakout Artist of the Year and Artists To Watch 2026.
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Why We Launched the Breakout Artist Programme
In 2025, we did something we’d never done before.
As a company that champions independent artists every day, we believe every artist deserves the opportunity to succeed. Offering music services and tools to fit a variety of budgets, we wanted to create an open door for artists who have the talent and drive – without necessarily having the financial means – to access the level of support and expertise needed to push their careers forward.
We recognised another problem too: very few opportunities for independent artists in the UK combine financial assistance with consistent, hands-on support from a team that knows how to elevate artists to new heights.
So, what did we do?
To give emerging UK talent a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated, we launched the Breakout Artist Programme – an annual opportunity that provides one artist the resources, expertise, and mentorship to have a true “breakout year.”
It’s the first time we’ve ever run a programme like this, and the response was phenomenal. Over 600 artists applied, and we secured a lineup of judges from some of the most influential companies in music, media, and culture – including Netflix, Spotify, Billboard UK, BBC Radio 1, and more. To be heard by industry icons such as Dave Stewart (Eurythmics Co-Founder) and Elizabeth Crisante (COO of Billboard UK) is a rare level of exposure in itself.
Our Breakout Artist Of The Year
Niki Kini
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Struck by her creativity, talent, star quality and long-term potential, our panel of industry leaders crowned Niki Kini our Breakout Artist of the Year.
At 23 years old, Niki Kini is no stranger to the music scene. The singer-songwriter and Pop Princess started out on YouTube at the age of 13, and has since worked alongside the likes of RAYE and Rina Sawayama.
Niki has gained recognition for her playful lyrics that showcase her signature wit and humour. Her funk-tinged alt-pop has earned her a coveted spot at Reading & Leeds Festival (2025). Other accolades include being Bobby Friction’s (BBC Asian Network) youngest-ever ‘Artist of the Week’ (2017), being crowned Future Hits Radio’s ’Track of The Year 2024’ for “WATCH YOUR BACK”, and playing at the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final (2025). 100% independent, Niki brings the same fierce integrity to her artistry as she does to every aspect of her career.
What awaits her in 2026?
- A £20,000 promotion fund to fuel her releases, gigs & marketing campaigns.
- A 12-month promotion strategy, covering press, social advertising, and Spotify campaigns.
- Direct support from our experienced in-house team across distribution, sync, artist development, and promotion.
- Studio time at Metropolis Studios.
- Photoshoots, mentoring, press coverage + more.
Niki is set to release her next single, God’s Hit List, on 7th February, which she’s already teasing with playful content on her socials.
And that’s not all! With a highly anticipated EP on the way and other exciting projects we can’t wait to reveal, this certainly won’t be the last time you see the name Niki Kini.
Artists To Watch 2026
Alongside Niki, we’ve shortlisted 14 Artists To Watch, representing a diverse lineup of emerging talent and the next wave of independent music in the UK. Selected from over 600 applications, each artist brings a unique sound, vision and path that sets them apart.
Scroll down to meet them, follow their journeys, and get ready to see their careers take flight.
same.
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same. (brothers Jimmy & Harry Morris) have been honing their craft since they were teens, making infectious indie tunes like chance encounter and i don’t know why you lie. A catalyst in their recent rise in popularity came from their dad’s daily videos dancing to their music (@listentomysonsband), which received viral traction across Instagram and TikTok.
With four singles already out and a growing grassroots fanbase, they’re gearing up for a pivotal run into 2026. Their fifth single, if I had it my way, is out now and they will headline The Grace in London on 7th February in celebration of their EP launch.
DUCHESS
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Duchess is a 28 year old singer, songwriter and recording artist from South East London.
Her ability to tell stories through her soulful music is extraordinary and oozes passion. Duchess feels most at home when on stage and performs in London venues regularly, as well as the Amazon Music Plus 44 Stage at The Great Escape festival.
Her fusion of R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop and Folk showcases one of the most naturally gifted and diverse vocalists of the last few years. We’re so excited to see what Duchess has in store for us in 2026.
Altara
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Born in Dublin and raised in the small town of Westport, Altara brings a rich blend of Irish roots and modern artistry to his music.
Despite only launching at the end of last summer, Altara has made a significant mark as an artist to watch. In October, Altara shared his impressive single ‘Nostalgia’, and was quick to win over listeners with his playful and punchy first move. The release garnered much attention from the likes of Noctis, Hot Press, Ones to Watch and Kaltblut magazine who said that Altara ‘emerges as a refreshing anomaly, a maestro of mood and master of melody’. adding that ‘Altara is not just someone to lose sleep over—he’s an artist to keep on constant replay.’
Chanel Yates
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Known for appearing on The Voice UK in 2021, Chanel Yates is the Cowgirl Polly Pocket everyone’s talking about. With a fast growing global fanbase and support from BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop, her honest, no filter songwriting has made her one of the most exciting new voices to watch in country music.
After an incredible year of sold out shows, major festivals, and a viral line dance for one of her latest records Big Girl Boots, 2026 is THE year to get behind Chanel Yates and watch her shine.
Southy
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South East London rapper-singer, Southy, represents the sounds of London, and the younger people who need a voice in the world. Combining melodic rap, jazz rap and summer sounds to bring forward a laid-back yet upbeat vibe to the stage, his energy and talent has already been showcased across festivals and multiple venues in London.
Following his latest EP don’t cry over spilled milk, we’re excited for his 2026 summer of big gigs, festivals, and more releases.
ROOUE
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Irish electro-pop twins, Róisin and Lulu, bring their own unique and fun twist to pop music. Merging gritty electronic production and dark pop infused stylings, they bring honest and raw insight into love, loss and empowerment from vulnerability.
Wrapping up 2025 with the release of latest single Weekend Whiplash, they’ll be kicking off their 2026 as a special guest at Under The Radar’s secret launch party on the 4th February at The Finsbury. Tickets available on DICE.
Superlative
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Superlative, is a UK-based beatmaker, producer, songwriter, and rapper whose music defies genre boundaries. Known for his “SPR” ethos, Superlative inspires listeners from all walks of life with his barrier-breaking artistry.
His collaborations with icons like Mr Scruff and The Mouse Outfit, along with standout festival performances and viral social media presence, have made him one to watch in 2026.
Emilia Tarrant
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London singer-songwriter Emilia Tarrant has been sharpening her songwriting craft since the age of 12, writing raw and relatable songs that acts as therapy for her listeners.
Since her first release at the age of 17, she’s performed at Glastonbury in 2022 and Maida Vale Studios with BBC Introducing. She has also received great support from Radio 1’s Future Pop and Love Island (UK & USA), who have placed 11 songs across their series.
Based on her incredible track record, we’re so excited to see what she’ll achieve this year with her debut album why do i get out of bed? on 13th March.
Kané
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West London’s Kané is an emerging R&B and soul artist whose music blends smooth melodies with heartfelt storytelling.
In 2025, her breakout single RULES was named BBC 1Xtra Track of the Week, leading to her follow-up LOVE LIKE THIS becoming the cover of KISSXTRA’s new R&B show. She also features on a duet with Stormzy in his film Big Man, marking a major milestone in her career. Known for captivating live performances – from opening for ARZ and Zitah with Cloud X to performing on intimate stages – Kané continues to establish herself as one of the UK’s most exciting new voices.
simon a.
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simon a. is a genre-blurring artist from East London, blending soul, indie and rap with a cinematic touch.
His work explores identity, emotion and meaning, always rooted in honest storytelling. A Youth Music One to Watch in 2025, he performed at All Points East and Tramlines Festival, with support from BBC Introducing, Reprezent, and Unsigned Guide. His debut album ‘the show’ was funded by Youth Music’s Next Gen Fund, and he’s been long-listed for Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition two years running, both in 2024 and 2025.
Starting 2026 with a new era, his new single Herringbone is out now & has already been picked up by BBC Introducing & Voices Radio.
Cristina Hart
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Cristina Hart is an indie pop/rock artist and songwriter known for her raw, cathartic songwriting and gritty production. Moving from her hometown in Geneva to London to pursue her dream career, 2025 was the year the world opened up beyond her wildest dreams.
After applying to become an opening act for Louis Tomlinson, she was invited to open for him at Zurich Open Air City to a crowd of over 5,000 people. Since then, she’s been on tour twice, playing shows across Europe. With her devoted ‘dieharts’ behind her, there’s no denying her 2026 will be massive. We can’t wait!
Darcey Hope
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Darcey Hope is a rising queer singer-songwriter whose music balances confessional storytelling with a polished pop sensibility.
After her debut in 2023, Hope quickly amassed popularity in the UK. Her songs have been nationally played on Absolute Radio, BBC Introducing and she was in the top five on the Singer-Songwriter charts. Her single Late to the Party went viral within the queer community on TikTok, sparking important conversations among young members of the LGBTQ+ community and assuring so many late bloomers that they weren’t alone.
Five Degrees North
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Winners of Wight Noize 2025 and finalists in 2024, 5 Degrees North are rapidly emerging as one of the UK’s most exciting young rock acts. Formed in late 2021, the Brighton based trio opened the Main Stage at 2025’s Isle of Wight Festival on Saturday, sharing the bill with major artists including Stereophonics, The Script, Busted, and Razorlight.
Known for their electrifying live energy and genre-blending sound, they fuse alternative rock with melodic hooks, funky basslines, and driving rhythms. Their dynamic performances and tight musicianship have quickly earned them a loyal following across the South Coast, making them a must-see act for rock enthusiasts in 2026.
Their latest offering JULIE ANNE is out now.
GIYA
Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram | TikTok
GIYA is a London born and based singer-songwriter with a sound that is intimately her own.
Branded as ‘alt pop for the foggy hearts’, her music speaks of her surroundings, allowing her to build something that is profound and honest.
In 2025, she released EP Bodies and had her second ever headline UK tour. This February, she’ll support Bea Maher’s headline show at Folklore Hoxton.
We can’t wait to see what GIYA has up her sleeves for the year ahead. Based on what we’ve already seen, she is definitely one to keep an eye on.
The Year Ahead
This is just the beginning for our Breakout Artist Programme. With Niki Kini’s breakout year underway and our Artists To Watch ready to make their mark, 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for independent music.
We can’t wait to see these artists grow, perform, and reach new audiences – and to continue supporting and celebrating the next generation of UK talent. Submissions for the Breakout Artist Programme will open again later this year, giving more emerging artists the chance to take their careers to the next level.