Contrary to any whispers of their decline, guitar-driven bands are thriving in Australia, a trend underscored by Spotify’s latest industry forecast. The digital streaming titan has officially pulled back the curtain on its global Artists to Watch 2026, a definitive collection of must-hear talent spanning Afrobeats, country, hip-hop, Latin, and alternative sounds.
The rock and alternative sector is notably dominated by Australian voices. Out of the three acts selected for the category, two hail from the Land Down Under: the genre-blurring visionary Ecca Vandal and the NSW Music Prize-winning hardcore outfit Speed. They are joined in the rock spotlight by Austin-based rockers Die Spitz.
The Australian momentum continues into the indie-folk realm, where Melbourne’s own Folk Bitch Trio has been recognized as a standout act for the coming year.
“Australian artists are increasingly shaping global music culture, and these three are right at the forefront,” says Ben Watts, Spotify’s Head of Music for AUNZ. “Ecca Vandal, Speed, and Folk Bitch Trio are building audiences at home and internationally while pushing their genres into new territory.”
This annual forecast is meticulously curated by Spotify’s local and international editorial teams. The selection highlights emerging creators who are gaining significant traction on playlists, expanding their global footprints, and redefining the boundaries of their respective genres.
Listeners can dive into the curated sounds of the future via the Artists to Watch 2026 playlist, which features an “essential” track from each highlighted performer. Other notable names on this year’s list include Irish electronic innovator KETTAMA, U.S. indie group Fcukers, and Chilean vocalist Young Cister.
In tandem with the artist reveals, Spotify has also spotlighted the unseen architects of the industry with its Songwriters to Watch 2026 class. This initiative aims to celebrate the craftsmen behind the hits who often remain in the shadows.
Jacqueline Ankner, Spotify’s Head of Songwriter & Publisher Partnerships, emphasized the importance of this recognition: “Songwriters are the architects of the songs we fall in love with. Our goal is to help these writers reach new audiences and celebrate the craft at the heart of every great song.”
Featured songwriters for the 2026 poll include Travis Wood, IKKY, and Caitlin Stubbs, each of whom has contributed two essential tracks to the accompanying Songwriters to Watch playlist.
As of late 2025, Spotify’s influence continues to scale, boasting a global user base of over 713 million, including 281 million premium subscribers across more than 180 international markets.
