New albums are dropping, festival line ups and tours are taking shape, and it’s time to start looking forward to the year ahead in music.
In this article, we’re once again focusing on some of the grassroots artists that we believe could be set for a breakthrough year.
In the past, we’ve demonstrated a strong track record of predictions. The Snuts, The Lathums, Yard Act, The Royston Club and English Teacher are just some of the names who have featured on our ‘Ones to Watch’ lists in recent years and have gone on to achieve success.
Last year, we picked out Jacob Alon, whose incredible debut album ‘In Limerence’ has earned a coveted nominated in the BRITS’ Critic’s Choice category this year.
We’ll be focusing on northern UK artists once again in 2026, and here are the six names we’re getting excited about this year…
ADULT DVD
Adult DVD are one of the most exciting new bands to emerge from northern soil. Mixing youthful post-punk energy with synth flourishes, they’ve already caught the attention of tastemakers with tracks like Do Something and raucous live shows are captivating crowds up and down the UK. Their sound blends indie riffs and dance, and the Leeds group are redefining UK guitar music for the 2020s. Expect 2026 to be their breakout year!
ARKAYLA
Arkayla are a Manchester four-piece making waves with guitar-driven indie that nods to the city’s rich musical heritage while carving out a fresh path of their own. With releases like their “DON’T LOOK FOR ANSWERS” EP and an infectious melodic approach, they’ve quickly become one of the North West’s most talked-about new bands. Their songwriting balances poetic hooks with gritty, heartfelt energy, and with a packed UK tour and festival presence lined up, they’re poised for a major leap in 2026.
FIONA-LEE
From the heart of East Yorkshire comes Fiona-Lee, a singer-songwriter whose raw, guitar-fuelled anthems have earned her a loyal following and critical attention. Her 2025 debut EP “Nothing Compares to Nineteen” channels personal hardships into anthemic indie-rock, showcasing vulnerability with a vocal performance that could easily draw comparisons to Florence Welch. She has also been selected to support Miles Kane on his UK tour kicking off this month!
THE GUEST LIST
Emerging as a go-to live act across small to medium venues and festival bills, Manchester’s The Guest List are making their name with dynamic performances and an eclectic edge that draws crowds from all over the UK. The group have already worked with James Skelly of The Coral, received acclaim from 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins, and played a huge headline tour in November. Their tracks fuse youthful energy and confidence, marking them as one to watch closely in 2026.
THE NORTH
Leeds outfit The North are quietly positioning themselves as one of 2026’s most intriguing breakout prospects, blending brooding northern grit with an expansive, modern indie sensibility. Their sound balances atmospheric textures and riffs that wouldn’t be amiss from some of the most accomplished guitarists around. Their DIY ethos defines the city’s best exports, and if 2025 was about laying foundations, 2026 looks set to be the year The North step fully into the spotlight.
WESTSIDE COWBOY
And last but not least, it’s Manchester’s Westside Cowboy, who have crafted their own niche – a genre they cheekily dub “Britainicana” – marrying alt-rock guitars with folk-tinged storytelling and off-kilter lyrical charm. Winners of Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition in 2025, Westside Cowboy are riding into 2026 with some momentum. Their latest EP “So Much Country ‘Till We Get There” landed earlier this month and we think this is the year the band take things up a notch and hit new heights.
So there are our six names for “Ones to Watch in 2026”. We’ll revisit the list this time next year to see how accurate our predictions are…
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