A new year means a whole new set of artists to discover.
In 2025, we’ve seen breakout acts by the dozen taking over the Filipino music scene with hit after hit. From indie rock songs about the intensity of love to rap anthems that you can’t help but groove to, the last year was filled with rising artists who proved that local music knows no bounds. And 2026 is set to be no different.
As we settle into the new year, the Billboard Philippines team has picked out a list of Filipino artists you should definitely keep on your radar this 2026. Whether they’re hip-hop names that have been bubbling within the scene or underrated indie bands climbing up the charts, here are 10 acts you need to be watching out for.
La Mave
“Through a sweet blend of laidback R&B and tasty elements of hip-hop, La Mave has become a rising force to be reckoned with in the Filipino music scene within the past year alone. Officially making his debut in 2024 with the dreamy “Milya,” the up-and-coming Filipino artist has since made significant waves across the Philippines, with his success notably exemplified by his high-ranking entries in the Billboard Philippines charts — “Dominga,” his collaboration single with rapper Nateman, and his equally viral solo release, “Vibrate.”
VVINK
VVINK, FlipMusic’s first-ever P-pop girl group, is poised for a breakthrough year in 2026. Making a bold and sparkly debut with the single “Tulala,” the group also released two more singles in 2025 — “Tatlong Hiling” and “BADÜY.” This 2026, Angelika, Ayaka, Jean, Mariel, and Odri are set to continue their youthful bubblegum pop energy with exciting new music releases like “Kailan Ka Aaamin.”
dana paulene
Finding her start through consistently busking across Metro Manila, Filipino indie-folk singer dana paulene has slowly been building a name for herself in the local music scene since the release of her relatable debut single, “uod love story,” in 2024. Following this up with the viral “akong ako” and her team-up track with Earl Agustin, “Minamahal,” she has been showcasing her ability to effortlessly capture the hearts of listeners with her signature warm, mellow vocals and candid musings on love and all its fun quirks.
NEW LORE
Formerly known as No Lore, the all-female Filipino alt-pop trio NEW LORE kicked off 2025 with a fresh rebrand. The dominoes quickly fell into place with the release of their debut album, grief cake, which landed on various international Spotify New Music Friday playlists. Embracing their “Art, Music, Poetry” mantra, the group now has its sights set on an even bigger 2026.
SHNTI
Signed under LIAB Studios (an independent alternative hip-hop label), SHNTI is a rising force in the Philippine hip-hop scene who’s proving that the future of the genre is female. As she pushes the boundaries of hip-hop with her experimental production, the femcee also challenges the status quo of the rap scene as she tackles topics like heteronormativity, queerness, and the like. She’s set to soon come out with her debut album, so SHNTI is definitely an artist you should keep an eye out for this year.
Chezka
In recent years, there has been no voice that has been quite as exciting as that of Chezka‘s, following the release of her debut record, Misfire. Pairing intimate storytelling with war, cozy production, together with her heartfelt, melodic vocal prowess, each of Chezka’s songs brings a unique take on the indie-folk genre. The confessional nature of her work brims with the same honesty and depth as global counterparts like Maggie Rogers or Lizzy McAlpine, resonating deeply within the hearts and ears of listeners across the globe. With “Misfire” being featured on over twenty-two of Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists worldwide, it only marks the beginning of what else we can expect from Chezka and her musical potential in the near future.
Gaspari
You know him for hits like “KODAK BLUE” and his bars on the chart-breaking “PUFF ME UP,” but Gaspari is surely an act you should keep on your radar for more releases this year. As one of Philippine hip-hop’s rising names, he’s been growing a strong and dedicated fanbase with his clever bars and unique talk-like flow that give his songs an authentic feel.
hazylazy
Within the local band circuit, hazylazy has emerged as one of the most exciting stars in the scene for turning psychedelic influences into something bold, immersive, yet distinctly its own. Led by Jason Fernandez, the project channels a fearless creative vision (as seen from his excellent debut, ANTAGONISMS), utilizing an eclectic combination of genre-fluid elements and influences into songs that warrant deep and repeated listening. Their debut album feels like a carefully crafted audio scrapbook that somehow balances melody, texture, and chaos while still delivering a good amount of explosive moments. With music this adventurous yet endlessly replayable, it’s undeniable that hazylazy is clearly pushing local indie music into thrilling new territory.
shirebound
shirebound (and their earlier discography) may have found new life thanks to the immeasurable powers of the TikTok algorithm, yet their newly-formed, full-band lineup is merely the beginning of what could be a brand new musical era of theirs. Having broken through on the Billboard Philippines charts with the viral “Waltz of Four Left Feet,” the potential for an even bigger musical breakthrough is undeniably imminent, especially with their strong presence within the local gig scene, as well as the rising traction of their newer material, including their notable collaboration with Jan Roberts on “Hingalo.” It would very much be a welcome surprise to see more music come out from the band later on in the year, especially with just how swoon-worthy and resonant their releases often are.
It All Started In May
There’s an exciting new indie band in town, poised to make an even bigger splash in the local music scene. It all started in May 2025, when the five-piece It All Started In May made their sweet yet strong debut with “O’ Kay Tamis.” A couple of releases later, they’re cementing their identity with a ’70s Manila sound infused with modern indie pop sensibilities, paving the way for an exciting year ahead.