From artists who feel like they’re right on the edge of the mainstream, to others who are yet to break in, these are your top 5 female artists that you should keep an eye out for in 2026.
Abby Powledge
Nashville-based 20-year-old singer songwriter Abby Powledge first captured listeners with her 2024 track ‘spoiling me’ which founds it’s way to millions of users on TikTok. Her nuanced and gentle lyricism, carried by soft and often stripped-back instrumentals, seep right into the emotions of listeners. She’s incredibly vulnerable and open, bearing her soul and pouring herself into her music, and it pays off in how it connects with audiences. Powledge often looks inward in her writing, singing about her childhood, relationships and everything inbetween. She’s yet to release her debut album, and has instead been building up to this with singles and EPs, the most notable of which include ‘help me see myself’, ‘spoiling me’ and ‘grown’.
Holly Humberstone
Holly Humberstone has been a known figure in the UK indie-pop music scene since she was named Apple Music’s Up Next artist in 2020. Her brutally honest song writing, sharp hooks and at times dark yet witty lyricism has commanded attention, earning her spots on tour with some of the UK’s biggest names including Lewis Capaldi and Sam Fender. Some of the highlights in her catalogue include ‘The Walls Are Way Too Thin’, ‘Scarlett’, and the comforting yet heartbreaking track ‘Deep End’. She’s set to release her next album this year, with fans at her recent shows having had exclusive access to the tracks. The songs carry her atmospheric pop tones whilst conveying a mature and introspective artist at her best. It’s not one to miss.
Sienna Spiro
20-year-old Brit singer Sienna Spiro has one of those voices that stop you in your tracks and command attention. She released her debut EP last year, but since then has released two of her most popular and best songs to date – ‘Die On This Hill’ and ‘You Stole The Show’. Her voice is soulful, raw and incredibly powerful, toeing the line between other well-known Brits such as Adele and Amy Winehouse (a big call I know). She carries every emotion of her lyrics through her voice, using it as an incredible vessel for her storytelling. Whilst not announced, Spiro is building up to her debut album, which is one not to be missed with the rare and commanding talent she holds.
Amber Mark
To me Amber Mark has been on the precipice on pop stardom for far too long. She’s an artist my friends and I will play on repeat whenever we come together, has collaborated with big artists like Anderson Paak, and is best friends with Sabrina Carpenter. But for some reason she’s been an inch away from tapping into the mainstream for the last few years. Her sound is reminiscent of old-school rnb, merging pop, electronic and hip-hop influences. While Mark’s songs are intimate and deeply personal, she layers this over danceable rhythms that make it hard not to have fun to. Despite her latest album ‘Pretty Idea’ being released just last year, she’s one to keep an eye out for and put on for all your friends when you’re bound to hit the dancefloor, as it’s only a matter of time before she really hits her stride. Some of my favourites from her include ‘Mixer’, ‘Don’t Remind Me’ and ‘A Little More’.
Victoria Bigelow
Victoria Bigelow has been on my radar for many years, and has often been the soundtrack to my early 20s. I discovered her during the years of COVID, when many like myself were in the mood for reflective and introspective music that fit the tone of the time, much like Lana Del Ray’s Norman F**king Rockwell and Taylor Swift’s Folklore, both of which were created and released in this period. Victoria Bigelow’s music evokes that notion, with though-provoking lyrics filled with sincerity and vulnerability. She’s one of those artists you listen to and wonder how she hasn’t gained more traction, feeling as though her emotionally charged music rivals that of the major artists in the indie-pop space. If you haven’t heard of her, she’s definitely worth the listen. Highlight tracks in her catalogue include ‘Low’, ‘Make Me Blue’, ‘Love in Vain’ and ‘Something/Anything’.
Article by Grace
