Spotify Releases Playlists Of Artists & Songwriters To Watch In 2026

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Spotify has released its 2026 Artists to Watch list and Songwriters to Watch 2026 class, spotlighting the emerging voices about to make a serious impact in pop, dance, country, R&B and more. The group of standout songwriters and artists are chosen by Spotify as being poised to define the sound of the year ahead.

On its Artists to Watch 2026 playlist, Spotify highlights the artists who are turning heads on playlists, gaining momentum around the world, and pushing their genres into new territory. The genre-spanning, culture-driven collection of what’s around the corner features several country artists, including Vincent Mason (Essential track: “Damned If I Do”); Zach John King (Essential track: “Happy For You”); Laci Kaye Booth (Essential track: “Luck Of The Draw”); and Max McNown (Essential track: “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)”).

Spotify selected two essential cuts from each songwriter (or team) for its Songwriters to Watch 2026 playlist. Country songwriters chosen for the list include Travis Wood, (Essential track: “I Ain’t Sayin’” by Jordan Davis); Joe Fox (Essential track: “Skoal, Chevy, and Browning” by Morgan Wallen); and Sam Westhoff (Essential track: “Blink Twice” by Shaboozey and Myles Smith).

“Songwriters are the architects of the songs we fall in love with, and too often their stories stay behind the scenes,” says Jacqueline Ankner, Head of Songwriter & Publisher Partnerships at Spotify. “With Songwriters to Watch 2026, we are spotlighting the creators shaping culture across genres, from Nashville hitmakers to global pop builders and producer-writers pushing sound forward. Our goal is to help these writers reach new audiences, deepen industry recognition, and celebrate the craft at the heart of every great song.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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