A new wave of Pinoy artists is taking shape, and Spotify RADAR Philippines 2026 is spotlighting 10 emerging acts worth knowing now.
From alternative pop-rock band HEY JUNE! and indie artists Kenaniah, fitterkarma, and NEW LORE; singer-songwriters rhodessa and Chezka; P-pop act VVINK; and hip-hop and R&B artists Waiian, Paul N Ballin, and Elhé, this year’s class reflects the diverse and distinct sounds pushing the Filipino music scene forward.
Since launching in the Philippines in 2020, RADAR has supported emerging Filipino artists as they build their careers – helping them reach new listeners and deepen connections with fans.
“The Pinoy music scene continues to grow, with more artists pushing different sounds and perspectives forward. RADAR has always been about recognising the artists driving that. We’re excited to bring their music to more listeners and support their growth, while making sure what makes them distinctly Filipino remains at the core of their music as they reach more audiences at home and beyond,” says Kossy Ng, Spotify’s Head of Music for Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Reflecting on what it means to be part of the program, VVINK shared, “As a seven-month-old group, being recognized by Spotify feels surreal like confirmation that we’re on the right path. Spotify RADAR reminded us why we started: our passion, our love for performing, and our drive to keep evolving.”
Meanwhile, NEW LORE spoke about the opportunity to share their music with more listeners: “You make art for yourself, but also to share. Discovery is key, and not everyone hears your music at first. We’re thrilled to be part of RADAR—everything we do, from our album to our performances and aesthetics, is intentional, and we want to share it with the world.”
Discover this year’s RADAR artists on RADAR Philippines, and get to know them further through the Editorial Watch Feed, where Spotify’s editors spotlight the stories behind their music.
- HEY JUNE! is a Filipino alternative pop-rock band, composed of Jim Mase, Coey Ballesteros, and Aci Fodra. They are known for their melodic sound and relatable storytelling, as heard in their debut single “Panahon”
- Kenaniah is a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his honest, heartfelt sound. Check out his song “Sabihin Lang (Kung Ayaw Mo)”
- fitterkarma is a genre-blending collective known for dark, emotionally charged lyricism inspired by Philippine folklore like “Aswang sa Maynila” and “Pag-ibig ay Kanibalismo II”
- Chezka is a singer-songwriter who uses silence and space to create raw, vulnerable moments, blending folk, pop, and alternative sounds to explore love, heartbreak, and mental health in tracks like “What Could’ve Been” and “Gently”
- rhodessa is a Filipino indie-pop artist who first gained attention with her 2019 cover of “Nobela.” Listen to her song “sana ako nalang”
- NEW LORE is an all-girl Filipino band blending music, poetry, and visual art into an immersive creative world. The trio consist of Tita Halaman, Kim and Carole. Explore their singles “substack girl” and “ i know u by heart”.
- VVINK is a rising P-pop girl group known for music shaped by stories of resilience, second chances, and everyday joy. Listen to their recently released single “Kailan Ka Aamin”
- Waiian is a rap artist hailing from Makati is renowned for his impactful verses and flows filled with creativity and unique lines using Filipino and English languages together in a seamless way. With tracks like “Solo Mission” and “SI LODS NA BAHALA,” his music explores themes of motivation, truth, love, and justice.
- Paul N Ballin is known for his viral track “POGI.” He is a Filipino hip-hop artist from Makati and a member of the rap group Psychedelic Boyz.
- Elhé is a genre-blending artist from Olongapo City whose background in dance shapes his rhythm-driven approach to music. Don’t miss his tracks like “TAPAT” and “ITABI MO”
