A bold new chapter in Filipino music is unfolding—and Spotify RADAR Philippines 2026 is putting the spotlight on ten rising acts shaping its sound.
This year’s lineup captures the pulse of a scene that refuses to be boxed in. From the alt pop-rock energy of HEY JUNE! to the introspective stylings of indie standouts Kenaniah, fitterkarma, and NEW LORE; from the emotive storytelling of singer-songwriters Rhodessa and Chezka to the polished pop of P-pop group VVINK; and the boundary-pushing flows of hip-hop and R&B artists Waiian, Paul N Ballin, and Elhé—each artist brings a distinct voice to the evolving Pinoy soundscape.
Since its Philippine launch in 2020, Spotify’s RADAR program has served as a launchpad for emerging talent, helping artists expand their reach, connect with new audiences, and carve out lasting careers in an increasingly global music landscape.
“The Pinoy music scene continues to grow, with more artists pushing different sounds and perspectives forward. RADAR has always been about recognizing the artists driving that,” said Kossy Ng, Spotify’s Head of Music for Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. “We’re excited to amplify their music, support their growth, and ensure that what makes them uniquely Filipino remains at the heart of their artistry—even as they reach listeners beyond our shores.”
For VVINK, the recognition marks an early but meaningful milestone. “As a seven-month-old group, being recognized by Spotify feels surreal—it’s like confirmation that we’re on the right path,” the group shared. “RADAR reminded us why we started: our passion for performing and our drive to keep evolving.”
NEW LORE echoed the importance of discovery in today’s music landscape. “You create art for yourself, but also to share,” the group said. “Not everyone hears your music right away, so platforms like RADAR are essential. Everything we do—from our album to our visuals—is intentional, and we’re excited to share that with a wider audience.”
Listeners can dive into this year’s RADAR artists through the RADAR Philippines playlist, and explore deeper narratives behind their music via Spotify’s Editorial Watch Feed, where each act’s creative journey takes center stage.
Meet the RADAR Philippines 2026 Artists:
- HEY JUNE! – A Filipino alternative pop-rock trio composed of Jim Mase, Coey Ballesteros, and Aci Fodra, known for melodic hooks and relatable storytelling, as heard in their debut single “Panahon.”
- Kenaniah – A multi-instrumentalist and producer delivering raw, heartfelt tracks like “Sabihin Lang (Kung Ayaw Mo).”
- fitterkarma – A genre-bending collective weaving dark, emotionally charged narratives inspired by Filipino folklore, with tracks like “Aswang sa Maynila” and “Pag-ibig ay Kanibalismo II.”
- Chezka – A singer-songwriter blending folk, pop, and alternative sounds, using space and silence to amplify emotion in songs like “What Could’ve Been” and “Gently.”
- Rhodessa – An indie-pop artist who gained early attention with her cover of “Nobela,” now continuing her rise with originals like “Sana Ako Na Lang.”
- NEW LORE – An all-female trio (Tita Halaman, Kim, and Carole) merging music, poetry, and visual art into a cohesive creative universe, showcased in “Substack Girl” and “I Know You by Heart.”
- VVINK – A rising P-pop girl group whose music reflects resilience, second chances, and everyday joy, highlighted in “Kailan Ka Aamin.”
- Waiian – A Makati-based rapper known for dynamic bilingual flows and thought-provoking themes in tracks like “Solo Mission” and “SI LODS NA BAHALA.”
- Paul N Ballin – A hip-hop artist and member of Psychedelic Boyz, best known for his viral hit “POGI.”
- Elhé – A genre-fluid artist from Olongapo City, whose dance background informs his rhythm-driven sound in songs like “TAPAT” and “ITABI MO.”
With Spotify RADAR Philippines 2026, the next wave of Filipino music isn’t just emerging—it’s making a statement.
