Women To Watch

Every March, Women’s History Month celebrates the contributions of women to society, today and throughout history. In modern music history, women have always been at the forefront of genre innovation: from the pioneering blues guitarist and singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe (known as the “Godmother of Rock and Roll”), soul sister Aretha Franklin and jazz icon Etta James, to trailblazing musicians like rock superstar Stevie Nicks, punks like Debbie Harry and electronic producers like Éliane Radigue. In the 21st century, women have become powerful players — from Beyoncé to Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift to Rihanna — selling out arenas, going multi-platinum and shifting the cultural conversation about women’s lives, experiences and creativity. 

In recent years, the diversity of women across the genre spectrum has blossomed. In 2026, more women than ever are experimenting at the top of their game, shifting trends and showcasing their skills. In a world where artists are more free than ever to create and share music independently, and as the global cultural conversation around women’s rights and autonomy develops, more women feel empowered to create original, meaningful art, take control of their careers and be bold in their choices. More than ever, there are so many women in music to discover and become fans of. 

To celebrate Women’s History Month 2026, dive into this collection of tracks from rising artists from across both the world and the genre spectrum alike. From Francophone African breakouts like Aya Nakamura and Latin pop acts like Young Miko, to R&B groups like FLO and rappers like SAILORR, as well as experimental rock artists like WISP, electronic producers like Ninajirachi, jazz crooners like Sasha Keable and pop vocalists like Erin LeCount, here are the women to watch in 2026.

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LISTEN TO THE WOMEN TO WATCH PLAYLIST ON SOUNDCLOUD NOW

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Avalon Emerson, “Eden”
Dance DJ/producer Avalon Emerson explores indie pop guitars and vocals on her latest side project, The Charm. In this SoundCloud-exclusive commentary, hear Avalon Emerson talk more about the making of key tracks from her ‘Written Into Changes’ album here, including the project’s title track.

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Rochelle Jordan, “Sweet Sensation”
British-Canadian R&B vocalist Rochelle Jordan is known for bringing a dancefloor energy to her tracks. This track, “Sweet Sensation,” features on her 2025 album, ‘Through The Wall.’ Hear more from Rochelle Jordan about the making of her music in our exclusive Voice Notes commentary here.

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FLO, “The Mood (Kayda G Remix)”  
Grammy-nominated British R&B girl group FLO gets the house music rework by Canadian DJ/producer Jayda G.

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Cobrah, “Hush”
Swedish vocalist and producer Cobrah riffs that her sound is “BDSM pop,” with pumping dark electronic beats. 

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Slayyyter, “OLD TECHNOLOGY” 
Vocalist and songwriter Slayyyter started out by uploading her tracks to SoundCloud. Now, her third album, ‘Wor$t Girl In America,’ is due on Columbia Records this spring.

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Ninajirachi, “Delete (horsegiirL Remix)”
DJ/producer horsegiirL remixes this track by Australia’s Ninajirachi, from her 2025 debut album, ‘I Love My Computer.’ 

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Isabella Lovestory, “Vanity”
Honduran artist Isabella Lovestory blends dark electronic pop and reggaeton on the title track of her latest album. The 2025 project also includes the song “Telenovela.” For this track, SoundCloud partnered with Isabella Lovestory to see how the producer community could remix and reimagine her sound. Check out those remixes here. 

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Chloe Qisha, “So Sad So Hot”
Malaysian-born, London-based pop vocalist Chloe Qisha is a name to watch. Her latest EP is 2025’s ‘Modern Romance.’ 

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Griff, “last night’s mascara”
You may have seen London-based singer-songwriter Griff perform as the support act on Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. Her debut album is 2024’s ‘Vertigo.’

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Holly Humberstone, “To Love Somebody” 
British singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone writes intimate, atmospheric pop songs. This track is from her forthcoming album, ‘Cruel World.’

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Audrey Hobert, “Sue me” 
After co-writing with Gracie Abrams, Audrey Hobert is now going solo. In 2025, she released her debut album, ‘Who’s the Clown?’

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Flowerovlove, “Casual Lady”
British-Ivorian singer-songwriter flowerovlove brings rays of sunshine into her pop music, as exemplified on her latest track, “Casual Lady.”

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Absolutely, “No Audience” 
Talent runs in the family with British singer-songwriter Absolutely: her sister is Grammy-winning artist RAYE. Absolutely’s latest album is February 2026’s ‘Paracosm.’

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SAILORR, Eem Triplin, “COCONUT” 
Vietnamese-American vocalist SAILORR is breaking through in the rap scene for her imaginative sound and aesthetic. You can find out more about her through her SoundCloud Ascending profile.

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Darkua, “Tori” 
Darkua is a Ghanaian-Nigerian artist who blends Afrosoul and R&B to sultry effect, as heard on her 2025 album ‘Never To Late.’

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Lila Iké, “Scatter” 
British-Jamaican vocalist Lila Iké was nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 2026 Grammys for ‘Treasure Self Love’ — and was the only woman in the category. 

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Ṣẹwà, “Lagos Lovin’” 
Nigeria-born, Canada-based Ṣẹwà fuses Afrosoul, Afrobeat, R&B and jazz to mesmerizing effect. This track features on her 2025 album, ‘Detox.’

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Zee Nxumalo, “Thula Mabota” feat. Shake & Les
Zee Nxumalo is a multi-platinum artist in her native South Africa. Her 2024 project ‘Inja Ye Game’ showcases her latest tracks.

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Namasenda, “Cola” 
Stockholm-based pop artist Namasenda has collaborated with pioneering hyperpop label PC Music. Her latest track, “Cola,” was released in January 2026.

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María Isabel, “Bien Bien” 
Known for her Latin pop sound,María Isabel is a Dominican-American artist from New York City, who sings in Spanish and English. To learn more about the making of “Bien Bien,” check out María’s exclusive Voice Notes commentary, recorded in Spanish, here.

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Lamb, “Overkill” 
Hailing from Venice Beach, California, vocalist Lamb has already had co-signs from SZA and Russ for her electronic pop sound.

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Erin LeCount, “DON’T YOU SEE ME TRYING?” 
British indie-pop artist Erin LeCount released her latest project, ‘I Am Digital, I Am Divine,’ in 2025. You can find out more about Erin through her recent SoundCloud Ascending profile.

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Alessi Rose, “That Could Be Me” 
British pop act Alessi Rose broke through with tour support slots for Noah Kahan, Dua Lipa and Tate McRae. She dropped a deluxe version of her latest album, ‘Voyeur,’ in 2025.

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Samara Cyn, “what will they say” 
A rapper and songwriter from Tennessee, Samara Cyn brings an edgy vibe to her hip-hop sound. Her latest album is 2025’s ‘backroads.’

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JGrrey, “septemberr daze pt. 2” 
Hailing from South London, JGrrey’s warm, raspy voice meshes with her blend of jazz, soul and R&B. 

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Sasha Keable, “tell me what you want” 
Colombian-British vocalist Sasha Keable has been bubbling in the UK scene for years, working across R&B, hip-hop and jazz. Her latest is 2026’s ‘ACT II.’

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Aya Nakamura, “No Stress” 
France’s favorite pop star, Mali’s Aya Nakamura, mixes pop, Afrobeats and R&B with evolving Black Francophone lyrics. This track features on her 2025 album ‘Destinée.’

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Young Miko, “Meiomi” 
Puerto Rico’s Young Miko is bringing a modern edge to Latin pop; she broke through with her 2025 album, ‘Do Not Disturb.’ 

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keiyaA, “stupid prizes” 
Vocalist, producer and songwriter keiyaA’s experimental R&B and electronics can be most recently heard on her 2025 album, ‘hooke’s law.’

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kwn, “hopeless romantic”
British vocalist kwn collaborated with Kehlani on Valentine’s Day-inspired track “worst behavior;” she’s since dropped her latest album, 2025’s ‘with all due respect.’

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james K, “Days Go By” 
james K’s mix of electronics, shoegaze, ambient and atmospheric pop melodies unfurls on her 2025 album, ‘Friend.’ 

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dexter in the newsagent, “Special”
British vocalist dexter in the newsagent blends lo-fi electronic pop and R&B on her 2025 album, ‘Time Flies.’

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Sudan Archives, “DEAD” 
LA-based singer, violinist and songwriter Sudan Archives experiments with a medley of genres and electronic production on her latest album, ‘THE BPM.’

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Ego Ella May, “Don’t Take My Lover Away” 
Part of a new generation of jazz artists, British vocalist Ego Ella May brings an R&B edge to this latest track.

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selines, “revivrilo” 
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, selines taps into her Mexican heritage with her guitar-playing and heartfelt lyrics.

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spill tab, “Suckerrr” 
LA-based indie pop artist spill tab released her latest album, ‘AngieAngieAngie,’ in 2026. You can hear more about her story and creative process on her episode of Sound Advice.

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SASAMI, Soccer Mommy, “Just Be Friends” 
LA-based vocalist and musician SASAMI collaborates with indie rock act Soccer Mommy on this yearning 2026 track.

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Nilüfer Yanya, “Treason” 
On her latest release, 2025’s ‘Dancing Shoes,’ British indie vocalist and musician Nilüfer Yanya showcases her versatility and originality. 

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TTSSFU, “Upstairs” 
After playing in post-punk band Duvet, UK vocalist, guitarist and songwriter TTSSFU has gone solo, with her 2025 album, ‘Blown.’

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Julia Wolf, “Burning House” 
Julia Wolf blends hyperpop, metal, indie, trap and Y2K nostalgia together with goth-pop vocals. You can learn more about Julia Wolf’s artist journey so far on her episode of Sound Advice, as well as check out her exclusive track-by-track commentary in her recent installment of Voice Notes.

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WISP, “black swan” 
Speaking to a new generation of heavy rock and electronic fans, WISP had a big 2025, releasing her album ‘If Not Winter’ and supporting Deftones on tour.

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LISTEN TO THE WOMEN TO WATCH PLAYLIST ON SOUNDCLOUD NOW