The MJF presents 20 emerging artists who will make a lot of noise next year! Our programming team has selected these gems for you, reflecting the various musical trends of the moment, across all genres.
Several artists on the list will have the opportunity to take the stage during the Spotlight events held throughout the year, and of course, this summer at the MJF. Last year, several names from the selection made an impact at the Festival, including Yamê, Thee Sacred Souls, Barry Can’t Swim, Elmiene, and Keny Grace.
MRCY (UK)
THE MEETING OF TWO SOULS
- Our bookers love them because… “Before founding MRCY, these two behind-the-scenes figures of the British scene were already working with artists like Olivia Dean and Jungle. We discovered them live at the Great Escape in Brighton. On stage, the producer-singer duo transforms into a seven-piece band with sublime arrangements, evoking decades of soul and R&B music, from Marvin Gaye to Sault and Anderson Paak.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… soul.
- We can picture them at the MJF opening for… Leon Bridges.
ARTEMAS (UK)
THE DARK, PUNCHY SOUND OF A SELF-TAUGHT ARTIST
- Our bookers love him because… “Artemas has this ability to blend multiple styles into just two-minutes songs. Pop, grunge, R&B, electro – he mixes it all. The result is super cohesive and recognizable, with pitched vocals and a DIY aesthetic. It’s raw, punchy, and mysterious. Live, he brings a more rock-driven, instrumental energy, which connects him back to his early influences, especially Kurt Cobain, whose Montage of Heck documentary was a big revelation for him.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… a fusion of alt pop, R&B and dark wave.
- We can picture him at the MJF opening for… Charli XCX.
NAÏKA (FR/HT)
THE POP AND RADIANT VOICE OF A BOUNDLESS HERITAGE
- Our bookers love her because… “Her music reflects the different cultures that shaped her childhood. With lyrics in English, French, and Creole, Naïka draws from pop, R&B, Caribbean, and African sounds. Her ability to bring all these influences together in simple, universal, and unifying tracks is truly fascinating. It’s a rare skill she owes to both her cultural background and her formal training at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… pop, R&B with Caribbean and other global influences.
- We can picture her at the MJF opening for… Kali Uchis.
CA7RIEL & PACO AMOROSO (AR)
THE ARGENTINIAN DUO THAT SET TINY DESK ON FIRE
- Our bookers love them because… “We were already fans of their fresh and experimental approach, as well as their collaborations with Nathy Peluso. Their Tiny Desk session this fall was another revelation, showing them in a different light compared to their studio recordings. With 10 musicians backing them, they managed to maintain their urban, offbeat identity while adding an incredible groove and organic musicality. We were blown away from start to finish.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… experimental Latin trap.
- We can picture them at the MJF opening for…Peso Pluma.
JUDELINE (ES)
NEO-TRADITIONALISM AND HISPANIC POP
- Our bookers love her because… “After Rosalía, a new voice in Hispanic pop was expected, and Judeline answers the call perfectly. With her tracks that blend Andalusian heritage and avant-garde productions, she creates a captivating and surprising musical universe. Her song ‘JOROPO’ showcases her talent as a composer and the richness of her influences. Seen at the Pitchfork Festival in Paris, she embodies the boldness, freshness, and values of a Gen Z ready to redefine the music scene.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… a mix of pop, electro, and flamenco.
- We can picture her at the MJF opening for…Nathy Peluso.
SHABOOZEY (US)
COUNTRY MEETS HIP-HOP
- Our bookers love him because… “In Europe, he’s mostly known for his massive hit ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy).’ But in the United States, Shaboozey is a real phenomenon. He’s one of the few artists to successfully blend hip-hop and country. He represents the reappropriation of this genre by the African American community, much like Beyoncé did on her album Cowboy Carter. In fact, he has the honor of being featured on two tracks from Queen B’s album.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… country and hip-hop.
- We can picture him at the MJF opening for… Noah Kahan.
GIGI PEREZ (US)
THE QUEER BALLADS OF A STORYTELLER
- Our bookers love her because… “Some of her acoustic ballads could remind you of classic American folk – just like the title of her biggest hit, ‘Sailor Song.’ While the lo-fi, organic sounds give her music a retro vibe, her lyrics are very much of today. In ‘Sailor Song,’ Gigi Perez sings an ode to queer love, telling the story of a crush on a woman who looks like actress Anne Hathaway. And when some try to criticize her bold, outspoken lyrics, she has the perfect response: ‘My lyrics aren’t a democracy.'”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… indie folk and pop.
- We can picture her at the MJF opening for… Gracie Abrams.
MARCIN (PL)
THE DRAGON OF NEO-CLASSICAL GUITAR
- Our bookers love him because… “He’s simply a guitar genius. With his percussive style, he plays melody, harmony, and rhythm using only his ten fingers. Everyone’s seen his viral videos: his cover of Carmen, Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, his halftime show at an NBA game, or his guitar lesson with Wyclef Jean. With the release of his debut album Dragon in Harmony, Marcin is taking things to the next level, announcing a European tour next spring.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… modern classical, percussive flamenco, and alternative jazz.
- We can picture him at the MJF opening for… Santana.
ISABEL LAROSA (US/CU)
A DARK POP SOUNDTRACK INSPIRED BY EUPHORIA
- Our bookers love her because… “There’s a touching vulnerability in her atmospheric dark pop. Isabel LaRosa works closely with her brother, with whom she grew up in jazz clubs their father used to take them to. Together, the duo is always exploring new ways to produce their music. Her single ‘favorite,’ sung in both English and Spanish, masterfully blends her melancholic sound with a reggaeton beat. Strongly influenced by the dark aesthetics of film and TV shows, Isabel LaRosa aimed to create songs that could’ve been featured in Euphoria.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… dark pop.
- We can picture her at the MJF opening for… Melanie Martinez.
MEL D (CH)
ENCHANTING SPELLS AND MELODIES
- Our bookers love her because… “Mel D connects with the audience in a way few artists can. After performing at the MJF Residency with her band Mischgewebe, she returned last fall as a solo act and delivered a captivating performance. She moved everyone and confirmed that she’s an emerging force in the Swiss music scene. For her debut EP, she worked with Dino Brandão and Renaud Letag, a renowned Parisian producer. Her song ‘Bring The Witches Back’ is an anthem to love and magic, encouraging us to take care of ourselves and each other.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… indie-pop and progressive folk.
- We can picture her at the MJF opening for… Sophie Hunger.
ANOTR (NL)
THE NEW WAVE OF AMSTERDAM HOUSE
- Our bookers love them because… “These two guys from Amsterdam have already toured the world multiple times, and their name keeps rising higher on festival lineups. With their label No Art, they organize events and festivals that sell out even before the lineup is announced. Musically, they bring a breath of fresh air, blending house, funk, jazz, and disco with an effortless ease. Their track ‘Relax My Eyes’ perfectly showcases their ability to create music that works both in the club and at home.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… house with touches of jazz-funk and modern disco.
- We can picture them at the MJF opening for… Barry Can’t Swim.
JOEL SUNNY (AU)
THE VIOLINIST WHO CONQUERED TIKTOK
- Our bookers love him because… “TikTok’s algorithms have brought a fresh approach to instrumental music, reaching a younger audience. Like Tony Ann on piano or Marcin on guitar, Joel Sunny reimagines the violin with a pop and free spirit. Though purely instrumental, his music creates melodies that feel like vocal lines, inspired by the dramatic power of artists like Lana Del Rey.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… a mix of classical, instrumental pop, and electronic music.
- We can picture him at the MJF opening for… Tony Ann.
MYLES SMITH (UK)
A FUTURE POP STAR FOLLOWING IN ED SHEERAN’S FOOTSTEPS
- Our bookers love him because… “We had been following his viral cover videos on social media for a while. The release of his first singles confirmed his potential: a rising pop star with the ability to write catchy, unforgettable hits. Next year, Myles Smith will fulfill a childhood dream: opening for Ed Sheeran, the artist who inspired him to start writing and playing guitar.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… pop.
- We can picture him at the MJF opening for… Benson Boone.
TRUENO (AR)
THE KING OF FREESTYLE
- Our bookers love him because… “In Latin America, he’s all anyone talks about. More than just a rapper, Trueno is a true voice of his generation. A freestyle battle genius, he’s won several of the most prestigious titles. With hits like ‘Mamichula,’ featuring Nicki Nicole (who performed at the MJF 2023), he created a real anthem. His raw lyrics and magnetic flow capture all the untamed energy of the new urban scene.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… Latino trap.
- We can picture him at the MJF opening for… Karol G.
LUVCAT (UK)
A GOTHIC POETESS
- Our bookers love her because… “In just three songs, Luvcat has already captivated TikTok with her romantic, morbid ballads blending gothic vibes, a Tim Burton-like universe, and catchy lyrics. Her glamorous, melancholic and playful style reminds us a lot of The Last Dinner Party (who performed at the MJF in 2022). We don’t know much about her, but rumors say she spent her teenage years in a Parisian circus, before disappearing after a magic trick that went wrong.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… indie rock with touches of gothic pop.
- We can picture her at the MJF opening for… The Last Dinner Party.
ADDISON RAE (US)
A SUCCESS STORY 2.0
- Our bookers love her because… “In 2020, she went viral on TikTok with her dance covers. The following year, she announced her music career while landing the lead role in a Netflix film. We really started to take notice of her when we heard her collab with Charli XCX. Then her single ‘Diet Pepsi’ became our soundtrack all throughout August. She’s getting a lot of attention right now, and we’re really excited to see what’s next.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… pop.
- We can picture her at the MJF opening for… Sabrina Carpenter.
SIENNA SPIRO (UK)
THE NEW POP VOICE WITH A SOULFUL TOUCH
- Our bookers love her because… “Sienna Spiro is only 19 and has released just four tracks so far, but you can already hear the voice of a future pop superstar. A fan of RAYE, Amy Winehouse, Frank Sinatra, and Etta James, she naturally infuses her songs with a sensitivity drawn from soul and jazz. With her virtuosic vocal runs and heartfelt lyrics, Sienna Spiro creates music that speaks to the soul and holds nothing back emotionally.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… pop.
- We can picture her at the MJF opening for… RAYE.
ARØNE (FR)
SHE MAKES SADNESS DANCE
- Our bookers love him because… “What we love about arøne is her ability to talk about sad things over upbeat productions, turning her emotions into danceable energy. Her music, hybrid and eclectic, reflects a generation of artists who grew up listening to rap, pop, and electronic music, never limiting themselves to just one genre. On stage, she’s generous, sincere, and natural, always driven by her love for connecting with his audience.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… a mix of melodic rap, pop, and electro.
- We can picture her at the MJF opening for… Zaho de Sagazan.
ALESSI ROSE (UK)
INDIE POP CONFESSIONS
- Our bookers love her because… “She caught our attention when all the dates of her tour sold out one after another. With her rock’n’roll attitude, full of grace, boldness, and confidence, she reminds us of Olivia Rodrigo or The Last Dinner Party. Her debut EP rumination as ritual is a blend of indie pop and raw confessions, where each track feels like it’s been taken straight from her personal diary.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… indie pop.
- We can picture her at the MJF opening for… Olivia Rodrigo.
MARK AMBOR (US)
THE NEW STAR OF FEEL-GOOD POP
- Our bookers love him because… “After some early singles that were maybe a bit too tailored for social media, his debut album Rockwood completely won us over. Tracks like ‘Bruises and Stains,’ ‘Under the Willow,’ and ‘My Love!’ are bold risks and showcase an authentic songwriter capable of creating poignant melodies. With this album, Mark Ambor proves he’s more than just a TikTok phenomenon: he’s a sincere and daring artist who knows how to touch the hearts of his audience.”
- The days of labelling musical genres are gone, but between us, let’s call it… pop with touches of folk.
- We can picture him at the MJF opening for… David Kushner.