GIHE: Ones To Watch 2026

It’s fair to say that 2025 was another tough year, but one positive we’re taking away from it is the immense amount of incredible new music that was released and the hope of more wonderful offerings from new bands and artists in 2026.

Following on from our features about our favourite Tracks, Albums & EPs and Personal Highlights of 2025, it’s now time for us to share our Ones To Watch for 2026 – naming a handful of bands and artists who we predict will be reaching ears far and wide this year. Have a read of our choices and make sure you give them all a follow on social media to keep track of their achievements over the next twelve months.

We’ve also added tunes from our favourite albums and from the bands included in this feature to our Tracks Of 2025 Playlist, to provide the best soundtrack to the start of your 2026! Have a listen on Tidal and be sure to download songs by the artists you love from bandcamp, go and see them live, buy their merch, and spread the word. They need your support now more than ever!

Here are a few of the bands and artists we’re most excited about going into 2026…

Cowboy Hunters
Having been building a reputation in the Glasgow scene for their memorable live shows, Scottish punks Cowboy Hunters create immense riotous anthems and I was very excited when I was first introduced to their seething single ‘Mating Calls’ back in March last year. Since then, I had the complete pleasure of seeing them at Deer Shed Festival in the summer and the fiercely engaging charisma and stark dry wit that they exuded throughout their immense, instrument-swapping set exceeded all expectations. Strictly not adhering to the festival’s suggested reduced swearing policy, they raged about transphobes and needing money for drugs before ending the set by getting the whole crowd to join in doing The Macarena with them. It really was the most surreal and perfect way to kick off a Saturday morning! And, with a full EP promised in the spring, I cannot wait to see / hear what wonderfully riotous offerings they have in store for us this year. (Mari Lane – Managing Editor)


Jessie Mac
South East London DJ, producer & label owner Jessie Mac is still a bit of an enigma to the GIHE team, but we all know that we’re obsessed with her track ‘Trans Is Beautiful’ – a total gem that I unearthed in my GIHE inbox last year. It’s a powerful and incredibly catchy “sonic statement” that is equal parts poignant, political and playful, featuring the vital words of American actress & activist Laverne Cox. Jessie’s blend of club-inspired beats and shape-shifting electronics have been ricocheting between my ears for the past twelve months. We know that she’s working on new projects and music for 2026 and we’re excited to hear more of her essential LGBTQIA anthems. (Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)


Lōwli
On both our Soho Radio show and in our monthly playlist features, I consistently coined Irish composer & songwriter Lowli as one of my favourite new music discoveries of 2025. Her debut album, Window In The Woods, is a moving rumination on unsettling memories and emotions, explored through her tender keys, crystalline vocals and beautiful instrumentation. Released via VETA Records, the album provides a safe haven from the stresses of everyday life, as Lowli is adept at crafting a serene, yet melancholic world for you to immerse yourself in. I look forward to hearing Window In The Woods live one day soon. (KC)

Midori Jaeger
An artist I discovered by accident when seeing Tanita Tikaram at Royal Festival Hall in November, Midori Jaeger instantly caught my attention with their unique style of playing the cello and the soothing allure of her vocals while playing in Tikaram’s band. Originally from Japan, Jaeger has recorded three EPs and played alongside the likes of Daughter and Courtney Pine, as well as Tanita Tikaram. But, kicking off this year with the rich sparkling splendour of her new single ‘Dark Green’, I have a feeling she’ll be commanding plenty of stages in her own right throughout 2026, with her immersive, genre-defying sounds. I for one can’t wait to immerse myself in more of her captivating folk-strewn musicality and shimmering heartfelt emotion. (ML)


Pinkshift
With the release of their second album, Earthkeeper, last summer, Maryland punk-rockers Pinkshift cemented their ability to create perfectly honed, refreshingly honest modern day rock anthems. As a fierce sense of urgency and relentless grunge-tinged energy rage throughout the album alongside the gritty raw emotion of front-person Ashrita Kumar’s vocals, it offers a welcoming hit of early noughties nostalgia whilst rippling with the band’s own unique groove. Apparently the aim of the record is to inspire us to “give a fuck”, and I certainly do – about the world, but also about this exciting band who I can’t wait to see on tour with Grandson in March – the UK is in for a treat! (ML)


Sijya
South Asian composer and producer Sijya crafted one of my favourite EPs of 2025, Leather & Brass, so it will come as no surprise that I have chosen her for our Ones To Watch feature too. Signed to the prestigious One Little Independent Records, Sijya’s experimental spirit is reflected in her music, which is an idiosyncratic blend of digital and analogue synths, drifting vocals and atmospheric beats. I was sad to miss her performance at the Tate Modern last year, where she played her EP live in the iconic turbine hall as part of their Tate Lates series, but I’m hoping to hear her expansive electronica in the flesh at some point in the near future. (KC)


Um, Jennifer?
Having first won me over with the playful energy of 2023 single ‘Girl Class’, New York trans duo Um, Jennifer? continued to be total faves last year with the release of their new album, Um Comma Jennifer Question Mark. Oozing so many deliciously scuzzy lo-fi pop-punk vibes, the album reflects on trans identity, lust and obsession, whilst offering a wonderfully empowering ode to defying expectations and not fitting into the moulds that society often places on us. Their band bio says “Fig and Eli met at a party in Brooklyn. Eli wanted to hook up with Fig’s friend. Now they make music together for nobody except the vengeful god, Jennifer. Jennifer thinks their music sucks.” I’d have to disagree with Jennifer, and have a feeling many other people will throughout 2026. (ML)


Yakkie  
Having been privileged enough to attend Yakkie’s first ever gig back in 2023, and since witnessing their immense live presence on more than one occasion, it had felt like a long wait for the debut single from the incredible supergroup back in October. Fronted by interminable force of nature Janey Starling (formerly of Dream Nails) and featuring Robin Gatt (Personal Best, Petrol Girls), Laura Ankles (Colour Me Wednesday, The Dumb Blondes) and Maeve Westall (Jasmine.4.t, itoldyouiwouldeatyou), it was amazing to see this absolutely epic collective of faves come together in all their seething punk-rock glory last year, offering the rage, joy and unity we all so desperately need. And now, with their debut album set for release in February, I cannot wait to be treated to plenty more of their relentless riffs and swirling empowering energy. Entitled Kill The Cop Inside Your Head, of the album Janey explains: “If we want a better world, we must first be able to imagine one. To do that, we have to kill the cop inside our head. Go to the protest! Join your union!” Offering a fierce, rallying cry for unity and rebellion, it’s now more important than ever to have bands like Yakkie, not afraid to speak up for what’s right and use their platform as a real force for change. I’m extremely grateful they exist and look forward to having them see us through 2026. (ML)

Despite our apprehensions about 2026, at least we’re heading into the new year with some fantastic music to accompany it. Huge love and thanks to all the bands and artists who continue to soundtrack our lives and offer hope that we can resist those seeking to oppress marginalised groups and continue to create powerful communities that bring joy, strength and comfort. And massive thanks to all who supported GIHE throughout 2025 and for the last ten years (!) – it really means the world.

Throughout 2026, if possible, please support your favourite artists by downloading their music from bandcamp, following them on social media and nabbing tickets to see them live! For a taste of who to follow next, listen to our playlist of 2025 favourites here.

A great way to discover your new favourite band is to come along to our GIHE gigs! Next up, we’re at The Waiting Room on 16th January with South London post-punk faves Hadda Be, plus support from Sussex alt-rockers Shallow Honey and upcoming shoegaze dreamers Mannequin Flowers. Tickets are on DICE now and they are always cheaper in advance!

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LIVE: Tanita Tikaram @ Royal Festival Hall, 15.11.2025

I think I’ve written before about how much of an influence on my musical tastes my dad has been. Growing up – whether at home, or in the car on long journeys up to Birmingham to see my grandma, or down to Cornwall for the summer – there was always music playing. Sounds ranging from ‘60s rock to ‘90s trip-hop, and everything in-between, I was able to experience an eclectic sonic smorgasbord from a very young age. One of the more ‘in-between’, genre-defying sounds that we would frequently enjoy together was Tanita Tikaram’s 1988 album, Ancient Heart. Even as a young child, the deep gravelly tones of her vocals, soaring alongside the lilting folk-tinged musicality, seemed to really take hold. I have so many memories of both singing along with my dad, and then later as a teen – after stealing the CD for my own collection – seeking catharsis in the sweeping raw emotion and striking lyricism whilst listening on my walkman on the way to school. 

So, when I heard that Tanita Tikaram was playing at Royal Festival Hall as part of the EFG Jazz Festival the same weekend that my parents had planned to come up to London, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for a dad-daughter nostalgic evening out. 

Celebrating the release of her latest album, LIAR (Love Isn’t A Right), Tikaram makes an entrance alongside a host of accomplished musicians, the matching deep orange hues of her shirt and shoes adding to the warm glow that exudes from the stage throughout the entirety of the evening. Opening with ‘World Outside Your Window’, the gently empowering anthem from her debut that – upon its release – showcased Tikaram’s clarity and emotional experience beyond her 19 years, and now highlights the timeless quality of her songwriting as it sounds as resonant and energising as ever, the set continues to perfectly juxtapose the past and present as Tikaram flits between instruments and decades. 

Intricately describing the inspiration behind each song, from young ideals of love to all-encompassing issues such as hopes for the freedom and safety of all people, Tikaram shares an endearing vulnerability as she opens up about her songwriting process and influences, adding a welcome sense of intimacy and rapport to the performance. And musically, from the sweeping strings and majestic grandeur of new album track ‘This Perfect Friend’ and exquisite heartfelt grace of Ancient Heart’s ‘Valentine Heart’ (played as a stripped-back duet between Tikaram and her violinist Helen O’Hara), to the blues-inspired hooks of 2016’s ‘Cool Waters’ and immense beats (thanks to drummer Marc Pell) of 2012’s ‘Heavy Pressure’, she showcases her ability to interweave a variety of different styles into something entirely her own. 

Throughout the evening, Tikaram pays homage to a number of other artists who have influenced her in some way. From sharing that the inspiration behind the name of the new album comes from the Molly Drake (mother of Nick) song ‘Love Isn’t A Right’, and referencing Philip Glass’ ‘Night Train’, to dedicating Nina Simone’s ‘Wild Is The Wind’ to her partner Natasha and joining her cellist Midori Jaeger in a spellbinding rendition of John Martyn’s ‘May You Never’, the passion she feels for music and the songwriting process, and her gratitude for those who’ve come before, clearly shines through from start to finish. And, when she talks about how much of an impact her parents’ record collection has had on her (“luckily they had good taste”), I turn to my dad, feeling extremely lucky to be have been in a similar position, and grateful to be able to share such a special evening of music with him. 

Whilst the performance continues to exude an intimacy throughout, as we gain an insight into Tikaram’s personality and warmth as she shares details like this, she doesn’t lose sight of the bigger picture, of her dedication to using her platform as a musician to expose societal truths and express solidarity with marginalised communities. Having discussed the need for, and comfort to be found in, community earlier in the set, she goes on to recognise that “we have so much more in common than what separates us” before introducing the London Gospel Choir who join her for recent single ‘I See A Morning’; their soaring voices adding a stirring sense of unity to the performance. 

Flowing with an engaging warmth throughout, this wholesome evening not only showcases evidence of Tikaram’s timeless talent as a songwriter and sound ability to orchestrate a band of incredible musicians, but it also seems to offer a beautifully open celebration of her queer identity; each song bringing with it its own unique sense of joy and pride. A sentiment which is highlighted by the fact that she has been raising money for Switchboard (the LGBTQIA+ support line that I volunteer for) with each sale of a special rainbow picture disc of LIAR (Love Isn’t A Right).

Tanita Tikaram’s latest album LIAR (Love Isn’t A Right) is out now.

Mari Lane
@mari_getinherears

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LISTEN: GIHE on Soho Radio with Fightmilk (21.08.25)

For this month’s GIHE show, Mari was joined in the studio by Lily from punk-pop favourites Fightmilk, bringing listeners an eclectic mix of new music tunes from some of their favourite female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ bands and artists.

They talked about Get In Her Ears’ upcoming 10th Birthday celebration at The Cavendish Arms, the secrets of being in a DIY band, horror films, favourite famous dogs, The Macarena and lots more! The playlist included tunes from Cheerbleederz, Problem Patterns, Pink Shift, Jasmine 4t and more.

Listen back below:


We’ll be back on Soho Radio on Thursday 18th September from 4-6pm (BST)
 Make sure you tune in via DAB or the new Soho Radio app!
You can also listen at www.sohoradiolondon.com

Tracklist
Dolly Parton – Dumb Blonde
Fightmilk – Summer Bodies
Cheerbleederz – I Deserved Better
The Schla La Las – 1234
Problem Patterns – Sad Old Woman
Problem Patterns – Terfs Out
Efemel – Resuscitate
Cowboy Hunters – Breathe (and then you die)
The None – Pigs Need Feeding
adults – discipline
Wiince – Specific Rim
Lande Hekt – Impending Dooming
The Cords – I’m Not Sad
Flinch – I wonder if colin from endocrinology remembers me
Soot Sprite – Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon
Wench! – Yeti Legs
Pinkshift – Vacant
Strange New Places – YATPYFL
Tugboat Captain – Pest Control
Yuppie Supper – Neocanine
Ducks LTD (with Lunar Vacation) – Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken
Jasmine 4t – Woman

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Guest Blog: Queer Cxntry

Saddle Up Y’all! Margate Punk Duo pink suits are bringing their cult night ‘Queer Cxntry’ to Signature Brew in Walthamstow for a FULL DAY TAKEOVER this bank holiday Saturday, 23rd August. Have a read all about it below, make sure you nab tickets, and listen to our special Queer Cxntry playlist to get you in the mood!

Is this your first Rodeo? For those who have not been to or heard of Queer Cxntry, here’s what to expect:

Queer Cxntry is a Country music themed LGBTQIA+ live gig and club night. Hosted by Lori Mae with performances from creators of the night pink suits‘ house band ‘The Northdown Rodeo’, plus drag legends The Cybils and special guest performers and DJs including Donna Poderosa, Izzy Aman and Dolly Parton tribute band, The Dumb Blondes. Audiences are encouraged to get involved! Come dressed to impress in your Cxntry Best for a chance to win the costume contest, join in some games for a chance to win some cxntry lovin’ prizes or jump up on the Rodeo Bull and show us what you got! Get your photos snapped in the iconic rose booth to show off  your outfits, and then dance the night away to country DJs and live music.

So, how did a political punk duo from Margate end up starting a Queer Cxntry night?

There were many things that lead to us starting Queer Cxntry. Lennie has always been really into cowboys, country music and dressing up. Johnny Cash and June Carter; The Highwaymen; Dolly Parton. And they’ve always been obsessed with watching cowboys that their mum loved growing up… Like Kevin Costner in Silverado, and concert videos of Ray Sawyer in Dr Hook and The Medicine Show, who were incredibly intriguing to a young bi boy from Manchester. Ray grew up in the real country, small town Colorado, USA! Surrounded by cowboys and country music, but in a very macho way. If you look closely, country has always been Queer!

More recent influences that directly lead to us starting Queer Cxntry in Margate were:

In late 2016 Lennie went for a piss in the iconic Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone. There was a country ‘n’ western night happening in the function room that they watched for a while. It was cute and wholesome, older couples line dancing and partner dancing, dressed in flannel shirts and cowboy hats and dresses and boots. But it was also very straight, and problematic with confederate flags hung on the walls. They thought it would be so great to see a Queer version of this… 

In 2019 Orville Peck exploded into our lives with the debut album Pony. This album, all of the songs, all of the aesthetics of Orville Peck and the music videos just crushed us. It was dark and romantic, and camp and silly, and unapologetically Queer. We were obsessed with all of it. That year we saw Orville Peck play in Leeds, London, Barcelona and Sydney. In Sydney we found a pink cowboy hat in a country store called Route 66 and decided to commit our lives to the Queer Cowboy aesthetic… 

Early 2020, right before the world shut down, there was a karaoke night at Tom Thumb Theatre in Margate. Lennie, newly back from Australia and newly committed to the Queer Country life, did a Cyrus mash up – singing Billy Ray Cyrus ‘Achey Breaky Heart’ dressed as Miley Cyrus in Wrecking Ball. Shelley Grotto was there and absolutely crushed Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ and we said there NEEDS to be a night where we can dress like cowboys and Shelley can sing Jolene with a live band…

In Summer 2021 as venues were opening up again, Sammy from Elsewhere (now WhereElse?) asked us to do a show. We wanted to get audiences back together and back in venues, but we are a punk band and the restrictions were still up and down. No basements, no full gigs, no drums, no moving around, stay seated, wear masks etc, which didn’t scream ‘punk night’. We thought it would be a good opportunity to try out a Queer Country night of audience dress up, some gentle live band country covers, some drag performances. We knew Janet District Council played fiddle, and we met Island Girl on the steps at the beach and talked about banjos, so we put a band together. We had one rehearsal that Lucky Deluz just turned up to out of the blue… Thank the country gods! We sold out, a whole forty tickets, for the first ever Queer Cxntry… The rest, as they say…

Why does country lend itself so well to queerness? Has country always been Queer?

This could take a long long time and a lifetime of discussion, which we are fully committed to having! However, for the sake of ease, we will give you the simple answer. Queers love a dress up! And country is a very camp and very varied dress up… And all of it is hot! The cowboy aesthetic is rugged, butch and macho, it can be eccentric and tabby, sexy or subtle, it works for the L’s, G’s the B’s, the T’s the Q’s. The whole Queer alphabet! Leather is hot. Dungarees are hot. Boots and Saddles and Chaps, bandannas and ropes and tight jeans… it’s ALL GOOOD! And let’s be clear, the straights also love cowboys and the hot masc wrangler… But for Queers it is the subversion of this archetype that is fun and silly and sexy.

But country music is also very Queer. Not the business of country music, and a lot of the people who historically have been successful in it. Not the mainstream idea we have of the country music demographic, that has been unfairly co-opted by ideas of homophobia and misogyny, which is definitely rife in country music. But, at its heart, country music is about the experiences of life, love, loss, family and friends, and contemplating how we spend this time together. It is about heartbreak and beauty and struggles and pain. There is so much in country music that speaks to the Queer experience and – despite this idea that we have about country music not being a place for Queer people – a lot of the champions of country music have always been champions of Queer people and have spoken out about peoples right to live and love freely. I am talking about people like: Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, The Chicks, Tim McGraw, Brandi Carlisle, Shania Twain, LeAnn Rimes… And now we have many out Queer country artists like: Orville Peck, Paisley Fields, Allison Russell, Amythyst Kiah, Lil Nas X, Dixon Dallas and many more.

Queer people have always been here. In every part of society. That includes country. It includes country music. It includes cowboys and ranchers and farmers and wranglers. There are some great resources out there that go into more historic detail of Queer life in the American West. 

A couple of our favourite Queer Cxntry albums (in addition to everything by Orville Peck’s Pony):

Noah Cyrus – I Want My Loved Ones To Go With Me
Noah Cyrus just dropped one of our favourite albums of all time. It has come out of nowhere and absolutely crushed us. If you do one thing off of the back of this blog, then listen to this album. If you do two things, then listen to the album AND book tickets for the Bank Holiday all dayer!


Allison Russell – Outside Child
We have made this recommendation on GIHE before I believe? But we will never ever stop shouting about this album. It has been four years, and we still listen to it a few times a week. Allison Russell is an unbelievable artist and a wonder to see live! 


A few other must-listen Queer Cxntry songs: 

Lavender Country – ‘Straight White Patterns‘
Mary Gauthier – ‘Drag Queens In Limosines‘
Orville Peck – ‘Hope To Die‘
Paisley Fields – ‘Iowa‘


Like what you’ve heard / seen / read?! Come join the Queer Cxntry revolution at the special All-Dayer event THIS SATURDAY 23RD AUGUST at Signature Brew on Blackhorse Road – tickets here. These events are always the most joyous, most life-affirming of times, so we really cannot recommend it enough to our queer community (and lovely allies)!
If you can’t make it this Saturday, listen to the Queer Cxntry playlist and make sure you catch the whole thing on tour this Autumn – details here.


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