Over the past decade, YouTube Music’s “Foundry Class” has become a trademark of quality for independent artists, and the 24 artists who make up this year’s class is no exception. The artists range from the U.S. and the U.K. to Poland, Korea, Brazil, Morocco, India and elsewhere, and include Julia Wolf, RaiNao, Kelela and more.
Past honorees have included Dua Lipa, Rosalia, Gunna, Tems, Arlo Parks, Japanese Breakfast and many more.
The support is more than just publicity: YouTube Music is granting money to the artists as well. “Artists receive a direct financial grant to invest in their craft, whethere that’s for content creation, production or independent release campaigns,” a spokesperson told Variety.
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“Since 2015, YouTube Music’s Foundry program has had one clear mission: to support the diverse and innovative voices of the global independent music community,” the company said in a statement. “We’re proud to have worked with more than 250 artists, helping them build sustainable careers on their own terms. Our goal with Foundry is always to help independent artists take the next major step in their career, whether that’s helping them break on their debut album or stepping in with additional support at a pivotal career moment.”
2026 honoree Julia Wolf said in a statement, “YouTube has given me a space to build my world with real intention. It allows me to connect with my audience in a personal, community driven way through long form content, where I can tell the stories behind my music thoughtfully while also creating videos that extend beyond music alone. I really hope to gain an even stronger connection with YouTube through this Foundry program, as an independent artist these creative relationships that help support us mean the world.”
While the inclusion of Kelela, a veteran American R&B/electronic artist who has been releasing music for more than 15 years, is a bit confusing at first, a spokesperson clarified: “While Kelela is certainly a legend known by tastemakers, her fellow artists and the independent music community, she has particularly ambitious goals for this new album, as evidenced by features from PinkPantheress, AK Paul and Fousheé. We are proud to partner with her to bring her ambitious content ideas to life and continue growing her audience.”
Vivien Lewit, YouTube’s global head of artists, added, “YouTube is a platform that gives artists the power to fully express their authentic voices, share their music and their art. Discovery is at its core, that’s what Foundry is all about,” added. “We are so proud to bring this incredibly talented group of artists together, representing music culture from all over the world.”
The full class, which can be heard on the official Foundry Playlist on YouTube Music:
- Amanda Magalhães (Brazil), a multi-talented artist known for her creative “memixes” and sonic collages that blend traditional Brazilian music with modern electronic influences.
- Antara and Ankita Nandy (India),a viral musical duo from North East of India have wowed audiences with their unique brand of musical renditions using the Ukulele and household items for percussion.
- CIZA (South Africa), an artist at the forefront of the Afro House wave, turning up club floors worldwide with viral breakout hits.
- Damini Bhatla (India),a classically trained vocalist bridging regional cinema with the global indie stage for a loyal audience.
- Draganov (Morocco),a trailblazing rapper and producer redefining the region’s hip-hop scene through his distinctive sound and cinematic visual identity.
- Franco, The Sir! (Brazil), a self-taught 19-year-old powerhouse whose viral performances and multi-layered production have earned praise from top names of Brazilian trap.
- Garvit-Priyansh (India), the duo redefining the intersection of Indian Classical and contemporary Bollywood pop with cinematic sound.
- Hamilton (Columbia), a leader of the fast-growing Latin Afrobeat movement out of Cartagena, bringing vibrant coastal rhythms to the world.
- HANRORO (Korea),an emerging talent in indie pop/rock, known for her deeply relatable storytelling and cinematic soundscapes.
- Julia Wolf (U.S.), an edgy pop artist with the attention of her peers and global superstars alike, manifesting in co-signs and collaborations.
- Kelela (U.S.), a cultural innovator and icon on the cusp of another evolution of her genre-defying sound.
- MC Luanna (Brazil), a powerful Bahia-born force, blending rap, trap and funk to embody the strength of Black, bisexual, favela-born women.
- MEEK (U.K.), is a fearlessly authentic artist already captivating a worldwide audience with her irresistible debut single ‘Fabulous’.
- Momo Boyd (U.S.), a singular voice seamlessly blending Americana, Alternative and Pop; and a member of the beloved sibling band Infinity Song.
- Natanya (U.K.), an undeniable pop star in the making, who has already captured the attention of superstars like Janet Jackson, SZA, Tyler the Creator, Doechii, Bjork and many more!
- OutStation (India), the rising Indian boyband has captured a devoted fanbase built through sincere camaraderie and viral performances.
- RaiNao (U.S.),the next standout from Puerto Rico, as co-signed by Bad Bunny, fusing Latin influences with elements of alternative pop and jazz.
- Silica Gel (Korea), a three-time Korean Music Awards winner blending indie rock, electronic, and psychedelic sounds into a fresh, unique vibe.
- Soffie (Germany), a breakout indie-pop force transforming vulnerable storytelling into euphoric, anthemic main-character anthems.
- The Paradox (U.S.), the fresh new faces of the burgeoning pop punk revival delivering high-energy anthems for a new generation.
- TKS2G (France), a dynamic Parisian talent bringing fresh energy to the French scene by mixing humorous, sharp rap with sun-soaked shatta and dancehall.
- Wasia Project (U.K.),a brilliant sibling duo redefining English indie pop with their sophisticated, cinematic, and ever-evolving sonic storytelling.
- wave to earth (Korea),a leading voice in alternative indie, seamlessly blending lo-fi jazz, indie pop, and soft rock to create a distinctively soothing, global soundscape.
- Zippy Ogar (Poland), a new force in Polish hip-hop, captivating audiences by fusing melodic, high-energy production with deeply honest storytelling.
“Additionally,” the statement continues, “we are thrilled to support artists like Dangrangto (Vietnam), Ino Casablanca (France), Martox (Dominican Republic), Mack Keane (U.S.), Rey Quinto (Mexico), Ruti (U.K.), Quiet Light (U.S.), Vintonic (Indonesia), and others, through our Foundry Rising program. Foundry Rising focuses on emerging artists who are at an earlier stage in their YouTube journey by giving them tools to help them grow.”
