Now Hear This: January 2026’s Freshest Music Discoveries

Explore the vibrant sounds shaping 2026 with our handpicked artists spotlighting diverse genres and global vibes.

A New Year, A New Soundtrack to Your Life

Every January feels like a blank vinyl record, waiting for fresh grooves, and this year’s Now Hear This lineup delivers exactly that. From majestic solo debuts to cinematic hip-hop and psychedelic dream pop, the artists featured here are ready to soundtrack your 2026 with bold flavors and heartfelt authenticity. Whether you’re a longtime music hunter or someone eager to find that next favorite sound, this eclectic mix promises something for every ear.

Photo Courtesy of look at fiona.

Discovering Gems Through Groover’s Vibrant Platform

Now Hear This is our monthly indulgence in fresh tunes uncovered via Groover, a trailblazing music platform connecting independent artists with industry pros worldwide. It’s a playground where genres collide and continents converge — a place that’s birthed thousands of new sounds, ready for your playlist.

The Handpicked Seven to Watch This January

• Peter Lord, whose solo debut channels ’90s R&B with an epic flair.
• Plaid Lion, a Pacific Northwest collective blending dub, reggae, and trip-hop soulfulness.
• HZPROD, bringing cinematic hip-hop with Brooklyn grit and West Coast swagger.
• Clay Goodman, a lo-fi pop craftsman weaving Beatles-inspired melodies.
• Los Frankies, LA’s scuzz rockers igniting the Sunset Strip with fuzz and fire.
• 91Days, thrash-infused rap metal that’s as heavy as it is anthemic.
• I, Captain, a psychedelic one-man journey with plenty of ’70s vibes.
• Cypress Key, redefining Southern rock with New Orleans soul and adult contemporary grace.
• look at fiona., dream pop from the Rockies that’s as atmospheric as it is emotive.

Let’s dive into the stories behind these sounds.

Peter Lord: A Sonic Journey to the Eighth Dimension

Photo Courtesy of Peter Lord

Peter Lord, a founding member of early ’90s R&B legends The Family Stand, steps into 2026 with Songs from the Eighth Dimension — an album that marries classic influences with new-age boldness.

“I would describe my approach as holistic in that it’s first inspiration, then perspiration... I don’t create for anybody else but myself.” — Peter Lord

Rooted in the soulful genius of Stevie Wonder, the Beatles’ timeless songwriting, and Sly & The Family Stone’s funk, Peter’s sound also dips into the golden age of hip-hop and grunge. His music feels like a cosmic blend of dimensions — hence the album’s name, inspired by his fascination with quantum physics.

He’s excited about artists like Dijon leading the charge today, and foresees music becoming an essential piece of broader multimedia art forms in the next five years. For Peter, music is a grounding force amidst uncertainty, a beacon of clarity in a noisy world.

Plaid Lion: A Mythical Roar from the Pacific Northwest

Photo Courtesy of Plaid Lion

If you close your eyes and picture a lion wrapped in a cozy plaid sweater roaming the misty woods of the Pacific Northwest, you’re halfway to understanding Plaid Lion’s vibe. Their sound is a soulful blend of dub, reggae, and trip-hop — reminiscent of Morcheeba’s smooth grooves and Sade’s timeless musicianship.

Band members Ian and SaraEllen share a love for storytelling, horror, folklore, and blending indie rock with subconscious influences. Their songwriting heroes range from Portishead’s Dummy to Jawbreaker’s 24-Hour Revenge Therapy.

They celebrate the ongoing blending of genres and the revival of rebelliousness, particularly from a feminist perspective — a nod to artists like Florence and Kiki Rockwell. Expect them to keep pushing against the robotic art trend, advocating for raw, honest creativity.

HZPROD feat. ShoeGang and Zombie Juice: Cinematic Hip-Hop with a Dark Edge

Photo Courtesy of HZPROD

HZPROD, also known as Hadzilla, crafts moody, experimental hip-hop that feels like a soundtrack to an emotional thriller. Teaming up with Flatbush Zombies’ Zombie Juice and Long Beach’s Shoe Gang, their collaboration pulses with old-school Brooklyn energy fused with futuristic production.

“Music has always been a place I escape to and reset mentally. It is therapeutic for me... I would say experimental hip hop. It is mood driven, usually dark or cinematic.” — HZPROD

Drawing inspiration from eclectic icons like Lloyd Banks, Shpongle, and Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN, HZPROD celebrates the growing empowerment of independent artists and foresees AI becoming a helpful tool without replacing human creativity. For him, music is a way to make sense of personal and global turmoil, turning uncertainty into connection.

Clay Goodman: Lo-Fi Melodies with a Beatles Twist

Photo Courtesy of Clay Goodman

Imagine if A Hard Day’s Night had been recorded in a basement with a scrappy lo-fi charm — that’s Clay Goodman’s world. His music is all about melody, the heartbeat of his songs, crafted with a nod to British rock’s melodic greats like The Beatles and Oasis.

Clay is passionate about the surging tide of talented new artists emerging daily and hopes that despite AI’s rise, genuine artistry will continue to shine through. For him, music offers comfort and a creative outlet during dark times, a faithful rock in the storm.

Los Frankies: LA’s Scuzz Rock Rebels

Photo Courtesy of Los Frankies

Los Frankies bring the raw energy of the Sunset Strip to life — blending the swagger of The Cramps with the sonic punch of Love and Rockets, wrapped in amplifier fuzz that commands your attention.

Frank Abreau Salazar shares their philosophy: capture the live energy and chemistry forged over years of playing together. Their influences are classic punk and garage legends like The Stooges, Ramones, and The Cramps, mixed with contemporary female punk powerhouses.

The band sees rock evolving into an unbounded fusion of genres, embracing raw expression and fresh voices, celebrating especially the rise of female perspectives in rock. For Frank, music is medicine — like “doing micro surgery” on the heart.

91Days: Thrash Meets Rap Metal

Photo Courtesy of 91days

91Days marries classic thrash metal with rap metal’s visceral punch, in the spirit of Anthrax and Linkin Park. Their sound combines heavy electronics with traditional metal riffs — a sonic roller coaster that’s both nostalgic and cutting edge.

Their journey began with acoustic riffs evolving into fully produced tracks, inspired by legends like Metallica, Infected Mushroom, Korn, and Marilyn Manson. The independent artist is energized by new tech that empowers home studio production and hopes metal and rock keep thriving amid a changing musical landscape.

Music for 91Days is a cathartic escape, a way to channel life’s chaos into creation and healing, turning heartbreak and world turmoil into anthems of resilience.

I, Captain: Psychedelic One-Man Band with a ’70s Soul

Photo Courtesy of I, Captain

If Public Image Ltd. had a psychedelic twin, it might sound like I, Captain — the solo project of Pete Rogers. His approach is organic, spontaneous, and grounded in funk, blues, punk, and lo-fi ’70s vibes.

Pete’s name nods to his former band The Captains, now reimagined as a solo voyage. Influences span Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon to punk legends Nomeansno and Quicksand.

He’s thrilled by vinyl’s comeback and the platforms giving underdog artists a voice. Music for Pete is a constant companion — a source of positivity and connection that can turn tough times into moments of hope.

Cypress Key: Southern Rock with a New Orleans Soul

Photo Courtesy of Cypress Key

Hailing from New Orleans but drawing on broader Louisiana imagery, Cypress Key offers a fresh wave of Southern rock infused with adult contemporary warmth and a soulful New Orleans heartbeat.

Frontman Mazz crafts songs from hooks or moods, blending vocal melodies with textured backing tracks for contrast. Influenced by Teddy Swims, Noel Gallagher, and The Shins, Cypress Key rides the wave of a revived adult contemporary scene that bridges generations.

They see music algorithms evolving to spotlight truly dedicated artists, with AI as a helpful tool rather than a creative crutch. Music is a cathartic release and a bridge to shared human experience.

look at fiona.: Dream Pop from the Rockies

Photo Courtesy of look at fiona.

Emerging from the Rocky Mountains, look at fiona. blend shoegaze and dream pop with a meditative folk twist. Their sound floats like a cool mountain breeze, perfect for fans of Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Beach House.

Their name came from a sweet moment — a friend’s cat named Fiona inspiring both a comforting phrase and a melodic spark. Each member brings unique influences, from Slowdive’s Souvlaki to The Beatles and hardcore roots.

They celebrate originality in a pop world often clouded by polished perfection, seeing honesty and relatability as the future of music. For them, music is a safe refuge, a place to get lost in blinking lights and find common ground.

Groover connects independent artists with music pros to accelerate careers, empowering creators with guaranteed feedback and exposure. Over 700,000 artists use Groover to connect with 3,000+ pros worldwide — a testament to the power of community in music’s ever-evolving landscape.

Ready to make these artists a part of your daily soundtrack? Their music is just a play button away — dive in and let 2026’s freshest sounds inspire your year.

FAQ

• What is the core theme connecting these January 2026 artists?
  Each artist embodies a mix of authenticity and innovation, bridging genres with personal storytelling and fresh sonic visions.
• How does Groover support emerging musicians featured here?
  Groover provides a platform for independent artists to connect with curators, radio, media, and labels, ensuring real feedback and exposure.
• Are these artists influenced by any particular musical eras?
  Absolutely — many draw from ’60s-’90s icons, from the Beatles and Stevie Wonder to grunge, hip-hop’s golden age, and classic punk.
• What role does technology play in these musicians’ futures?
  AI and online distribution are shaping production and reach, but artists emphasize that human creativity and storytelling remain central.
• How does music serve these artists during challenging times?
  Music acts as therapy, a grounding force, and a way to process emotions and connect with listeners through shared experiences.

Browse and shop your favorite album cover posters inspired by these artists and more at our store: Architeg Prints. Celebrate the art of music in your space with timeless visuals!