Key Takeaways
- YouTube Music Foundry began in 2015 to support independent music.
- The September 2026 class adds 16 artists from eight countries.
- The 2026 program now includes 40 Foundry artists across both announcements.
- Foundry Rising continues supporting artists at an earlier stage.
YouTube Foundry Continues Its Mission
Since 2015, YouTube Music’s Foundry program has supported diverse voices from the global independent music community. Over the years, the program has worked with more than 250 artists and helped them develop their careers on their own terms.
The latest 2026 class adds 16 artists from eight countries, expanding on a year that already introduced 24 artists from 11 countries in June. Selected artists receive a grant, partner support from YouTube, access to products and opportunities designed to help them grow their presence.
Meet the 16 New Foundry Artists
The September class brings together artists working across electronic, rap, pop, R&B, folk, indie and Afro-fusion.
- Japan: Aiobahn, harha, Takase Toya
- France: Asfar Shamsi
- Germany: Baran Kok, Jonny Mahoro
- México: FLVCKKA, KEVIS Y MAYYKI
- United States: Gabriel Jacoby, Max McNown, This is Lorelei, Underscores
- Brazil: José Jr, Mariasss
- Spain: Yapi
- Lebanon/Egypt: Zeina
Each artist brings a different sound and creative identity, from Aiobahn’s electronic production and FLVCKKA’s alternative trap to Max McNown’s folk-country storytelling and Zeina’s multilingual pop.
Final Thoughts
The newest Foundry artists show just how wide independent music has become. With different languages, genres and creative approaches, this group gives listeners plenty of new voices to discover. A few may soon become names you return to again and again.
