Shazam Fast Forward has revealed its 2026 class.
The new music initiative covers fresh talent being discovered on Shazam. This year’s rundown of 65 acts spans 20 genres and 22 countries.
“With the power of Shazam’s predictive data and the expertise of Apple Music’s global editorial team combined, Fast Forward is a uniquely reliable pulse-check on the most exciting artists across the globe,” said a statement.
Shazam’s Fast Forward 2025 class saw a 67% average increase in Shazam discoveries year-on-year. Collectively, their radio spins increased by 70% compared to the year prior.
Furthermore, 12 of those artists more than doubled their total number of Shazam discoveries last year, while 14 artists celebrated their all-time daily peak in Shazam discoveries.
On Apple Music, those same artists saw their collective Apple Music plays rise by over 100% year-on-year, with 80% of the 2025 class increasing their total plays. In addition, 46% of last year’s picks saw a year-over-year increase of more than 100% on Apple Music.
Shazam has highlighted seven artists on Fast Forward 2026 – Alessi Rose, Liim, Florence Road, Kashus Culpepper, Kidd Carder, Cortis and Clarent – see the full list here.
The Shazam Fast Forward 2026 playlist is on Apple Music.
The Travis Mills Show will also spotlight the class of 2026 with exclusive interviews airing throughout the week. Alessi Rose will be the first guest on Apple Music 1 at midnight GMT this evening (January 12).
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