When the heavens rained down talent, Filipinos were out there with giant timbas, catching every drop. Well, consider 2026 the year of the overflow. The Pinoy throat chakra has never been stronger, and our local music scene is never in a drought when it comes to great OPM artists.
From indie artists rewriting the rules of the scene to P-pop powerhouses and hip-hop heavyweights, the OPM landscape is more expansive than ever.
To help you navigate the noise, the Metroscene team has curated the ultimate radar list. If you want your 2026 soundtrack to feel fresh, intentional, and unapologetically Pinoy, these are the artists you shouldn’t miss.
fitterkarma
If you haven’t heard "Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II" yet, are you even on the internet? fitterkarma is currently sitting pretty at the top of the Billboard Philippines charts, proving that avant-garde indie rock can actually be a mainstream obsession. They’re kicking off February 2026 with a massive collaboration titled "Aswang Sa Maynila"—consider your spooky-cool playlist sorted.
Fave track: Pag-ibig ay Kanibalismo II
Suyen
The girl who turned "young adult chaos" into an art form. Suyen is 2026’s answer to the pop-punk revival, blending bubbly energy with raw, grunge-inspired lyrics. She’s the one you listen to when you’re romanticizing a mess of a day in the city.
Fave track: Tampo
Waiian
The storyteller of the streets. Waiian continues to elevate the local hip-hop scene with his latest album, Backshots. He’s mastered the balance between witty humor and deep introspection, making him a staple for anyone who appreciates lyricism that actually says something.
Fave track: Si Lods Na Bahala
VXON
The "Monsters of P-pop" have officially traded the polished idol tropes for the grit of the street. Entering 2026, VXON has found their true frequency: a sound that’s pure Pinoy street. It’s a heavy, rhythmic blend of Kalye Hip-Hop and R&B that feels like it was born in the busy heart of Manila.
With their first solo concert, Kalawakan, hitting the SM Skydome this February, the quintet is proving they’re more than just visuals. They’re vocal and dance powerhouses leading a new, unapologetic P-pop charge.
Fave track: SSP (Saksak Sa Puso)
Paul Pablo
If OPM has a "Prince of Pop" for 2026, it’s Paul Pablo. While the rest of the world is playing it safe, the Davao-born artist is perfecting his own genre: Hugot-tronic. It’s a high-gloss, neon-lit fusion of deep Filipino emotionality and hard-hitting electro-pop beats. Listening to him feels like dancing through a heartbreak in a crowded club or alone in your room at 3am—it’s theatrical, unapologetically queer, and incredibly polished. Paul isn’t just making music; he’s building a sanctuary for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, proving that you can be vulnerable and a total rockstar at the exact same time.
Fave track: Sagi
Hey June!
This trio is currently the hardest-working band in the scene. Fresh off renewing their deal with Island Records, Hey June! is dropping their highly anticipated second album this year. After the massive success of "Lasik," they’re ready to prove they’re the new kings of synth-infused rock.
Fave track: LASIK
Amiel Sol
The king of the "harana" for the digital age. After "Sa Bawat Sandali" dominated the charts, Amiel Sol has become the go-to artist for anyone needing a dose of romantic folk-pop. His music is the sonic equivalent of a slow-burn K-drama.
Fave track: Sa Bawat Sandalu
Stef Aranas
If Quezon City had a designated pop star, it would be Stef Aranas. While she’s been a staple in the underground for years (shoutout to the Stef & Euge days), she truly found her sound fully stepping into her "Trans Pinay Pop Superstar" era. Her music is a lush, rhythmic diary—blending R&B with a sassy, unapologetic POV that feels like a conversation with your smartest, baddest friend. It’s "if you know, you know" music that’s finally becoming impossible for the mainstream to ignore.
Fave track: QC Gurl
Le John
If you’ve ever been "friendzoned," Le John is the artist you need. His Wish Bus performance of "Naiilang" was a breakout moment, showcasing his ability to turn bittersweet emotions into catchy, soulful OPM tracks.
Fave track: Akala Ko
12th Street
Rounding out our list is 12th Street, a band that’s been steadily climbing the Spotify "Top Pinoy Hits" playlists. They bring a classic band energy that feels both familiar and excitingly new—perfect for those who miss the golden era of OPM bands but want a 2026 twist.
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