Top 10 Artists to Watch this Summer, as presented by Artist Formula Record Group
In Partnership with Artist Formula Record Group
By Nia Bowers
Jamie Alimorad
Jamie Alimorad is a musician’s musician. With a Bachelor of Science in Music Technology from Northeastern University, and years of classical and jazz studies, Alimorad brings an extensive pallet to his songwriting and performance. Self-described as “old school,” he brings a classic flare to modern nuance.
After bursting onto college radio, Alimorad achieved notable success with his single “Beautiful,” which amassed millions of views on YouTube.
2025 saw Alimorad achieve new heights, beginning with a performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall and a waterfall of releases, including the single “Fade Into You,” which reached #34 on the iTunes Charts and #3 on the Amazon Rock Charts.
Having dabbled in everything from pop and rock to jazz, funk, and Americana, Alimorad has returned to his pop/rock roots and has never sounded better.
He is currently working on a new album.
“I wrote about six songs in ten days back in January, and then a few more,” he states. “I’ve been demoing them and listening to the roughs for weeks. I’ve never been more excited to get back into the studio!”
Alimorad is an artist to keep an eye on.
Ryan Robinette
Ryan Robinette is part of a new class of Nashville creatives reshaping what a modern country career looks like. A small-town Ohio native, he brings a grounded perspective to his work while blurring genre lines across country, pop, and rock with a confident, contemporary edge.
Behind the scenes, Robinette has built a reputation as a songwriter and producer, with over 50 cuts including “I Kinda Don’t” for Alexandra Kay (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville), “Georgia” for Sean Stemaly (Big Loud Records), and “I Can Teach Ya” for Tyler Rich (Valory Music/BMLG) — songs that showcase his instinct for conversational, emotionally direct writing.
That same approach defines his own releases, where his clean production meets real-life storytelling, and has led to more than 85 million streams across platforms.
Balancing credibility in the writing room with a growing presence as an artist, Robinette is quietly positioning himself as one to watch — not by chasing trends, but by understanding exactly where the genre is headed.
Jack Rush
Swiss-based American ex-pat Jack Rush is an artist who found his groove a bit later than expected with the release of his debut album Late Bloomer in November 2024, and his surprising emergence continues with his latest singles in advance of his next album, Chic Apocalypse.
His melodic rock vibe resonates with a range of influences spanning the decades from Beck to Blur to Kurt Vile and Mac DeMarco. His mostly guitar-driven catalogue combines vintage and contemporary sounds, while his lyrics are mostly emotional tales sometimes mixed with a bit of irony in hits such as “The Wildcat” and “Wonderland,” with occasional social commentary in singles like “Tic Toc World.”
His latest single, “You’re Finding You,” produced by Neihardt (Davide Joerg), is a powerfully emotional track whose soaring melodies provide the backdrop for its heartfelt lyrics, transforming the pain of separation into a profound journey of self-discovery.
For melodic rock listeners, he is a name that may already be on the radar—or worth discovering.
Have a listen and connect with Jack Rush on Instagram.
The Outfit
From the streets of Chicago, The Outfit delivers straight-up rock and roll with catchy hooks and an aggressive sound.
The band released their first self-titled album on February 2, 2018. The album’s lead single, “Soldier Boy,” earned steady airplay on rock radio, paving the way for the follow-up track “Wire” to build momentum with a growing audience. In 2025, vocalist Andy Mitchell departed from the band and was replaced by Bill Wilson.
In January, The Outfit wrote and recorded their new single “Hard On Me,” which was released on March 14, 2025. The song has received a positive reaction, exceeding one million views on YouTube.
The band’s new single, “Desiree,” will be released soon!
VAYA VAYA
VAYA AM is an avant-garde artist whose music and visual storytelling blend emotional depth, spiritual symbolism, and fearless self-expression. Through cinematic soundscapes, ritual-inspired themes, and experimental narratives, she creates immersive experiences that invite listeners into a journey of healing, transformation, and human connection. Drawing inspiration from faith, vulnerability, and resistance, VAYA VAYA uses her art to challenge systems of power while promoting unity, empowerment, and emotional truth. Alongside her project ELUSIVE THUGS, she continues to gain momentum globally, with their single “BUMP IT!” reaching #1 on Amazon Music New Releases. With the new release of Album 10, 2026 marks a bold new chapter for VAYA VAYA, signaling continued artistic evolution and an even greater vision for the future. Her work has been described as feeling both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Slow Burn Drifters
March 2026 marks the return of Slow Burn Drifters with their new single “Silence,” arriving March 20 on all digital platforms as the latest evolution of their Golden (Deluxe) era. The track explores one of modern life’s most urgent tensions—the overwhelming noise of constant connection—and instead turns toward stillness, emptiness, and the idea of space as something alive rather than absent. As songwriter Ray Vale explains, the inspiration came from the belief that what is called nothing can actually be everything, and that silence is essential for reflection, balance, and sanity. Musically, “Silence” reflects that philosophy through sparse, atmospheric arrangements, drifting guitars, meditative rhythm, and subtle analog synth textures that emphasize restraint and emotional clarity. The project also features an accomplished lineup and collaborators tied to rock history, including Jack Irons (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam) on drums for Golden, Alain Johannes (Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures) contributing guitar, and Matt Owens.
Rebekah Snyder
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Rebekah Snyder will release her new single “These Jeans” on March 6, with the official music video premiering March 12. Recorded entirely in Nashville, the track serves as the first glimpse into her forthcoming project, a body of work rooted in resilience, motherhood, and lived experience. Inspired by a chance encounter in which a pair of decades-old jeans sparked a reflection on time measured through life events rather than years, the song transforms a simple moment into a larger meditation on survival, growth, and identity. Blending heartfelt storytelling with an alt-country sensibility, Snyder channels the beauty and strain of everyday life as a single mother raising three children—recommended for fans of Miranda Lambert, Tyler Childers, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, and Brandi Carlile. “These Jeans” ultimately sets the tone for a deeply personal record that honors perseverance, quiet strength, and finding confidence in who you become along the way.
Tara Beier
Tara Beier is carving out a distinctive space between Los Angeles and the California desert, blending cinematic Americana, art-pop, and spiritual storytelling into a sound entirely her own. A Recording Academy member, her third album Mourning Doves of Joshua Tree, produced by Steve Stout (Lifehouse), drew strong critical praise. She also attended the Billboard No. 1s Party in Los Angeles and has received international media coverage. An independent artist with a steadily expanding catalog, Beier first gained wider attention with music featured during the 2021 U.S. Presidential Inauguration and has released projects through Manimal Vinyl. Now recording new material, her recent releases such as “Home” and “Desert Soul (Remix)” continue to showcase a sound that is warm, cinematic, and unmistakably her own.
Molly Mae
Molly Mae is a Helsinki-born artist, singer-songwriter, and producer. Her music blends raw emotion, smooth electronic texture and diary-like storytelling. Learning to produce from her bedroom, she has crafted a sound that is emotional, vocal-driven and irresistibly melodic. Music that lives between heartbreak and empowerment. Be sure to check out her latest single “Kamikaze” on all streaming platforms
Swerve Strickland
Swerve Strickland is a prominent figure in professional wrestling, contributing to its growing mainstream appeal while also setting his sights on the world of music. In his short music career, Swerve has already recorded songs with Grammy-winning producers and popular recording artists. He has been interviewed on such notable platforms as The Breakfast Club and HOT 97 and also featured in XXL Magazine’s Freshman issue. Swerve and his long-time collaborator recently started a record label together. The official announcement, including projects and signings, is forthcoming. Additionally, there is a fashion line currently in development. Swerve’s music is available on all streaming platforms and you can expect a new album release later this year with a tour to follow.