Top 10 Artists to Watch this Summer, as presented by Artist Formula Record Group
In Partnership with Artist Formula Record Group
By Kyle Russell
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’s single “Beautiful,” amassed millions of views on YouTube. He has since accumulated credits with the likes of Gino Vannelli, Rick Springfield, and Taylor Hanson, just to name a few.
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, due for release in October 2026.
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.
Have a listen and connect with Jack Rush:
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 stations, 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 VAYA 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 both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Slow Burn Drifters
2026 marked the return of Slow Burn Drifters with the release of their Golden (Deluxe) album. The standout single “Silence” 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
Pennsylvania-based singer-songwriter Rebekah Snyder released her newest single, “Small Town,” on June 19 — her second radio single following 2025’s “Don’t Ever Date a Yankee” duet with The Voice’s Adam Cunningham. “Small Town” serves as another glimpse into her forthcoming album, produced by Nashville veteran Dean Miller. Inspired by her own path — leaving her small Pennsylvania hometown for Los Angeles, then returning years later as a single mother raising three children — “Small Town” transforms that homecoming into a celebration of the close-knit community she credits with helping her survive and thrive. Blending an energetic, singalong sensibility with heartfelt storytelling, Snyder channels the pride, connection, and joy of small-town life—recommended for fans of Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Old Dominion, Lady A, and Sugarland. “Small Town” ultimately sets the tone for a joyful, community-driven record that celebrates connection, belonging, and the meaningful life she’s built.
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. Her latest release, “Desert Soul (Remix),” reached #1 on Amazon Music’s New Age Best Sellers, showcasing her continued evolution as both a songwriter and producer through a warm, cinematic sound that is 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. Teaching herself to produce from her bedroom, she has crafted a sound that is emotional, vocal driven and irresistible 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 including Raekwon, Musiq Soulchild, Benny the Butcher, Bun B, Westside Gunn, and Eric Bellinger. 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 EP release later this year.