YouTube Music Unveils Indie ‘Foundry Class’ of 2026: Julia Wolf, RaiNao, Kelela and More

For the past decade, YouTube Music's "Foundry Class" initiative has served as a key indicator of recognition for independent musicians. This year, the selection of 24 artists from across the globe continues that tradition. The lineup includes talents from the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, South Korea, Brazil, Morocco, India, and many other nations, featuring notable names such as Julia Wolf, RaiNao, and Kelela. Previous honorees include global superstars like Dua Lipa, Rosalía, Gunna, Tems, Arlo Parks, and Japanese Breakfast—a track record that underscores the program's proven ability to identify emerging talent. Dua Lipa, whose 2017 single "New Rules" propelled her to international fame, has since become a defining pop icon of the late 2010s, while Rosalía's groundbreaking fusion of flamenco and reggaeton earned her multiple Latin Grammy Awards. According to music industry analysts, this history makes the Foundry program widely regarded as a reliable predictor of future mainstream success, a reputation that continues to attract both artists and investors.

The support provided through the Foundry program extends well beyond simple promotional opportunities. Selected artists receive direct financial grants to invest in their creative work, whether that involves content creation, music production, or independent album release campaigns, a spokesperson confirmed. YouTube Music elaborated on its long-standing mission in a statement: "Since 2015, our Foundry program has had one clear goal: to uplift diverse and innovative voices within the global independent music community. We've collaborated with over 250 artists, helping them build sustainable careers on their own terms. Our aim is to assist independent artists in taking their next major career step, whether it's launching a debut album or offering extra support at a pivotal moment." Julia Wolf, one of the 2026 honorees, shared her perspective: "YouTube has given me a space to build my world with real intention. It allows me to connect with my audience in a personal, community-driven way through long-form content, where I can thoughtfully tell the stories behind my music while also creating videos that go beyond music alone. I truly hope to deepen my connection with YouTube through this Foundry program—as an independent artist, these creative relationships that support us mean everything." This emphasis on financial and creative autonomy is particularly significant given that independent artists now account for over 40% of global music streaming revenue, according to recent industry reports. The shift toward self-released music has been accelerated by platforms like YouTube, which offer direct-to-fan engagement without traditional label intermediaries.

The inclusion of Kelela, an established American R&B and electronic artist with over 15 years in the industry, initially surprised some observers. However, a spokesperson clarified that although Kelela is already respected among tastemakers and peers, she has ambitious plans for her upcoming album, evidenced by collaborations with PinkPantheress, AK Paul, and Fousheé. "We're proud to partner with her to bring her innovative content ideas to life and expand her audience," the spokesperson added. Vivien Lewit, YouTube's global head of artists, noted, "YouTube empowers artists to fully express their authentic voices and share their music and art. Discovery is at the core of what we do, and that's what Foundry is all about. We're thrilled to bring together this incredibly talented group, representing music culture from every corner of the world." The complete roster can be explored on the official Foundry Playlist available on YouTube Music. Kelela's involvement highlights how Foundry supports artists at various career stages, not just newcomers, a strategic shift that reflects the evolving nature of the music industry where established acts often need digital reinvention.

Alongside the main Foundry class, YouTube Music is also spotlighting emerging talent through its Foundry Rising program. This initiative targets musicians at an earlier phase of their YouTube journey, equipping them with tools to nurture growth. The statement emphasized: "We're excited to support artists like Dangrangto (Vietnam), Ino Casablanca (France), Martox (Dominican Republic), Mack Keane (U.S.), Rey Quinto (Mexico), Ruti (U.K.), Quiet Light (U.S.), Vintonic (Indonesia), and others through Foundry Rising." By providing both financial resources and a discovery platform, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of independent artists, building on a legacy that has already launched numerous careers. For context, the Foundry program previously supported artists like Arlo Parks, who won the BBC Sound of 2020 poll, and Japanese Breakfast, whose 2021 album "Jubilee" received critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination. This two-tiered approach—Foundry for established independents and Foundry Rising for emerging acts—demonstrates YouTube Music's strategy to capture talent across the entire career spectrum, from viral beginners to seasoned professionals seeking fresh momentum in a crowded digital landscape.