BBC Introducing: South West's Top Six for 2026

From Plymouth to Penzance and Teignmouth to Truro, Devon and Cornwall are a hotbed of musical talent, with venues and festivals of all sizes showcasing the best the region has to offer.

With that in mind, we asked BBC Introducing's Daniel Pascoe, Will Marshall and Laura Edmonds to choose the top six acts they think are set for a big year in 2026.

An artist hailing from Plymouth, Frey has been setting a standard that has continued to improve with each release.

Her style of jungle music is a unique sound that blends emotion, catchy hooks and a fresh aesthetic.

When combined, this style is versatile and feels ready for a night out or a cozy night in.

Frey's single Game Boy released in September 2025 and caught nationwide attention.

In an interview with BBC Introducing in The South West Apprentice Will Marshall, she said: "It was really experimental - the fact it connected with so many people was such a great achievement."

With a string of successful tunes in 2025, Frey's ability to consistently drop fantastic and genre defying songs is putting her in pole position to break into the mainstream, having already received multiple plays on BBC Radio 1 and playing a stage at Boardmasters, we are excited to see what she has in store this year.

Track Recommendations: Game Boy, Grow, Disconnect.

Abbie Piper, who was raised in Cornwall, has been building her name as a heartfelt performer.

Growing up in the county from the age of five, Piper's vocals are not to be missed and her debut EP, Mirror Talk, is just the start.

Despite only beginning to upload her music towards the end of last year, Piper is already on a run that is showing no signs of slowing down.

BBC Introducing in the South West Presenter Daniel Pascoe said: "I personally think Abbie has got an incredible 2026 in front of her. Back to back track of the weeks are practically unheard of and I know she's already impressing people national radio and those working in major festivals.

Track Recommendations: Save Your Love, Better On My Own.

One of our newest emerging acts, Tom Hannigan is coming off the back of a great year in 2025 and his singles so far are certainly proving that he is one to watch.

His second ever track You, a personal reflection of love and bad timing, secured him a Track of The Week last April and in November he played his first headline show at the Underground in Plymouth.

He credits Harry Styles, Billy Joel and A-ha as his influences, even releasing a brilliant cover of A-ha's hit song Take on Me late last year.

He also featured on Simon Cowell's The Next Act documentary on Netflix, introducing himself in what he playfully describes as his "eight seconds of fame".

Already hinting at new releases, he told BBC Introducing in The South West apprentice Laura Edmonds, "I really, truly believe in this next song that I'm going to be releasing at the end of Q1."

Track Recommendations: Falling, You, For The Last Time.

Coming off the back of a huge year for his solo career is former Native frontman Charlie Noordewier.

It is difficult to pick a standout highlight from his long list of achievements in 2025, which includes supporting Sam Fender in front of 40,000 people in Manchester and BBC Radio 1 success with his single Toy Soldier.

Between this, playing Boardmasters, and several successful singles last year, Charlie is already building a name for his solo work.

Growing up on the edge of Dartmoor, music has been a huge part of Charlie's life from a young age.

He was introduced to a rich mix of folk, blues and soul by his grandfather and formed several bands at school where he began to really develop as a songwriter and performer.

If you have not already checked out his stuff, we think it is well worth a listen.

Track recommendations: Toy Soldier, Little Miss Sunshine, Moonlight Hotel

When talking about having a big year in 2025, it is difficult to top Polzeath raised artist Kai Bosch.

He made his mark on the year early with the release of his fantastic EP, Popstar of Your Dreams, a spirited and dynamic four-track project that carries brilliant energy from top to bottom – if you are a fan of lively pop music, then this is for you.

Kai was also selected to play his music as a part of the Sessions at the BBC Maida Vale Studios where he performed live versions of Angel and Summer of Love.

His ability to consistently release great tracks last year earned him multiple BBC Radio 1 plays, multiple Track of the Weeks, and recognition from the one and only Elton John.

Track recommendations: Angel, Popstar of Your Dreams, Summer of Love.

Drawing her inspiration from Holly Humberstone, Lizzy Alpine and Beabadoobee, Liang Lawrence is a shining example of a Devon artist with the potential to go worldwide.

She represented the region in May 2025 at Radio 1's Big Weekend, alongside national radio plays and a Track of the Week in the South West with her phenomenal single A Day off in Margaritaville.

We fully anticipate her to go further in 2026 after announcing she will be joining Matilda Mann on her EU tour in February.

For fans of folk-rock, indie and acoustic pop music, checking out her latest EP, It's a Funny Thing is a no-brainer.

Track recommendations: A Day off in Margaritaville, Kiss My Apocalypse, If Only.

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].