BBC Introducing: Yorkshire's ones to watch in 2026

From Bradford to Bridlington, Selby to Sheffield, Yorkshire is a hotbed of musical talent, with venues and festivals of all sizes to showcase the very best the region has to offer.

With that in mind, we asked BBC Introducing presenters Christian Carlisle, Emily Pilbeam and Jericho Keys to choose 10 acts they think are set for a big year in 2026.

Hull's Aimée Fatale embodies everything we know and love about the swinging sixties: the style, the sound and the songwriting.

Her cinematic songs and pop sensibilities make it virtually impossible not to want to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Sonically taking nods from Nancy Sinatra and Dusty Springfield, her lyricism is drenched in northern working class poetry.

It is no coincidence whatsoever that her debut hometown headline show sold out in 30 minutes.

The buzz is real, and 2026 is just the start of something very exciting. I, for one, am most certainly getting carried away with it all. (JK)

This Country Pop Queen ticked off some bucket list-level accomplishments throughout 2025, including topping the bill on our very own BBC Introducing stage at Reading and Leeds.

But, knowing Chanel, there will be no signs of slowing down, with a sold-out headline show already booked for February.

Just being in her presence for a short time can lead to a marked improvement in your mood as she embodies the sort of kindness and positivity I have only ever seen in correspondence with the great Dolly Parton.

Currently based in London, but hailing from Sheffield, she lists Alanis Morrisette, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Megan Moroney among her many influences. (CC)

Ellur, from Halifax, is undoubtedly on her way to stardom in 2026.

We have been predicting her rise ever since she first uploaded to us back in January 2020 with her debut single Reflection - and watching her grow as a songwriter has been an absolute joy.

She is West Yorkshire's pop princess, that is for sure, with influences including Kate Bush, Blondie and Fleetwood Mac.

Ellur popped up all over the place in 2025, featuring at Latitude and SXSW, as well as support slots for the likes of Supergrass, Kaiser Chiefs and Blossoms.

Her debut album, At Home In My Mind, is out in February, and she will be marking the release with a launch show in Hebden Bridge. (EP)

These are a brand new act to us in the Introducing Leeds and Sheffield uploader.

Well, I say brand new, but it is actually a new thing featuring well-respected musicians from across Leeds who have previously been in some other brilliant projects.

Group A.D. are a psychedelic, almost entirely instrumental, eight-piece that have already amassed loads of plays on BBC 6 Music.

They also bagged a support slot for 2024 Mercury Prize winners English Teacher at O2 Academy in Leeds in November as their second gig - pretty good going for a band that only dropped their first single in March. (EP)

Henri Gaston, from Harrogate, is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who I am really hoping can kick on in 2026.

I have been a huge admirer of his work for a couple of years now.

In my opinion, the release of his most recent record, Too Much, Not Enough, is his most honest and authentic release to date.

I am really excited for people to see him blossom and grow in confidence this year.

Admittedly, as a writer he has been through the mill a bit personally, as he has been trying to figure out the world.

He has come through the other side with a body of work that oozes soul, hip hop, and vulnerability. A class act. (JK)

Bradford's finest, Kenzo Jae, has to be a tip for next year.

He is another artist we have been waxing lyrical about for years, and with the recent spotlight on Bradford as UK City of Culture 2025 it really feels like people are finally giving him the love he deserves.

He cites his influences as Loyle Carner, Childish Gambino, Dave, Mos Def and AJ Tracey.

He is an excellent lyricist, electrifying performer and a true talent. (EP)

Lois is an intoxicating talent and vibrant character, who dazzles in both performance and production.

On top of wielding a rare dual nationality, the Morecambe-born, Leeds-based artist has an inherently northern work ethic and deft skill for turning personal experience into gripping music.

Lois enjoyed a great 2025, culminating in a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Check out the track Mine if you want an empowering anthem adding to your pick- me-up playlist. (CC)

Hull five-piece Rothco are one of the most exciting live bands I've seen in donkey's years.

Their sound is explosive and their stage presence is captivating.

They effortlessly blend gothic new wave and abrasive punk, that shakes up the senses.

They pride their live shows as an "unpredictable rollercoaster ride" - that's hitting the nail on the head.

A must-listen for fans of The Doors, Talking Heads, Joy Division, Fugazi and Nick Cave, I predict many heads are going to be turned when they get Rothco at full volume this year. (JK)

With a gig already booked in for Independent Venue Week in their (partial) hometown of Doncaster at the end of January, I am sure Tidetied will start 2026 as they mean to go on, packing out venues with their vibrant live shows.

The five-piece say they take their influences from the likes of The National, The Kills, The Waterboys, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Black Sabbath.

Expect to hear it on the Peaky Blinders soundtrack and 6 Music A-List.

Mere speculation, of course, but feasible nonetheless. (CC)

Zander, in my opinion, is a top-tier songwriter and producer.

As soon as I received his first song, I remember saying something on the show like, "I think we've found one of my new favourite artists".

Following on from that, we were able to offer him a live session and an invitation to record at the iconic Maida Vale studios in London, as part of our BBC Music Introducing month.

Recently, the Harrogate-based musician has been snapped up by Chess Club Records, who are obviously on the same page as us when it comes to his potential.

His debut EP, No Silver, recently dropped and it is nothing short of brilliant, with its thoughtful and really catchy pop ditties.

I would suspect he is going to be a very busy boy in 2026. (JK)

Find out more about BBC Introducing and how to upload your own music here.