What will the Nashville music scene look like in 2026?
We have a solid snapshot of some upcoming local releases — plus early inklings about records that may be brewing. Here are some highlights as we look ahead to the new year.
Langhorne Slim — “The Dreamin’ Kind” — Jan. 16
Perennial East Nashville folk rock presence Langhorne Slim is going electric. On his album, “The Dreamin’ Kind,” out on Jan. 16, he’s teamed up with Greta Van Fleet. The explosive new-classic rockers are producers and backing band. The folk and rock combined makes for a party.
Finger Foods — “Detroit” — Jan. 17
Nashville’s Finger Foods will release their debut album, “Detroit,” on Jan. 17. Finger Foods is in a genre some have described as “boot-gaze.” They often use the guitar heavy fuzz and the weight of shoegaze and brighten it up with harmonica and sometimes banjo, which are traditionally used in Americana. That middle balance is perfect for the Nashville indie scene.
book NOT brooke — “Dancer First” — March 6
book NOT brooke is the kind of musician who uses a bald eagle screech as percussion. The progressive pop project comes from Brooke Vespoli. A cellist by trade, book not brooke was recently backed by Annie DiRusso for an NPR Tiny Desk concert. The debut album will drop in March and is already shaping up to be a fresh sound for Nashville.
Mitski
Looking further afield into albums-we-think-will-be-released-this-year, the big tease is Mitski. She debuted her last album at The Belcourt. That album had a surprise viral hit and has almost 2 billion plays on Spotify. In the concert documentary she made for that album she hinted that a new one was coming in 2026.
January
Mon Rovîa (Chattanooga) — Bloodline — Jan. 9
The Protomen — Act III: This City Made Us — Jan. 9
Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel — Celestun — Jan. 15
Langhorne Slim — The Dreamin’ Kind — Jan. 16
Finger Foods — Detroit — Jan. 17
Lucinda Williams — World’s Gone Wrong — Jan. 23
February
Jeremy Ivey — Its Shape Will Reveal Itself — Feb. 13
March
Morgxn — Heartland — March 5
book NOT brooke — Dancer First — March 6
2026 Watchlist
There are always rumblings about new releases. Industry sources suggest these artists could be productive this year.
Mitski
Brennan Wedl
Eric Slick
Huron John
Maggie Miles
Michigander
Veaux
