By Ethan Goddard
Every January, music fans speculate about who might be putting out new music over the course of the year. And while some are built over false hope (I’m talking to you Frank Ocean fans… let it go), some artists promote their forthcoming projects months, even years, before they release. So instead of speculating, here are some of my most anticipated projects as Wax Trax’s resident pop fanatic! At the time of writing this, these releases have either been announced, or the artist has practically confirmed its release, so knock on wood none of these get delayed or cancelled.
1. Lexa Gates – “I Am”
Streaming date: Jan. 16th, 2026 // Vinyl currently only available as D2C, but widespread vinyl release expected later in year
Lexa Gates is one of those artists that’s managed to cement her spot as one of my favorite artists in a short amount of time. Since the release of her 2022 album “Universe Wrapped In Flesh,” I found myself anticipating the follow-up album – so when Lexa started releasing singles in 2024, I was hyped! This marks her debut album with UMG, with four singles already out. Blending Alchemist-style grit with an R&B edge, Gates pairs deadpan flows with emotionally loaded vocals, creating a sound that’s understated but immediately gripping.
2. Xiu Xiu – “Xiu Mutha F**kin’ Xiu (vol. 1)”
Scheduled vinyl release date: Jan. 16th, 2026
Xiu Xiu has always been one of those bands that are polarizing in a way I could only compare to black coffee – some love it, some hate it. The raw lyrics, the experimental instrumentation, the covers, the song names, it’s a spectacle! While my curiosity drove my interest with the band initially, I found myself becoming more and more a fan of their vast catalog, with each album giving me something unique to chew on. But something about this record got me excited in a way I hadn’t been for the band before, and that was that this was gonna be a covers album. And while Xiu Xiu are no strangers to doing covers, this LP’s tracklist showed a roster of big shoes to fill, including the likes of “Psycho Killer,” “Cherry Bomb,” and more! Also for the record, the “Cherry Bomb” cover is INSANELY good. Definitely worth checking out.
3. Madison Beer – “Locket”
Scheduled vinyl release date – January 16th, 2026
As I get deeper into writing this, I’ve rapidly learned how many of my anticipated releases are slated for the same day… oops. Apologies for my lack of release date variation, if that type of thing bothers you. ANYWHO, Madison Beer. Madison manages to find inspiration from electronic powerhouses like Daft Punk, to modern psych icons like Tame Impala, and even to softer (and more sultry) classic rock like The Carpenters, early Beatles, and more. If you’re looking for something with a little variety across a tracklist, Madison Beer is definitely one to keep an eye out for. Anticipate a fun blend of devastating ballads, all the way to ear worm hooks backed with electronic dance grooves.
4. Underscores – (NAME TBA)
Release date – Speculated for a spring/summer 2026 release
When I say Underscores may be one of the coolest and most innovative artists in the (hyper)pop space right now, I mean that whole-heartedly! Her last record “Wallsocket” managed to blend genres like hyperpop, country, rock, and more in ways that made for one of the most entertaining listens of the past decade. So with two singles out, and a recent co-sign from Detroit’s own Danny Brown, I have a hunch that 2026 could be quite the year for her.
5. Waterparks – (NAME TBA)
Release date – Speculated for a spring/summer 2026 release
To round this list off, I wanted to talk about one of the coolest groups operating in the pop scene right now: Waterparks. If there’s one thing this group is great at doing, it’s creating some of the most fun, genre-bending, and wildly underrated music coming out right now. The first three singles show great promise, lyrically feeling like a follow up to their hit record “FANDOM” — an album about the struggles of fame and maintaining privacy as a public figure.
At the time of writing this, not much has been announced past February 2026. The chances of that being due to the holidays are pretty big, so once we get a little deeper into the new year, I plan to write part two of this article. But in the meantime, keep these artists on your 2026 radar!
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