6 UNDER 26K: BANDS TO BRING WITH YOU INTO 2026
If the 2025 Geese goose chase has proven anything, it’s that Gen Z wants more than just the next alternative idols—they want to stake a claim on a band before they make it big. These six artists—all under 26,000 monthly Spotify listeners—were active in 2025 with releases that are too good to be left behind. You can read their profiles in this article, add their new music to your playlists, check them out on social media, but most importantly, don’t forget to bring these artists with you into 2026.
2025 marked the recording debut of central Maine–based band WIDOWS CLUB following the release of four singles (two of which included B-sides) and a full-length album entitled BUTTERFLY NEEDLE. Each release is accompanied by vibrantly illustrated cover artwork that’s as colorful as the music itself. See for yourself at @widowsclubband on Instagram.
On June 27th, PLEASURE PILL released their first studio album, HANG A STAR: melodic, guitar-driven, and—most importantly—loud. Despite their home base of San Diego, California, Pleasure Pill are modern pioneers of the ’90s Britpop revival, with clear influences from cornerstone bands like Oasis and Blur shining through both the instrumentals and vocals. Stay up to date with the band on Instagram at @pleasurepillusa, where they post blogs, shows, and release updates on new projects.
ON THE OTHER END OF THE LINE…, released on October 24th, followed a slew of singles starting in July from brother duo JOYER. With soft vocals set against hazy guitar, the band has joined the modern shoegaze moment from its prime location on the East Coast. Stop staring at the guitar pedals and look up @joyerband on Instagram for more.
RYOMA’s debut album RYOMADEN was released on January 31st, following six singles released across 2024 and 2025. The band, composed of Ethan Stiffler and Billy Quick, cites direct influence from Her’s, The Symposium, and The Strokes. Keep an eye out for new projects at @thatbandryoma.
Californian band GOOSECHASE debuted in 2025 with their single “HEAL ME,” a fuzzed-out track rising from the ashes of ’90s shoegaze. Their sound is unashamedly loud—literally raised in a barn—with the band’s barn-turned-studio frequently appearing across social media (@goosechase.band). The single was followed by a string of shows across the West Coast, along with the promise of an EP in the coming year.
Following three singles released in 2024, ON DOGS dropped tracks “SPINING” and “SOMETHING WAITING” on April 22nd and May 19th, respectively, adding to a catalog dating back to 2020. While no new music has been announced for the upcoming year, social media posts from @ondogsma have teased new reel-to-reel recording equipment similar to that used by Mac DeMarco and King Gizzard.
SONG SPOTLIGHT: “WAYS AWAY”