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Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ‘26 is an inaugural Rolling Stone AU/NZ-backed music launchpad built to showcase and support the best new talent in Australia and New Zealand.
Eight emerging artists will be hand-picked by Rolling Stone AU/NZ editors and supported throughout a year-long program spanning exclusive performances, editorial exposure, playlisting, and more. If you’re selected, you’ll also take part in the Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ‘26 House Party – a Rolling Stone AU/NZ-curated live event where you can perform in front of fans, media and the music industry.
Think you should be on Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s radar?
Submit your tracks via the portal to be discovered.
Nyassa crafts dreamy, genre-blurring pop that shimmers with feeling — all ethereal vocals, lush textures, and hooks that linger long after the song ends. Based in Adelaide, she draws from a wide palette of influences, weaving together pop and alternative pop into a sound that’s uniquely her own. With a voice that floats and production that pulses, Nyassa’s music feels like stepping into a hazy daydream. As she continues to build momentum, Nyassa is fast emerging as one of the most compelling new voices in the alt-pop space.
Check out her interview with Rolling Stone here.
Chanel Loren makes alt-R&B that’s effortlessly cool and emotionally rich — all smooth vocals, slick production, and lyrics that cut deep. Growing up in London with Caribbean roots, Chanel relocated to Sydney before starting her music career. She weaves this global experience into a sound that's both intimate and expansive. Blending soulful melodies with left-of-centre beats, her music feels like late-night thoughts wrapped in velvet. With a string of standout releases and a rising profile in the local scene, Chanel Loren is carving her own lane — and turning heads while doing it.
Check out their interview with Rolling Stone here.
Fool Nelson bring a loud, enthusiastic energy that’s impossible to fake – all fuzzed out riffs, emotive lyrics, and anthems built for sweaty rooms and road trips. Hailing from Busselton and Perth in WA, the band blends Aussie indie rock with a punch of pop sensibility, carving out a sound that’s raw, relatable and ridiculously fun. With a growing fanbase and a rep for wild live shows, Fool Nelson are fast becoming ones to watch.
Check out their interview with Rolling Stone here.
Romy B is a 22 yr old award-winning folk-pop artist and songwriter from Perth, WA. Her sound has been described as 'a soulful acoustic feel with a cheeky undertone'.
She left school early to pursue music full-time, refining her craft through playing live as much as possible in the music scene. She draws inspiration from her solo travels, a good mid-life crises, love, heartbreak and all the gooey topics.
Romy loves to deliver an engaging live set, often backed by her incredible full band. They've performed all around Perth together and recently Winner of 'Nannup Emerging Artist Award’ for 2025.
Her music is available on all major streaming platforms, with recent demo's available to listen to on Soundcloud.
FEATURED ARTIST
FEATURED ARTIST
FEATURED ARTIST
FEATURED ARTIST
The rising post-punk band performed a highlight from their 2024 debut EP for their Rolling Stone AU/NZ 'In My Room' session
Rolling Stone AU/NZ will hand-select eight artists and back them across a year-long program of editorial coverage, exclusive live performances and ongoing opportunities.
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The rising post-punk band performed a highlight from their
2024 debut EP for their Rolling Stone AU/NZ 'In My Room' session
