Created In Partnership With Mentos
Across Australia and New Zealand, a new generation of musicians is finding fresh ways to share their stories and create home-grown music that deserves to be heard and championed.
Supporting the next generation of musicians is at the heart of the Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ. The annual initiative celebrates eight of the region’s most exciting emerging artists.
Handpicked from the Mentos Fresh Sounds portal by Rolling Stone AU/NZ editors, the Class of ’26 has been spotlighted throughout the year with interviews, exclusive In My Room performances, and behind-the-scenes stories, offering a closer look at the people and creative worlds behind the music that should be added to your playlists.
The initiative culminates in the inaugural Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26 House Party, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ. The invite-only event will bring all eight artists together for one night of live music at Machine Hall, Sydney, on 26 November, and you could be in the room.
We’re giving away 50 double passes to this exclusive Rolling Stone AU/NZ-curated event. The RSVP-only evening isn’t ticketed or open to the public, meaning winning the competition is the only way to get through the doors. Winners will also receive complimentary food and drinks to enjoy throughout the night so be sure to head down to Machine Hall early.
To be in with a chance, tell us in 25 words or less which Class of ’26 artist you’re most excited to see play at the House Party and why.
Mentos Fresh Sounds Class Of ‘26 House Party, Curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ
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Want to know who you could see perform on the night? Meet the inaugural Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ.
Vv Pete
If you’ve been paying attention to Australian hip-hop, chances are you’ve already heard of Vv Pete. The Sudanese-Australian rapper has become one of the country’s defining new voices, combining razor-sharp lyricism with Jersey club-inspired production and global dance influences.
Following the cult success of “Frauds”, Vv Pete released her debut album Varvie World, became the first Sudanese-Australian artist to receive an ARIA Award nomination and sold out two headline shows at the Sydney Opera House. She’s also taken her music overseas, touring the UK and Europe on her debut EURO VARVIE headline tour.
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Elijah Yo
Born in Auckland and raised in Western Sydney, Elijah Yo is a Māori and Polynesian artist, producer, songwriter and director whose music is deeply rooted in the culture and communities that shaped him. Drawing from West Coast hip-hop, soul and funk, he brings sharp storytelling to themes of identity, resilience and ambition.
After teaching himself to make beats and shoot music videos from his bedroom, Elijah Yo built a cult following through his self-made releases, eventually becoming a key figure in Western Sydney’s creative community. He’s now amassed more than 17 million streams, released four projects and founded INHOUSE Studios, where he directs cinematic music videos alongside his own career.
Foley
Aotearoa-born, Sydney-based duo Foley, made up of Ash Wallace and Gabriel Everett, have built their reputation on bouncy, bubbly indie pop and huge, hook-filled songwriting. Their music has taken them from sharing stages with Tove Lo and Two Door Cinema Club to supporting fellow Kiwi BENEE.
Their latest EP, Like an Actress, draws inspiration from the nostalgia of ’90s and early-2000s rom-coms, with chart-topping single “Honey” reaching No. 1 in New Zealand.
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Beryl
Sydney band Beryl have developed a cult following with their emotionally raw songwriting, haunting vocals and intricate art-folk arrangements. Their prolific output — 17 releases across six years — culminated in 2023’s Dry Peel Crack, which earned an Album of the Year nomination at the FBi Radio SMAC Awards.
Their 2025 sophomore album Body Break pushed that sound further while retaining the vulnerability and instrumental richness that have become central to the band’s work.
GAZAL
Lebanese-Australian singer, songwriter and producer GAZAL is making some of the country’s most adventurous pop. Her music moves between alternative R&B, jazz, soul, electronic music and pop, with recent singles “Backpack” and “Daisychains” showcasing her fresh sound.
GAZAL writes, produces and art-directs every part of her creative output, having spent years refining her sound through hundreds of self-produced demos. Since releasing her debut EP I Accidentally Burnt The House Down in 2023, she’s supported Nilüfer Yanya, written for artists including Grentperez and George Alice, and joined the Converse All Stars roster.
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Sonic Reducer
Canberra’s Sonic Reducer are injecting fresh energy into Australian punk. The four-piece combine angular riffs, mid-2000s sleaze-rock swagger, biting wit and art-rock instincts to create a sound that’s as sharp as their live shows.
Their breakout 2024 EP SKEWBALL introduced the band to a wider Australian audience, before they joined Royel Otis for a sold-out 20-date European tour. Their latest EP, Living Room, turns its attention to homesickness and coming of age.
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Sollyy
Western Sydney’s Sollyy occupies the space between artist, producer, DJ and cultural connector. His music blends R&B samples and blog-rap influences with tongue-in-cheek lyricism, while his work as a promoter has helped build a community around the city’s emerging music scene.
His debut album I LEFT MYY HEART OUT WEST earned support from Pitchfork, triple j, BBC Radio 1Xtra, Soulection Radio, Spotify and Apple Music, while his Hotter Out West party series has become a hub for new talent.
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sleepazoid
Melbourne five-piece sleepazoid are part of a new wave of Australian rock bringing grunge, shoegaze and post-punk to a modern audience. Their chemistry developed through years spent around Melbourne’s independent music scene before they came together to write “Rats”, the track that became the foundation for their debut EP, running with the dogs.
The self-recorded release introduced a confident new voice, while their latest EP, New Age, pushes that sound further. After supporting Faye Webster on sold-out Australian dates, the band recently toured the UK and Ireland.
With eight artists, one stage and a night dedicated to the next generation of Australian and New Zealand music, the Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26 House Party, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ is the culmination of a year spent championing the next wave of local artists.
Head to the hub to learn more about the official Class of ’26. Want to be a part of the initiative yourself? Head to the Portal to apply.
