Man what a wild start of the year, huh.
It’s honestly hard to make predictions in such an uncertain world, but let's give it a shot, ey?
This year we got a different Trashtal Ball after last year’s was disappointing.
But after pondering the orb for a long time here are some things I see happening in 2026.
The first and biggest prediction is that this will be the year of nostalgia and Y2K.
The past 5 years have pushed everyone to a mental strain limit.
More.
A lot of Gen Z are reaching adult status and this will be a final push before the next generation takes the mantle of the internet.
So be ready to revisit all things old. (And see a lot of new things you won’t comprehend)
How do you survive this? Keep exploring new things. Sounds simple, but that’s how it has to be.
We get LESS releases.
Frankly the current amount is unsustainable. The industry will go through a “silent grind phase” as it did in 2020.
This is a good thing. The current release flow is unsustainable for the listener.
AI “music” starts gaining traction
Even though AI exhaustion is hitting all-time highs, there’s no denying the tech is getting better.
This will be the year where we see the first real “big” AI “artist.”
Anyway those are my big “Change” predictions.
The ones below are more self-explanatory.
KALOA EP (It’s been a long time)
Camo & Krooked album (Doing another round of it. This time it SURELY will happen)
X Club album (They’ve been working on something big)
A mass return of artists who previously quit. (Memtrix/Eckle come back pls)
More artists release “rock-style” songs. (It’s a trend that is only going to grow as artists start pushing 30.)
Labels start losing influence as artists realize that solo releases are the way to go.
Artists start more email lists to escape the AI slop onslaught.
Shadient Album (It’s time)
The Techno Craze slows down. (Time is going to go faster this year which means all things fast are going to lose their popularity. This could also be the opposite but I think people want LESS “noise” of all forms.)
Outdoor activities and concerts regain popularity despite rising costs.
Niche community forums make a huge comeback online as an escape from AI-slop-filled social media.
More artists start side projects to release their different stuff.
A new Lastlings album (but no breakups pls)
AgonyOst comes back and gives us another album (This one is pure copium)
Tutara Peak EP (bro has been quiet for a long time)
Space Laces EP (If New Challenger gets released, I’m sending a top reader $20)
MIRZHA EP (Excited to hear more about this guy tbh)
Flume Album (The voices are whispering this)
People want new music, so they look for lesser-known artists, and some become famous quickly.
AMNES EP (I want more)
We see less overall albums and more EPs (A lot of heavy hitters released albums last year)
No Mana EP (Leave me alone, I need more peak)
IMANU finally releases all the amazing songs he’s been gatekeeping in mixes. (Maybe in the 9 song EP he’s been teasing for years.)
Yes some of these are kinda rehashed from last year. Some copium never runs out.
But my biggest prediction is…
YOU will have a good 2026.
Yeah its been a tough past couple of years. Some have had it better than others but the overall sentiment is that it’s rough out there.
This year will give some “breathing room” even though it’s going to fly by.
And as tacky as it sounds, music will be there to accompany you through all of it.
If this schizophrenic philosophical drivel isnt up to your taste, the carefully handpicked music will be.
Take for example today’s song by Mangled Mexican duo BOX CAR. (It’s a side project from Boombox Cartel)
This song is short, gritty, and powerful.
The melody hooks you in fast and only increases in energy.
It’s a more “inspirational” song and one I hope you use throughout the year.
Because when things get rough, you only get 2 options:
Give up
Do it over again.
Let this song get you into state #2 and get at it.
Here’s to a phenomenal 2026.
Njoy.
Genre: “Let’s do it again but better”
Always Predicting Crackpot Theories Forward
Hz
P.S. I’m curious, do you have any theories about what this year has in stock? I’m interested to hear you think might happen.
Post-Email Backstage
- Got this sent by a friend? Join them and start getting your daily song by signing up here.
- Artists: Want to have your music showcased? Let us know about you here.
- #VibeFind: Need a song for a special moment or the right tune for the vibe? Reply with #VibeFix, and we’ll get you sorted.
- Song Requests: Want your favorite song featured? Reply with it and a short story about what makes it special, and we’ll send it!
-Can't concentrate to screeching sounds or forced vocals? Brain.fm will fill the electronic void while doubling your focus. Get the first month FREE by clicking here
