Over the past decade, YouTube Music’s “Foundry Class” has become a trademark of quality for independent artists, and the 24 artists who make up this year’s class is no exception. The artists range from the U.S. and the U.K. to Poland, Korea, Brazil, Morocco, India and elsewhere, and include Julia Wolf, RaiNao, Kelela and more.
Past honorees have included Dua Lipa, Rosalia, Gunna, Tems, Arlo Parks, Japanese Breakfast, Tems, Arlo Parks and many more.
The support is more than just publicity: YouTube Music is granting money to the artists as well. “Artists receive a direct financial grant to invest in their craft, whethere that’s for cntent creation, production or independent release campaigns,” a spokesperson told Variety.
“Since 2015, YouTube Music’s Foundry program has had one clear mission: to support the diverse and innovative voices of the global independent music community,” the company said in a statement. “We’re proud to have worked with more than 250 artists, helping them build sustainable careers on their own terms. Our goal with Foundry is always to help independent artists take the next major step in their career, whether that’s helping them break on their debut album or stepping in with additional support at a pivotal career moment.”
2026 honoree Julia Wolf said in a statement, “YouTube has given me a space to build my world with real intention. It allows me to connect with my audience in a personal, community driven way through long form content, where I can tell the stories behind my music thoughtfully while also creating videos that extend beyond music alone. I really hope to gain an even stronger connection with YouTube through this Foundry program, as an independent artist these creative relationships that help support us mean the world.”
While the inclusion of Kelela, a veteran American R&B/electronic artist who has been releasing music for more than 15 years, is a bit confusing at first, a spokesperson clarified: “While Kelela is certainly a legend known by tastemakers, her fellow artists and the independent music community, she has particularly ambitious goals for this new album, as evidenced by features from PinkPantheress, AK Paul and Fousheé. We are proud to partner with her to bring her ambitious content ideas to life and continue growing her audience.”
Vivien Lewit, YouTube’s global head of artists, added, “YouTube is a platform that gives artists the power to fully express their authentic voices, share their music and their art. Discovery is at its core, that’s what Foundry is all about,” added. “We are so proud to bring this incredibly talented group of artists together, representing music culture from all over the world.”
The full class, which can be heard on the official Foundry Playlist on YouTube Music:
“Additionally,” the statement continues, “we are thrilled to support artists like Dangrangto (Vietnam), Ino Casablanca (France), Martox (Dominican Republic), Mack Keane (U.S.), Rey Quinto (Mexico), Ruti (U.K.), Quiet Light (U.S.), Vintonic (Indonesia), and others, through our Foundry Rising program. Foundry Rising focuses on emerging artists who are at an earlier stage in their YouTube journey by giving them tools to help them grow.”