New Music Makes Its Way to the Media

English artist, ‘The Man, The Myth, The Meatslab’ opens Ethan Regan’s show on opening night of the ‘I Almost Graduated’ tour on September 19th, 2025. Photo credit: Chloe Greer

By Chloe Greer, Photo Essay Desk Lead

For most members of society, the most alive you can feel is when you hear your favorite song on the radio or see your favorite artist live. The feeling of the music blaring through the speakers now feels as if it is jutting through your blood, bringing you new meaning and memories to your favorite tunes. Fans wait in anticipation for their favorite artists to release news, whether that  may be a single, album, or a tour announcement. 2026 is set to be a year full of new music, and fans are very excited to hear what artists have been created. 

For over a decade, many fans have appreciated the work of Harry Styles. His music presents a sound that so many people adore. His music is so specific to him, that only his voice and style are able to put on a perfect production to his lyrics. Styles released his album, “Harry’s House” in 2022, and stole the hearts of fans all around the world. After finishing his tour, “Love on Tour,” in 2023 Styles took a social hiatus and disappeared for over 2 years, before making his return in January of 2026.

Styles announced his new album “Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally" to come out on March 6. A single was released on January 23rd, featuring a new song titled “Aperture.” Because of the recent absence of Styles, fans were overjoyed by his return, and were thrilled with the production of the new single. “Aperture” is what some may say the perfect Harry Styles song, as it truly embodies the calm, yet excited essence of his music. 

Along with the new song, Styles is also going be on a residency tour called the “Together, Together” tour. To no one's surprise, the announcement of this tour had fans fighting for tickets that in most cases were upwards of $1,000 each. Fans are so overjoyed at Style’s return, and we cannot wait to see what other flavorful songs his new album will hold. 

In contradiction to Style’s laid back, vibey tunes, another set of fans are anxiously anticipating the release of folk singer Noah Kahan’s new album, “The Great Divide” which is set to release on April 24. This album is guaranteed to have deep, meaningful lyrics accompanied by a joyful, yet sympathetic tune. Kahan released his single and title track, “The Great Divide” on January 30, which was immediately adored by fans. With a deep, universal meaning behind the lyrics, fans are relating and connecting to the song in ways that are similar to the things that Kahan has written before. The song is from the point of view of someone who is wishing the best for someone who has passed through their life. Fans have interpreted this song in so many ways, exemplifying what makes Kahan’s music and the song so special. 

Kahan will also be going on a tour this year titled “The Great Divide Tour.” On February 10, fans fought in a pre-sale battle to secure tickets, but unfortunately, many fans left empty-handed. While ticket prices were not nearly as expensive as Style’s, they were still a bit unrealistic for some folks. Many fans hope to try again during the general sale, in hopes to see this wonderful artist live. 

There are many artists in the Folk music genre that are smaller, and not as well known. That being said, they still make a point to travel for their fans and release new music as often as they can. Some smaller artists that will be touring this year are Brenn! and Ethan Regan. Both are hosting spring tours, which have fans excited to secure tickets that are a little less hard to secure. Barrett, a folk artist local to Boone, has the opportunity to perform at a music festival in the UK this year. While fans local to Boone will not be able to attend, they are still happy for this opportunity for him.

2026 is already set to be a year full of amazing new albums, singles, songs, and tours. Fans are overly excited to see what other artists will announce something new, and they cannot wait to be supportive along the way. Music shapes society, and gives people something to look forward to and live for.