For decades, Gibson guitars have been at the center of music history. Now, the brand is once again turning its attention forward. Gibson Artist Spotlight is officially back for 2026, shining a light on a new wave of artists pushing sound, style, and songwriting across continents and genres.
Launched to champion emerging musicians on a global scale, the Artist Spotlight isn’t about hype for hype’s sake. It’s about proximity—connecting artists directly with a worldwide audience through features, in-store performances at Gibson Garage locations, editorial coverage, and industry mentorship. Or, simply, amplifying music that deserves to be heard.
“Music is healing. Music is joy. Our mission is to amplify it for the world,” says Jenny Marsh, Gibson’s Global Director of Cultural Influence, describing the program’s artist-first ethos.
The 2026 class reflects just how wide the musical map has become. This year’s Artist Spotlight lineup spans North and South America, Europe, and Asia, pulling together indie bands, pop disruptors, genre-blenders, and scene leaders.
Among the names to know:
- Charlotte Sands (Los Angeles, CA) — A fearless alt-pop force blending punk bite with emotional candor.
- Bandalos Chinos (Buenos Aires, Argentina) — Dreamy, synth-forward indie pop with international appeal.
- Night Traveler (Austin, TX) — A modern rock band with rootsy swagger and melodic ambition.
- Last Train (Altkirch, France) — Moody, atmospheric rock with cinematic weight.
- Nieve Ella (U.K.) — Introspective indie pop with diaristic songwriting and sharp hooks.
- JoOji (Tottori, Japan) — A genre-fluid artist crafting intimate, understated pop.
- De Nachtwacht (The Netherlands), Corella (U.K.), verygently (Nashville), Black Polish (L.A.), Ponpon (L.A.), and Paula Pera (Bogotá) round out a roster that values individuality over algorithm-friendly sameness.
What separates Gibson Artist Spotlight from a standard “ones to watch” list is its infrastructure. Each artist is rolled out monthly across Gibson’s ecosystem—from editorial features and social campaigns to real-world events and industry connections—creating sustained momentum rather than a single spike of attention.
For music fans, that means a steady stream of discovery throughout the year. For artists, it’s a rare chance to grow with the backing of a brand deeply woven into music culture.
Check out the Global Artist Spotlight here.
