5 Fresh Faces: Discover Your Next Favorite Christian Artist

We’re only a few months in, and 2026 is already serving up music from an emerging crop of stylistically diverse talent. While each new name is obviously gifted in their own right, with compelling singles currently spinning on K-LOVE, this next-gen class of creatives is one of the most eclectic in recent memory. Although faith boldly anchors their respective radio debuts, these newcomers range from Converse-loving 20-somethings to raw, mature storytellers. Rock, pop, worship, country and R&B flavor the music these blossoming Christian artists are making. It’s an encouraging development, widening the lane for what Christian music can look and feel like. And while their sonic landscapes might chart various terrain, these introductory voices are all integrating their own personal experiences and distinct points of view into the selections they’re crafting. Here are five fresh faces that could become Christian music’s next major act…and, quite possibly, your new favorite artist.

Carly Ann Taylor

For fans of coastal rock

Hawaiian-born, SoCal-raised singer-songwriter Carly Ann Taylor is bringing her coastal vibes to radio with “Why Should I Worry.” Rooted in Matthew 6, the original song introduces the Converse-wearing newcomer’s soaring range and relatable lyricism. Now living in San Diego, the soulful artist calls her older half brother and his wife “Mom and Dad” after the couple took her in and adopted her as their own when Taylor was a teenager. At a time when her future in music — and in life — was unclear, but her identity in Christ was certain, she penned her lead single, planting her hope in Scripture and carving out a captivating niche for herself in the West Coast music scene.

Zahriya Zachary

For fans of intimate, introspective worship

Zahriya Zachary’s first radio offering, “Stay,” feels like an instant balm to your soul. Her warm, peaceful vocal is steady and sure across her calming debut effort, “Rediscovery,” a 13-track odyssey that documents her self-aware journey toward retraining her mind to believe what her heart already knew about God. Prior to her inviting solo release, Zachary was initially heard on Patrick Mayberry’s No. 1 hit, “Lead On Good Shepherd.” The Texas native recently moved to North Carolina where she’s set to wed her fiancé, Cadence Helser, this summer.

Peter Burton

For fans of country and folk

Former Thrive Worship member Peter Burton is embarking on a solo career that introduces a sound reminiscent of mainstream Americana bands like Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers. The California native honed his skills early on writing and touring with “Made New” singer Lincoln Brewster; but now, he’s making his own indelible mark with “Where Would I Be,” an original song broadly inspired by his mental health journey. Following a run supporting Matthew West, the father of two is on tour with Anne Wilson this spring.

Franni Cash

For fans of left-of-center pop

Former We The Kingdom frontwoman Franni Cash exited her GRAMMY®-nominated family band at the end of 2023. In 2025, she reemerged as a freshly minted solo artist with the country-folk-inspired “Wildflowers,” which delivered a whimsical, rootsy touch reminiscent of Kacey Musgraves. Since then, Cash’s sound has settled into more diaristic pop territory that details her evolution as a woman and her experience with church hurt. She’s sharing her parade of unapologetic singles, as well as selections from her We The Kingdom tenure, on the road this spring supporting Brandon Lake. Additionally, the magnetic performer recently collaborated with fellow Nashville native Ellie Holcomb on a version of Holcomb’s “Hope’s Gonna Find You.”

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Jet Trouble

For fans of alternative, synth-pop

Jet Trouble’s moniker makes him sound like a renegade, but in reality, the Dallas-based newcomer is far too vulnerable and tender to be a rebel. His earnest synth-pop bleeds into debut radio track “I Need You,” an urgent plea addressed to God following his father’s ALS diagnosis. A case study in suffering and grief, all of Trouble’s songs on his latest LP, aptly titled “An Honest Prayer,” offer hopeful moments of solace and relief for listeners who find themselves in a turbulent season. Trouble, whose given name is James Troublefield, and his wife welcomed their first child just days before Christmas at the end of 2025. Their son arrived after multiple miscarriages for the couple and is sure to inspire a wealth of music from the new dad.