Updated September 2026.
Main photo: Karma Police performing to a sold-out crowd in Nambour. Photo: Penny Brand.
The Sunshine Coast has a strong new generation of young musicians coming through, from teenage bands playing local stages to emerging singer-songwriters already picking up national attention.
This is YELO’s current shortlist of young Sunshine Coast musicians to watch in 2026. It is not a ranking and it is not meant to be a complete list. These are simply the young local acts we keep seeing, hearing and coming back to.
For a broader guide to the local scene, browse YELO’s Sunshine Coast bands and musicians directory. For current releases, head to The Local Juicebox.
Karma Police
One of the clearest young names coming through the Coast right now. The four-piece alt-rock band leans into grunge and post-punk, with melody underneath the guitars keeping the songs well beyond straight nostalgia.
They released their debut EP Pale and Blue in 2026 after recording at Airlock Studios, with tracks including Withered Leaf, Frog In My Throat and Black Swan picking up attention through triple j and triple j Unearthed. Their August EP launch in Nambour sold out.
Instagram: @karma_police_music
The Noggins
The Noggins bring bright indie grooves, guitar-pop energy and a youthful live feel. Their 2026 tracks Driving Down the Highway and Why Can’t I landed on triple j Unearthed, with the band also entering Unearthed High.
They are still early in the story, which is exactly why they are worth watching.
Wave Raiders
Wave Raiders have moved well beyond being just a promising youth band. The Sunshine Coast trio have played festival stages, supported established touring acts and continued to build a reputation for energetic live sets.
Their sound pulls from alternative rock, surf culture and psychedelia, giving them one of the more distinctive young-band identities on the Coast.
Instagram: @wave_raiders_official
Soleil
A young Sunshine Coast act blending indie rock, soul and alt-rock with a live sound that stands out from the pack. Soleil have been steadily building through local shows and youth showcases, with original music beginning to define their own lane.
Louella
Sunshine Coast singer-songwriter Louella sits in the space between indie, acoustic pop, folk and soul, with an intimate style of songwriting and a growing local presence.
Official site: louellasmusic.com
Layla Havana
First Nations singer-songwriter Layla Havana has been part of the Coast’s young-music story for several years, with emotionally direct songwriting and a strong live presence across festivals, regional stages and songwriter showcases.
Frank and Louis
Brothers Frank and Louis have gone from busking and youth stages to becoming one of the strongest young acts on the Coast. Their indie-folk songwriting, close harmonies and years of live experience have given them a level of polish well beyond their age.
They won Young Artist of the Year at the 2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards and continue to build momentum through recording, touring and industry development.
Instagram: @frankandlouismusic
Hear more young Sunshine Coast music
YELO updates The Local Juicebox as new Sunshine Coast releases arrive, while the Sunshine Coast bands and musicians directory is the broader guide to local artists across genres and age groups.
