Youtube selects four Indian acts for Foundry Class of 2026

MUMBAI: From bedroom recordings to global playlists, four Indian acts are about to turn up the volume on their international ambitions. Youtube Music has unveiled the Indian artists selected for its Foundry Class of 2026, adding four homegrown independent acts to its global artist development programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of music talent. The latest cohort includes musical duo Antara and Ankita Nandy, vocalist Damini Bhatla, classical-pop fusion pair Garvit-Priyansh, and rising boyband OutStation. The artists join a global community of independent musicians supported through Foundry, YouTube Music’s flagship initiative launched in 2015 to help creators build sustainable careers and expand their reach.

Over the past decade, the programme has worked with more than 250 artists worldwide and has previously featured Indian names such as Kayan, Lost Stories, Seedhe Maut and Noor Chahal.

The selection reflects the growing diversity of India’s independent music scene, where artists are increasingly blending regional influences, classical traditions, contemporary sounds and digital-first storytelling to build audiences both at home and abroad.

Antara and Ankita Nandy, who hail from North East India, have built a following through inventive musical renditions featuring the ukulele and unconventional percussion instruments. Damini Bhatla has gained recognition for combining classical training with contemporary and regional music influences, while Garvit-Priyansh are carving a niche through their fusion of Indian classical music and Bollywood-inspired pop arrangements.

Meanwhile, OutStation has emerged as one of the country’s rising boybands, building a loyal fanbase through digital content, performances and a strong social media presence.

For Youtube Music, the programme highlights the platform’s growing role in helping independent artists move beyond local audiences. The company said visual storytelling, creator-led content and global discoverability are increasingly enabling Indian musicians to transform niche fandoms into international communities.

The announcement also underscores the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping music careers. For many independent artists, Youtube has evolved from a distribution channel into a launchpad, allowing creators to build audiences, release music and develop personal brands without traditional industry gatekeepers.

As India’s independent music ecosystem continues to expand, the Foundry Class of 2026 offers another reminder that the next breakout star may not emerge from a record label boardroom, but from a YouTube upload watched halfway across the world.