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For emerging artists, getting discovered often feels like competing in an endless scroll. Rolling Stone AU/NZ is hoping to change that with the launch of Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26, a new initiative designed to spotlight rising Australian and New Zealand musicians across an entire year.
The program will select eight artists for its inaugural class, giving them access to editorial coverage, performance opportunities, playlist support and social content aimed at introducing their music to wider audiences. Rather than focusing on a single moment of exposure, the initiative is structured around long-term visibility, something increasingly difficult for independent artists to secure in today’s crowded release landscape.
Those selected won’t just receive write-ups. Participants will also appear in documentary-style content following their development throughout the year, while new releases, career milestones and updates will be highlighted across Rolling Stone AU/NZ platforms.
Live performance sits at the center of the experience, too. The chosen artists will take part in the Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26 House Party, a curated showcase event bringing performers together in front of fans, media and music industry figures, offering a real-world platform alongside digital exposure.
Importantly, the opportunity extends beyond the final lineup. Artists who submit music but aren’t selected for the eight-person class may still land on Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s radar, with editors using the submission portal as an ongoing resource when searching for new talent and future coverage opportunities.
At a time when breaking artists are expected to juggle content creation, touring, streaming numbers and social media growth all at once, programs like Fresh Sounds are increasingly becoming more than competitions, but they’re becoming entry points.
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