Words by: Lucy Williamson
Photos by: Lucy Williamson and Izzy Chedzey
With the excitement of the New Year in full swing, we over here at Whisper are looking forward to discovering lots of new music in 2026. To celebrate, we’ve put together a 2026 playlist of who we think will be putting their stamp on the grassroots music scene in Cornwall this year!
Essy Sparrow
FFO: Maisie Peters, Liang Lawrence, Matilda Mann
2025 was quite the year for Essy. She made her debut at Boardmasters, performing on The View stage with BBC Introducing. She became a full-time freelancer in Cornwall, and she transformed Sunshine Cafe & Yoga in Penryn into a vibrant live music venue for an intimate gig, featuring performances by Sunfull and Kitty Crocker.
A highlight of events with Essy is the sense of community she brings. How she hand-paints her gig tickets as unique keepsakes for each person attending. She adds an extra-creative touch to her gigs by organising pre-show arts and crafts sessions, and the fact that she invites her best friends to join as backing dancers to create new memories together.
There’s a real sense of warmth, creativity, and togetherness with Essy’s shows, and I’m so excited to see what she has planned for 2026.
Droskyn
FFO: Muse, Three Days Grace, Fall Out Boy
Performing their debut gig at a Grassfed Night with Whisper at the Cornish Bank, the Falmouth alternative rock band truly put their stamp on the local grassroots music scene in 2025.
Their debut single is brimming with heavy guitar riffs and anthemic vocals filled with a little bit of angst. They’ve recently released their debut single. So, could 2026 be the year of more music from one of Falmouth’s ones to watch?
Rhys Hurd
FFO: Nothing But Thieves, The Wombats, Benson Boone
After two years on hiatus, 2025 was the year of the Rhys Hurd music comeback. November saw the release of Rhys’ latest EP, teach me how to love., which includes the much-loved track ‘dancing in mangos’, and his latest single ‘do it my way.’ And to celebrate, Rhys and his band put on a show to remember with an 80s-infused rock sound and a splash of electro pop at the Cornish Bank.
This highly anticipated gig brought together avid Falmouth gig goers for what has been quoted as “some of the most fun they’ve had at a gig this year”. The crowd was beaming with excitement, singing along to every word to each of his newly tracks. It was a night to remember, and 2026 is shaping to be another action-packed year for Rhys!
Kitty Crocker
FFO: Lizzy McAlpine, Yana, Holly Humberstone
From an incredible 2025 of gracing stages at both the Great Estate Festival and Boardmasters, and with a new year, Kitty Crocker continues to make her mark on the South West grassroots music scene.
The North Cornwall singer-songwriter released her latest EP, “Good Riddance and Goodbye”, a beautiful storytelling piece of music with honest lyrics and a soft blend of harmonious vocals layered with mellow tones and acoustic guitar. The EP also features the memorable track ‘Wake Up Call’, as featured on BBC Introducing.
Kitty’s year also included supporting Cornish folk artist Ezmay Grace at her Lien Gwerin Album Launch, held at Launcells Barton, a picturesque venue surrounded by tranquil woodland in Bude.
What’s next for Kitty? We’ll have to wait and see, and I, for one, am looking forward to finding out what she has planned for the year ahead.
Eunoia
FFO: Evanessence, The Cranberries, Chappel Roan
Emerging from the heart of the Falmouth grassroots music scene, Eunoia are quickly establishing themselves as one of Cornwall’s most exciting new up-and-coming bands. With a growing run of gigs under their belt, including a Whisper Live at the Cornish Bank Grassfed Night, Eunoia are firmly cementing themselves as a one to watch in 2026.
The band’s sound is defined by hauntingly beautiful, emotionally charged lead vocals from Jolie Elouise, layered with a grounded sound of drum patterns and tight guitar melodies. Be sure to listen out for their catchy track ‘Home’, a song about Cornwall, and also a fan favourite at their gigs.
New bands for 2026
Fallowed Ground
FFO: Slowdive, DIIV, Hammock
Making their debut on social media in late November 2025, this dark shoegaze band captured attention with an ethereal sepia-toned reel titled “The Maiden”. There was an element of mystery to the band and who they were. Throughout the rest of 2025, they subtly released Easter eggs hinting at their music, their sound, and who the band members were.
Their debut EP, “Maiden, Mother, Crone”, was released at the beginning of January 2026 across streaming platforms, featuring three new tracks: ”Willow”, “Salix”, and “The Act”. The band has already captured the ears of BBC Introducing, and I think it will only be a matter of time until they make their live gig debut!
TØKER
FFO: Electric Wizard, Faetooth, Windhand
Another new band for 2026, musical hints have been bubbling away in the background for the first week of the year with the newly formed Falmouth-based stoner doom band taking part in their week-long Cornish Bank residency, leading to their debut gig on 9th January. Stay tuned for more coverage on this.
If you’re a band or musician in the grassroots music scene or have a gig coming up in the South West, we’d love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us here.