From the Editor's Desk | November 2026
Some friends of ours at Universal Music's publicity team keep Rising Artists in the loop on their latest releases straight from the source. I’ve handpicked a few recent songs and stories that stand out, to share with you.
A few of these could become your new favorites. Others might teach you something about the sounds and styles connecting with audiences right now.
“Sex & Drugs” by Temper City
Formed in 2025, Temper City signed with Thirty Knots and released their debut single, “Self Aware”, in February 2026. The song spent eight weeks at number one on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart. Their new single, “Sex & Drugs”, is a alt-rock song about the cynical nature of modern romance accompanied by an interesting music video.
This Los Angeles based alt-rock trio get groovy and honest on “Sex & Drugs”. Created spontaneously one late night in the band’s living room, the song questions whether chasing intense, fast attachments is genuine feeling or a biological reaction to fleeting highs. “Why you act so hysterical/When we talk hypotheticals/Is this love or the chemicals?” The music video perfectly encapsulates the song’s message as it follows a mouse on a wild night that includes bar-hopping, getting arrested, and being fed cheese by his newfound love: a cat. Temper City says the quiet part out loud. Just like the mouse, we choose self-destructive behaviors like one night stands or constant drug use because it triggers dopamine and adrenaline which provide temporary numbness, control, and some semblance of self-worth.
“Carolina Shakedown” by Cigarettes @ Sunset
After their breakout success with “Pavement”, Cigarettes @ Sunset signed to Lost Highway Records in March 2026 and released their debut, Possum Rock. Delivering a one-of-a-kind sound, they strike the perfect balance between country and rock. Their newest single of 2026, “Carolina Shakedown”, is an anthem with larger-than-life energy and heartfelt storytelling.
“Sex On The Beach” by BJRNCK
After releasing her debut album, A Girl Like Me, in October 2025, BJRNCK dropped a deluxe in August of 2026. The deluxe features five new tracks with notable features: Fetty Wap, Tink, and G Herbo. Her latest single, “Sex On The Beach”, is included in these new tracks. Accompanied by a music video, it’s a sultry R&B record made for the lover girls.
"Before you hit the water” by Sebastian Schub
After releasing his successful EP, Sing Like Madonna, in 2025, Sebastian Schub continues his hot streak. He is signed to Capitol Records and widely recognized as a folk troubadour. His latest single of 2026, before you hit the water, is a folk-driven song that reflects on his own past mental health struggles.
If this issue was useful, save it, share it with an artist, a music lover, or a fan of anyone on this list, and drop a comment with which one you hit play on first.
Sincerely,
Andrea Smith | Founder, Rising Artists
