From genre-bending solo artists and indie-pop duos to Western Sydney rappers and Melbourne rockers, a new generation is bringing fresh sounds to the local music scene. The Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of '26, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ was created to put some of those artists under the well-deserved spotlight. The annual initiative brings together eight emerging acts from across the region, with each artist receiving editorial support and being introduced through interviews, performances and behind-the-scenes stories throughout the year. Now, the Class of '26 is getting together for one exclusive night out to celebrate local music. The inaugural Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of '26 House Party, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ, is taking over Machine Hall in Sydney, bringing all eight artists together for a live showcase on Thursday, November 26. Are you a music fan who wants to be in the room? We're giving away 50 double passes to this exclusive Rolling Stone AU/NZ-curated event. The RSVP-only evening isn't ticketed or open to the public, meaning winning the competition is the only way to get through the doors. Winners will also receive free food and drinks to enjoy throughout the night, so be sure to head down to Machine Hall early. To be in with a chance to hear from Australia and New Zealand's most exciting musicians, tell us in 25 words or less which Class of '26 artist you're most excited to see play at the House Party and why. Mentos Fresh Sounds Class Of '26 House Party, Curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ Want to know who you could see perform on the night? Meet the inaugural Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of '26, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ, and be ready to add them to your playlist ASAP. sleepazoid Melbourne five-piece sleepazoid are part of a new wave of Australian rock pulling from grunge, shoegaze and post-punk genres. The band came together through Melbourne's independent music scene, eventually finding their sound with 'Rats', the track that became the starting point for their debut EP, running with the dogs. Self-recorded and self-produced, the 2024 release introduced sleepazoid as a confident new voice in Australian music, while their latest EP, New Age, pushes that sound into even bolder territory. They're getting attention abroad too, supporting US artist Faye Webster on sold-out Australian dates and taking their music to the UK and Ireland. Add to your playlist if you're a fan of Wolf Alice, Wet Leg and The Smashing Pumpkins. Elijah Yo Born in Auckland and raised in Western Sydney, Elijah Yo is a Māori and Polynesian artist, producer, songwriter and director whose work is shaped by the people and communities around him. His sound pulls from West Coast hip-hop, soul and funk, with sharp storytelling at its centre. What started with teaching himself to make beats and shoot music videos from his bedroom has grown into a career spanning more than 17 million streams and four projects. He's also the founder of INHOUSE Studios, where he puts his filmmaking skills to work directing cinematic music videos. Add to your playlist if you're a fan of Vince Staples, Manu Crooks, Hp Boyz and Hooligan Hefs. Vv Pete Sydney rapper Vv Pete has become one of the standout new voices in Australian hip-hop. The Sudanese-Australian artist combines sharp lyricism with Jersey club-inspired production and global dance influences. Her breakout track "Frauds" led to her debut album, Varvie World, an ARIA Award nomination and two sold-out headline shows at the Sydney Opera House. Vv Pete also took her sound overseas, touring the UK and Europe with her debut EURO VARVIE headline tour. Add to your playlist if you're a fan of Kah-Lo, Miss Kanina and Tkay Maidza. [caption id="attachment_1150982" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Drita Ajredin[/caption] Beryl Sydney band Beryl have spent the past six years carving out a world of emotionally raw songwriting, haunting vocals and intricate art-folk arrangements. They're also seriously prolific, with 17 releases to their name. Their haunting vocals and intricate arrangements have earned them a local cult following, and their 2023 album Dry Peel Crack received an Album of the Year nomination at the FBi Radio SMAC Awards. The band followed it with their sophomore album Body Break in 2025, which continued to explore the vulnerability and rich instrumentation that have become hallmarks of the band's sound. Add to your playlist if you're a fan of Julia Jacklin, Big Thief and Adrianne Lenker. GAZAL Lebanese-Australian artist GAZAL is a Lebanese-Australian singer, songwriter and producer making adventurous pop that draws from alternative R&B, jazz, soul and electronic music, with recent singles 'Backpack' and 'Daisychains' offering a taste of her next chapter. Since releasing her debut EP, I Accidentally Burnt The House Down, in 2023, GAZAL has supported Nilüfer Yanya, written for artists including Grentperez and George Alice, and joined the Converse All Stars roster. Add to your playlist if you're a fan of Sycco, BENEE and Remi Wolf. [caption id="attachment_1150966" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Adrianne Armida[/caption] Foley Aotearoa-born duo Foley are now based in Sydney, where Ash Wallace and Gabriel Everett have built a "bubbly" and "bouncy" indie-pop sound packed with big hooks. Their latest EP, Like an Actress, takes its cues from '90s and early-2000s rom-coms, while the single 'Honey' reached No. 1 in New Zealand. They've also shared stages with Tove Lo, Two Door Cinema Club and BENEE, making them one of New Zealand's hottest exports. Add to your playlist if you're a fan of Valley, The Beaches and HAIM. Sonic Reducer If punk is more your speed, get to know Sonic Reducer. The Canberra four-piece blend angular riffs, sleaze-rock swagger and post-punk attitude, with their explosive live shows becoming a major part of their reputation. After their 2024 breakout EP SKEWBALL, the band joined Royel Otis on a sold-out 20-date European tour, proving they're ready for their big break. Add to your playlist if you're a fan of The Strokes, Fontaines D.C. and Queens of the Stone Age. Sollyy Western Sydney's Sollyy is a rapper, producer, DJ and promoter who's helping shape the city's emerging music community. His sound combines R&B samples, blog-rap influences and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, while his Hotter Out West party series has become a gathering point for new artists and audiences. His debut album I LEFT MYY HEART OUT WEST has also picked up support from Pitchfork, triple j and BBC Radio 1Xtra. Add to your playlist if you're a fan of Anderson . Paak, Smino and Tyler, The Creator. All eight artists are heading to Machine Hall for the inaugural Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of '26 House Party, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ. Want to be there? Enter for your chance to win one of 25 double passes. And if you're one of the lucky winners, make sure you head down early to make the most of the evening. Head to the hub to learn more about the official Class of '26. Want to be a part of the initiative yourself? Head to the Portal to apply.