Future Focus: BENEE & Carter Faith

FFO line-dancing, DJ sets, Kacey Musgraves, and Remi Wolf

Future Focus is where we talk about artists we feel like are about to hit a new level or are set to shape tomorrow’s sounds. Each feature is paired with some industry insights to go with why we love these artists as fans.

BENEE Is Rewriting the Rules of Pop in Glitter

by Cece Faulkner

If you were as chronically online as I was during the 2020 quarantine, chances are you were exposed to the song “Supalonely” amidst its internet virality. BENEE, aka Stella Bennett, is the energetic force behind that song. She has made a name for herself creating infectious indie-pop anthems and bringing them to life onstage. The New Zealand born-and-raised creative got her start posting songs to Soundcloud in 2017 and left school to pursue music. Now, her effervescent, sparkly spirit comes through in every corner of presence, whether it be in performance, in music, or even her personal brand.

The best part about her music is that there’s truly something for everyone. Take her recent project Ur An Angel I’m Just Particles for example. Feeling angsty? Check out “Chainmail.” Sad? Try “Heaven.” Want to dance around your bedroom like a maniac? “Off The Rails” and “Princess” are the ones for you. Chilling with friends? “Cinnamon” will be your new fav.

On top of that, her onstage energy is totally infectious. I’ve seen her live three times now, and each experience proved her to be one of the most vivacious and high-spirited performers I’ve seen (and that’s saying something, I go to concerts for a living!) If you’re a fan of artists who truly let their personality shine through, BENEE should absolutely be your next listen.

Industry Takes

• Signed to Republic Records alongside artists like 5 Seconds of Summer, Conan Gray, and Jonas Brothers.

• Just wrapped a U.S. tour that spanned across twenty three cities

• Opened for big name artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Wallows, and Tate McRae

• 4.6 million monthly Spotify listeners

Carter Faith: Putting Cherry Valley on the Map

by Kylie Hernandez

Anyone who says they aren’t a fan of country music clearly has not listened to country’s newest breakout star, Carter Faith. With a blend of classic country instrumentals to her retro 60s adjacent visuals, Carter is an artist who isn’t afraid to step into her own.

Growing up in North Carolina, Carter got her start playing in local bars before making the move to Nashville at 18 to pursue her music career. She attended Belmont University to study songwriting and soon enough, dreams started to become reality for Carter when she signed her first major record deal with MCA (formerly Universal Music Group Nashville) in June of 2024.

Following the success of her release of her EP, The Aftermath, which touches on the ups and downs of endings and new beginnings, Carter released her highly anticipated debut album, Cherry Valley in October of 2025, a collection of songs both cinematic and sassy, complete with the perfect amount of modern appeal and classic country twang.

The album title was inspired by a drive through small town Tennessee, when she spotted the name “Cherry Valley” on a road sign, eventually becoming the title of her most successful project to date. She’s sassy, she’s confident, and she can go full-diva with her powerhouse vocals. Her songs “Bar Star” and “Misery Loves Company” are personal favorites of mine since they open the door into the whimsical world of Carter Faith!

Industry Takes

• Signed to MCA in 2024 with labelmates such as Tucker Wetmore, George Strait, and Chris Stapleton

• Combined following of 318.7K on Instagram and TikTok and 600.3K monthly listeners on Spotify

• Recently wrapped her first ever headlining tour, which saw completely sold out shows at each stop

• Recently was featured in the “Country Currents” exhibit for the Country Music Hall of Fame

• Previously opened for Ella Langley and Cody Johnson on their respective tours and will be opening for George Strait this summer

• Performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in February 2026

• Notched an ACM Awards nomination for Album of the Year

Who’s on your radar? Channel your inner A&R and let us know! In the meantime, listen to our Future Focus playlist that we update every single week.