Play It Forward names 11 emerging artists for 2026 spotlight

Play It Forward has selected 11 independent musicians for its 2026 Emerging Artist Spotlight, pairing original songs with fundraisers for charities chosen by each artist. The program lets listeners donate to download music, with all proceeds going to the selected nonprofits.

Why it matters: - Play It Forward is using music to drive donations for nonprofits chosen by the artists themselves. - The program gives independent musicians a way to reach new listeners while turning personal stories into fundraising campaigns. - Each donation goes directly to a cause tied to the artist's life, family or community.

What happened: - Play It Forward announced the 11 winners of its 2026 Emerging Artist Spotlight on Aug. 12, 2026. - The program features original songs from independent artists paired with fundraisers for nonprofit organizations. - Visitors can explore the artists' stories and fundraisers on the Play It Forward homepage. - Fans can donate to download an original track. - One hundred percent of each donation supports the artist's chosen charity.

The details: - The 11 selected artists are Marirose Rueth, Jake Cassman, Samaera, Syante, Page Montgomery, Bray Smizzi, Lorelei, Jae Cabrera, Gruve Collective, Daniel Saighe aka Unstoppable and Caliban Strange. - Their chosen causes are Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, Jail Guitar Doors, NAMI, Jubilee Oikos, Take Back The Night Foundation, Everytown for Gun Safety, Cool Earth, Spread The Cheer USA, Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, American Cancer Society and United Way Worldwide. - Each artist receives a featured artist page and fundraiser. - Play It Forward also provides promotional support for the selected musicians. - The platform said the artists come from different backgrounds and musical styles, but their fundraisers share a common purpose. - Some artists are honoring loved ones. - Some are supporting organizations that once supported them. - Others are responding to challenges they have seen in their communities. - The Play It Forward homepage also features all 11 artists and fundraisers. - Visitors can listen to the music, learn why each cause was chosen and support a fundraiser by downloading an original song with a donation.

Between the lines: - Founder Steve Mazza said the goal is to connect listeners with both an artist and a cause, so the music becomes part of a larger story. - The model shifts the usual streaming dynamic by tying access to a donation instead of passive listening. - The approach may help emerging artists build audiences while giving nonprofits a direct fundraising lift. - Graphics and video for articles are available from the company.

What's next: - Play It Forward is directing visitors to the homepage to hear the music and contribute. - The organization will continue promoting the featured artists and their fundraisers through the Spotlight page. - Media contact for the announcement is David Loewy at info@playitforward.com.

The bottom line: - Play It Forward is turning emerging artist promotion into a charity-driven music campaign, with each song serving as both an introduction to new talent and a donation gateway for a selected nonprofit.