American Express and the FAC introduce the 2026 Amex Unsigned artists
Six of the UK’s most exciting new music artists join artists from the previous three cohorts to participate in the fourth year of Amex Unsigned. The American Express initiative helps create breakthrough opportunities for emerging music talent through incredible access to live gigs, social campaigns, mentorship and opportunities to have their music featured in advertising campaigns.
Following a record number of applications, Abi Flynn, Good Health Good Wealth, Jack Dean, Jay Malakhi, Reem Mitten and The Public Eye were selected to take part in the programme by an expert panel overseen by the Amex Unsigned team. All will now benefit from a range of tailored support, including opportunities to perform at major UK live events, including BST Hyde Park and All Points East.
As part of the programme, artists from all cohorts are invited to appear at gigs throughout the summer. For example, London duo Good Health Good Wealth has already performed at a special Amex Unsigned outdoor stage as part of the Harry Styles-curated Meltdown Festival at London’s Southbank Centre and Abi Flynn performed ahead of Craig David at a private performance for Soho House members at White City House.
Abi Flynn, 2026 Amex Unsigned Artist:
“Being selected as one of six artists for Amex Unsigned, and then being offered the opportunity to open for Craig David, was such a beautiful reminder of why I do what I do. Craig has influenced so much of the artist I am today, so this opportunity felt like an incredible moment of alignment for me.”
Through a partnership with the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC), the UK trade body representing music artists, all six participants and those from previous cohorts will also benefit from a dedicated mentoring programme. Hosted at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance and YouTube Studios, this will include expert-led sessions on live performance, songwriting and marketing, before culminating in a showcase for invited industry guests.
They will also receive free studio time at the world-renowned Metropolis Studios.
Dave Edwards, VP American Express:
“As Amex Unsigned enters its fourth year, we are delighted to welcome six new artists to the initiative. With support from the Featured Artists Coalition and other partners, we will be helping them access the backing, mentoring and breakthrough opportunities they need to open doors. Having worked closely with emerging artists across a breadth of genres, we know the hurdles they face in an increasingly tough industry and are proud to play a part in developing their careers.”
Gary Reid, Head of Partnerships & Programmes, Featured Artists Coalition:
“Having come on board as a partner in 2025, it’s been fantastic for the FAC to develop and expand our partnership with Amex Unsigned. We look forward to helping this cohort of artists get the most out from this fantastic initiative, and connecting them with industry-leading experts as part of our mentoring programme.”
Reflecting the extraordinary range of applicants, our 2026 Amex Unsigned artists include individuals and acts from a wide range of backgrounds and genres.
They are:
Abi Flynn
A multi-platinum vocalist, Abi enjoyed a breakout year in 2025 after hit collaborations with Nathan Dawe and DVBBS, and a guest spot on Tinie Tempah’s Closer. Now launched as a bona fide solo artist, her 2026 single Own Your Moment was an official anthem of the European Athletics Championship, while her debut album - produced by King Wizard - will showcase a fusion of UKG, commercial house and soul.
Good Health Good Wealth
Drawing on influences including The Streets and Ian Dury, the London-based duo of Bruce Breakey and Simon Kuzmickas released their debut album, This Time Next Year We’ll Be Millionaires, in late 2025. This year they will perform at 12 festivals, including Boomtown, Lost Village and Truck, and headline their own UK tour, including a show at Islington Assembly Hall.
Jack Dean
Jack’s 2025 EP, Rumours, received glowing media support and he was selected to perform on BBC Radio 1’s Introducing Stage at both Boardmasters and Reading & Leeds Festivals. He has also supported The Script and curates his own show nights as Jack & Friends.
Jay Malakhi
Hailing from Kent, Jay Malakhi is on his way to redefining UK rap. Accumulating over 3 million streams for his debut EP The Great Escape, he was awarded Track of the Week on BBC 1Xtra, and joined Canadian rapper Jev on his last UK tour. Jay is currently gearing up to release his second EP called After the Sunsets.
Reem Mitten
Graduating from open mic nights in North-West London to sharing stages with Bill Ryder-Jones and Swim Deep, Reem’s soulful music reflects her Moroccan and Irish heritage. Having released several well-received singles, she has since worked with acclaimed producers including Dave McCracken and Luis Felber.
The Public Eye
A proudly Derby-based five-piece, The Public Eye started to gain national recognition in 2024 after support slots with The Reytons, The Heroines and The Mercians and festival appearances at The Isle of Wight and Y Not. Following a string of track releases, their Éternel Romantique EP has helped sell out venues including Liverpool’s Jacaranda and Manchester’s Deaf Institute.
Launched in 2022, Amex Unsigned was born from an understanding that live music and grassroots artists were in need of support. Now entering its fourth year, the programme has grown into a powerful platform that backs a diverse community of artists and live venues, giving artists access to mentoring and performance opportunities that enable them to explore their passion and build confidence.
Previous years’ Amex Unsigned artists have played at a number of major festivals including Wilderness, American Express presents, BST Hyde Park, Lido and All Points East. Artists who joined in 2025 also had the opportunity to perform a showcase at SXSW. Opportunities have also included having music featured in advertising campaigns and receiving mentorship from industry experts.
Since coming on board last year, the FAC supported Amex Unsigned with their Mentorship programme including an afternoon at All Points East In the Neighbourhood and a mentorship day held at a grassroots music venue in North London. As we move into 2026, Amex Unsigned continues to support the programme and their artists.