In a major boost for breakthrough musicians, Capital and its Gen-Z brand Capital Buzz have launched a new monthly initiative to spotlight rising stars, naming Audrey Hobert as the inaugural Capital Buzz Artist for January 2026.
What is the Capital Buzz Artist Initiative?
This new programme represents a significant escalation of support for emerging talent from the Capital network. Building on the success of launching a dedicated performance slot at the Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard in 2025, where Rose Gray and Alessi Rose played to 20,000 people, the scheme will now highlight a different artist each month.
The selected Capital Buzz Artist receives a powerful promotional package. This includes an on-air interview on Capital, regular plays of their music across the station's radio platforms, and the standout feature of their own billboards across the United Kingdom. The initiative aims to serve as a formal introduction to the next big names in music.
Meet Audrey Hobert: The Voice of a Generation
So, who is the first artist to receive this coveted honour? Audrey Hobert, a 26-year-old singer-songwriter, has been chosen to kick off 2026. Hobert first gained recognition behind the scenes, co-writing hit songs for her best friend, the acclaimed artist Gracie Abrams. Tracks like 'Risk', 'I Love You, I'm Sorry', and 'That's So True' all feature her songwriting talent.
However, Hobert has swiftly stepped into the spotlight herself. Her debut single, 'Sue me', released in May last year, resonated widely with its frank and humorous take on rekindling a relationship with an ex. It quickly amassed a dedicated fanbase drawn to her relatable lyricism.
This was followed in August 2025 by her debut album 'Who's the Clown?', which garnered instant critical praise. Audrey wrote over half of the album independently, tackling themes from modern dating in 'Sex and the city' to reflections on fame in 'Chateau'. For production, she collaborated with Finneas-signed producer Ricky Gourmet, creating tracks like the sax-driven 'Thirst Trap' and the potential hit 'Silver Jubilee'.
A Monumental Year Ahead
This accolade comes at a pivotal moment in Hobert's career. 2026 is set to be another monumental year, with her popular 'The Staircase to Stardom Tour' scheduled to visit the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Being named the Capital Buzz Artist provides a substantial platform to connect with even more listeners as she embarks on this international journey.
Fans eager to learn more about Audrey can find a dedicated 'Get to Know' interview, revealing details from her Mario Kart preferences to her coffee order. Her music is also featured on the official Capital Buzz playlist.
The launch of the Capital Buzz Artist scheme underscores a continued commitment from Capital to champion artists from their earliest days, following a legacy that includes early support for acts like Chappell Roan, Tyla, Sabrina Carpenter, and Gracie Abrams. The industry will now be watching to see which breakthrough talent is highlighted next.
