This awards season, Bongo Boy Records has compiled yet another stellar roster of independent artists that were accepted onto the first voting ballot by The Recording Academy™ for this year’s GRAMMY Awards®. This 2026 edition of this annual release is titled The 68th FYC Album (i.e. For Your Consideration).
Curious to find out more about which artists found themselves on this prestigious album? Let’s dive into the tracks…
“Plan As The Noes On Her Lips” by Gar Francis and Sapphire Star Studios is first up, in the category of FYC Best Country Song; a crisp and smoky upbeat piece that would pair nicely with a cold shot of warm evening whiskey.
Scott McDonald’s “Circling The Drain” was accepted for FYC Best Rock Album; a retro riff like an ‘80s hit topped with glam rock vocals and a chorus that can get you up and dancing in a flash.
Bongo Boy Records owner Monique Grimme steals the third track with “Cut By A Rose,” in collaboration with Sapphire Star Studios, and was accepted for FYC Song Of The Year – a darkly atmospheric and vintage-inspired pop ballad carrying hints of a Kate Bush hit.
“Pickle” by Inches From Sin was accepted for FYC Best Arrangement, Instrument and Vocals – a stellar pick lifting elements from Indian music, transplanted in a hazy and kaleidoscopic pop setting.
Natasha Marin’s “Integratron” of her album was accepted in the FYC New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category, crowning oceanic atmospheres with ominous drones, starlight and extraterrestrial quirks.
Guy Renardeau and Lyia Meta’s “I Breathe Your Name” was accepted in the FYC Best American Roots Song category; a rock/pop ballad settled in clean guitars and heart-stopping sentimentality.
“The Ballad of The Humble Clove” by Monique Grimme and Sapphire Star Studios was also accepted for FYC Best American Roots Song; equally ballad-like, yet more upbeat, featuring a chorus that could give you chills.
“Dolorosa MMXXV” by Simonne Draper and Richman falls in the FYC Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella category, delivering stunning Spanish guitar licks and piano solos upon an almost spooky hip-hop/trap beat swerved with hints of techno.
The New Bardots’ “Darkest Day” follows Scott McDonald in the FYC Best Rock Album category; their eclectic sound amped up by refreshing retroisms and an uplifting lyrical message.
The Bentley Project joins the FYC New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category with their track “Distant Thunder,” a blissfully eerie harp wrapped in cello for a classical feel.
“Lovely Love” by E.G. Holmes and Willow Layne, in collaboration with Countryside Studios, places its bet for FYC Best Country Song, turning heads with its sunny ambience and overriding sense of freedom.
Inches From Sin draws The 68th FYC to a close with “Just One Flame,” which was accepted in the FYC Best R&B Song category; a song with a polar opposite soundscape to their previous addition to this album, vocals floating upon a stylistically hectic trap beat.
Released on February 1, 2026, The 68th FYC packs in a song, artist and genre for everyone, keeping us all on our toes whilst celebrating the diversity of Bongo Boy Records’ most show-stealing artists. Our final verdict? Recommended.
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BELOW: Listen to The 68th FYC and support Bongo Boy Records’ artists by visiting their website and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.
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