Discovering New Indie Music Gems: Top 10 Musicians to Watch Out For

Looking for some fresh, inspiring indie music? Look no further than these top 10 indie artists that are sure to blow your mind and keep you coming back for more. From folk and Americana to indie rock and electro-pop, these musicians deliver a unique and acclaimed style that is not to be missed.

1. Lucy Dacus

Hailing from Virginia, this singer-songwriter is a true indie pop expert. With her brooding, introspective lyrics and catchy melodies, Dacus has quickly made a name for herself in the indie scene, having released three critically acclaimed albums to date.

2. Chastity Belt

This all-female garage rock band from Seattle offers a refreshing take on indie music, creating a sound that is both catchy and raw. Their latest album ‘I Used to Spend So Much Time Alone’ is a compelling ode to the trials of growing up and navigating complex relationships.

3. Jay Som

Hailed as the most promising indie-pop artist of 2017 by outlets like Rolling Stone and NPR, Jay Som (AKA Melina Duterte) is a multi-faceted musician whose sound transitions between shoegaze and dream-pop, blending tape loops with raw, emotive lyrics.

4. Andy Shauf

Fans of The National and Father John Misty will want to give Andy Shauf a listen. This Canadian singer-songwriter’s distinctive indie-folk style has won him comparisons to Elliott Smith and Van Morrison, thanks to the beautiful, orchestral moments featured in his album ‘The Party’.

5. Snail Mail

Baltimore-based Snail Mail started as a bedroom pop sensation and has quickly earned mainstream acclaim for their smart, soulful compositions. Their debut album ‘Lush’ combines early 2000s pop punk with introspective lyrics akin to Liz Phair, making them one of the more unique acts around.

6. Hovvdy

Hailing from sleepy Austin, Texas, Hovvdy boasts an understated, dreamy sound evocative of Slowdive and Real Estate. As serene as it is sad, Hovvdy’s music is a feast for your tears, melodic and mesmerizing.

7. Alex Cameron

Alex Cameron is somewhat of an enigma, blending deadpan humor and crate-digging musicality to create truly unforgettable indie dance-punk jams. His latest album ‘Miami Memory’ is his most accessible and joyous yet, a reflective yet deeply funky ride.

8. Alexandra Savior

With deep, velvet vocals and playful pop stylings, Alexandra Savior found success early on after working alongside producer Alex Turner. Her mesmerizing songs, favored by critics and music aficionados alike, are centered on love and infatuation.

9. Yves Tumor

Yves Tumor’s eclectic-yet-unifying avant-garde style (mixing shoegaze, post-punk and industrial aspects to create a genre all of his own) continues the boundary-defying trend in artistry within Milan’s ultra-prolific scene.

10. Black Belt Eagle Scout

Hailing from the Suquamish and Swinomish tribes, Black Belt Eagle Scout (real name Katherine Paul) is known for weaving inspirations from her Indigenous identity with introspective reflection into her music. One of the most powerful solo artists around, Paul lets her songs push your mind around the open road of a bigger spiritual narrative.

No matter which of the above musicians you sink your teeth into, these critical and commercial indie artists are destined for an enduring career. Don’t hesitate—it’s time to update your playlists!