Many popular singers/songwriters have large numbers of listeners, due to their popularity, making their music highly streamed in comparison to smaller artists. Although this is not bad – and supporting artists is an awesome way to spend time – many older artists and smaller artists have gone somewhat unnoticed. As an avid music listener and enjoyer, I have spent many hours researching and seeking out artists that are similar to the ones I just can’t get enough of!
If you feel an Invisible String-like attachment to Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams, you should take a Risk and listen to these artists, and your life will evermore be changed. Sydney Ross Mitchell is a newer artist who has implemented various elements used in Taylor’s sadder songs along with her unique twang. Her combination of soft-spoken singing and aggressive yet poetic lyrics have intrigued over 340k monthly listeners– maybe you will be the next one! Some of my favorite songs by her are Next Time, The Edge, and Superblue. Alongside Mitchell, Sarah Gross and Jaz Beeson are similar artists, who are sure to catch your attention if you like these larger artists! Gross’ song Naturally alongside Beeson’s song Short, Sweet, Summer are great recommendations if you like this genre!
If you love Lana Del Rey’s sullen vibe, especially her songs on the album Ultraviolence, with the rock aspect of Amy Winehouse, you should listen to Pearl. Previously having released music under her real name, Hope Waidley, she has now released music with her new vibe under the name Pearl. With extremely “karaoke-able” songs, Pearl is sure to gain traction, and might just be your next listen. Her song No Man was released on an EP that contains a karaoke version!
If you like Jack Johnson, and think that listening to music is Better Together, you should listen to the band The Beautiful Girls. If you want to further explore these sounds, lead singer Mat McHugh produces music on his own as well. Although not entirely considered a smaller artist or a smaller band, McHugh surely deserves more attention than he and his band currently have! Similarly, indie-surf-rock band Summer Salt is sure to make you wish you could be Driving to Hawaii, as they sing about in their Debut EP.
If you’re into the somewhat eerie sounds of The Cults and Imogen Heap, the band The Like is sure to take you back to the early 2000s and the unique sounds that were produced in those years. Furthermore, The Like contains elements that are sure to remind you of old pop and YouTube sensation Mars Argo, especially in their songs Bridge To Nowhere, and Once Things Look Up.
If you put the “emo” in Midwest-emo, and artists like Mom Jeans and Modern Baseball fill your playlists, you should check out saturdays at your place and Camping In Alaska. With sounds that are sure to make you never want to leave the comfort of your bed and the state of Illinois, these bands have the feeling of a popular midwest-emo band, yet they just don’t have the listeners. Maybe you could be their next listener!
It’s such an amazing thing to get to listen to your favorite artists, but don’t forget about the millions of talented singers and bands that are out there! If you’re feeling up for it, expand on what you already like, and maybe you will find some new favorites, as well as support rising artists!
