Ever get tired of the same playlist over and over again? Well, underrated indie artists across the globe are redefining the music industry—you just haven’t found them yet.
They operate outside the traditional structures of major companies and mainstream media.
These artists thrive in the digital age, especially on social media, building audiences through authenticity, innovation, and creativity.
Most of their songs often reflect realities, cultural influences, and genre-defying styles that challenge what commercially endorsed music typically offers.
When people find them from deep down the music hole, they tend to get gatekept because they’re just that good.
But here, we won’t gatekeep a single thing. Here are lesser-known indie artists you can add to your next playlists to enjoy.
Vistas
Vistas, an indie rock trio from Scotland, has been on the scene since 2016. They have released their debut track ‘Sign Language’ in the same yaer.
Known for their high-energy sound and melodies, the band brings a refreshing contribution to the genre. Their music is also built upon vibrant rhythms and well-written lyrics, like their catchy songs ‘Stranger’ and ‘Retrospect.’
Most recommended song: Calm
Vérité
Vérité is an indie-pop artist from New York City, known for her raw emotion with sleek, electronic-tinged production. Her music lies somewhere between dreamy and unorthodox—anchored by expressive vocals and layered melodies that feel both intimate and expansive. And that’s what people love about her.
Most of her songs have themes, including heartbreak, identity, and personal growth, with a sense of vulnerability that feels relatable for many, such as ‘love you forever’ and ‘Undressed.’
Most recommended song: are we done yet?
NIGHT TRAVELER
There’s something undeniably smooth and soulful about NIGHT TRAVELER. This alt-rock duo first won hearts in 2018 with their dreamy debut ‘1984.’ In 2021, they finally released their first full album, Dreams You Don’t Forget.
Their music feels like a long night time drive—steady, quiet, yet full of emotions. Tracks like ‘Blue Eyes’ and “Missing You” tell stories that are generally relatable by the public and listening to it will just make you imagine images of empty roads, starlit skies, and love that lingers just out of reach.
Most recommended song: Watching You
The Night Café
The Night Café is a four-member band from Liverpool that plays infectious indie pop, consisting of Sean Martin, Josh Higgins, Arran O’Connell, and Carl Dillon.
In 2018, they released a full-length album called ‘Bunkbed,’ which housed some of their loved singles, including ‘Felicity’ and ‘Turn.’
They are known to have music with catchy hooks and emotionally charged lyrics, that just feel like heartfelt storytelling—meant to sound like late-night walks, long drives, and sitting near the seaside.
Most recommended song: Addicted
Haley Heynderickx
For the Oregon songwriter, a seed isn’t just a symbol of growth—it’s about the messy process before we can bloom. And it speaks about her musical journey, by tuning out the noise of the world and just finding meaning from within.
She first introduced her soulful voice to the world with her debut EP ‘Fish Eyes’ in 2016. However, she released her first full-length album, ‘I Need to Start a Garden’, released in March 2018.
Her music quickly drew praise for its raw emotion and thoughtful songwriting—captivating the hearts of many listeners, especially tracks like: ‘Drinking Song’ and ‘Foxglove.’
Most recommended song: The Bug Collector
There’s something refreshing about stumbling upon an underrated and lesser-known artist whose music feels like a well-kept secret—perhaps, a hidden gem.
Despite being away from the spotlight, their music still keeps thriving while experimenting with sounds and pushing boundaries of what music is and can be.
Taking the time to explore beyond the surface and viral charts can lead to some of the most rewarding musical discoveries—just like these underrated indie artists.
So, what are you waiting for, hit shuffle, and maybe, you can find someone new. You might just find your next favorite artist in a place people do not look for.
