The world of indie music is constantly evolving, and these 10 emerging artists are poised to make a big impact. Clairo, Beach Bunny, Arlo Parks, The Weather Station, beabadoobee, Bachelor, Rostam, Bartees Strange, Faye Webster, and Squid all bring unique sounds and perspectives to the genre. From indie-pop to post-punk, these artists are pushing boundaries and capturing the hearts of listeners with their honest lyrics and captivating performances. With critical acclaim and growing popularity, these emerging artists are definitely ones to watch in the world of indie music.
10 Emerging Artists to Watch in the World of Indie Music
1. Clairo
Clairo, also known as Claire Cottrill, started gaining attention in 2017 with her song “Pretty Girl” on YouTube. Since then, she has released two albums and collaborated with artists like Wallows and SG Lewis. Clairo’s indie-pop sound and honest lyrics have captured the hearts of many listeners, making her an artist to watch in the world of indie music.
2. Beach Bunny
Beach Bunny is a four-piece indie rock band from Chicago that started gaining popularity in 2018 with their EP “Prom Queen.” Their high-energy performances and catchy hooks have captivated audiences, landing them spots at festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella. With their infectious sound and relatable lyrics, Beach Bunny is an up-and-coming band to keep on your radar.
3. Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks is a British singer-songwriter who has been gaining buzz with her soulful indie sound and poignant lyrics. Her debut album “Collapsed in Sunbeams” was released earlier this year and has received critical acclaim. Parks’ introspective and empathetic approach to songwriting has made her a standout amongst other emerging artists.
4. The Weather Station
The Weather Station is the indie-folk project of Canadian singer-songwriter Tamara Lindeman. With her hauntingly beautiful voice and poetic lyrics, Lindeman’s music is a breath of fresh air in the indie-folk genre. Her latest album “Ignorance” has received widespread acclaim and cements her as a rising star in the world of indie music.
5. beabadoobee
beabadoobee, also known as Bea Kristi, is a Filipino-British singer-songwriter who has been making waves in the indie scene with her lo-fi sound. Her breakout hit “Coffee” gained popularity on TikTok and has since accumulated millions of streams. With her nostalgic sound and relatable lyrics, beabadoobee is an artist to watch in the world of indie music.
6. Bachelor
Bachelor is a supergroup consisting of Jay Som and Palehound. Their debut album “Doomin’ Sun” was released earlier this year and features dreamy indie-rock soundscapes and introspective lyrics. With the combined talents of Jay Som and Palehound, Bachelor is a powerhouse duo that is sure to leave their mark on the indie music scene.
7. Rostam
Rostam Batmanglij, formerly of Vampire Weekend, has been making music as a solo artist since 2016. Known simply as Rostam, his music blends elements of indie-pop, electronic, and classical music, creating a unique sound that transcends genre. With his innovative approach to music-making, Rostam is definitely an artist to watch in the world of indie music.
8. Bartees Strange
Bartees Strange is a genre-bending artist who combines elements of indie-rock, hip-hop, and R&B to create a sound that is all his own. His debut album “Live Forever” was released last year to critical acclaim, earning him spots on “Best of 2020” lists from publications like Pitchfork and NPR. With his boundary-pushing sound and fearless approach to music-making, Bartees Strange is a rising star in the world of indie music.
9. Faye Webster
Faye Webster is an Atlanta-based singer-songwriter who infuses indie-folk with elements of country and R&B. Her latest album “I Know I’m Funny haha” was released earlier this year and has received widespread critical acclaim. With her heartfelt lyrics and lush instrumentation, Faye Webster is an artist to keep on your radar in the world of indie music.
10. Squid
Squid is a British post-punk band that has been gaining buzz with their off-kilter sound and energetic live performances. Their debut album “Bright Green Field” was released earlier this year and has been praised for its experimental approach to post-punk. With their boundary-pushing sound and captivating live shows, Squid is an up-and-coming band to keep an eye on in the world of indie music.
