Hidden gems: exploring underrated indie artists you need to know

I know we have all experienced this feeling before: A once beloved playlist  becomes bland and boring as it slowly falls to the bottom of your music library. Sometimes all a dead playlist needs is a few gems to revamp your interest in them, especially after playing the same artists over and over. It may seem difficult to find new artists to listen to, so here are some artists I find essential for everybody to know, especially if you’re into indie/sad pop.

Cub  Sport — a perfect fit for people who love driving with windows down 

Cub Sport is an Australian indie pop band that formed in the early 2010s. Consisting of four talented artists, the band has garnered recognition from Rolling Stone and Billboard. 

Despite their achievements, the group has been severely overlooked within the music industry. Self-managed and self-released, Cub Sport has achieved Gold certification for singles such as “Come On Mess Me Up” and “Sometimes,” but they are not nearly recognized to the same degree as other indie pop artists like Mitski and Clairo. 

Some personal favorites include “Vice,” which is deeply ingrained in my memory as I was almost hit by a Corvette when this song was playing, and “Summer Lover,” a perfect for any summer playlist. It’s similar to EDM-based rhythms that make your body unconsciously dance along to the tunes. Every one of Cub Sport’s albums and singles deserves a spot in everybody’s playlists. Check them out — you won’t regret it!

The 1975 — for those who need a song to validate their feelings

An English pop-rock band that is more widely recognized for their songs like “Somebody Else” and “Robbers,” The 1975 deserves to be more religiously listened to than a simple addition to people’s playlists. The band has won two Brit Awards and has been praised for their socially conscious music and activism. Their albums, especially “Being Funny In A Foreign Language” and “The 1975” have some real gems and each deserves at least one listen. 

Take their latest album, “Being Funny In A Foreign Language,” as an example, the popular songs “About You” and “The 1975” often overshadow the rest of the album’s songs. Take a listen to less popular songs in the album like  “Human Too” and “Wintering,” which offer the same catchy tunes as their popular songs with soft and catchy voices. Its groups’ music ranges from mellow sadness to a bright happiness, creating listening diversity within each album.

Babygirl — have an internal concert in your head

With only half a million monthly listeners on Spotify, this indie-pop-oriented duo from Toronto is the epitome of underrated. Pulling influence from similar artists like Japanese Breakfast and Beach House, Babygirl’s music features lush, atmospheric instrumentation and occasional melancholic lyrics that are perfect during a soft morning awakening on a sunny weekend; their music heavily details love’s ebbs and flows. 

“Homemade Holiday” has always had a special place in my heart, as the song almost sounds like it’s wrapping you up in a warm blanket. Other good songs include “I wish I never met you” and “Always.” If the holiday Christmas had a voice, it would be Babygirl’s.

Del Water Gap — if you want to be sad and bop at the same time

Del Water Gap is a project created by folk-pop artist S. Holden Jaffe that introduces warm, acoustic instrumentation and articulation of bittersweet, love-orientated and self-growth lyrics. Some of his top hits, “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in your Throat” and “High Tops” speak to any average teenager who enjoys heartfelt indie rock music, and I have often found myself blasting his music with the windows down. 

He’s often compared to singers like Girl in Red and Jeremy Zucker, so if you like these artists, you should give Del Water Gap a go. Some songs recommended are “Perfume” and “Chastain.” Both make you feel like you’re in a coming-of-age movie.

Boygenius — for all the sad teenagers out there

Boygenius is a supergroup consisting of singer-songwriters Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. In November 2018, they released a self-titled EP that received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional songwriting and dynamic instrumentation. In March, Boygenius released an album called “the record.”. 

Despite each member of the group already having acclaimed solo careers, the collaborative effort allowed them to showcase their talents in a newfound way. Their recently released “Not Strong Enough” and opening debut song “Bite The Hand” communicate unprecedented amounts of depression, heartbreak and internal, emotional conflict through their lyrics. If you’re ever feeling down after a long day or a breakup, give this group a go. 

Montell Fish — sad Frank Ocean dupe (but just as good)

Perhaps a bit different from the recent trends of soft indie music, Montell Fish sings, writes and produces music that blends gospel, rhythm and blues, as well as hip-hop influences. 

His music can be described as lyrical and soulful, almost haunting. His most recently released album “Jamie” reflects his walk through the unfiltered depression of heartbreak after his breakup with his said girlfriend, Jamie. His songs are authentic and self-produced, often with desolate guitar instrumentals and teary vocals of Fish’s darkest hours. If you’re absolutely lost in sadness or just need some soft music while doing your homework, Montell Fish is a go-to.

While these artists mostly cater to an indie audience and lack the commercial viability of mainstream artists like Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran, each one deserves a spot in your playlists. Try playing some of the songs listed above and you might just discover your new favorite song!