For years, Indie Folk has been a genre of music that wasn’t particularly popular. However, in the 2000s, this music genre gradually caught the attention of music enthusiasts. With guitar melodies and dramatic lyrics, songs from this folk subgenre have garnered their own increasing fanbase. Do you know the artists in the world of Indie Folk music?
Indie Folk Artists 2024 and Their Works
Folk or traditional music is known for its simplicity. Indie Folk is a subgenre of this music that typically features acoustic guitar music with poignant lyrics. The following artists have contributed to enlivening and revitalizing interest in the Indie Folk genre:
1. Cathartic Fall
Cathartic Fall is the stage name of folk musician Jeoff Harris. Apart from creating music, he also produces his own songs. Jeoff, hailing from Los Angeles, made his debut in 2020 with the single “With Eyes Open.” He often shares moments of playing piano and other instruments through his YouTube channel. Dramatic songs with heart-touching lyrics include popular tracks like “Angle,” “Ocean,” and “Waiting in The Dark.”
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2. Ben Howard
Ben Howard is the stage name of Indie Folk musician Bejamin John Howard. He began his music career in 2008 with the debut album “Games in The Dark EP.” Among his accolades is the 2013 Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist. Howard’s music and lyrics are soothing, perfect for melancholic moments. Recommended tracks include “Bones,” “Gracious,” “Old Pine,” and “Keep Your Head Up.”
3. Jose Gonzales
Looking for songs to accompany your solitary moments? Add some Folk tunes from Jose Gonzales to your playlist. This Swedish-Argentinian singer has been active in the music scene since 2003. His work “Step Out” became the soundtrack for the film “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” “Stay Alive,” “Step Out,” and “Cycling Trivialities” are some tracks you can add to your playlist.
4. The Tallest Man on Earth
The Tallest Man on Earth is the stage name of Swedish musician Kristian Mattson. An Indie Folk singer who has been active since 2006 in the music industry. Originally a vocalist in a band, he decided to pursue a solo career in Indie Folk. He has garnered praise, with many likening his music to that of the legendary Bob Dylan. Aside from being an Indie singer, Mattson also produces his own songs. He records at home and has created several notable works, including “The Dreamer,” “The Gardner,” and “Love is All.”
5. James Vincent McMorrow
An Irish musician who began his career as a singer in 2010. Two years later, he won the European Border Breaker Award. This award recognizes musicians who have gained listeners from abroad through hits or international albums. Some of McMorrow’s recommended songs for your relaxation include “Ghost,” “If I Had a Boat,” and “We Don’t Eat Higher Love.”
6. Damien Rice
A solo musician who has been active in the music scene since 2001. “The Blower’s Daughter” is one of Damien Rice’s singles that made it to the Top 40 Chart. Notable songs from this artist include “Volcano,” “9 Crimes,” and “The Blower’s Daughter.”
7. The Kings of Convenience
A Norwegian folk duo that released their first album in 2001. Their song “Cayman Island” was a hit and remains enjoyable to listen to. Other songs that can be added to your playlist include “Homesick,” “Toxic Girl,” “Mrs. Cold,” “Winning a Battle, Losing the War,” and “I’d Rather Dance With You.”
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8. Novo Amor
Fans of indie folk music are probably familiar with the name Novo Amor. This talented musician hails from England. Amor can play various musical instruments, including piano, percussion, drums, guitar, banjo, and bass. Novo Amor is actually a stage name; the real name of this musician is Ali Lacey. He made his debut in the music world in 2014 and has released four albums. Hit songs from this artist include “Keep Me,” “Anchor,” “Ontario,” “State Lines,” and “Repeat Until Death.”
9. Vancouver Sleeping Clinic
When making his debut in the music world, Tim Bettinson chose the stage name Vancouver Sleeping Clinic. A musical clinic that accompanies you before sleep with soothing songs. Tim Bettinson has released four albums until 2023. The listeners of his songs on Spotify are quite substantial, reaching three million listeners every month. Some of his most-played songs include “Someone To Stay,” “Middle of Nowhere,” “As It Was,” “Somebody Else,” and “Riptide.”
10. Fleet Foxes
Want to enjoy Indie Folk music for relaxation or even as bedtime companions? Try listening to songs from Fleet Foxes. This band was formed in 2006 in Seattle. They gained recognition after releasing their EP titled “Sun Giant.” Their second album was more popular than their self-titled debut. In their second album, Fleet Foxes received critical acclaim for their vocal harmonies and delicate lyrics. Some Fleet Foxes songs include “Mykonos,” “White Winter Hymnal,” and “Blue Ridge Mountains.”
11. Bon Iver
Ever heard of Bon Iver? Yes, this musician often collaborates with other singers, including Taylor Swift. With a very distinctive vocal style, Bon Iver is perfectly suited for singing Folk songs. One of Bon Iver’s hit singles is “Skinny Love,” which was covered by Ed Sheeran and Birdy. Bon Iver also received prestigious awards, including the Grammy in 2012. They won the Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album awards. Some songs by Bon Iver that are perfect for accompanying melancholic moments or rainy days include “Skinny Love,” “Blindsided,” “Re-Stack,” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”
12. Iron and Wine
Iron and Wine has released several works, including the song “Flightless Bird American Mouth.” This song became one of the soundtracks for the famous film “Twilight.” Behind their rugged appearance, the vocalist Sam Beam’s voice is very gentle. Listening to their songs can create a soothing atmosphere. Some Iron and Wine songs include “Nakes as We Came,” “Passing Afternoon,” and of course, “Flightless Bird American Mouth,” which is a must-listen.
13. The Head and The Heart
Indie Folk musicians maintain their music with traditional values and simplicity. This is also what The Head and The Heart, an indie folk band from Seattle, does. You can try some of their songs like “Rivers and Roads,” “Lost in My Mind,” and “Another Story.”
14. The Paper Kites
Formed in 2010, The Paper Kites offer many comfortable folk music tunes. They have released 2 albums and 2 mini albums with some of their best songs including “Silent Cause,” “Halcyon,” and “Turn Within Me Turn Without Me.”
15. CHPTRS
Formed by Josh Auer and Jerad Atherton in 2017, this duo group carries the cinematic indie genre with millions of subscribers on their YouTube channel. They have produced at least seven albums with several hit songs. On music streaming platforms like Spotify, their most-listened-to songs include “Last Chance,” “Let the New Begin,” “Hold It All Together,” and “Obvious.”
16. Sleeping at Last
A rather intriguing stage name, Ryan O’Neal along with Chad O’Neal and Dan Perdua formed this music band in 2003. They have released dozens of albums and some of their songs have achieved good chart positions. Their songs have been used in TV series and movies. Recommended songs that can be added to your playlist include “You Are Enough,” “Turning Page,” “Saturn,” “Already Gone,” and “Saturn.”
17. Hollow Coves
Hollow Coves is the stage name of an Australian duo group. Comprising Matt Carins and Ryan Handerson, they present music with soothing harmonies. Since their formation in 2013, Hollow Coves has garnered a sizable loyal audience on Spotify. In 2019, they successfully released their first album. Some popular songs that have been streamed millions of times on music platforms include “Interlude,” “Coastline,” “Blessing,” and “The Woods.”
18. Lord Huron
Lord Huron is an American indie rock band based in Los Angeles. The band, consisting of Ben Schneider, Miguel Briseno, Mark Barry, and Tom Renaud, often presents music from genres like folk rock, pop, country, and western. Some of their notable songs include “The Night We Met,” “I Lied,” “When The Night is Over,” and “Love Like Ghosts.”
19. Gregory Alan Isakov
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, this musician has built a loyal fan base who listen to his songs faithfully. Gregory Alan Isakov can play various musical instruments including acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, and others. These instruments are often played in his melancholic and beautiful songs.
Besides being skilled at playing musical instruments, Gregory is adept at expressing emotions through his songs. His unique blend of traditional folk music and modern rock, plus his distinctive vocals, energizes fans to listen to his music. Some of his most popular songs include “Big Black Car,” “Amsterdam,” “San Luis,” and “Southern Star.”
Do any of the songs from the singers and musicians above become your favorites? By combining acoustic guitar melodies and contemporary instruments, Indie Folk songs have their own dedicated fan base.
Indie Folk music is special because it speaks from the heart. Each song, with its simple guitar tunes and heartfelt lyrics, feels like a genuine conversation. It’s like sitting with a friend, sharing stories and emotions without holding back.
People love Indie Folk because it’s real and relatable. It’s like a cozy blanket on a chilly day, comforting and familiar. And as Indie Folk artists keep making new music, fans eagerly listen, ready for another journey of emotions and stories. In a world full of distractions, Indie Folk music is like a warm hug, reminding us of the power of simple, honest connections.