Folk music hasn’t always been at the forefront of the music industry. However, with indie folk musicians pushing their way into the spotlight, there has been a noticeable shift in this type of music. Now let’s get to know them!
One of my favourite genres to listen to is folk music. It’s hard not to enjoy it when the singer-songwriters have such smooth voices and wonderful acoustic guitar skills, well I fall in love straight away.
With tons of Indie folk bands emerging every year. Now is as good a time as any for you to give your ears a treat to some beautiful melodies inspired by Indie Folk.
Here you’ll find 10 indie folk and soft rock artists from around the world. Researching about them, we can guarantee you’ll find unique personalities and unique sounds combined to create some really interesting music.
There is just one thing I would like to say. There are moments in my day when I want to escape, to forget all the problems I have. And when that happens, what really helps me relax is listening to good music.
That’s why I made this new indie folk compilation and introduced it to you. It’s modern, mellow and has a lot of interesting musical elements I find appealing. If you’re into folk music you should definitely check it out.
You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artists’ music, and know more about their work by scrolling down the page.
1) GEDALYA – Wake Up
GEDALYA is a singer-songwriter from Monsey, New York. He’s been working on his craft for over the years, and it shows in his latest single, “Wake Up”. Think of simple production but amazing good feelings.
This acoustic folk tune has everything you could want from a standout folk song: soft vocals, a classic sound, and just enough rock elements to keep things interesting. It’s perfect for listening while you’re out driving or doing chores around the house!
GEDALYA has been releasing music since 2015. He’s released a number of singles over the years, including his latest track that we loved. It’s a short one but worked very well for two minutes and a half.
For anyone looking for something new in their folk music collection, check out GEDALYA’s latest single, visit his website, which was built especially for this release, and follow him on Spotify here!
2) CONNOR DESAI – Some Time Ago
Some Time Ago, the single by Connor Desai, is a relaxing acoustic folk song. The artist’s voice is soft and sweet, and the song has an almost classic sound to it—it’s not too pop, but it still has a contemporary vibe. It can get your heart literally melting while listening to it for only 10 seconds, but you will get this one on repeat, for sure.
The song is about love and loss but in a very nostalgic way. It evokes the feeling of falling in love with someone new and then losing them before you really get to know them.
It’s also easy to imagine sitting around a campfire with friends or family singing along—it would be perfect for that kind of setting. It’s versatile music, high-quality vocals, and my heart totally full of love.
Connor Desai is based out of Seattle, so if you’re looking for some Americana tunes from an independent artist who knows how to make music that feels like home, this is definitely your jam! Check it out on Spotify, watch her music video, and visit her website for more information about Connor Desai’s projects and her previous releases!
3) JUSTPEOPLEWATCHING – The King Of Nothing
If you’re looking for something to listen to that’s totally not your usual fare, look no further than the latest single from Canadian folk band JUSTPEOPLEWATCHING. The King Of Nothing is a lush, melodious track that will have you singing along in no time.
The song is a blend of alt-folk and folk-pop with a dash of contemporary indie rock thrown in for good measure. It’s full of catchy choruses and lyrics that are both euphoric and anthemic—in other words, it’s the kind of music that makes you want to drive fast with your windows down while belting out the chorus at full volume.
If you’re open to hearing a great male vocalist singing about hearts on fire and dying for love, then this song might be just what you need! The artist has a rich voice that really stands out in this genre, which gives it a unique sound that’s well worth checking out! Also, visit their YouTube channel and follow them on Spotify.
4) BRAVE NEW BROKEN HEARTS CLUB – Higher
I’m a big fan of alt-folk, and I think it’s one of the most underappreciated genres out there. If you’re like me, you’ve probably been to concerts where the bands play their heart out, and then you leave feeling like you got your money’s worth. That’s why I was excited to hear about BRAVE NEW BROKEN HEARTS CLUB, an indie folk artist from London with a single called “Higher.”
I discovered him when I was scrolling through my Spotify recommendations and saw his previous release of a song called How Old is The World.
The song stuck out to me because it had a distinctly classic sound—like something that would have been popular in the late ’90s or early 2000s. It reminded me of artists like Ed Sheeran, who creates in a “modern old-school style” always.
This artist has so much potential! He’s got great vocals, cool guitar riffs, and catchy lyrics that really make you feel like he’s talking directly to you (which I love). Check it out now, visit his website and follow him on Spotify!
5) RACHAEL SAGE – Revelation Ground
RACHEL SAGE is an artist who creates a unique blend of alt-folk and folk-pop, with a touch of acoustic guitar and soft band. She’s based in New York City and it’s clear how this city has a strong influence on musicians’ work. For Sage, it wasn’t different!
Her single has 5 versions, entitled Revelation Ground, it is a beautiful song that combines many different styles into one cohesive tune. It’s the perfect song to listen to on your commute home from work or school, or even just to relax at home after a long day. The Folk version is our favourite.
The track takes you through different parts of the United States as you follow her lead throughout the song—from California to Colorado, from Virginia to Washington D.C., and then back again. RACHAEL SAGE has also released other singles, which include some songs about love and emotion.
If you’re looking for some relaxing vibes or want to explore US folk culture through music, check out RACHAEL SAGE! Visit her website and follow her on Spotify.
6) O’REILLY & VINCENT – The Roof Falls In
O’Reilly & Vincent is a UK-based acoustic folk duo that is bringing back the sound of traditional Irish culture in their new single, “The Roof Falls In.” The track is an upbeat, Celtic-jazz song that is sure to be stuck in your head all day.
It’s no surprise that this duo has been called “the next great folk band” by the producers from PopHits.Co. Their sound is reminiscent of classic folk artists like The Civil Wars and Mumford & Sons, but with their own unique twist.
The song is a cinematic ode to the Irish countryside and all its romanticism—it’s not just about the Irish countryside though; it’s about the sense of place that EVERYWHERE has. It’s the roots of a peculiar culture.
From my perspective, it’s about how every place has its own unique personality, even if you don’t notice it at first. It’s about how everything in life is interconnected, even if we can’t see it at first. It’s about how you have to take risks before you can really live your life. It’s about listening to their full portfolio as it’s amazing, don’t forget it.
From the band’s perspective, the song was born as a result of a domestic crisis, where their seating room literally had a roof collapse, the song contrasts a kind of meditative response, with euphoric hope that they will be able to cope with anything.
It’s also super catchy as hell! I would bet money that this song will be stuck in your head for days after listening to it—and I mean that in the best possible way. Check it out, visit their website and follow them on Spotify!
7) CYNTHIA HAMAR – Light A Fire
If you like your music on the soft side, and you’re looking for something that’s more “alt-country” than “alt-folk,” check out CYNTHIA HAMAR.
Her new single, “Light A Fire,” is a great example of her style: it’s got a lot of soulful vocals, but it’s also got a pop rock vibe that makes it really accessible and easy to listen to.
CYNTHIA HAMAR lives in Canada and has been making music for years—and it shows! Her songwriting is mature beyond her years, with an easygoing vibe that makes her sound like she’s been doing this forever or since she was born. I’m sure she was born for that as her music speaks to our souls, what a talent!
If you’re interested in checking out more of CYNTHIA HAMAR’s work, and following along with her as she continues to make awesome music, visit her website or follow her on Spotify!
8) GILLIAN RAE PERRY – Gillgil
Gillian Rae Perry is a folk singer-songwriter from Los Angeles. She has just released one more album, Gillgil, which is full of soft, intimate songs that sound perfect for an evening with your friends or a quiet night alone. It is also about her personal experience with mental health issues.
She only recently developed an understanding and treatment for her depression, managing it while producing music. This is therapeutic music, which I highly recommend due to its ability to trigger a healing process in the listener’s soul. Take a look for yourself!
The album is a mix of folk-pop and bedroom pop, with cinematic touches and experimental elements thrown in for good measure. The album feels like it could soundtrack any number of movies or television shows—it’s got a great cinematic quality to it.
This project opens with “A Day”, a song about waiting for love to come along and self-love to show itself. The lyrics are simple but sweet, and it has a light, airy sound that works well with the breezy melody, the birds in the background are a treat to our years.
Gillian Rae Perry is definitely an artist to keep an eye on—she’s got a lot of promise, and we can’t wait to see what she does next! Check out her full album, visit her website and follow her on Spotify.
9) DEVIN FARNEY – Stay Sane
Devin Farney‘s single “Stay Sane” is a soothing and melodic folk-pop and soft-rock track that is exactly what you need to unwind after a long day. His voice is soft but powerful, and the production on the track will have you swaying back and forth as there are great female and male vocals.
The song starts off with a gentle guitar riff, which is then joined by drums, bass, piano, and synth strings. The backing vocals add just the right amount of depth to the soundscape created by these instruments.
The chorus comes in with more synth strings and drums before Devin’s voice enters once again. This time it’s accompanied by an electric guitar solo that adds an extra layer of emotion to their words.
“Stay Sane” was released by Devin Farney some weeks ago, it’s fresh music guys! Check it out, visit his website and follow him on Spotify.
10) ELI LEV – I’m Ready
You might have heard of ELI LEV before. He’s a folk-rock singer-songwriter who has been releasing music on streaming services since 2019. His most recent release, “I’m Ready,” is a soft pop song that will quickly get stuck in your head.
Co-written and co-performed by Eli Lev and My Silent Bravery (Matthew Wade), the track begins with a soft acoustic guitar, followed by Eli singing about how he’s ready for whatever life throws at him. The lyrics are simple, but the message is powerful. It has an anthemic feel to it, and that’s what made me stop everything to pay attention.
The chorus takes things up a notch with some electric guitars and drums backing up Eli’s vocals. He follows this up with another verse that shows he’s serious. The pure emotional melodies trigger a pleasant feeling of bravery in the listener.
This song is a piece of art and perfect for those who love folk rock and singer-songwriters like Bon Iver or Mumford & Sons, and also for those who don’t yet explore Eli Lev’s portfolio with over a million and a half total of plays on Spotify alone.
It is important to note that the artist’s position in this article does not reflect their work’s quality. They deserve to be at the top of this article since they are the best, in my opinion. You can check out Lev’s website here to learn more about him and follow the artist on Spotify!
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