Folk and alt-pop music will always have a special place within music as it is oftentimes the most relatable and shareable genre of all. Lists like these coupled with fresh releases from emerging artists are more than enough for a couple of hundred visitors to come your way.
I love music. I love listening to it, playing it, and writing about it. But I’m not just a casual fan of music—I’m also a huge advocate for independent artists from around the world.
In this article, I want to introduce you to some of my favourite new releases from folk and alt-pop scenes. These musicians are paving the way for a new era in music culture: one where we can support artists who are creating their own unique sounds and telling their own stories.
Folk culture has been around for centuries—and it’s never been more popular than today! These days, you can find folk-influenced songs in every genre imaginable: from folk rock and country to reggae and jazz.
Alt-pop is a newer phenomenon that combines elements of alternative rock with pop music styles like electronica or hip-hop. It’s all about exploring new territory and finding inspiration in unexpected places—which is why it’s so exciting to see so many talented musicians using these genres as jumping-off points for their own unique styles!
You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artists’ music, and know more about their work by scrolling down the page.
1) ALBA JAMES – Light On Your Face
If you’re a fan of folk, alt-folk and singer-songwriter bands, then you should definitely check out ALBA JAMES.
The singer and songwriter from Stockholm, Sweden is creating some of the most charming pop music out there. Her voice is incredibly soothing and calming, but it’s not just her voice that makes her music so amazing.
Alba’s ukulele-based composition, “Light On Your Face,” describes her relationship and how they are expressing their feelings and breaking free from toxic masculinity.
The song is about letting go and relying on each other. I also like the fact that it is full of instruments. Her home studio was used for recording and producing. An orchestral intro and a cosy feel are combined in this track. Dark tones are also present at the end of the song.
If you want to check out Alba James’s new single “Light On Your Face”, visit her website. You can also follow her on Spotify.
2) LIVE IN COLORS – A Better Me
If you’re looking for something to put on at a party, or if you just want to listen to some good music, check out LIVE IN COLORS‘s new single, A Better Me.
The rock band Live in Color released their new single on January 27 titled “A Better Me.” This track can be regarded as a great example of the band’s incredibly diverse sound, but it is also full of energy.
A wide variety of genres have been merged into the project, in an attempt to create something that is both diverse and familiar as well as catchy.
The song is an upbeat alt-country tune that combines the best of the pop and rock genres. The vocals are strong and emotional, and they really resonate with listeners who are looking for something new in their musical diet.
The song is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like they could do better in life—and it’s super catchy! If you haven’t heard it yet, check it out on Spotify, and visit their website! You won’t be disappointed.
3) CARSON FERRIS – Drive Alone – Acoustic Version
Carson Ferris is a singer-songwriter from Provo, UT. His single “Drive Alone – Acoustic Version” is a banger that will have you hooked from the first note to the last.
Drive Alone – Acoustic Version is the companion release to Drive Alone, which was released a week earlier. There are some lyrical changes as well as a different tempo, key, and instrumentation in the acoustic version. Although it maintains a pop feel, it has a more melancholy vibe.
There’s something radio-ready about Drive Alone – Acoustic, as it’s in the vein of OneRepublic, Ed Sheeran, or Alec Benjamin. During Carson’s career as a musician, he had to make tough choices that he had to make in order to succeed.
The production quality of this song is top-notch. The vocals and guitar sound crystal clear. It’s easy to tell that Carson Ferris is just starting out as an independent artist; you can hear his love for music shine through in every aspect of his music.
It feels like the perfect soundtrack for summertime fun! If you like this track then check out his website or follow him on Spotify so you don’t miss any updates about his upcoming projects!
4) HEISTHEARTIST – Caught Out There
If you’ve been looking for a new sound to add to your playlist, look no further than HeisTheArtist.
HeisTheArtist is an independent artist based in New York City. He makes Neo-Soul music that is easy on the ears and will have you feeling like you’re floating in the clouds.
This is the first single from the enigmatic and eclectic R&B/Dance/Christian artist HeisTheArtist for the year 2023. It comes from the upcoming EP that he is planning to release in March. HeIsTheArtist transforms a Kelis song into a personal piece of art that you must see!
The song is an acoustic neo-soul ballad with male vocals, an easy-listening vibe, and contemporary pop sensibilities. It’s got all the trappings of what could have been a cheesy pop song—but instead, it’s raw and emotional and beautiful.
You can check out HeisTheArtist on Spotify or visit his website to learn more about him!
5) THE MELANCHOLIC FOLK COLLECTIVE – Welcome To Melancholia
The Melancholic Folk Collective is a Spanish artist that blends elements of folk, rock and pop to create easy listening sound. The artist’s album, Welcome To Melancholia, was released in July 2022.
His new album, Welcome To Melancholia, is a collection of stripped-down acoustic songs that are as moving as they are beautiful. Each song has a classic sound but with an edge and energy that will keep you coming back for more.
”I released this album last summer, very much a DIY piece of work between myself and my producer, on a limited budget. But due to my, up to this point, aversion to social media, I have struggled to get sales and hits on all digital platforms. I believe in the songs and the make-up of the album and think they deserve a larger audience.”
And if you like what you hear, don’t forget to check out the rest of their catalogue. You can find him on Spotify, Bandcamp, or visit his website for more information.
6) ROBIN SHAW – Yours Sincerely
Robin Shaw, a singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom, has released a new single called “Yours Sincerely.” This track is an easy-listening song that’s perfect for those who love contemporary pop.
This latest release “Yours Sincerely” is yet another example of how talented the artist is. This song is relaxing, easy to listen to and has commercial pop vibes which makes it perfect for any playlist.
The song was recorded in a music studio in South Acton, West London. This was recorded with his producer Chris Hall. There is nothing more to the song than a goodbye letter.
He wanted the song to be concise, and clear, and let the words tell the story in a true and straightforward manner. There is a piano-based piece in this song that represents the imagery of writing a goodbye letter.
If you want to learn more from this artist, follow him on Spotify, and visit his website for more information about upcoming releases!
7) HERALD K – Echo’s Song
Herald K is a Vienna-based indie folk artist that sings love songs with a classic sound. This single, Echo’s Song, is the perfect example of his sound and the kind of music he writes. The song is nostalgic and relaxing, with beautiful female vocals also, who are just as talented.
This song tells the ancient story of Echo and Narcissus, but with particular emphasis on Echo’s experience… It is sung as a duet by Herald K and Lina Louise, featuring an unusual arrangement blending piano, guitar and nyckelharpa.
The track is the 4th release of his ‘Mythologies’ project and one that he and his collaborators on this song are really excited about!
If you’re looking for some good background music for your next date night or if you want some new tunes to listen to while you’re working on your novel in your room—this is the song for you! It’s both relaxing and upbeat at the same time, so it keeps your attention without being too distracting from whatever else you might be doing at the time.
You should definitely check out his website if you want to get your hands on some music—he has some great stuff available on Spotify also!
8) SEAN KENNEDY – Memory
If you’re looking for a new artist to add to your playlist, look no further than SEAN KENNEDY. He released his single “Memory”, an easy-listening acoustic rock track that will have you singing along with the chorus in no time.
He is based in New York, and plays a style of music that’s been called “alt-country” and “80’s rock.” His single “Memory” is a perfect example of their sound: it has an acoustic guitar, a catchy chorus, and vocals that remind me of John Mayer’s early work.
The lyrics are catchy and upbeat, but they also have a deeper meaning behind them. “Memory” is written in the first person from the perspective of the writer, where he implores his partner to focus on the positive aspects of their relationship, even if it does not last.
The song opens with an acoustic guitar loop before exploding with big electric guitars and drums. My favourite thing about this song is how simple it is. The message of this song is about clinging to the good times of life while they last.
If you’re looking for some good tunes to put on while cleaning your house or driving around town, this is definitely the album for you!
If you’re interested in hearing more from SEAN KENNEDY, check out his website or follow him on Spotify!
9) MARCUS VALANCE – You’re Not Alone
The Netherlands-based folk-pop artist just released his single “You’re Not Alone” is an anthemic tune with a classic sound that it’s super catchy and easy to listen to.
There are three independent releases that Marcus Valance has done in the last year and he is extremely excited to be able to continue building a strong and loyal fanbase over the next few years.
The vocals are smooth and easy on the ears; Marcus’ warm tone lends itself well to this style of music. It’s clear that he really loves what he does.
You can tell from his passion for performance and songwriting that this isn’t just another day at work for him! His voice sounds like it belongs in this genre specifically; it feels like something out of an old vinyl record.
If you’re looking for something to put on while you’re hanging out with friends or relaxing at home with your significant other, this is it. Seriously! Check out this song now! Visit his website and follow him on Spotify!
10) MISHKIN FITZGERALD & THE CHEMICAL PERILS – Grace’s Cradle
MISHKIN FITZGERALD & THE CHEMICAL PERILS is an alt-country, folk, punk band that hails from Brighton, UK. The band has an incredibly unique sound that combines traditional folk and rock music with punk sensibilities and quirkiness. They’re kind of like Alt-Folk meets Alt-Country meets Punk Rock.
The debut EP of Mishkin Fitzgerald & The Chemical Perils, ‘Graces Cradle,’ is an entrancing blend of contemporary genres such as klezmer folk, punk, country, and Gothic rock. This is all with a surreal splash of theatrical Disney.
As the brainchild of Mishkin Fitzgerald, multi-instrumentalist and singer of the renowned rock band Birdeatsbaby, this brand-new collection is designed to engage the listener and share stories of revenge, loss, fear, addiction, and of course, donkeys.
My favourite song from the EP is ‘Blame’. It’s a good-energy song that brings out an amazing vibe. And the storytelling is amazing and very entertaining.
If you want to hear more about this band, and if you like what they’re on about, follow them on Spotify, and visit their website!
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