With the increasing popularity of independent artists, it seems like the power is shifting to these new and unique voices. Here are a few things you should know about them.
It’s becoming increasingly harder for major record labels to decide who will make their cut for the next big music launch. With the abundance of newly emerging artists, there are several independent releases that have piqued our interest during our most recent research.
There is a wide variety of genres represented on these albums, such as pop rock, soft rock, and some fusions of genres, which we really enjoyed.
If you’re looking for something to relax to and you love soft and acoustic pop then this playlist is built exactly for you. Keep exploring it!
We all love listening to our favourite artists, but sometimes it’s challenging to keep up with all the different genres. It is helpful to have some references for what is happening in the music industry, that’s why we are here.
If there’s one thing that can make life easier, it’s a themed playlist. Here, we’ve collected an assortment of indie soft rock songs with a pop and also acoustic style rock sound.
If you’re looking for chill music that gets your feet tapping, this indie soft rock playlist is exactly what you need. You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artists’ music, and know more about their work by scrolling down the page.
1) HARGO – From The Rooftops
We discovered the indie folk singer-songwriter Hargo through Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist. The song, “From The Rooftops,” was one of the first I listened to from this artist, and we were immediately drawn in by his soft rock sound.
After listening to more of his work, we discovered that he is an independent artist based out of New Mexico. This makes him unique because he isn’t signed to a major label or music platform yet has been able to produce such high-quality music. Hargo also has other songs on Spotify that are just as good as “From The Rooftops.”
If you like indie music with soft rock elements, then give Hargo a listen! Check it out, visit his website and follow him on Spotify to stay updated with new releases and upcoming shows near you!
2) STEPH ANIE – Wasted Potential
STEPH ANIE is a female singer-songwriter from Middlewich, United Kingdom. She describes her sound as “a mix of alternative rock and pop.” Her single “Wasted Potential” is a great example of this, with its upbeat rock pop sounds that are reminiscent of 90s rock.
The song has a classic sound, with solid vocals and lyrics that reflect the struggles many face when starting out a relationship with family and friends. The artist mention:
“This song is about when you grow up and people say “you were so smart in school, what happened?” Or “you had so much potential”. This is for all the “smart” kids that grew up and was told they wasted their potential because they didn’t go into a career that was picked out for them.”
STEPH ANIE relasing Wasted Potential
The song opens with soft piano notes and the singer’s voice singing about wasted potential. The music then picks up as it transitions into an upbeat alternative rock chorus with nice guitar riffs and drum beats. This contrast between softness and loudness adds interest to the song, making it more dynamic than many other similar songs on the radio today.
The lyrics themselves are relatable for anyone who has ever had dreams of being a successful musician or artist but felt like they weren’t getting anywhere fast enough or weren’t appreciated enough by others around them.” Check it out, visit her TikTok and follow her on Spotify.
3) SATSUMA SCOUT – These Trying Times
Satsuma Scout is an independent artist whose soft rock sound is reminiscent of the classic American rock sound of the 70s and 80s. His single “These Trying Times” and “Day Zero” are gaining traction across Spotify and Apple Music.
His unique voice and style have earned him fans among the producers from PopHits.Co, who recognizes his talent for writing catchy hooks that are equal parts pop and alt-rock. He’s also garnered attention from other curators, who have both praised his work publicly.
The song itself is catchy and upbeat, but it has a mellow, dreamy quality that adds depth to the lyrics. It’s like this song was written for those moments when you feel like everything is going wrong and you don’t know how to fix it—it’s like your own personal soundtrack for those times.
If you love classic rock music with a modern twist, check out Satsuma Scout’s latest single “These Trying Times.” You can listen to it on Spotify or visit his YouTube to stay up on his latest releases!
4) ANTHONY KRIZAN – Strawberry Wine
If you’re looking for a soft rock artist with a classic sound fusion with blues, you’ve come to the right place. Anthony Krizan is an independent artist from New Jersey who releases deceptively simple songs that are sure to leave you feeling nostalgic.
I discovered Anthony after hearing his single “Strawberry Wine” on Spotify. The song features a retro guitar sound and soulful vocals reminiscent of classic rock artists like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.
The song takes you on an emotional journey through an attempt to grab the attention of the right girl during the summer, but it ends ambiguously—with the possibility of losing this chance. Overall, it’s definitely a song worth checking out!
But don’t stop there—the rest of his collection is equally moving. Make sure you check out “Dust And Bone”. Listen to his songs, visit his YouTube and follow him on Spotify!
5) JT + AGNOSTICS – Everytime I Walk Out The Door
The Hamilton-based artist JT + AGNOSTICS has a new single out called Everytime I Walk Out The Door, and it’s one of those songs that hits you right in the feels.
The song is a jazz-rock tune with bluesy undertones, featuring an engaging rhythm and soulful vocals. The lyrics are heartfelt, the message universal: Love and relationships.
On the curators’ side, JT + AGNOSTICS got their sound described as “a classic sound with a rocky vibe.” They also have some great visuals on their site if you want to check out more about them.
The band is based in New Zealand, but its music would fit perfectly into the soundtrack of any American movie set in the 1950s or 1960s. It’s nostalgic and this is exactly what makes it so special.
Whether or not you live in New Zealand, this is music worth checking out—it’s got a great feel-good vibe that will leave you smiling and humming along for hours after listening. Check it out, visit their website and follow them on Spotify.
6) BAYWUD – Don’t You Let ‘Em
BAYWUD is a singer-songwriter and soft rock artist with a classic sound. Their single Don’t You Let ‘Em is a beautifully written song that has the right amount of soul to satisfy even the most discerning listeners. It’s also easy on the ears—the vocals are clear and alluring, and the instrumental work is superb.
It’s easy to get lost in the world of music these days, but when you stumble across something as unique as BAYWUD’s sound, it’s hard not to stop and pay attention.
Don’t You Let ‘Em” exemplifies this classic mix of sounds that he has become known for? It’s easy listening with an edge—a soft rock ballad that tells a story about self-love and struggles with our mental health.
The song features smooth vocals from BAYWUD accompanied by subtle guitar riffs that will have you humming along before long! About his voice, it’s unique but reminds us of Eros Ramazzotti but more rock ‘n’ roll, the opposite of Italian pop.
If you’re looking for a new artist to listen to that will take you on an emotional journey through soft rock melodies with touches of pop and soul thrown in for good measure, then BAYWUD is definitely worth checking out! Also, visit his website and follow him on Spotify.
7) TOO YOUNG QUIET – Over Blue
We’re not going to sugarcoat it: you should definitely check out TOO YOUNG QUIET, a soft rock independent band from Norway.
The new EP, Over Blue, is a 15-track collection of Americana-infused, singer-songwriter tracks that will transport you to another time and place. It’s music that will make your heart swell with emotion, but at the same time, it’s so chill that it will make you want to sit back and relax with a nice glass of wine.
The sound is universal Indie Rock, but in some cultural aspects, distinctly Scandinavian—you can’t help but hear the influence of bands like The Beatles and Canadian indie rock group Arcade Fire when listening to these tracks.
But while they may have Scandinavian roots, there are also strong Americana influences in these songs, which makes for an album that feels both nostalgic and modern at once. The track Rewrite The Future is a must-listen!
It helps that this music is really easy on the ears—the melodies are simple but catchy, and the lyrics are sweet enough that they’ll stay in your head long after you finish listening.
We recommend using this album as background music for studying or relaxing at home, or for a romantic moment. And if you’re looking for something more upbeat? You can bet, it’s gonna be there too. Now check it out and follow him on Spotify!
8) 1ST BASE RUNNER – Planter
If you’re a fan of dreamy, indie rock with an electronic twist, then 1ST BASE RUNNER is exactly who you need in your life. The artist has been making music for some years and is based in Austin, TX. The experience reflects in the quality of his projects.
His sound manages to be both mellow and upbeat at the same time—it’s got an infectious beat that keeps you tapping your foot or bobbing your head along with it. It’s an anthem for those who feel like their best days are behind them, as it’s very nostalgic too.
We can say that this single entitled “Planter” is dreamy and ethereal, with clear vocals that are easy to understand and a melody that sticks in your head like gum on your shoe.
The guitar work is washed-out shoegaze style with a little bit of a touch of distortion.—not enough to be overwhelming but just enough to remind you that this isn’t going to be another syrupy sweet pop song. The drums are simple but effective, providing the perfect backdrop for the rest of the instruments.
Break Even is another option for you, try it out! If you’re looking for an indie rock anthem or a shoegaze track that’s not too heavy on the distortion but still has enough crunch to keep things interesting, then check out “Planter” by 1ST BASE RUNNER! Listen to their portfolio, watch their music video, visit their website and follow them on Spotify.
9) AINHEEKY – Goalden Skeye
AINHEEKY is an alternative pop rock singer-songwriter from Brazil with a unique voice and style. His music is a mix of soft rock, pop, and indie rock with a touch of 90’s vibes.
His first single “Goalden Skeye” is an anthemic song that will make you want to get up and dance. This song has a classic sound that reminds me of the ’90s radio bangers.
The song starts with a strong guitar and drums intro before transitioning into an upbeat melody, with a euphoric sound coming in shortly after. The chorus is catchy and will have you singing along in no time!
This track is a good response to those who think Brazilian music refers only to Samba, Baile Funk, and Bossa Nova. It’s an indie rock track at its best, the first project from AINHEEKY and one of the top songs on this playlist.
I highly recommend checking out this artist if you’re looking for new music to add to your rock playlists. You can find more information about AINHEEKY on his BandCamp and follow him on Spotify too.
10) THE MARS MCCLANES – Broke Kid
THE MARS MCCLANE‘S is a soft rock independent band that recently released a single called “Broke Kid.” The song is a classic acoustic rock style with 90’s and 2000s rock influences.
The members are bold and their singer-songwriter style mix with a classic indie rock sound making it interesting. The lead singer’s voice is relaxing and soothing to listen to. He sings about how he wants to be with someone who doesn’t mind him being the broke kid, as it’s not all about money, but feelings.
The Mars McClanes are an indie folk band that hails from Portland, United States, it’s a mix of cultures too. They have been playing together for some time and have released 6 singles so far.
Check out The Liar, it’s really good stuff, a bit rock, a bit country and a bit explosive. Their music is generally influenced by artists like Jack Johnson, Jackopierce, and Toad the Wet Sprocket.
To check out their music or learn more about them, visit their website, you can also follow them on Spotify.
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