Spotify seems like it’s on a constant repeat of whatever pop music in the modern rotation, and it can be frustrating to seemingly have to listen to the same five or so large artists daily. Fear not though, for we’ve compiled four lesser-known Spotify artists with under one million listeners to refresh your palate.
Luna Bay
Despite only starting to release music in 2019, Luna Bay is quickly making a name for itself across the U.K., having already sold out venues like London’s Scala and finding favor with radio stations like the Welsh BBC.
Their style is somewhat brash, akin to musical acts of the alt-rock era of the 2010s. “You” encapsulates this, driven by bold electric guitar and grungy vocals. This is furthered in songs like “20 Signs which taps into a type of angst that only seems to be present in this type of rock music.
Most recommended track: “You”
Night Traveler
Smooth and soulful is the best way to describe the sounds of the alt-rock duo NIGHT TRAVELER. The pair emerged in 2018 with their retro-infused song “1984,” and have been growing ever since, touring with bands like Vacation Manor and releasing their first official album “Dreams You Don’t Forget” in 2021.
Their musical style focuses heavily on electric guitars and synthesized sound, something the duo’s website describes as “late night (and) timeless.” This is also conveyed in the rich imagery of the lyrics of songs like “Blue Eyes” and “Ghost Hotel,” which are chocked full of pictures of late nights, dark skies and saddening love stories, which are tales about as timeless as they come.
Most recommended track: “Blue Eyes”
Kevin Atwater
It’s honestly astonishing how few listeners Kevin Atwater has. With just under 260,000 listeners, he is a real lesser-known gem on the indie pop music scene. His music primarily is about life as a queer man, with songs like the deceptively upbeat “star tripping” being about falling in love with and having a secret relationship with someone with deep internalized homophobia as a result of their faith.
Others are more straightforward with the way their instrumentals and lyrics line up, such as the sweet and soulful “Freckles” detailing the eagerness and the anxiety of falling in love with someone after being hurt in the past over a delicately fingerpicked guitar. Others like “ashes” are genuinely meant to break the listener’s heart, explaining the feeling of being so desperately in love with someone that the object of the narrator’s affection uses them.
Most recommended track: “star tripping”
Vistas
Vistas hails from Scotland and brings an undeniable energy with them. The indie rock trio began releasing music in 2016, starting off strong with their song “Sign Language” and progressively building since.
Their songs are infectious, with bright beats and rhythms on top of well-crafted lyrics exhibited in songs like the undeniably catchy “Stranger marked by its fast-paced instrumental and equally fast-paced vocals from vocalist Prentice Robertson. Others like “Back Of the Car” share this as well, with an insanely catchy hook and an infectiously upbeat bridge.
Most recommended track: "Stranger"
