25 singer-songwriters you need to have on your Spotify playlist

If you’re a fan of sad-girl music, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with Phoebe Bridgers. Her lullaby voice mixed with her gutwrenching lyrics makes for quite the listening experience. Once you discover Phoebe, there’s no going back.

Sophia Regina Allison, who goes by the stage name Soccer Mommy, is an incredible indie singer-songwriter. I first fell in love with the song "Scorpio Rising" and its reflective, bitter, and self-deprecating lyrics. Not to mention, her voice is lovely. 

Clairo, whose real name is Claire Elizabeth Cottrill, is known for her popular bedroom pop and lo-fi tracks. In fact, the singer-songwriter first rose to fame in 2017, after going viral for her YouTube video for the song "Pretty Girl.” She’s since thrived as a leading artist in the genre.

Quinnie has quite a unique sound. She started her career on Bandcamp back in 2017, but she has also gained a lot of attention on TikTok in recent years. This indie artist is best known for her song “Touch Tank.”

Lindsey Erin Jordan, whose stage name is Snail Mail, is a deeply talented and melancholic singer-songwriter and guitarist. Lindsey founded her indie rock solo project and began performing live in 2015, when she was only 15. She later released her first EP in 2016. 

Lucy Dacus is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. She’s also part of the infamous supergroup boygenius with singer-songwriters Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker (who are also on this list). This indie artist is a powerhouse in her genre.

In my opinion, Alice Phoebe Lou is one of the most incredible singer-songwriters of our generation. The South African musician writes about deeply personal topics and spiritual growth, delivering her stories with strength and grace. She’s also part of a music duo called strongboi, which is another of my favorite music projects.

One-third of the group boygenius, Julien Baker is an indie rock/folk singer-songwriter. Her introspective lyrics perfectly complement her powerful vocals, and each album seemingly appeals to a separate genre. In fact, much of her music is piano-based. She really can do it all.

Leith Ross is a Canadian indie folk singer-songwriter and guitarist. When I heard the song “We’ll Never Have Sex” on my Spotify shuffle, I was instantly enchanted and moved to tears. Their voice and their songs are both hauntingly beautiful. 

If you’re on TikTok these days, you’ve likely heard the devastating song called “We Hug Now” by Sydney Rose. I first discovered the singer-songwriter via her 2020 single “Turning Page,” but she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves now. Her heart-shattering lyrics and breathy, intimate voice will send chills down your arms.

Steven Paul Smith, also known as Elliott Smith, was one of the most brilliant, self-taught singer-songwriters, guitarists, and pianists. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2003, when he was only 34 years old. However, his raw, unique music will live on forever.

Sufjan Stevens is a Detroit-born, New York-based singer-songwriter with a breathy voice and poetic lyrics. His music primarily falls under folk/alternative rock, but he also seems to incorporate classical influences. Not to mention, he is an incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist. 

Faye Webster is an Atlanta-based singer-songwriter with an authentic indie folk sound. However, Faye seems to take inspiration from a variety of genres, including R&B and even country. Her lyrics are equal parts creative and vulnerable, and her voice is as dreamy as it gets.

You might know her from the infamous show Daisy Jones and The Six, but Suki Waterhouse is more than just a talented actress. In fact, in addition to being a model since age 16, she’s also an incredibly unique singer-songwriter. Her music blends genres like indie-pop, alternative, and dream pop, and her voice is delicate and ethereal.

Another popular TikTok find is Katie Gregson-MacLeod. She wrote the highly emotive and powerful song “Complex” back in 2022 and, after sharing it online, went ridiculously viral — rightfully so. However, she certainly isn’t a one-hit wonder. The rest of her music is worth a listen.

Dean Lewis Grant Loaney, who goes by Dean Lewis, is a popular Australian pop singer-songwriter. His lyrics feel like honest, raw confessions, and his expressive voice adds a flare of soul to his sound. Dean covers a variety of relatable topics like heartbreak, love, and grief.

Eliza McLamb is criminally underrated. Not only is she a wildly talented indie singer-songwriter, but she’s also a podcaster and writer exploring important social topics. Eliza’s lyrics are poetic and reflective (listen to "Salt Circle" first), while the actual music itself is powerful and deeply intentional. 

Gregory Alan Isakov is a South African-born American singer and songwriter. The indie/folk artist’s music somehow makes it feel like everything will be okay. He’s my go-to rainy day musician. 

If you’re searching for a feel-good artist on this list, look no further. Ben Howard is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and composer who sings about relevant, oftentimes melancholic topics, but with an air of hope. You can’t help but feel comforted by Ben’s voice and melodies.

Steve Lacy is a leader in his industry. This alternative R&B and soul singer-songwriter and guitarist incorporates elements of pop, funk, and indie rock into his music. Not to mention, his lyrics read more like spoken-word poetry, and his honesty is incredibly respectable. 

Tom Rosenthal is a British singer-songwriter and composer with incredibly touching lyrics. His wholesome music is like a warm mug of coffee or a tight hug on a rainy, dreary day.  

Conor Oberst is best known for his band Bright Eyes. However, this singer-songwriter also creates his own music, often collaborating with other popular artists, including Phoebe Bridgers, whom he allegedly briefly dated.

Sam Fender is an English singer-songwriter and indie rock musician from the UK. He started releasing music in 2017 and has since gained popularity with his song “Seventeen Going Under” in 2021. 

Jack Botts’s music is incredibly upbeat yet oftentimes emotional. In fact, it will make you feel like you’re relaxing on the coastline with your chosen family while reflecting on the love you share. The Australian singer-songwriter is classified as surf folk, acoustic, and indie. 

Isabella Sophie Tweddle, who goes by the stage name Billie Marten, is a British singer-songwriter and musician. She’s been making music since she was a tween. In fact, she first went viral via a YouTube video when she was just 12 years old. Billie now creates introspective and soulful indie/folk music.