If you’ve been craving some new indie folk artists for your playlist, you’ve landed on the right page.
We have been keeping a close ear to the indie folk scene lately, and a handful of new names have stopped us in our tracks.
From warm acoustic textures to deeply personal storytelling, these artists are doing something special, and we think you’ll feel it too.
Basics of Indie Folk Music
Indie folk music is the genre of blending the storytelling & acoustic aspect of folk with alternative rock, highlighting reality and the human-first emotion through the lyrics.
Many new indie folk artists are also mixing folk with other styles, such as indie pop, folk rock, country, soul, and bedroom pop.
For listeners who are new to the genre, indie folk is a great place to start because it is easy to connect with.
Who are the New Indie Folk Artists on the Rise?
The names you’re about to see are all riding a wave of early buzz, whether through debut releases, critical nods, or simply word spreading fast among folk fans.
Whether its classic indie folk or a mix of contemporary styles, these artists have it all.
1. Emma Harner
Emma Harner blends indie folk with detailed guitar work, soft vocals, and honest songwriting, creating a fresh sound that feels thoughtful and unique.
Her Songs you can start with:
- The Axe
- Do It
- Evening Star
2. Olive Klug
Olive Klug writes warm, personal folk songs about identity, growth, and community, with acoustic sounds that feel honest and easy to connect with.
Her Songs you can start with
- Self Help
- Taking Punches from the Breeze
- Casting Spells
3. Daniel Del Russo
Daniel Del Russo creates calm indie-folk songs with warm acoustic guitar, heartfelt lyrics, and a reflective sound, ideal for quiet playlists.
His Songs you can start with:
- I Believe in You
- When You’re Not Here
- Am I Fine
4. Caleb J. Murphy
Caleb J. Murphy is a folk singer-songwriter and producer whose music blends honest storytelling, warm vocals, and simple acoustic emotion.
His Songs you can start with:
- All for a Little
- Run Far Enough
- Open
5. Allison Leah
Allison Leah mixes indie folk and folk-pop with soft vocals, honest lyrics, and gentle songs about love, growth, and everyday feelings.
Her Songs you can start with:
- We Can Still Sing
- What I’m Missing
- Coffee Cup
6. Jason Wade
Jason Wade brings acoustic-driven songwriting, emotional lyrics, and a familiar, warm voice shaped by years as Lifehouse’s lead singer.
His Songs you can start with:
- A Likely Story
- Eighties
- All of My Life
7. Jessica Dives
Jessica Dives creates expressive folk songs with poetic lyrics, rich melodies, and a warm acoustic style rooted in storytelling.
Her Songs you can start with:
- One Hand to the Wall
- Little Boat, Hold Steady
- No One (Ever Saw Me This Way)
8. Maci Mattravers
Maci Mattravers blends indie folk and folk-rock with warm vocals, honest lyrics, and songs that feel both personal and wide open.
Her Songs you can start with:
- Persimmons
- Red Light
- The Song
9. Mirabelle Skipworth
Mirabelle Skipworth makes gentle indie folk with soft vocals, bittersweet lyrics, and acoustic songs that fit quiet, reflective moments.
Her Songs you can start with:
- Dear Friends
- The Horses and Their Men
- This House
10. Whitney Fenimore
Whitney Fenimore writes warm indie folk songs about healing, faith, love, and self-growth, carried by honest lyrics and soft acoustic sounds.
Her Songs you can start with:
- New Normal
- Better Than Lonely
- It’s Not Me
Beyond the Newcomers: Established Indie Folk Artists Worth Hearing
Beyond the newcomers, the indie folk world has a rich lineup of established artists who have been shaping the sound for years.
These are the names that built the genre’s modern identity, through honest lyrics, acoustic textures, and music that stays with you long after the song ends.
- Bon Iver: Known for emotional vocals, soft folk sounds, and dreamy, layered music.
- Fleet Foxes: A popular indie folk band with rich harmonies and nature-inspired songs.
- Iron & Wine: Known for gentle acoustic songs, warm vocals, and poetic storytelling.
- Sufjan Stevens: Blends indie folk with orchestral sounds, personal lyrics, and soft vocals.
- The Lumineers: A folk-rock band known for catchy, heartfelt songs and sing-along choruses.
- Mumford & Sons: Known for big folk-rock energy, banjo-driven songs, and emotional lyrics.
- First Aid Kit: A Swedish folk duo with beautiful harmonies and classic Americana influence.
- Gregory Alan Isakov: Known for calm, poetic songs with soft guitar and reflective lyrics.
- Phoebe Bridgers: Blends indie folk, indie rock, and emotional songwriting with a quiet style.
- Big Thief: Known for raw lyrics, warm folk-rock sounds, and Adrianne Lenker’s unique voice.
- Adrianne Lenker: A singer-songwriter known for intimate acoustic songs and deep storytelling.
- The Head and the Heart: A folk-pop band with warm harmonies and easy-to-love melodies.
- Lord Huron: Blends indie folk with cinematic sounds, western themes, and dreamy storytelling.
- José González: Known for soft acoustic guitar, calm vocals, and simple, beautiful songs.
- Laura Marling: A British folk artist known for smart lyrics, graceful guitar work, and rich vocals.
- Noah Kahan: Known for emotional folk-pop songs about home, mental health, and growing up.
- Ben Howard: Blends indie folk with moody guitar, soft vocals, and thoughtful lyrics.
- Hozier: Mixes folk, soul, blues, and poetic lyrics with a powerful voice.
- Of Monsters and Men: An Icelandic band known for bright indie folk-pop and big choruses.
- Vance Joy: Known for cheerful folk-pop songs, ukulele sounds, and easygoing melodies.
- Angus & Julia Stone: An Australian duo with soft vocals, dreamy folk sounds, and relaxed songs.
- City and Color: Known for emotional acoustic songs, smooth vocals, and heartfelt writing.
- Father John Misty: Blends folk, indie rock, and sharp storytelling with a classic songwriter style.
- The Tallest Man on Earth: Known for lively acoustic guitar, raspy vocals, and folk storytelling.
- Ray LaMontagne: A soulful folk singer known for warm vocals and earthy acoustic songs.
- Brandi Carlile: Blends folk, Americana, and rock with powerful vocals and honest lyrics.
- Julien Baker: Known for quiet, emotional songs about pain, hope, faith, and healing.
- Novo Amor: Creates soft, atmospheric indie folk with delicate vocals and peaceful soundscapes.
- Faye Webster: Blends indie folk, country, and soft pop with relaxed vocals and honest lyrics.
- Waxahatchee: Known for warm folk-rock songs, personal lyrics, and a modern Americana sound.
Where to Listen to these Indie Folk Artists?
The best places to find new indie folk artists are Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, all of which actively surface emerging artists through curated playlists and recommendation algorithms.
Beyond streaming, a few other resources are worth bookmarking:
- NPR Music and its Tiny Desk Concerts series
- Bandcamp, where independent artists sell music directly
- Reddit communities like r/indiefolk for fan-driven recommendations
- Local music blogs covering regional folk scenes in cities like Nashville, Portland, and Asheville
Conclusion: Refreshing Your Acoustic Playlists
Finding upcoming indie folk artists requires moving past mainstream algorithms and intentionally seeking out human-curated spaces.
By exploring DIY music platforms, niche subgenres, and independent live sessions, you can find authentic acoustic voices to build a deeply personalized playlist that celebrates the human spirit.
If you have any recommendations to share with us, please leave them in the comments so others can enjoy them too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indie Folk Music Be Upbeat?
Yes, indie folk can be soft and slow, but it can also be bright, catchy, and full of energy.
Is Indie Folk Good for Studying or Relaxing?
Yes, many indie folk songs have calm sounds that work well for studying, reading, or relaxing.
How Often Should I Update My Indie Folk Playlist?
Updating it once a month is a good way to keep up with new songs and rising artists.
