Album By Artists With Under 50,000 Monthly Listeners

Indie music has experienced a surge in popularity among teenagers recently, but there’s so much music out there that it can be incredibly daunting to try to find stuff that really fits you. If you want to broaden your horizons but don’t know where to begin, these small artists (with 50,000 Spotify monthly listeners or less) are a great starting point.

The Blue Angel Lounge – Self-Titled (2011)

On their self-titled album, German band The Blue Angel Lounge combine Velvet Underground-esque sounds with a dreamier psychedelic vibe that makes for a listen that’s both relaxing and unsettling at the same time. 

Key tracks: “Looming Solid Massive Steamer,” “Hundred Years in Love,” “LSD and the Search For God”

The Dandelion – Old Habits & New Ways of the Dandelion (2019)

The Dandelion put their own unique spin on 1960s Jefferson Airplane and Donovan-type rock with a weirder take, complete with twisting vocals and a great lo-fi, almost Zen sound.

Key tracks: “All I Ever,” “Message from the Fire,” “Incognito”

Lava Fizz – Lifelines (2022)

Lava Fizz plays some really nice indie pop-rock on this album. Definitely worth checking out for anyone who feels like they’re living in a coming-of-age movie.

Key tracks: “Behind the Curtain,” “North,” “It’s Not Over”

Mr. Elevator – Nico & Her Psychedelic Subconscious (2013)

The raw power of early Led Zeppelin meets the energy of the White Stripes meets King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard psychedelia on this album. It’s weird, it’s fun, it’s engaging, and it’s enjoyable.

Key tracks: “Nico,” “Sunshine Starlight,” “Infinity”

Spoon Benders – How Things Repeat (2022)

I had the pleasure of seeing Spoon Benders live in October of last year, and they put on one of the most face-melting, mind-blowing shows I’ve ever seen. This album captures the spirit of their live show in 44 minutes with blasting guitars, thundering bass, and incredible vibes.

Key tracks: “Dichotomatic,” “Rm.157,” “Edison’s Machine”

Boyscott – Goose Bumps (2015)

Surf rock bedroom pop dreamy lo-fi songs perfect for a night trip to the beach or a sunrise walk.

Key tracks: “Nova Scotia 500,” “RIP Sophie Moore,” “Killer Whale”

The Frowning Clouds – Whereabouts (2013)

Similar to The Blue Angel Lounge, but more upbeat and brighter. The Frowning Clouds bring great guitar-based bedroom pop with catchy melodies on this album. Far-out.

Key tracks: “Shoe Suede Blues,” “Submarine,” “Much Too Much Too Soon”

Inky Scratches – Someone I Trust (2022)

LA locals Inky Scratches go from melancholic to reflective to headbanging and everything in between on their first and only album to date. This album is heavily influenced by Paramore, and singer Lily Gudas sounds like the second coming of Hayley Williams. Banger after banger after banger here.

Key tracks: “Undone,” “Like a Painting,” “Last Time”