With the Top 40 on constant repeat on the radio, countless new albums from the most popular rappers and artists (most likely discovered by Simon Cowell), and every catchy (but often unoriginal) pop song being promoted on social media, it can be difficult to scout out some raw, minimally-produced music. Fortunately, independent artists are nowhere near extinct, and their material is plentiful if you know where to look. Whether on a road trip on the Pacific Northwest coast or just chilling on a rainy day with a few of your closest friends, here are 50 dreamy indie songs to add to your Spotify playlists (full playlist can be found here).
With its angelic banjo and surprisingly masculine falsetto (Mr. De Augustine truly has a gift), this transcendental piece made the top of our list.
Both catchy and contemplative, we dare you not to hum the melody after listening to Fever To The Form a few times. But what does the ominous phrase mean? The World may never know.
One of the more folksy songs on our list. The fusion of country, spiritual, and folksy vibes makes Eastern Bound one of our favorite indie songs.
We’re loving the addition of electronic bass and multi-layering.
If indie songs had a president, Bloom would at least be a close runner-up.
Such a sweet love song that we can’t imagine being played anywhere else but a rustic farmhouse.
We can only imagine how sore Sufjan’s fingers must be after playing this song, but we appreciate the gorgeous banjo riff nonetheless!
You’ve likely never heard of this musician, but you’ll be hearing this song after you voluntarily play it on repeat.
This song so perfectly captures the heartbreak of being in a relationship for the long haul but your partner only going halfway. Kind of like an indie “Attention” by Charlie Puth.
This is one of the gentler, more innocent of our indie songs.
This man is a genius with guitar and lyrics. During your next study break, we highly recommend checking out the gorgeous music video.
Indie music has a way of telling true love like the fairytale it can be.
Is this pretty song about Jesus? Or just about a girl? Give this song a listen and tell us what you think!
If Freddie Highmore quit his acting career and started pursuing music, he’d probably go and write a song like this.
“Life is anything but fair.”
What is it with this guy and his heavenly four-letter songs (that start with T)? We’re not sure, but whatever he’s doing, he’s doing it well.
This woman has the kind of ethereal voice we all envision when we think of the perfect indie song. Perhaps that’s part of the reason this song is called “Ceilings”…..
For an even bigger treat, try and see if Nick’s playing in a city near you and listen to him tell his story while playing the start of this song.
Only indie songs can find a way to mix somewhat cheery music with somewhat intense lyrics.
Sufjan wrote this song in the repose of his mother, who died of cancer in 2015.
They say that pain makes the best art, and sometimes it isn’t until you’re in the eye of Hurricane Imogen that you get inspired to write a beautiful song.
This artist may just be the Justin Bieber of indie music. Listen to this song to see what we mean.
Never has one three minute song mixed so many religious and mystical references and make this much sense.
The girl who sings this is the Ingrid Bergman (with her feminine voice and talent for telling love stories) of our times that we never knew we needed.
“As weeds do, we only came and grew back again.”
October must be quite a productive month (and source of inspiration) for independent songwriters.
The reverberation. Period.
This song gives us some major “landslide” vibes minus Stevie Nicks.
Hoarse voices have a way of making indie songs sound all the more authentic (just like “Let Her Go” by Passenger).
“Eugene” proves that memories don’t have to be big to be significant.
This song has a very James Bay-like (we’re not complaining) feel until it picks up around the one-minute mark.
Don’t get us wrong, we love his electronic stuff too, but this acoustic gem is the stuff of indie dreams.
“And it’s so easy when I have my strength, and all I’ve got to do is breathe a little deeper now.”
The goddess of love may very well be speaking to us through the intricate guitar plucking in this song.
Dawn may be on to something, fires burn much easier when they’re gently prodded first instead of forcefully ignited.
Does Ed Sheehan have a long lost musical cousin? Why have we only heard about him now?
Disclaimer: He doesn’t.
British indie steals our hearts yet again.
Suf has a way of capturing the very real emotions that come through mourning the loss of a loved one.
“The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.”
Okay, we’re a little Nick Mulvey obsessed.
The “riptide” singer has other songs too, and they’re fantastic.
Look out for the switch up at 0:25.
This song’s got enough pep and chill for your long work commutes.
Reminiscent of the “good old days” when admirers would come to the balconies of their beloveds and serenade them (only a little hipper).
We only hope we don’t add to this pony’s exhaustion by playing this song.
“Berlin was all covered in snow, all I could offer was a hand to hold.”
And I say whoo-oo-oo-oo couldn’t add this better-known (but just as beautiful) song to this list?
Love is a mysterious thing.
A strong voice against a chorus of angelic ones? Sign us up!
Fond memories of one’s mother can make for some great songs.
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