In a world where music can be released on YouTube, Spotify, and a host of other music distribution websites, it’s easy to overlook talented musicians. This is especially true for independent artists who, despite successful careers, often have difficulty achieving the same viral fame or lengthy airtime as mainstream musicians. With a passion for intricate lyrics and complex narratives, these indie artists deserve more recognition for their talent and will leave you playing their songs on repeat:
1. Alec Benjamin
Benjamin had signed with Columbia Records while attending the University of Southern California but was dropped shortly after. Undeterred, he would stand in concert venue parking lots while performing and handing out business cards. Eventually signing with Atlantic Records, and later Elektra Records, Benjamin has since released two studio albums, These Two Windows and (Un)Commentary, as well as two mixtapes. His songs are filled with complex narratives, shaping stories with lyrics in a style very similar to Ed Sheeran’s early work. He also uses his songs to discuss various mental health issues, with Benjamin being very open about his struggles with social anxiety and OCD. He also co-wrote “New York Soul (Part II)” with Jon Bellion on Bellion’s album The Human Condition.
Some of Benjamin’s most notable lyrics include “Could you find a way to let me down slowly?/ A little sympathy, I hope you can show me/ If you wanna go then I’ll be so lonely/ If you’re leavin’, baby, let me down slowly” (“Let Me Down Slowly”) and “Maybe I was foolish, I guess I was naïve/ I didn’t know what I had, and I thought I had to leave” (“Oh My God”).
2. Maisie Peters
Peters originally began singing by busking on the streets of Brighton, England. Signing with Atlantic Records UK in 2018, her single “Worst of You” would launch her into the spotlight. She has since released one studio album and two EPs. Peters also wrote the soundtrack album for the second season of British TV show Trying, and her song “Smile” is featured on the soundtrack album for Birds of Prey. She later signed with Ed Sheeran’s record label, Gingerbread Man Records and is currently one of the opening acts on Sheeran’s European tour.
Some of Peters’ heartbreaking lyrics include “So give me your worst excuses, any reason to stay/ Give me your lips, the taste of her, I’ll kiss them again/ I’d rather you walk all over me than walk away” (“Worst of You”) and “A little taller now you’re gone/ Writing words and they don’t sting/ But they don’t mean half as much without you listening” (“Best I’ll Ever Sing”).
3. Clara Mae
Clara Mae, born Clara Hagman, is no stranger to singing competitions. She has competed on both Next Star and Idol 2009, as well as the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016 as a back-up vocalist for Czech Republic representative Gabriela Guncikova. She’s co-written with David Guetta and Tiesto. She has also collaborated with famous artists like Gnash and R3hab. After being a part of Ace of Base, a Swedish pop group, for three years, Mae went solo and released a studio album and an EP. Her music tackles common themes like love and heartbreak in a way that feels refreshing. The upbeat tempo of her songs mixed with melancholic, introspective lyrics is a compelling combination that will have you listening first to the beat and then to the deeper meaning lying beneath.
Some of Clara Mae’s best lyrics include “I wish I could unmiss you/ Reverse the time so I could unmeet you/ It would’ve made it so much easier, easier/ If I could unmiss you when I miss you/ And you could unmiss me too” (“Unmiss You”) and “So, hey, what’s the use of being sad over you/ Now I can’t seem to remember being broken/ And hey, what’s the time? ‘Cause you’re not on my mind/ I’m just making sure I won’t forget the moment” (“Not Sad Anymore”).
4. RAIGN
Born Rachel Rabin, RAIGN’s musical journey is an interesting one. Having co-written singles for Jesse McCartney, Tulisa, and Rita Ora, RAIGN decided she was ready to compete on The X Factor. There, she displayed a rather poor attitude, quickly getting on judge Cheryl’s bad side. RAIGN would not make it out of boot camp. Despite her rocky time on the show, her vocal talent was undeniable. She would go on to release an album and three EPs. Her songs have appeared on The 100, The Vampire Diaries, and Grey’s Anatomy. RAIGN is the founder and CEO of record label Millionaire London Records.
Some of RAIGN’s most popular lyrics include “The world was on fire and no one could save me, but you/ It’s strange what desire makes foolish people do” (“Wicked Games”) and “Mama put my guns in the ground/ I can’t shoot them anymore/ That cold black cloud is comin’ down/ Feels like I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door” (“Knocking on Heaven’s Door”).
5. Sasha Alex Sloan
Sloan was obsessed with music at a young age, having taught herself to play the piano at the age of five. By the time she was ten, she was writing her own music. She was discovered when one of her Reddit posts went viral, and her career has been rising ever since. Sloan wrote for musicians like Camila Cabello, Maggie Lindemann, and Idina Menzel, also collaborating with Kygo and Charlie Puth. She’s released one album and three EPs, with her second album set to debut on May 13th. Sloan’s songs are raw, featuring a vulnerability that drives home their emotional themes.
Some of Sloan’s most heartfelt lyrics include “If I lived in a house with no mirrors/ Where the walls didn’t talk back at me/ Maybe I’d dream a bit bigger/ If there was nothin’ to see” (“House With No Mirrors”) and “Yesterday felt like my first day working/ But now I’m not the youngest one on the clock/ Been a while since days were just for burning/ It’s been a while since I threw back a shot” (“Smiling When I Die”).