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TCNJ | Culture

Underrated Musical Artists that Deserve More Recognition

Ava Tucci Student Contributor, The College of New Jersey
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TCNJ chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

By: Ava Tucci

Whether you’re looking for new songs to add to your playlist or just trying to be “edgy” and “underground”, there is always something new to find in the music realm. In an era of extreme stardom and worship of pop stars, it is easy to overlook obscure artists with different sounds from that of the most popularly streamed ones. These are just a few of many musicians and bands whose creative interpretation of music is overlooked.

1. Flower Face

Flower Face is a modern day Canadian based artist within the genre of alternative, indie, and dreamy music. Her beautifully soft voice combined with the melancholic and hazy instrumentals create a unique and heavenly sound that pleases the ear. Flower Face is one of my personal favorite artists and everyone I have recommended her to has also really enjoyed her music. She just recently released a new album called Girl Prometheus, but her most popular album is The Shark In Your Water. Some songs I would recommend listening to are “Spiracle”, “Pisces Moon”, “Pushing Daisies”, and “Cat’s Cradle”.

2. Wasia Project

This duo group based in the UK is formed by a brother and sister of Wasian descent (mixed race of White and Asian), hence the name. The group debuted in 2019 with their single “Why Don’t U Love Me”, and have since created multiple new tracks. In early 2024, the duo went on tour with the Icelandic singer Laufey, which started to make them more recognizable. Recently, in August 2024, they released their second extended play (EP) and went on tour. I attended the Philly show for this tour,  called the “Isotope Tour”, and it was an amazing show. The lead singer, Olivia Hardy, has a beautiful voice that would put anybody into a trance. Some songs I would recommend by them include “Somebody Come Through”, “Is This What Love Is?”, and “To Get Better.”

3. Role Model

Tucker Pillsbury, more commonly known by his stage name “Role Model” is an American singer and songwriter. He started off in the industry by rapping, but quickly moved into the genres of alternative pop and indie. The artist released his first EP in 2017, and in 2024 released his newest album Kansas Anymore. His catchy music about love, with themes about relationships and breakups, have positive vibes to them. Some songs I would recommend are “Slipfast”, “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” and “Frances.”

4. Fiona Apple

This ‘90s singer is known for her smooth, alternative rock music. She was more popular when she first started releasing music, her most popular album being When The Pawn
 released in 1999. Though she has fallen under the radar since her more popular albums were released, she continues to make new music. In 2020, she released an album called Fetch The Bolt Cutters, featuring a song called “I Want You To Love Me” which gained popularity on social media. Some of my personal favorites from her are “Get Gone”, “Paper Bag”, and “Criminal.”

5. Inhaler

This Irish rock band based in Dublin has been making indie rock music since 2012. Their music radiates good vibes which makes it perfect to play in the summer, riding to the beach with your windows down. Though formed in 2012, they released their first full album, It Won’t Always Be Like This in 2021. They have just released a new album in 2025 as well, called Open Wide, which I will be playing often this upcoming summer. Some songs I recommend are “Who’s Your Money On?” and “My Honest Face.”

6. Modern Baseball

Modern Baseball is an emo band that was formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2012. The band started out as friends who would play together at their university, but basement shows eventually led to their recognition by a record label. They released their first full album in 2012, and their last in 2016. Unfortunately, the band had to break up after this due to the mental health problems of some members, and the decision to prioritize their friendships over their careers. Nevertheless, their music remains catchy, upbeat, and worth the listen to this day. Some songs I would recommend by them are “Fine, Great”, “Tears Over Beers”, and “Re-Do.”

7. Black Country, New Road

This alternative indie rock band based in England was formed in 2018. They released their first album For The First Time in 2021, and their more popular album Ants From Up There in 2022. After a brief hiatus, the band  started releasing new singles in 2025, including their songs “Besties” and “Happy Birthday.”  What I love about this band’s music is that it is emotionally complex, expressing a wide spectrum of feelings, going from upbeat to gut-wrenching songs in the same album. They have a very unique sound that I find hard to find in any other artist. Some of my personal favorites from them are “The Place Where He Inserted The Blade”, “Haldern”, and “Concorde.”

Ava Tucci

TCNJ '28

Hey! My name is Ava Tucci and I am apart of the class of 2028 at The College of New Jersey. I grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and graduated from Cherry Hill High School East in 2024. Some of my interests(that I will probably write about) include listening to music, being with animals, going to concerts, being outside, fashion, and traveling!