Five Songs by Artists Under 3 Million Monthly Spotify Listeners That Deserve Your Attention

In a world where music is released daily, finding new music and artists in the growing sphere can be overwhelming. As someone who enjoys the art of music and spent most of my early childhood involved in choirs, bands, and musical productions, it is important to me to keep the spirit of creation alive in this age. From ballads to electronic music, here are my top five underrated songs that belong on your playlist.

1. Portrait of a Blank State – Lovejoy

I’ve been a long-time Lovejoy listener. First introduced to them through listening to their lead singer and songwriter, Wilbur Soot, on his independent projects, the group and their unique rock/punk sound instantly had my heart. The group, made up of three other members besides Soot, Ash Kabosu bass guitarist, Joe Goldsmith guitarist, and Mark Boardman on drums, is based out of Brighton in the United Kingdom. Having first released their debut EP Are You Alright? in 2021, going on a worldwide tour, and performing at Lollapalooza, this band shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Their most recent EP release this year Wake Up & It’s Over, these new songs have been on my playlist nonstop. My absolute favorite song from this EP has to be Portrait of a Blank Slate. This song reminds me of all things rocky and is an absolute head-banger when it comes to the chorus. If you’re into punk rock, this band and song is for you.

2. Icarus – glaive

Being dragged to concerts with your best friends I think is a perfect way of coming across new artists. Having seen him in 2021 on the Then I’ll be Happy tour with Ericdoa at The Sinclair in Boston, Glaive has been a relatively new face to the hyper-pop scene. Having blown up during COVID, he has been working non-stop to make himself known in the industry. Working with other artists like Aldn and Machine Gun Kelly, he has been creating quite a catalog of songs on his resume. Off his Old Dog, New Tricks album, the song Icarus is one I tend to go back to the most when I need that moment in the light of my kitchen fridge spinning around pretending I have reached that point in my relationship. You will find yourself singing along to his choruses and find yourself dancing when you least expect it.

3. Simple Romance – COIN

The band COIN and their song Simple Romance appeared in my recommendations after refreshing myself in time for a 5 Seconds of Summer concert this past summer. If you’re into the Youngblood group, then COIN will be right up your alley.  This song was released on their 2020 album Dreamland with members Chase Lawrence, lead vocalist, Ryan Winnen, drums, and Joel Memmel, guitarist, but the group has been making music since 2012. This group has fully taken my heart when it comes to the future of boy bands in pop music. While the group has most recently released their 2022 album Uncanny Valley and gone on tour for their past four albums, I believe there is much more in store for this group and that they are worth a listen. 

4. South – Hippo Campus

Hippo Campus is very similar to the previous entry COIN but much more rock-y. Made up of members Jake Luppen, lead vocalist; Nathan Stocker, lead guitarist; Zach Sutton, bass/keyboard; and Whistler Isaiah Allen, drums. Based out Saint Paul, Minnesota, this indie rock band has been creating music since 2013. Their song South was on their first EP Tarzan Rejects. This song reminds me of what is good about the genre of rock and how it should continue to live on. This band has continually made music with their most recent release being Good Dog, Bad Dream and LP3. This band is everything modern rock should be and is worth your listen. 

5. Drunk Text Me – Lexi Jayde

If you love Olivia Rodrigo, you’ll love Lexi Jayde. Her song Drunk Text Me has been on repeat since I came across her work. Drunk Text Me has me screaming and crying and remembering all the times I have found myself wanting the person who has left my life. Jayde truly knows how to incorporate emotion into her music. She has been making music 2019 at the age of 16, she has been on a roll since then. Releasing A Teenage Diary in 2021 and Closer to Closure in 2022. I am expecting great things from this up and coming Pop artist.