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U Mass Boston | Culture > Entertainment

Small Artists You Should Be Listening To

Sofia Degani Student Contributor, University of Massachusetts - Boston
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Boston chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Music heals in ways nothing else can. When everything feels overwhelming, it’s always there, putting words to emotions you didn’t know how to explain. Somehow, the lyrics understand you. Without music, the world would feel quieter, emptier, and harder to navigate. Whether it’s sadness, nostalgia, or the silent dread of growing up, a song can convey emotions that are hard to express verbally. There are moments when it seems as though a musician has written lyrics directly from your thoughts. When you’re feeling lonely, music serves as a reminder that someone else has experienced similar feelings and transformed them into something lovely. It becomes the soundtrack to your life, tied to long walks, late-night drives, and memories you’ll carry long after the song ends.

The “pov: ur reading my diary” category is for artists who are emotional and twist your heartstrings. Devon Gabriella, Abby Powledge, Emma Anderson, Jake Minch, Grace Enger, and Mercer Henderson know how to hit it where it hurts. Vulnerability is best when it comes with some pop beats, hence the dancing through the tears category. Ever been in those moods where you’re crying but also dancing to make yourself feel better? These are the artists you should listen to: Del Water Gap, Malcolm Todd, Rachel Chinouriri, and Griff make being sad a little more bearable. Lastly, the aftermath is all about lyricism. Keni Titus, Esha Tewari, and Alix Page can put all your complicated feelings into words and create songs that will linger. 

If you want to dive into all of these artists at once, you can listen to the full playlist here. It’s the perfect soundtrack for long walks, late-night drives, or those moments when you need music that understands exactly how you feel. Full Playlist Here 

pov: ur reading my diary. (bedroom pop, indie folk, alt indie, indie pop)

  1. Devon Gabriella
    1. “The Garden”
    2. “afraid of heights” 
    3. “gone for good”
  2. Abby Powledge 
    1. “the way that i am”
    2. “spoiling me” 
    3. “winding down”
  3. Emma Anderson
    1. “Deserve This” 
    2. “Simple Math” 
    3. “Convince Myself”
  4. Jake Minch 
    1. “Fingers and Clothes”
    2. “handgun” 
    3. “strip mall”
  5. Grace Enger
    1. “The Neighborhood” 
    2. “imytn” 
    3. “Think I Wanna See You Again”
  6. Mercer Henderson
    1. “Love Me or Leave Me”
    2. “No Strings Attached”
    3. “Almost, So Close Maybe”

dancing through the tears. (indie pop, alt pop, synth pop, indie electronic pop)

  1. Del Water Gap 
    1. “All We Ever Do Is Talk” 
    2. “Doll House” 
    3. “Better Than I Know Myself”
  2. Malcolm Todd
    1. “Make Me a Better Man”
    2. “Sweet Boy” 
    3. “Roommates”
  3. Rachel Chinouriri
    1. “The Hills” 
    2. “All I Ever Asked” 
    3. “Garden of Eden”
  4. Griff
    1. “last night’s mascara” 
    2. “Miss Me Too”
    3. “Tears For Fun”

the aftermath. (indie folk, indie singer-songwriter, folk pop, acoustic indie) 

  1. Keni Titus
    1. “if you want”
    2. “man like you”
    3. “american spirit”
  2. Esha Tewari
    1. “you were mine”
    2. “summer in december”
    3. “bad decision!”
  3. Alix Page
    1. “25”
    2. “Girlfriend”
    3. “Bb”

Discovering smaller artists can completely change your taste in music. Even if they aren’t dominating the charts yet, their songwriting, emotion, and creativity make them just as powerful as the biggest names in indie pop. If you’re looking for songs that feel vulnerable, honest, and slightly addictive, these artists are worth adding to your rotation.

Sofia Degani

U Mass Boston '26

I am a senior at the University of Massachusetts Boston, majoring in Communications. My academic focus centers on storytelling, media, and the role communication plays in shaping understanding and connection across cultures. Through my coursework, I have developed strong writing, analytical, and creative skills, while learning how language and media influence the way people engage with the world. In addition to my academic experience, I have worked professionally in gyms and retail, roles that strengthened my interpersonal communication, adaptability, and ability to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Outside of my studies and professional work, I am deeply curious about the world and motivated by a passion for learning. I have traveled to approximately twenty countries across three continents, including six solo trips that pushed me to become more independent and self-aware. Travel has been one of my most meaningful teachers, offering firsthand insight into different cultures, perspectives, and ways of living. Language has always been central to my curiosity, and I speak English, Spanish, French, and Catalan, which allows me to connect more deeply with people and places during my travels.

In my personal life, I enjoy writing, traveling, and exploring creative outlets that encourage reflection and self-expression. I believe that life’s possibilities become endless once you approach the world with curiosity and passion, and once you choose to live fully in the present. I strive to carry this mindset into my academic work, creative writing, and everyday experiences, viewing life as a continuous opportunity to learn, grow, and engage with meaning.