These Artists Are Hybrids Of Two You Already Love

Let's find your new fave!

So! As you may know, there is so much good music from so many good artists out there.

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But! If you're like me, finding something new you REALLY love and vibe with can be kind of... challenging. For this reason, I've compiled a list of tried and true musicians based on two you probably already know. Enjoy!

1. If you love the evocative, moody notes of Explosions in the Sky, and the tough-as-nails, bittersweet vibes of Johnny Cash...

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Two iconic favorites, able to stir emotion with the single pluck of a guitar or bass string. Anyone who has seen the video for Cash's Hurt or watched the introduction to the pilot episode of Friday Night Lights can attest to this.

...you should check out Murder By Death.

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I've had the pleasure of seeing these folks live, and their music is no joke. The electric violin melodies, lyrics ranging from tender-sweet to salt-of-the-earth, and deep dark country vibe leaves you always wanting to listen to more. Their songs are diverse enough that there's something for everyone - Intergalactic Menopause is more reminiscent of Explosions in the Sky, where Good Morning Magpie leans more towards Johnny Cash-esque.

2. If your mind is blown by NF's lyricism and the dark, moody beats Kendrick Lamar often uses....

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Swimming Pools and WHY are definite faves, but you feel some sort of introspective when you listen to them. The reason: the lyrics, obviously, but also the deep, dark melodies behind them. These two are at the TOP of the lyrical game, so I understand the comparison to them is a BIG one. Just trust me.

...try listening to Grieves.

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A supremely underrated artist currently signed to Rhymesayers, this dude quietly and consistently kills it with everything from videography to lyrics to melodies. Moody? Check. Fantastic lyrics? Check. Transformative sounds and videos? Check, check, check.

3. If you love the stunning, stirring vocals of Lhasa de Sela, and the cool, intricate compositions of Naughty Boy (or if you just need a good cry)...

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You already know this is probably going to make you get into a bathtub of warm water and cry quietly.

...PLEASE check out DJ Hiatus.

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Another incredibly underrated artist. The music video for Father consistently moves me to tears. The beats Hiatus uses are stirring, wonderful, and evocative. The videography is consistently beautiful works of art. And the lyrics, while simple, will melt your heart and feed your soul.

4. If you love the emotional, soft melodies of The Civil Wars, and the soul-searching lyrics of Damien Rice...

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Did any of us NOT cry in that episode of Grey's Anatomy where Poison and Wine plays? Does anyone not cry by simply listening to that song or Rice's Delicate in general?

...listen to Chris Pureka and Antje Duvekot.

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Two amazing people that can't be recommended enough. Pureka is a genderqueer, ethereal, soulful singer from Portland, OR. Listening to Hangman or Unwelcome will send shivers down your spine.

Duvekot based in Somerville, Massachusetts. She's an amazing, interesting, folksy songwriter. Long Way and Diamond In Your Hand are nostalgic, lovely, transformative songs.

5. If you love the deep, rich vocals of PARTYNEXTDOOR and the crunchy, mesmerizing beats of Flying Lotus...

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Yeah, these two together are definitely a power couple.

...definitely try out Roots Manuva.

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Roots Manuva has been in the game for a while now, making all sorts of cool, interesting, wonderful music. If this track seems familiar, that's because it was used in the Skins series finale - specifically, the episode Rise.

6. If you like how HARD Bassnectar drops go, and the wild and hypnotic sounds of Ratatat (or if you want to feel like you're the hero in an epic video game battle)....

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Honestly, don't we all want to feel like that once in a while?

...check out Ronald Jenkees.

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Yeah, the video thumbnail might not look remarkable. But it went viral a few years ago... and for good reason. This dude kills the electric keyboard, and his compositions range from playful to Epic Battle Music. Click on it; you'll see.

7. If Bright Eyes and Brand New were your FAVES back in the day (and tbh, probably still are) ....

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Look, Poison Oak and Jesus Christ are timeless sad bops. These artists truly poured all of their hearts into their work, and it continues to show to this day.

...check out Told Slant.

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That nostalgic, classic world-on-your-shoulders sadness, voices straining against the weight of emotion, wonderful guitar, and talented young voices. What's not to love?

8. If you like the classic, timeless lyrics and flow of Mobb Deep and the relatable, interesting music of Meek Mill...

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Bring the Pain will always be a favorite.

...consider listening to Joe Budden.

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Dude has been around for a while, and is probably best known for his beef-squashing track Slaughtermouse. Budden has a lot of hidden gems, though at the video above for his song Broke is no exception.

9. If you're enchanted by Buddy Guy's incredible, classic blues compositions, and love The Handsome Family's slinky, silky vibes...

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Buddy Guy is one of those artists so legendary it's hard to hold a candle to him. That being said, the Handsome Family does a pretty dang good job of giving the same energy with a new-age twist as his later works.

...you should listen to Papa Mali and Black Blood and the Chocolate Pickles.

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Two artists whose music drips with soul and the spirit of the Southern United States. They're honestly both too good to pick just one.

10. And finally, if you love the hardboiled country vibes of Hank Williams Jr., and the dark country, outlaw vibes of The Silent Comedy...

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Southern Classic meets broody-dark good.

...you should DEFINITELY listen to Ryan Ike.

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Listening to this is guaranteed to make you feel like a gunslinger in the Wild West.

Happy music discovering!

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