Recently, we asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to share who their favorite underrated musical artists are, for your listening pleasure. Here are the results:
Some of these artists are on the cusp of mainstream radio airplay, while others are total hidden gems. What they share in common is at least one reader (and in most cases, many more) wanted to share how much they love that particular artist/group!
1. Grimes
Who she is: Canadian singer/songwriter
Why you should listen: No one does cross-genre experimental pop quite like fashion icon Grimes. How many other artists can say they've opened for a Diplo/Skrillex co-headlining tour AND Lana Del Rey?
— Suggested by Hadley Rankin, Facebook
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2. Maren Morris
Who she is: American country singer/songwriter
Why you should listen: She's a Grammy winner. She's played Saturday Night Live. But because she's a country artist, Morris might be snubbed from playlists by those who don't love the genre. Don't make that mistake. She's got a poppier/rockier sound that will be PERFECT for the summer.
— Suggested by aliciarae113
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3. Dua Lipa
Who she is: British singer/songwriter
Why you should listen: She may look like a long-lost Kardashian sister, but Dua Lipa has PIPES — think a husky, mature voice that can stand up to powerhouse beats. Mark my words, she's going to be HUGE. Her self-titled debut album is slated to drop later this year.
— Suggested by Zion2200
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4. Marian Hill
Who they are: American songwriting duo
Why you should listen: Catchy synth-pop vibes are sooooo in right now, and Marian Hill does it with an R&B edge. Oh, and they were in an Apple Super Bowl commercial this year. Big stuff is coming.
— Suggested by Rachel Margolin, Facebook
5. PWR BTTM
Who they are: American queer punk duo
Why you should listen: If the name isn't enough to sell you, we all need some music with a queerer edge in our lives. PWR BTTM is here to save the day.
— Suggested by Phoenix Nesmith, Facebook
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6. Melanie Martinez
Who she is: American singer-songwriter
Why you should listen: Martinez is a Tumblr darling, but actually has mainstream origins — she made it to the final six on The Voice in 2012. She's got a unique and quirky vision and a catchy alt-pop sound.
— Suggested by katieg4a39e845a
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7. Allie X
Who she is: Canadian singer-songwriter
Why you should listen: Allie X appeared on the 2015 version of this list and she's STILL way too underexposed. She gives off early Lady Gaga vibes, but if Gaga originated in LA and not New York. She's also opened for Troye Sivan. Get on the bandwagon!
— Suggested by kfoley18
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8. Jessie Reyez
Who she is: Colombian singer-songwriter based out of Toronto
Why you should listen: She's only got two songs on Spotify, but damn is it a strong start. Think Rihanna, but with an indie edge. We're ready for more material.
— Suggested by kiavar96
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9. Kehlani
Who she is: American singer-songwriter
Why you should listen: While she's definitely one of the better-know names on this list, but with her pop/soul/R&B sound, Kehlani is still slept on. Her debut studio album SweetSexySavage dropped earlier this year, and it totally lives up to its name.
— Suggested by paulinamc2
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10. Bishop Briggs
Who she is: British musician
Why you should listen: Her alt-rock sound sets her apart from the other female vocalists on this list. She's edgy but still has a pop sensibility — think major crossover appeal.
— Suggested by MariaK357
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11. Broods
Who they are: Brother/sister music duo from New Zealand
Why you should listen: Electro/indiepop with Ellie Goulding-esque vocals (they've toured with the British singer too)? Sign us up!
— Suggested by jackieg4025c2277
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12. Shura
Who she is: British singer/songwriter
Why you should listen: Another top-notch indie pop star who's way overdue for some mainstream success — and you can hop on the bandwagon early, as her debut album Nothing's Real came out last year. Oh, and she's got a wicked sense of humor.
— Suggested by seanpatrickr
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13. Terror Jr.
Who they are: American pop trio who *MIGHT* be fronted by Kylie Jenner
Why you should listen: Don't let the gimmick of whether or not Kylie is in the band scare you off. Terror Jr. has produced some AMAZING tracks — think a less cloying version of Kiiara (the "Gold" singer).
— Suggested by badlandsevan
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14. Aurora
Who she is: Norwegian singer/songwriter
Why you should listen: OK, so another blonde Scandinavian indiepop star isn't the most revolutionary thing in the world, but if it ain't broke why fix it? Aurora has a truly ethereal voice — if you're looking for easy listening, she's a great bet.
— Suggested by karodr02
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15. Gallant
Who he is: American singer/songwriter
Why you should listen: Take slick vocals and put them over an elegant backdrop of electronic and R&B production and you've got Gallant. I guarantee you'll feel way cooler after just one listen. Swag not guaranteed.
— Suggested by tamanna97syed
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16. Glass Animals
Who they are: English rock band
Why you should listen: They're festival darlings, having played the likes of Coachella, Glastonbury, Bonnarroo, and Lollapalooza. Fans of Tame Impala will love Glass Animals' indie/electronic/psychedelic sound.
— Suggested by christyren
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17. Raleigh Ritchie
Who he is: British singer
Why you should listen: You probably know him as Grey Worm from Game of Thrones, but Ritchie ALSO has serious pipes. Think powerful, soulful vocals backed by thick beats.
— Suggested by pravitasayroo
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18. Banks
Who she is: American singer/songwriter
Why you should listen: Another artist who ALSO appeared on this same list two years ago, Banks is STILL way too slept on. Check out her latest effort, The Altar — it's filled with more moody, dark, catchy pop jams.
— Suggested by melissab44c11936d
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19. Porter Robinson
Who he is: American DJ
Why you should listen: He's like the American college student version of Flume. Super synthy, super danceable. If you're not the type to normally listen to famous producers/DJs, give Porter Robinson a chance — he's more than worth it.
— Suggested by y44481a973
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20. Zella Day
Who she is: American singer/songwriter
Why you should listen: She's like Lana Del Rey 2.0 but with more aggressive, independent vocals (I mean that in the best way possible) and a psychedelic edge. All Zella, all Day.
— Suggested by jamies44f444b7b
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21. MisterWives
Who they are: American indiepop band
Why you should listen: Vocalist Mandy Lee's voice is truly one of a kind. If you crossed Years & Years with Alphabeat (I hope y'all know what I mean, if you don't look both those acts up) you'd get MisterWives. They'll INSTANTLY brighten your day.
— Suggested by chloel423ae93e3
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22. Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats
Who they are: American band
Why you should listen: They're very different than any other act on this list — think folk/Americana, but with a modern twist. They feel old-timey, yet also right at home on a modern road trip playlist.
— Suggestd by joshuaa14
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23. Kali Uchis
Who she is: Colombian-American singer/songwriter
Why you should listen: Kali's indie-R&B sound is PERFECT for the upcoming warm-weather summer parties (Solo cup in hand, of course). She's also worked with some big names (Snoop Dogg, Diplo, Tyler the Creator) — she's bound for big things. Oh, and as you can tell from just one picture, she's got a badass aesthetic.
— Suggested by n4abbfb048
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24. Little Simz
Who she is: British rapper/singer
Why you should listen: Think of a younger, female Tinie Tempah (who is underrated in his own right, at least Stateside), and you've got Little Simz. She spits fire!
— Suggested by EISbutterfly
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25. Florrie
Who she is: British singer/songwriter
Why you should listen: Florrie just might be the most talented artist on this entire list — she got her start as an in-house drummer for a production studio, featuring on tracks by Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud, and other artists. Now she's a solo artist with synth pop vibes. She'll fit in on any feel-good pop playlist.
— Suggested by Rafael Feliciano Estrella, Facebook
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26. LANY
Who they are: Los Angeles-based band
Why you should listen: LANY is the answer to all your dreampop needs. If Tumblr was a band, they'd be LANY. They're another act that gives a Years & Years vibe, except with a California tint.
— Suggested by bobbiea4cec8f9e8
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27. Marina & The Diamonds
Who she is: Welsh singer/songwriter
Why you should listen: By all accounts, Marina should be one of the biggest pop stars in the world. She's got a cult following, works with mainstream producers, and churns out critically-acclaimed albums. But alas, she's STILL criminally underrated. Honestly, that might be her schtick! I'm on to you, Marina!
— Suggested by aidam451433697
