7 Little Known Musicians and Obscure Music Artists to Discover

Stu Larsen • Amos Lee • Ashleigh Mannix • Basement Birds • Belle & Sebastian • More ...

There are so many little known musicians and obscure music artists out there just waiting to be heard! I have so much fun trawling the internet or streaming platforms in search of non popular artists to look for, and it’s always so satisfying finding a least known singer you haven’t listened to before that you just seem to click with. If you're looking for an unknown music artist who brings something fresh to your ears, check out these incredible talents, and maybe you’ll find your next favorite!

1. Stu Larsen

I saw Stu Larsen last year when he was playing support at Passenger’s concerts. Stu Larsen has a very Passenger-esque sound, with poetic lyrics and simple, acoustic tunes. You can find more about him on his official website. I was lucky enough to speak to him after the show, and not only does he have a voice to die for, he’s a seriously lovely guy as well. He is definitely one of the best acoustic artists and little known musicians you have to check out!

2. Amos Lee

If you like guitar melodies and political and angsty lyrics, you should definitely have a listen to Amos Lee. He’s an American singer/songwriter specializing in the genres of folk, soul and rock, encompassing all of them into songs perfect for lazy summer afternoons. Check out his latest work on his official site. If you’re unsure of which song to start with, definitely check out ‘Careless’ and ‘Supply and Demand.’

| Artist | Genre | Best Vibe | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Stu Larsen | Folk / Acoustic | Morning Coffee | | Amos Lee | Soul / Rock | Sunset Drive | | Ashleigh Mannix | Country / Indie | Beach Day |

3. Ashleigh Mannix

Want to feel like you’re on a beachy road trip? Ashleigh Mannix is definitely the gal to take a listen to. I’m not a country music lover, but Ashleigh Mannix certainly has a slight twang to her voice, which makes her music and melodies sweet and harmonious. Her EP, coincidentally titled ‘My First EP,’ is golden. You can also explore more amazing female vocalists on our site.

4. Basement Birds

Basement Birds combine four of my favorite artists ever: Josh Pyke, Kav Temperley (from Eskimo Joe), Steve Parkin and Kevin Mitchell (otherwise known as Bob Evans, from Jebediah). They have four very different voices, but create songs that have stellar harmonies and beautiful lyrics. Put them onto your playlist for some relaxing tunes and discover why they are such respected obscure music artists.

Quick Tips for Finding Your Next Favorite Artist:

  • Explore Spotify's 'Discover Weekly' personalized playlist.
  • Follow independent music blogs and YouTube channels.
  • Attend local open mic nights in your city.

5. Belle & Sebastian

To me, the music of Belle & Sebastian is quite ‘50s. Their tunes make you want to put on a twirly skirt and dance around the house - making it particularly good music for cleaning! You won’t be able to resist tapping your toes and singing along to their sweet music. If you enjoy this vibe, check out our list of indie bands to watch.

6. Héloise

Angsty, beautiful lyrics and groovy acoustic sound make up Héloise. She sings crazy songs about Alice in Wonderland and meeting rude people at concerts, and all of this adds up to one very cool album. She released her EP, Birds in My Mouth, after a successfully-funded sponsorship campaign. The song to check out is ‘The Rabbit’!

7. Kate Miller-Heidke

A singer/songwriter from Australia, Kate Miller-Heidke has some of the most incredible vocals I have ever heard. She often verges on opera in many of her songs, but don’t let that put you off - she does it in such a quirky way that you cannot help but smile at her music. You may have heard her song ‘Caught in the Crowd,’ about a childhood bully, but if not, it is well worth a listen.

I hope you enjoy having a listen to these little known musicians! I absolutely cannot wait to hear your feedback on these obscure music artists. All of the artists listed are simply amazing and they all deserve as much recognition as possible. Who is your favorite least known singer? Please share your thoughts and let us know about any other unknown music artist we should check out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are some lesser known female singers worth listening to?
Explore emerging artists like Arlo Parks, Jade Bird, and Celeste for fresh and unique sounds.
Why should I listen to lesser known singers?
They often bring innovative styles and authentic stories that can broaden your musical experience.
Where can I find music from these lesser known women singers?
Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and SoundCloud are great places to discover their work.
How can I support up-and-coming female musicians?
Attend their concerts, share their music on social media, and buy their albums or merchandise.
Are these singers limited to one genre?
Not at all—these artists span genres from indie and folk to R&B and soul.
Do lesser known singers have strong social media presence?
Many use social media actively to connect with fans and share behind-the-scenes content.
Is it easy to find live performances by these artists?
While some tour regionally, many offer virtual concerts or smaller, intimate shows.
Can lesser known female singers influence mainstream music?
Yes, many mainstream artists draw inspiration from emerging talents and their fresh perspectives.
Are there playlists specifically featuring emerging female singers?
Absolutely—many streaming services curate playlists dedicated to new and underground women artists.
How often do these artists release new music?
Release schedules vary, but many share singles and EPs regularly to keep fans engaged.

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