Clarity Indie 50 Spring 2026
We're back with our second Clarity Indie 50, a rotating playlist and editorial spotlight celebrating 50 independent artists whose music we can’t stop playing.
After hundreds of submissions and weeks of late-night listening (and impromptu dance sessions), we’re excited to share these 50 indie artists with you.
I'm thrilled to have Annie Elise joining as our guest co-curator. She's an artist, producer, advocate for women in music production, and Director of A&R at Nettwerk Music Group, with a sharp ear for talent on the rise.
Listen to our Clarity Indie 50 Spring 2026 below, and read on to learn more about why we chose each artist. The numbers next to each name are identifiers, not rankings.
Quentin
I first discovered Quentin at a show last October, and left knowing I had witnessed something special. Their live energy comes through just as powerfully in their songs and music videos, exploring themes of identity and empowerment. “HELLO DENIAL” is the perfect introduction to their catalog, a track where vulnerability and strength fuel each other, with a chorus that will have you shouting along at the top of your lungs.
Selected by Claire
2. i.am.james.
i.am.james. manages to write about being head-over-heels in love without an ounce of corniness, which is no small feat. “Red-Handed” shows that all-consuming passion has a more complicated side too, beautifully illustrating the forbidden temptation of wanting someone you probably shouldn’t.
Selected by Claire
3. MB Padfield
MB Padfield spends the entirety of her "Waverider" music video submerged in a tub of freezing ice water, which is much harder than it looks (and it already looks hard). In the dark points of our lives when we feel frozen and unable to move forward, this song and music video embody the perseverance and faith that there are better days coming.
Selected by Claire
4. Abi Nav
Abi Nav writes about universal experiences in a way that makes even the messiest self-reckoning feel survivable. His indie pop track "Hide and Seek" is about running away from yourself, and the turning point where you realize it's okay if the real you catches up. The arrangement, complete with a cathartic guitar solo and strings, makes it an empowering listen.
Selected by Claire
5. Antwane Tyler
Antwane Tyler’s “Think of You When” manages to stay catchy without losing the heaviness of missing someone you can’t get out of your head. Personally, I’ve had the chorus stuck in my head on and off for months, and I can genuinely say I don’t mind. It could easily be a contender for song of the summer.
Selected by Claire
6. Argel MDR
Argel MDR is a Filipino-Canadian artist whose vocals, simply put, sound like solid gold. “Something Real” is a soulful track on self-acceptance and a reminder that the love we’re truly deserving of never makes us chase it.
Selected by Claire
7. Beeson
“Luckiest” is a whimsical girlhood daydream song that will make you feel like you're in a coming-of-age movie. I've been a fan of Beeson for years, ever since we met at a conference in 2021, and this feels like the most clear, evolved, and honed-in her sound has ever been. I can't wait for the new record!
Selected by Annie
8. Babyteeth
Babyteeth is the musical project of Montreal-based sculptor Pixiebl00d, who has amassed over a million followers for her unique and macabre art style. “Ghost of You” keeps that same essence in her unique vocal tone and shoegaze-style production. It was just announced that Babyteeth is opening for Novulent across North America this summer, and I would guess more music is coming too. She's definitely one of the most exciting acts to watch out of Montreal this year!
Selected by Annie
9. Marina Mia
Brazilian/Argentinian artist Marina Mia stunned me with her gorgeous voice and effortless blend of languages. I loved the orchestral elements in “Luna.” The song feels cinematic and ethereal, while still intimate yet expansive.
Selected by Annie
10. Jakey Harrison
“secondhand” is Jakey Harrison's first release ever, and already he's given us a song that feels timeless and lived-in. I loved the guitar riffs, intuitive melodies, and the occasional little glitches. Looking forward to hearing more from him!
Selected by Annie
11. Fawn Ridge
If you aren't familiar with 60s baroque folk pop, now's the perfect time to get acquainted with Brooklyn-based band Fawn Ridge. “Apartment” has an otherworldly quality interlaced with lovely flashes of ear candy, including the occasional banjo riff. Their Joni Mitchell-esque vocals maintain a quiet undercurrent of tranquility as they sing about being scared to say the wrong thing in the face of a love that finally feels safe.
Selected by Claire
12. Pixie McCann
I came across a video of Pixie McCann live-looping her song “Moth,” and I had never heard anything like it. Since then, I've become super fond of McCann and her signature production style! It's like Imogen Heap meets early Grimes, capturing delicacy with electronic glitches.
Selected by Annie
13. Trinity Mei
Trinity Mei's vocals immediately bring to mind soft pop icons like Norah Jones. Her single "looking for you" was written in the days following the passing of her grandmother, and it captures the grief of continuing on when it feels like the air has left your lungs. With lines like "What am I supposed to do? / I built this all for you," she sings about the harrowing experience of pursuing your dreams in the face of loss. The voicemail at the end of the song will make you want to call your grandparents.
Selected by Claire
14. Backyard Daughter
Bedroom Pop newcomer Backyard Daughter brings 2000s vibes with “blind.” I love the trip-hop inspiration in her voice, but her unexpected melodies are my favorite part. “blind” is a delightfully honed-in song and only her second single. I can't wait for more from Backyard Daughter!
Selected by Annie
15. Jon Muq
I love songs with great storytelling, and "Runaway" unfolds like an adventure. Jon Muq is a singer-songwriter born in Uganda and based in Austin, Texas, whose soulful vocals carry both warmth and resilience. The track conveys a beautiful message: even if we don't know where home is, we can find a sense of community in the people we meet along the way.
Selected by Claire
16. Megan Eileen
Megan Eileen's “What A Feeling” captures the quiet heartbreak that lingers long after someone's gone. Grief isn't always loud, and while moving forward takes longer than we'd like, this vulnerable track leaves the listener with a sense of hopefulness nestled within the melancholy.
Selected by Claire
17. Sophie Perez
Sophie Perez's “far away” is a beautiful reminder of the healing power of songwriting. The track was inspired by the passing of her dog, and anyone who's been through that knows exactly how heartbreaking it is. Lyrics like “stuck frozen in place” echo the longing to hold onto every memory, and with Perez's freeing vocals, the song evolves into a cathartic celebration of life even in the darkest moments.
Selected by Claire
18. Nomé Naku
Nomé Naku is a triple-threat producer/vocalist/artist making alt-pop in LA. "Watered It Silently" captures so many emotions — it's delicate, raw, powerful, and fierce. It's a really refreshing sound amongst the current sea of alt-pop artists. She’s been on a streak of great releases this year, and I'm looking forward to her EP, FEAR, coming this May.
Selected by Annie
19. LCN!
I love it when a song’s lyrics and instrumental have a completely different vibe, and “LULLABY” is one of these cases. With its clean, crisp, almost euphoric ukulele, you almost wouldn’t guess LCN! is singing about fending off a sense of existential dread of getting left behind. Sometimes you have to be there for yourself when no one else is, and getting a good night’s sleep is the best place to start.
Selected by Claire
20. Taylor Bickett
Taylor Bickett's refreshing lyricism sounds like finally having the conversation you needed to have. With a catalog full of relatable tracks, "Wild Dogs" stands out for how aptly it captures the complicated experience of not wanting to villainize someone who hurt you.
Selected by Claire
21. Dillan Witherow
Dillan Witherow has produced and played guitar for all sorts of indie folk A-listers — Lizzy McAlpine, Laufey, Delaney Bailey — but shows his own true musical colors in his debut album, self titled. “Sentimental is such a beautiful song that feels timeless and organic, a nod to his songwriting and guitar-playing prowess. After hearing bits of Witherow's musical lens on other tracks with millions of streams, it's neat to hear his perspective so stripped back and clear. Check out "Sentimental" and the rest of the album all at once. It's one of my favorite releases this year!
Selected by Annie
22. BeachKitty
BeachKitty consists of Milly May and Luno Moon, who are both from Columbus, Ohio. They make shoegaze-inspired dreampop and list Slowdive, Mazzy Star, and 90s alt-rock as their inspirations. I hear a strong rock vocabulary and a dream pop intuition. It's a different kind of Midwest emo than the more popular version of the genre. It's effortless and captivating — and I'm very captivated!
Selected by Annie
23. RVRIE
RVRIE’s “Winter Sun” music video is a work of cinematic genius, with vivid symbolism and the Beijing-based artist’s iconic guitar solo as he shreds on a snow-covered mountainside. But beyond the Oscar-worthy outfits and cinematography, the track is a heartfelt tribute, capturing the grief that follows the loss of a loved one.
Selected by Claire
24. Picasso $upreme
I was listening to Indie 50 submissions while stuck in heavy traffic one day, when this track hit me like a wave of fresh air. Picasso $upreme's “Time & Space” has one of the most refreshing beats I've heard in a while, and it carries a meaningful reminder that we owe ourselves the room and patience to grow, even when life refuses to slow down.
Selected by Claire
25. elmjack
Have you ever doom-scrolled on Instagram only to find something completely unexpected that breaks you out of autopilot? That’s exactly what happened when I came across elmjack. The NYC-based duo’s “walk u home” sits in a refreshing lane of R&B, with lyrics that feel raw and lived in.
Selected by Claire
26. Annie Elise
"everything" by Annie Elise is, well, everything. The artist, producer, and our very own guest co-curator has been consistently delivering this year, and this alt-rock gem has such fun, sparkling textures that it almost feels like it's fizzing out of your speakers.
Selected by Claire
27. mer marcum
When I heard mer marcum play this live in NYC, every person was transfixed as she delivered a vocal performance as raw as the recorded version. I loved the live version so much that I was worried the recorded version would lose the rawness and edge that I had fallen in love with that night. Lucky for me, she didn't disappoint with the studio version, and it's been a constant on my playlist ever since!
Selected by Annie
28. Kai Dani
Kai Dani's music carries a sweeping, cinematic quality reminiscent of R&B powerhouses of the 2000s. Her single "Do You" combines silky, comforting vocals with songwriting that balances empowerment and vulnerability.
Selected by Claire
29. Sola
Based in London, Sola is the architect of a sound that's both experimental and weightless. Built on a subtle drum and bass pulse, “What's Your Desire” makes you feel like you're floating, and her vocals carry an otherworldly, space-siren quality.
Selected by Claire
30. Dom the Composer
Dom the Composer’s voice has such a rich, soulful quality to it, with a passionate delivery that nods to his early beginnings in the All Saints Choir of Men & Boys in Ashmont. From its opening line, “I have spent my final dollar on a pencil,” “Dollah Song” is immediately disarming in its refreshing candidness. Against the feel-good bluesy backdrop, the track offers an introspective side, leaving you wondering what money’s really worth compared to what you love.
Selected by Claire
31. Wess
Wess's "Down to Ride" is exactly the track you'd listen to cruising around with the windows rolled down at sunset, pulling together conscious hip-hop verses and old school charm. The North Carolina-based artist’s music is inspired by community and his upbringing, setting thought-provoking narratives against carefree beats.
Selected by Claire
32. koziithegoat (ft. Tomzy & Demzy)
If you've been looking for a new hype-up song heading into this spring, koziithegoat and Tomzy & Demzy are here to deliver. Set to an addictively eerie beat, “A Million Ways” is about finding an unwavering confidence in yourself to always find a way forward, no matter the situation.
Selected by Claire
33. Chauncy
I love finding music that makes me feel like something better is on the horizon. Chauncy's voice has such a pleasant tone and cadence in “Burnt Rubber & Unleaded,” a hip-hop track oozing with feel-good energy and the vision of everything working out. It's literally a sunrise in song form.
Selected by Claire
34. Marlon Craft
Marlon Craft powerfully embodies a season of growth in “World Champ.” Anyone who's navigated the music industry knows that it isn't an easy path, and Craft's razor-sharp lyricism makes a convincing case that believing in yourself isn't naive, it's necessary.
Selected by Claire
35. Nick Lombardo & the Decent Ok
I know it's only April, but “South Dakota” by Nick Lombardo & the Decent Ok has already made its way onto my summer road trip playlists. Founded by Philly public school teacher Nick Lombardo, the band brings a bluesy, eclectic blend of rock and Americana that feels made for open roads.
Selected by Claire
36. The Dollhouse Thieves
The Dollhouse Thieves is one of those groups that I’d imagine sounds incredible live, and their track “Coffee and Beer” evokes the feeling of walking into a dive bar and randomly finding your new favorite band. Started by husband and wife duo Niki and Luke Tredinnick, the band knows how to get you up and dancing, with unexpected instrumental ear candy around every corner, from smoky vocals to surprise trombone solos.
Selected by Claire
37. Plastic Harpoons
If you’ve ever met someone who made you feel like you hit the jackpot, whether in friendship or love, “Struck Gold” is sure to hit home. Sometimes building the life you want with the people you love takes following your own compass, and the Plastic Harpoons’ track captures that moment when you realize it’ll all work out. Coincidentally, this song came to be after the Santa Barbara-based indie band won a competition to record in a studio for a week, striking gold of their own.
Selected by Claire
38. The Groundswell
With a kick that feels like an aching heartbeat and a wistful melody that builds, The Groundswell’s “Stuck” sits in the space between wanting to break free from someone’s orbit and the uncertainty of life without them.
Selected by Claire
39. JVK
JVK is a rock band from the Boston DIY scene (the same scene where Claire and I met each other, fun fact!). I love the energy on their track "Machine" which blends a bunch of genres together super creatively. This song makes me wanna jump, and it's great energy for this season!
Selected by Annie
40. Death Drive (ft. Tori Hall)
"Let The Wound Heal" is a really cool track that unfolds into a shoegaze/post-rock-inspired song. I really like its pace and how smoothly it transitions into an energetic climax. Tori's vocals are beautiful, and the guitar tone hits perfectly every time.
Selected by Annie
41. Same Sun Here
Same Sun Here is a little bit of a mix of Midwest emo, Japanese rock, and indie rock. I find “The Marivile Fire Station Is Burning Down” a very refreshing, elevated, and approachable track in a genre known for a specific sound. I can't wait to hear more from this band in the future.
Selected by Annie
42. carmela donna
carmela donna is an indie-rock artist from Pittsburgh, PA. “stranger things” is a chill song on the surface, but upon digging deeper into her artist persona and lyrics, you'll start to notice a bit of a darker twist to her. With song titles like “stranger things,” “coraline's silent screams,” and “walk to the graveyard,” carmela's dark persona mixed with her beautiful voice on this song is quite surprising!
Selected by Annie
43. Emma Alves
Emma Alves first got her start writing about fairies in 2014, which led to a Canadian radio station hit. Since then, she's pivoted her genre to include some more jazz, RnB, and soul influences. I really like the twisty melody of “Even A Worm Will Turn,” which beautifully showcases her vocal tone and ability.
Selected by Annie
44. Bibi Club
I first saw Bibi Club at SXSW years ago, and had forgotten how much I had loved the set until “Amaro” came across my Spotify release radar. The song packs a punch — I love the razor-sharp electric guitar riff and the dreamy vocals. In the words of Bibi Club, “Amaro is an immortal figure between life and death, a place where we mourn.” I adore this bilingual band and look forward to seeing what they release in the future.
Selected by Annie
45. Max Rickun
There’s a witty candor in Max Rickun’s single, “GTFO,” that sets it apart from traditional breakup songs. When the person you once loved just won’t get out of your head, you can’t help but want to shout GTFO. But there’s a playfulness in this track that makes it a pleasure to listen to despite the indignation of this experience.
Selected by Claire
46. Tangerine
“Tangerine” by Greg Shilling layers suave vocals with a moody instrumental that evokes a natural curiosity in the listener. The track sounds like walking on a beach at sunset, but with an unexpected contrast in the lyrics: what sounds like a song about a person turns out to be a love song about his anxiety and OCD.
Selected by Claire
47. Very Nice Person
"All The Bad And Good" was a really interesting find for me this month. It has a unique production style, but it's done really tastefully and cleanly, which makes for a really fun listening experience.
Selected by Annie
48. Toby Creasey
Toby Creasey's music has a sincerity to it that makes you want to root for him, especially in the throes of a messy heartbreak. Having stepped into his solo career after years as an accompanying guitarist, it's clear the spotlight suits him. His emotionally intelligent flavor of the singer-songwriter style tugs on the heartstrings without losing hope.
Selected by Claire
49. KatzPascale
KatzPascale, the project of Sammi Katzmann and Jenna Pascale, is one of my newest obsessions. The cello and saxophone go together so well on this track, and the two musicians’ collaboration is quite beautiful to witness. This song makes me feel like I'm levitating. I highly recommend listening with headphones!
Selected by Annie
50. irou
Listening to irou's "school night" is like taking a shot of electro hyper-pop espresso, and it's one of those songs that gets catchier each time you listen. The NYC-based artist and producer infuses every song with a sparkly feeling, which she accurately describes as Tamagotchi club music with a touch of lo-fi.
Selected by Claire
That’s a wrap on our second Clarity Indie 50. We hope you found a new favorite artist or two (or several).
We received so many amazing submissions, we’re already putting together a list for our next Indie 50 coming this summer, so stay tuned.
Want to submit your music for the next round, or know an artist we should be listening to? Our submissions form is always open.
Missed our first edition? Check out our Winter 2026 Clarity Indie 50 for 50 more independent artists we love.