Clarity Indie 50 Winter 2026
Welcome to our very first Clarity Indie 50, a rotating playlist and editorial spotlight celebrating 50 independent artists who deserve more recognition.
I wanted our first Indie 50 to be extra special, so I partnered with my friend and veteran music industry tastemaker Moriah Lowe, who’s curated playlist networks with over 70,000 followers and organized showcases highlighting independent talent throughout the Los Angeles area.
Without further ado, we invite you to listen to our first Indie 50 and read more about each artist below. The numbers next to each artist’s name are simply identifiers and do not signify a ranking.
Our Spotify playlist rotates each season. YouTube and Apple Music keep the full archive.
Lánre
There’s so much to love about Lánre’s music. An avid performer in Atlanta and beyond, as well as an advocate for independent musicians and building community, it was impossible not to choose him as our first featured artist. His single “Need That” was on repeat for me last summer, and it’s enough to make any 2000s R&B-loving millennial rejoice.
Selected by Claire
2. Tímide
Set against a chromatic electropop backdrop, “Crying and Dancing” holds both vulnerability and power. Tímide's single captures the messy tension between a freeing night out and wanting to be held close by someone on the dance floor.
Selected by Claire
3. oskar med k
"Make Me Feel" is a house track that went explosively viral on social media for good reason. Created from a minimal vocal sample, it's danceable yet intimate (and dangerously catchy).
Selected by Claire
4. Rimi
LA-based artist Rimi drops bold bars and contagious confidence in “Juice.”Sometimes you hit a flow state where your inner strength can’t be shaken by the chaos around you, and this song is the perfect soundtrack to that.
Selected by Claire
5. Jesse Detor
Jesse Detor’s dark flavor of spill-your-guts girl rock is just what your playlist needs this year. Her track “Once” is equal parts vulnerability and grit, giving off major Alanis Morissette vibes.
Selected by Claire
6. Meg Cannon
Based in Central Jersey, Meg Cannon has been writing and recording original music since the age of eight. Her track “Wine Gone Bad” touches on a universal fear of losing a relationship’s spark, all while maintaining a feel-good country pop flair.
Selected by Claire
7. Isabelle Gitlin
Isabelle Gitlin has a voice that’s soft and soulful, giving a juxtaposition of vulnerability and confidence. There’s a certain tone to her vocals that gives off a classical influence, with powerful embellishments. Her single “Long & Gone” will resonate with listeners who know that feeling of love lost and the acceptance that comes with it.
Selected by Moriah
8. Modern Haze
Hailing from the UK, Modern Haze is the indie rock and roll band I personally can’t wait to hear more from. There’s something classic, yet gritty and modern about their music. Paired with a riveting electric guitar performance and timeless melody, their newest single, “Higher,” is sure to remind you that rock isn’t dead.
Selected by Moriah
9. Scorche
19-year-old Scorche runs a one-man show, handling everything from writing and recording to visuals, but you wouldn’t know it from listening to his music. “Everything Will Be Fine” has some Deftones callouts and one of the catchiest guitar riffs I’ve heard in a minute.
Selected by Claire
10. Riley Burns
It’s easy to get lost in the stress of the New Year rush, but Riley Burns’s single “I’m Alive” is a grounding reminder of what really matters. The Canadian folk-country artist’s catalog is rich with lived-in charm and lyrical honesty, making it almost impossible to choose just one track to spotlight, but “I’m Alive” stood out as a haunting reflection on how quickly life can pass us by if we don’t slow down long enough to take it in.
Selected by Claire
11. Tasska
Tasska is a newly-formed indie band you need on your radar, playing shows and hosting benefit gigs across Brighton and beyond. Their atmospheric post-punk track, “Punchdrunk,” is impossible not to nod your head along to.
Selected by Claire
13. Noah Sties
Noah Sties makes us feel like we’d be better on our own without a significant other in “chasing changes.” It’s not your typical breakup song. The lyrics touch on the discovery that you should’ve left a while ago, but the energy feels more like a breakup party. With an edgy indie rock performance that’s undeniably “danceable” and fun, this is the energy I feel we need to bring into 2026.
Selected by Moriah
14. Aldo Rey
There’s a retro rock charm to Aldo Rey’s music. Beneath the fun, sunny rock arrangement of his track “Hey Raphael” featuring James Smoke, there’s an undercurrent of longing and loss. The lyrics allude to wanting to sacrifice oneself to take away a loved one’s pain, or perhaps save a former version of ourselves.
Selected by Claire
15. Molly Grace
Molly Grace is a pop girlie that is full of charisma, and I kind of want to be best friends with her. Her voice is not only incredibly soulful and a pleasure to listen to, but her character and persona in her music are full of utmost confidence and excitement. Her single “Lady Lady” is a personal favorite not only for its sound, but also because I’m pretty sure she calls out all her exes by name. What’s not to love about that?
Selected by Moriah
16. Funky District
When I first heard Funky District’s music, I felt like I was immediately taken to the 70’s funk era, and found myself jamming from the jump. They’re fun, fresh, and make sure their listeners are ready to groove and have a great time. Their song “I Love It,” featuring Nic Hanson, is a particularly groovy combination of jazz, funk, and soul rhythms that’s sure to make listeners dance and celebrate.
Selected by Moriah
17. Penny Beverly
Penny Beverly reminds me of the summer season when all you want to do is go to the beach and maybe even surf. With lightly psychedelic grooves in their music, they’ve got a sound that’s infectious and puts a smile on your face. The reverb they add to their vocals gives it a certain pop that echoes not only the song, but also your attention. Their single “Laugh At You” is sure to get stuck in your head from the moment you hear it.
Selected by Moriah
18. Mercer Henderson
“Almost, So Close, Maybe” is an ode to situationships everywhere. With immaculate pop production and a hook that’s to die for, Mercer Henderson’s track is a cathartic listen for anyone who’s been strung along.
Selected by Claire
19. Emma Claye
Emma Claye is an actress, singer, AND songwriter with a certain emotion and vulnerability to her vocal tone that just feels like a pleasure to listen to. Across the board, her original music has a neo-soul and R&B influence that I’m obsessing over. Her remix of her single “I Imagine Love” features a soft vocal that accompanies a gentle instrumental performance, gradually growing in dynamics and excitement. She’s definitely worth a listen!
Selected by Moriah
20. Derrick Nealy
I LOVE R&B music, and I can’t dance. But Derrick Nealy’s song “WYA Bae” had me dancing my butt off as if I was a professional dancer (which reminder, I am most definitely not). The song is flirtatious and sensual, with a bass line that is just too good to ignore. Trust me, if you like Blxst, this one’s for you.
Selected by Moriah
21. Prince Sage
Prince Sage is an undeniable melodic rapper who’s sure to get stuck in your head, similar to the likes of JuiceWRLD and other prominent standouts in the genre. His single “I’m Sorry” from his EP Regalia Me is a great first song to hear from him, detailing the feeling of letting the damage and toxicity of a previous relationship bleed into a new connection. Paired with orchestral instrumental influences, it makes for an enjoyable listen!
Selected by Moriah
22. Wun Two
Would it be too on the nose to say “piano to snow to” by Wun Two gives off exactly that imagery of being in a snow-covered cabin? Because that’s exactly the vibe I’m getting from this performance. The lo-fi and hip-hop influences create a nice ambience that reminds me of those lo-fi YouTube videos I used to play in the background while doing homework. It’s such a soothing performance with repetitive, yet tasteful patterns that sound lovely!
Selected by Moriah
23. JZAC
“2026” from JZAC is the perfect hip-hop track to start the year on a high note. It’s a powerful reminder to shift our focus away from what’s out of our hands and toward things like building momentum and reconnecting with our spirit.
Selected by Claire
24. Ian Elliot
Full transparency, I saw one video from Ian Elliot pop up on my TikTok fyp, and now I’m here. Ian’s voice is captivating and full of passion, conviction, and an ultimate breath of fresh air. His song “Someone Less Good” is honest and raw, with a tale of love and care that I can only hope to find one day. He’s wonderful, new to the scene, and totally worth a listen!
Selected by Moriah
25. Anabel Quinn
Listening to “honey shop” feels a bit like stepping into a secret garden daydream where Lana Del Rey meets Simon & Garfunkel. Ethereal melodies float over intimate acoustic guitar, giving Anabel Quinn’s song a dreamy quality that feels both familiar and otherworldly.
Selected by Claire
26. Val Casey
“taking up space” is a healing listen for anyone who’s struggled with body image. With heartfelt lines like “I’m 25, but I feel 15 / trying not to be seen,” Val Casey touches on what it’s like to feel behind or pressured to shrink ourselves to fit a mold.
Selected by Claire
27. Isabel Dumaa
If you’ve ever been taken for a ride by someone who benefited from your self-doubt, Bay Area artist Isabel Dumaa has a song for you. Her track “C’est La Vie” radiates confidence, shedding the urge to apologize for taking up space.
Selected by Claire
28. revue
From the lively explosion of guitar riffs a few seconds in, “indiesong” feels like walking into a live show just as the band hits their stride. The Italian five-piece rock band revue captures the restlessness of youth, channeling everyday moments into something loud, urgent, and alive.
Selected by Claire
29. Zach Riley
Sometimes the right person has a way of making even the most unpleasant circumstances feel less heavy. Zach Riley’s “With You” is all about finding the person who feels like an anchor when everything else is tumultuous.
Selected by Claire
30. Zoe Ny
“Highway” drifts like an open road in a Western film, capturing the ups and downs of an intense love. Inspired by her first heartbreak, Zoe Ny’s warm vocals carry the song’s emotion against a cinematic Americana-pop backdrop.
Selected by Claire
31. Bridgette Leigh
I have never been to Mount Diablo, but the way Bridgette Leigh describes it in her single, I’m in for a roadtrip. “Mount Diablo” is such a soothing and gentle song that evokes an almost wispy, nature-like tone. The acoustic and bass guitars collaborate in such a lovely manner, giving off the feeling of walking through fields of grass on a breezy day. I love the sense of peace and calmness it brings!
Selected by Moriah
32. Lisa Danaë
There’s something all-too-relatable about the process of giving your home a makeover to avoid what’s really happening beneath the surface. Lisa Danaë is a Filipino-American singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles whose latest single, “Rearranging Furniture,” captures the quiet overwhelm of outgrowing your current life and clinging to the small changes you can control.
Selected by Claire
33. Annie Elise
Sometimes you’ll just be going about your day when an onslaught of previously dormant memories hits you like a waterfall. Annie Elise’s single “ardmore” is a trip down memory lane that led her toward becoming an artist and the realization that things weren’t as black and white as they once seemed.
Selected by Claire
34. Charlie Wilde
Have you ever heard music from that one artist that just makes you want to cry and ultimately become a better person? That’s what I feel like with indie folk musician, Charlie Wilde. His music is massively in tune with an emotional vulnerability that can only be written about from personal experience. “Chadstone” in particular hooked me in the very first verse.
Selected by Moriah
35. Mallory Graham
Mallory Graham’s “Mallard” music video instantly put a smile on my face. From the whimsical intro full of duck quacks to the bright waves of surf rock guitar, this track feels like a ray of sun. Who hasn’t had the urge to run away from humanity for a more carefree life at least once?
Selected by Claire
36. Wendy Wang
There’s a subtle elegance to Wendy Wang’s music, a Chinese American artist known for her love of animals. “Supernova” is a lullaby-like electropop track about an all-consuming love that’s akin to the blinding moment a supernova explodes.
Selected by Claire
37. Myshaan
New Zealand artist Myshaan is a pure vibe, especially for listeners who love those island vibes. His music draws on reggae and soul, and I’m totally here for it. His song “Inside My Head” feels like the ultimate anthem for long-distance relationships. Pair it with his soulful and passionate vocals, and you have a hit!
Selected by Moriah
38. Carter Ryan
If staring at the ceiling late at night after getting your heart broken were a song, it would be “Left Of You.” The moving ballad from 18-year-old Carter Ryan captures the complexity of wanting to move on while being afraid of forgetting the good times. The hopeful chorus beautifully contrasts more somber verses, acting as a spark in the darkness.
Selected by Claire
39. Kwame Adu
You’ve gotta be pretty special to an artist for them to write an entire song about you, let alone title it after you. Kwame Adu’s single “Jeanine” does just that, with an artistic, unique rap performance filled with vulnerability and raw emotions, ultimately tinged with a bit of regret and reminiscing. It’s an incredibly honest piece that demands the listener's undivided attention.
Selected by Moriah
40. Kota the Friend
Brooklyn rapper Kota the Friend is most likely a name you’ve heard of, considering he’s been releasing music for the past 10 years, collaborating with the likes of Logic, Big Sean, and Joey Bada$$, to name a few. The title track to his newest album, “NO RAP ON SUNDAY,” is an incredible lyrical exploration of giving your time and energy to things and people that add value and growth to your life. It’s free-flowing and calm, with a storyline that deserves your attention and appreciation.
Selected by Moriah
41. YGTUT
“TALK ABOUT IT” by YGTUT has become a new track in my rotation. I’m such a fan of the lowkey rap flow that still manages to produce a beat I can’t help but bob my head along to. A good genre classification for this song would probably be considered alternative rap. It finds its roots in OG and old-school rap while also fitting the modern feel of the genre.
Selected by Moriah
42. Lasser
Latin hip-hop and lo-fi aren’t two genres you’d outright know work well, but Lasser is the perfect example of pushing the boundaries and making something great. Paired with an incredibly gentle performance and soft vocals, “Patatús” is a fantastic exploration of the genre-blending combination. It’s one of the most calming songs I’ve heard in a really long time, and I can’t wait to hear more!
Selected by Moriah
43. NEW WASTELANDS
Now I’m not usually one to compare artists too much, because I want indie artists to be celebrated for their original sound and own accomplishments. With that being said, if you’re missing new music from Rage Against the Machine, then NEW WASTELANDS is a duo you MUST check out. They’re just getting started, with their debut EP just being dropped in November 2025, so give them some love now before it's too late!
Selected by Moriah
44. Blackbird
As someone who’s newer to EDM/electronic music of all sorts, Blackbird was a fantastic introductory artist to listen to in the genre. Her style is incredibly catchy and immerses you into the land of electronic music that’s sure to get you dancing and singing along with a smile on your face.
Selected by Moriah
45. JAI LEPRINCE!
One of my favorite things about the Indie 50 is hearing something completely unexpected that blows me away, and “Brand New Body” did just that. Somewhere in the middle of a long road trip, as I was listening to submissions, this track came on and jolted me back into existence. From Orlando-based JAI LEPRINCE!, the song leans into gritty synths, grungy guitar, and a deep bass groove, pulling from the artist’s background in choreography.
Selected by Claire
46. Austin Jay
“Demented” makes the Avril-Lavigne-loving ‘90s kid inside me happy. Austin Jay introduces a trap-tinged take on alternative music with this single, which is a candid commentary on the callousness of modern relationships.
Selected by Claire
47. Abigail Osborn
After years of writing for other artists and projects, Abigail Osborne is stepping out on her own, and I’m so here for it. Her poetically blunt lyricism shines in “Stop Looking At Me Like That,” a daydreamy track about craving the idea of someone more than their reality.
Selected by Claire
48. Tors
I was introduced to Tors at a Myles Smith concert, and I honestly cannot stop listening to them! The trio of brothers hailing from Devon, UK, feels like home and exudes warmth from their vocals to their lyrics. Their songs across the board are thoughtful and inspirational, with harmonies that are, dare I say, perfect, and scratch that part of my brain that’s obsessed with vocal layers. “Miracle,” “Never Give Up,” and “Happy Enough” are three personal favorites that will NEVER leave my rotation.
Selected by Moriah
49. pragya
pragya’s songs feel warm and familiar, but there’s a cutting melancholy beneath the surface, a combination fans of Lizzy McAlpine will instantly gravitate towards. Returning to your hometown can be a bittersweet experience, and “One Blink” taps into that emotion, reflecting on what it’s like to come back to a place that no longer feels the same.
Selected by Claire
50. Blue Jean
Listening to "Final Hour" feels like the closing scene of a movie when the credits start rolling, making it a fitting song to close our first Clarity Indie 50. The cinematic, Bowie-esque arrangement elegantly supports Blue Jean's soft, haunting vocals.
Selected by Claire
Thank you for joining us on this sonic journey. We were thrilled to receive hundreds of submissions from artists around the world. Some songs may appear on our next Indie 50, coming this spring, while others found their way onto our other playlists.
Interested in being considered for a future Clarity Indie 50, or know an independent artist who might be a good fit? Submissions and recommendations are always welcome.