In a white dominated genre, indie artists of color often get washed away behind their white counterparts. If your Spotify playlist needs a little spice added to it, here are some unique BIPOC artists to begin with.
1. Hope Tala
London-based artist Hope Tala has a discography filled with songs that feature strong guitar chords and mysterious melodies, immediately placing listeners in a trance. Tala’s new EP, Girl Eats Sun, intertwines her vocal talent and rhythmic flow.
Favorite tracks: All My Girls Like to Fight, Cherries, Lovestained
2. Yeek
This Filipino-American artist brings an unconventional sound that intertwines pop and indie music. His hit song, “Only in the West,” shares his urge to return to the West Coast while waving it a catchy goodbye.
Favorite tracks: Only in the West, Cleaner Air, I’m Trying
3. Orion Sun
Philly musician Orion Sun creates music that makes you want to be the main star of a music video. Her artistry received the recognition it well-deserves following her opening performances for Daniel Caesar and Tierra Whack.
Favorite tracks: Antidote, Ne Me Quitte Pas (Don’t Leave Me), Lightning
4. Bakar
Bakar’s “Hell N Back” takes you along with the British singer as he describes his rocky yet memorable relationship. The genre-bending artist recently collabed on “Night Garden,” a suspenseful track with BENEE and Kenny Beats.
Favorite tracks: Hell N Back, Stop Selling Her Drugs, 1st Time
5. Tei Shi
Colombian singer/songwriter Tei Shi is a synth-pop superstar that recently collabed with Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes on their song, “Even If It Hurts.” Between her dance tracks and slow ballads, she successfully mixes elements of bedroom pop, synth-pop and indie to create a one-of-a-kind sound.
Favorite tracks: Even If It Hurts, Disappear, Die 4 Ur Love
6. Choker
This artist, recently featured on the “Queen & Slim” soundtrack, has a unique, meditative sound, often compared to Frank Ocean. His songs feature completely different sounds and styles, all of which are complemented by his peaceful vocals.
Favorite tracks: Lucky, Frame, Petrol Bliss
7. Rina Sawayama
Her self-titled debut album, SAWAYAMA, released in April 2020 tackled micro-aggressions and family trauma, while sprinkling a bit of house and metal sounds. The Japanese pop artist is successfully creating more recognition for Asian artists in the pop genre.
Favorite tracks: STFU!, Ordinary Superstar, Cherry
8. Omar Apollo
Embodying the spirit of Prince like no other, Mexican-American musician Omar Apollo flashes his carefree, charismatic personality in his newest project, Apolonio. If you’re looking for an artist with a funky flow, you’ll be saying “Hey Boy” to the heartthrob, too.
Favorite tracks: Useless, So Good, Hijo de Su Madre
9. UMI
Down-to-earth songstress UMI expresses her sultry lo-fi sound through her recent EP, “Introspection.” Drawing inspiration from artists like SZA and Erykah Badu, UMI effortlessly sets herself apart from other neo-soul musicians.
Favorite tracks: Runnin’, Pretty Girl hi!, Love Affair
10. Rejjie Snow
Irish-American artist Rejjie Snow has the ideal music for an adventure or late night drive with a similar sound to his inspiration, Tyler, the Creator. His 2018 debut album, “Dear Annie,” features collaborations with Aminé, Dana Williams, Cam O’bi, Anna of the North and more.
Favorite tracks: Cookie Chips, Egyptian Luvr, 23
Here’s a playlist to begin streaming tunes from these ten artists!
