You know that feeling you get when you find a song in the depths of Spotify that you have never heard before and it is absolutely amazing? Each sound, note, and lyric surprises you and sounds like nothing you have ever heard before...well, because you haven't.

I love finding those songs.

Thanks to some of my more "hipster" friends in high school, I really started broadening my horizons to music other than that listed on Billboard's Top 100 and it was quite eye-opening. At this point, I started to explore indie and folk music and loved the relaxing and calming vibe that the songs put off.

I gathered a short list of some of my favorite indie and folk artists/songs whose music has been positively impacting my life for the last few years with the intention to encourage you to broaden your horizons as well and listen to something new. You might surprise yourself on how diverse your taste in music really is.

1. The Punch Brothers

This bluegrass-inspired band consists of five super talented musicians who play guitar, bass, mandolin, violin, banjo, and fiddle. Their music is relaxed, yet spontaneous and sure to cause a few eargasms.

My personal favorite:

"Familiarity" from "The Phosphorescent Blues" (2014)

Another solid inquiry:

"Who's Feeling Young Now?" from "Who's Feeling Young Now?" (2012)

2. Sam Burchfield

Sam Burchfield visited my college last year, and I have been in love with his music ever since. Not only did he offer an exhilarating live performance, but I went right home to explore his digital recordings and was super impressed. He has also been through several of the "American Idol" auditions. He has folk-inspired lyrics, a soulful voice, and lovely blues and funk influences. I love that his music has a sense of humor about it.

Check out one of his funkier pieces:

"Monopoly" from "Where to Run" (2014)

Or if you're in the mood for something a little more sweet and chill:

"Doctor" from "Where to Run" (2014)

3. The Avett Brothers

So you may or may not have heard of the Avett Brothers (as they appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in 2012), but if you haven't then you should definitely check out their country/folk/rock/bluegrass tunes. Their sound is also very relaxing and their poetic lyrics can move the soul.

My personal, kicky favorite:

"Kick Drum Heart" from "I and Love and You" (2009)

One of their more famous pieces, and the one they played on "Jimmy Kimmel:"

"I and Love and You" from "I and Love and You" (2009)

4. Vampire Weekend

Once again, not the most conspicuous indie rock band, but so worth the mention. Their sound offers cool, calm, soft vocals with unique chording, as well as upbeat, energetic rock songs. I personally love some of their older stuff, but their newest album also fantastic.

Check out one of their more distinctive and cool songs:

"I Think Ur A Contra" from "Contra" (2010)

Or if you are looking for something more upbeat:

"Diane Young" from "Modern Vampires of the City" (2013)

5. Dr. Dog

Dr. Dog was another discovery given to me from one of my more musically trendy friends. Their sound is a fusion of tight harmonies and folk inspired instrumental, heavily influenced by The Beach Boys and The Beatles.

My personal favorite:

"Lonesome" from "Be The Void" (2012)

Or one of their most recent hits:

"Heart It Races" from "Live at a Flamingo Hotel" (2015)

There it is! My favorite indie/folk artists of all time.

Now, get listening!