8. NIKI | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

11 Singer-Songwriters Who Deserve More Recognition

Underappreciated people to add to your playlist.

62
11 Singer-Songwriters Who Deserve More Recognition

In This Article:

The singer-songwriter music genre has been growing exponentially over the past few years. This is especially true in the digital age, where anyone can pick up a guitar and post their original music on YouTube.

There are tons of people I could recommend, but I narrowed it down to 11 artists who I think deserve to be more popular in the music world.

1. Charlene Kaye

Though recently Charlene Kaye has been going by KAYE and producing more of a pop music sound, Charlene Kaye has her roots in the more singer-songwriter, acoustic style.

Though I do like her newer music, her album "Animal Love" from back in 2012 changed my life. And I find it a crime that the album hasn't reached more ears in the seven years it's been out, so I'm plugging it here.

2. Glen Hansard

Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has been doing pretty well for himself in the music world for the past decade, having starred in the massively successful film "Once" and had his songs featured in other big movies like "The Hunger Games."

However, a music style like Glen's isn't one that you would find in pop music, making him fall into obscurity to many people.

In 2015, I had the privilege of seeing Glen live and it was one of the best concerts I'd ever been to. This is because Glen pours every ounce of emotion he has into each song. It's amazing to experience.

3. Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile has been getting a lot more recognition lately because of her earth-shattering performance at the Grammy's this year.

Her amazing album "By the Way I Forgive You" has been doing incredibly well, but I think that it could do even better, catapulting her folk/country/Americana/whatever-you-want-to-call-it music into more well-deserved success.

4. Thirdstory

Heavenly. That's the only word you need to describe this group. Their three-part harmony is absolutely to die for.

5. Ben Platt

You might recognize this powerhouse vocalist from "Pitch Perfect" or various Broadway musicals, but this is Ben Platt's first foray into making his own music.

You would never guess that his debut album "Sing to Me Instead" is his first because his sound is already so developed and beautiful. Each song gives off a different type of vibe, whether more acoustic, gospel-inspired, etc.

6. Lauren Aquilina

With a voice as smooth as butter, Lauren Aquilina's songs make me cry about a breakup I've never even had! Her songs really stab you right in the soul.

7. Orla Gartland

Orla Gartland has such a unique quality to her voice and it goes so well with her eccentric song-writing skills. It's just a recipe for greatness.

8. NIKI

I've been a fan of NIKI's music since she had her YouTube channel under the name Nicole Zefanya, uploading acoustic music with some of the most eloquently put together lyrics my ears have ever been blessed with. (Seriously, do yourself a favor and listen to her older song "Little Souls.")

Now, she has more of a pop sound rather than acoustic, but it's still really great.

9. Tessa Violet

Tessa Violet has been in the music business for a really long time, but she recently got her big break with her single "Crush." She only just played the first headlining show of her career and I think it's about dang time!

Her style is the perfect mix of singer-songwriter and indie pop. It's exactly what so many people like to listen to these days.

10. Jacob Collier

I can't say much about this artist because I've only just recently discovered him myself, but I can say that Jacob Collier is a breath of fresh air. His style defies the concept of genre and is unlike anything I've heard before.

11. Rusty Clanton

Rusty Clanton has also been making music for quite a while. Unfortunately, he hasn't had his big break yet, mostly playing smaller shows and releasing original music on YouTube. But his emotional voice deserves to be brought to more ears.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

1991
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

27607
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11715
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments