Essential independent music listening

The albums that define independent music.

Our picks for where to start with independent music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The independent music essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

REMEMBER THE FUTURE

Jonna Lee

REMEMBER THE FUTURE

A shimmering blend of ethereal pop and electronic textures, inviting listeners into a reflective sonic landscape.

Start here

EVERYONE AFRAID TO BE FORGOTTEN

Jonna Lee

EVERYONE AFRAID TO BE FORGOTTEN

A haunting blend of electronic textures and introspective lyrics that explore themes of identity and mortality.

Start here

Out of Frequency

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

Out of Frequency

A vibrant blend of psychedelic pop and jazz-infused grooves that invites listeners into a whimsical auditory landscape.

Start here

Walls

An Horse

Walls

A raw blend of indie rock and melodic punk, driven by dual vocals and introspective lyrics.

Start here

Rearrange Beds

An Horse

Rearrange Beds

A vibrant blend of melodic indie rock infused with raw emotional honesty and jangly guitars.

Start here

Houston: We Have a Drinking Problem

Bad Astronaut

Houston: We Have a Drinking Problem

A reflective blend of melancholy melodies and raw, confessional lyrics wrapped in lo-fi instrumentation.

Start here

Twelve Small Steps, One Giant Disappointment

Bad Astronaut

Twelve Small Steps, One Giant Disappointment

A blend of introspective melodies and raw, confessional lyrics wrapped in lo-fi indie rock aesthetics.

Start here

Big Black Hole and the Little Baby Star

Sean Hayes

Big Black Hole and the Little Baby Star

A whimsical blend of folk and soul, weaving playful narratives with heartfelt melodies.

Start here

Beacons

Ohbijou

Beacons

A lush tapestry of folk melodies woven with intricate instrumentation and heartfelt harmonies.

Start here

Rampljus

Håkan Hellström

Rampljus

A vibrant blend of folk-pop and introspective lyrics wrapped in a warm, melodic embrace.

Start here

Stardust

Lena Meyer-Landrut

Stardust

A vibrant mix of indie pop and electro-infused sounds with introspective lyrics that evoke youthful wanderlust.

Start here

Only Love, L

Lena Meyer-Landrut

Only Love, L

A reflective blend of indie pop and heartfelt ballads that explore love, identity, and self-discovery.

Start here

Det kommer aldrig va över för mig

Håkan Hellström

Det kommer aldrig va över för mig

Anthemic melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a vibrant tapestry of emotion and nostalgia.

Start here

Ett kolikbarns bekännelser

Håkan Hellström

Ett kolikbarns bekännelser

A melodic tapestry of reflective storytelling woven through folk-pop soundscapes and introspective lyrics.

Start here

Svensk rost

Håkan Hellström

Svensk rost

A vibrant mix of folk-pop melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke nostalgia and warmth.

Start here

Crystal Sky

Lena Meyer-Landrut

Crystal Sky

A vibrant blend of indie pop and electronic beats, capturing youthful optimism and introspection throughout its melodic journey.

Start here

Good News

Lena Meyer-Landrut

Good News

Bright melodies and heartfelt lyrics intertwine in this uplifting pop album, showcasing youthful optimism and introspective themes.

Start here

Det är så jag säger det

Håkan Hellström

Det är så jag säger det

Melodic folk-pop harmonies intertwine with heartfelt storytelling, reflecting the essence of Swedish summer nostalgia.

Start here

Nåt gammalt, nåt nytt, nåt lånat, nåt blått

Håkan Hellström

Nåt gammalt, nåt nytt, nåt lånat, nåt blått

A vibrant blend of folk rock and pop, weaving heartfelt narratives with melodic hooks and Swedish charm.

Start here

2 steg från Paradise

Håkan Hellström

2 steg från Paradise

Folky melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere throughout the album.

Start here

My Cassette Player

Lena Meyer-Landrut

My Cassette Player

Bright pop melodies entwined with introspective lyrics and a youthful exuberance define this debut album.

Start here

För sent för Edelweiss

Håkan Hellström

För sent för Edelweiss

A tapestry of heartfelt melodies and poetic lyrics, blending folk rock with introspective storytelling.

Start here

Håkan boma ye!

Håkan Hellström

Håkan boma ye!

A jubilant blend of folk-pop and rock that captures the spirit of Swedish summer nights.

Start here

Känn ingen sorg för mig Göteborg

Håkan Hellström

Känn ingen sorg för mig Göteborg

Joyful melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, creating an emotional landscape steeped in Swedish nostalgia.

Start here