Bands & artists like Nels Cline

If you like Nels Cline, these artists play in similar sounds, ideas, or styles. Use this as a starting point to branch out and find something new to listen to.

Artists to try next

Jeff Parker

Jeff Parker

His work blends jazz improvisation with indie rock sensibilities, often featuring complex guitar textures and innovative rhythmic structures.

indie rock jazz
Bill Frisell

Bill Frisell

Guide

Frisell's guitar work showcases a unique blend of jazz, folk, and rock influences, creating an atmospheric sound rich in tonal exploration.

jazz post-bop progressive jazz
Tortoise

Tortoise

This band combines post-rock with jazz elements, utilizing intricate layering and a diverse instrumental palette that echoes Cline's sonic explorations.

art rock post-rock
Marc Ribot

Marc Ribot

Ribot's avant-garde guitar playing often merges jazz and rock, characterized by unconventional techniques and a willingness to explore dissonance.

experimental music vocal music
The Nels Cline Singers

The Nels Cline Singers

This project features Cline's signature guitar style while incorporating elements of jazz and experimental rock, making it a direct extension of his artistry.

jazz
John Zorn

John Zorn

Guide

Zorn's work often blurs the lines between genres, combining jazz with avant-garde and rock influences, resulting in unpredictable sonic landscapes.

avant-garde jazz
David Torn

David Torn

Torn is known for his textural guitar work that fuses ambient soundscapes with improvisational jazz elements, similar to Cline's layered approach.

jazz
Sharon Van Etten

Sharon Van Etten

Her music features emotive vocal delivery paired with rich instrumentation that can shift from quiet introspection to dynamic crescendos, reminiscent of Cline's style.

indie folk pop music

Common questions

Who sounds like Nels Cline?

Artists similar to Nels Cline include Jeff Parker, Bill Frisell, Tortoise and Marc Ribot. Each shares elements of Nels Cline's sound while bringing their own perspective.

What genre is Nels Cline?

Nels Cline is primarily known for indie rock and jazz. A rich tapestry of intertwining textures and rhythmic intricacies unfolds through intricate layering, where moments of quiet restraint give way to explosive bursts of sonic exploration.

Where should I start if I like Nels Cline?

If you enjoy Nels Cline, start with Jeff Parker — their album "The New Breed" is a great entry point. His work blends jazz improvisation with indie rock sensibilities, often featuring complex guitar textures and innovative rhythmic structures.