Bands & artists like R. Carlos Nakai

If you like R. Carlos Nakai, 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.

New to R. Carlos Nakai? Start with our listening guide.

Artists to try next

Mary Youngblood

Mary Youngblood

Her mastery of the Native American flute and incorporation of ethereal melodies create a similar organic and spiritual ambiance.

musical
David Darling

David Darling

Darling's cello work often blends with natural sounds, creating immersive soundscapes that resonate with Nakai's ethno jazz influences.

jazz new age music
Lila Downs

Lila Downs

Guide

Downs incorporates traditional Mexican music elements with modern influences, echoing the cultural richness found in Nakai's work.

folk music regional Mexican
Tinariwen

Tinariwen

Guide

Their use of traditional Tuareg music combined with electric instrumentation creates a grounding yet uplifting experience akin to Nakai's style.

desert blues world music
Paul Winter

Paul Winter

Winter's world music compositions often feature natural sounds and jazz elements, mirroring the organic flow present in Nakai's music.

jazz
Huun-Huur-Tu

Huun-Huur-Tu

This Tuvan throat singing group employs rich vocal harmonies and traditional instruments, creating an atmospheric depth similar to Nakai's work.

folk music
Ravi Shankar

Ravi Shankar

Guide

Shankar's sitar compositions blend classical Indian music with improvisational forms, reflecting a similar cross-cultural musical exploration.

Hindustani classical music Indian classical music
Cecilia Bartoli

Cecilia Bartoli

Guide

Bartoli’s operatic voice paired with folk influences can evoke deep emotional responses akin to the spiritual essence found in Nakai’s music.

classical music opera

Common questions

Who sounds like R. Carlos Nakai?

Artists similar to R. Carlos Nakai include Mary Youngblood, David Darling, Lila Downs and Tinariwen. Each shares elements of R. Carlos Nakai's sound while bringing their own perspective.

What genre is R. Carlos Nakai?

R. Carlos Nakai is primarily known for ethno jazz and indigenous music of North America. The music pulsates with an organic flow of breathy tones and rhythmic patterns that evoke a sense of grounding while simultaneously lifting the spirit.

Where should I start if I like R. Carlos Nakai?

If you enjoy R. Carlos Nakai, start with Mary Youngblood — their album "Dance with the Wind" is a great entry point. Her mastery of the Native American flute and incorporation of ethereal melodies create a similar organic and spiritual ambiance.