Bands & artists like The Velvet Underground
If you like The Velvet Underground, 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 The Velvet Underground? Start with our listening guide.
Artists to try next
The Stooges
Their raw energy and avant-punk approach share a similar intensity and urgency in sound, often characterized by distorted guitars and primal rhythms.
Sonic Youth
GuideKnown for their experimental guitar tunings and noise rock elements, they create dense soundscapes that echo the Velvet Underground's avant-garde tendencies.
David Bowie
GuideBowie's art rock phase features innovative arrangements and a theatricality that aligns well with the Velvet Underground's experimental approach.
The Doors
Their fusion of blues rock and psychedelic elements, along with Jim Morrison's poetic lyrics, resonates with the narrative-driven style of the Velvet Underground.
Talking Heads
GuideWith their art pop sensibilities and rhythmic experimentation, Talking Heads capture a similar sense of urgency and innovation in their music.
Patti Smith
GuideSmith's blend of punk rock and poetic lyricism reflects the Velvet Underground's influence on the New York music scene and their avant-garde aesthetics.
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Their incorporation of drone and psychedelic elements creates lush sound layers that parallel the Velvet Underground's sonic explorations.
My Bloody Valentine
GuideThey employ dense textures and reverb-heavy instrumentation that evoke a similar atmospheric quality found in the Velvet Underground's work.
Common questions
Who sounds like The Velvet Underground?
Artists similar to The Velvet Underground include The Stooges, Sonic Youth, David Bowie and The Doors. Each shares elements of The Velvet Underground's sound while bringing their own perspective.
What genre is The Velvet Underground?
The Velvet Underground is primarily known for alternative rock, folk rock and psychedelic rock. The Velvet Underground crafts dense layers of sound with repetitive motifs and an urgent tempo that propel their narratives forward while evoking a sense of restless energy.
Where should I start if I like The Velvet Underground?
If you enjoy The Velvet Underground, start with The Stooges — their album "Raw Power" is a great entry point. Their raw energy and avant-punk approach share a similar intensity and urgency in sound, often characterized by distorted guitars and primal rhythms.