15 Underrated Artists that are Changing the Game of Music

She’s more than just “that girl” from that Gotye song. With three impressive albums under her belt and a new one to come in 2022, Kimbra has changed the game of pop, R&B, jazz, and rock with her ability to fuse the best elements of said genres together in her music. On top of her unique sense of musicality that will have you grooving upon first listen, the artist also shines in her collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Mark Foster, Half Alive, Hermitude, and Thundercat, and in her energetic live performances.

Song Recommendations: ‘Call Me’, ‘Settle Down’, ‘Cameo Lover’, ‘Nobody but You’, ‘Warrior’

Daughter of Andie MacDowell and sister to Margaret Qualley (‘Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood’), Rainsford is known for her indie “weirdo-pop” tunes within the industry. Still up and coming, the independent artist thrives on the adrenaline of playing live shows – even opening for pop duo Aly & AJ a couple of years ago. Besides making music, the multihyphenate can also be found front row at fashion shows or DJ-ing sets across the country. 

Song Recommendations: ‘Too Close’, ‘Crying In The Mirror’, ‘Intentions’, ‘Passionate’

Zambian-born Australia-based rapper and songwriter, Sampa the Great, is known for her smart lyrics, soulful tunes, and power-packed live performances at gigs and festivals like Laneway, Glastonbury, Splendour in the Grass, and Coachella. If you like the unique mix of musical technicality and culture in your songs, Sampa the Great’s music is sure to intrigue you with the influence of her South African roots. 

Song Recommendations: ‘F E M A L E’, ‘Energy’, ‘Rhymes to the East’, ‘Final Form’, ‘2 4’

She is unlike any contemporary artist you’ll ever hear. Lenae’s influences lie in the roots of R&B and soul, but her music goes beyond what is typically known for said genres. Many describe the artist’s music as therapeutic and chill, providing listeners with a wave of comfort from her sweet vocals and impressive musical abilities. Just listen to her song ‘Spice’ and you’ll get what we mean. 

Song Recommendations: ‘Spice’, ‘Sticky’, ‘Moon Shoes’, ‘Something in the Air’

We’re not lying when we say this is the best English male vocalist you’ll ever hear. Often found singing lead for UK group Rudimental alongside Anne-Marie or working on his own EPs, Heard’s emotionally-soulful voice is a force to be reckoned with. It’s honestly a shame he’s so underrated for he is one talented musician and should be recognised as such. 

Song Recommendations: ‘I Better Love You’, 'Fallin' 4 U', ‘Naked’, ‘Beep Me’, ‘Trust’, ‘I Will For Love’ by Rudimental

American rapper and singer, Angel Haze, is known for their unique take on rap music – heavily inspired by their love for poetry (like Lana Del Rey). With their ability to navigate the realms between vulnerability and soft aggression in their lyrics and delivery, Haze is one act you need to keep your eye out for as their career progresses. 

Song Recommendations: ‘Werkin’ Girls’, ‘Never Seen’, ‘Battle Cry’, ‘Weight’

If you grew up in the MTV era and watched ‘Chart Attack’ every day, you’d probably be familiar with English singer and songwriter, Katy B. The artist practically dominated the then up and coming UK charts with her refreshing 2011 house, dubstep, and UK garage album ‘On a Mission’. After a long hiatus from music, the artist is finally back with new tunes to keep us company this new year. 

Song Recommendations: ‘Katy on a Mission’, ‘Lights On’, ‘Easy Please Me’, ‘Honey’

Emerging EP artist Bellah is an Afro-influenced London-based R&B and soul singer who’s making mini but powerful waves in the industry now. Her performance of ‘Evil Eye’ on YouTube’s ‘A Colors Show’ has since gained 945k views, with nothing but positive words flooding the comments section about her vocals and bubbly personality. We’re sure we’ll be seeing more of Bellah in the years to come.

Song Recommendations: ‘Evil Eye’, ‘Something U Like’, ‘Home’, ‘If I Were U’

With the incorporation of soulful vocals, sick beats, and assisting backgrounds by the trombone, bass, keyboards and guitar, Australian funk, hip hop band Winston Surfshirt is the epitome of summer-funk chill. Think of a bunch of musically talented dudes who’ve just come together to create magic in a tiny studio cum living room and you’ll have Winston Surfshirt in the flesh.

Song Recommendations: ‘Be About You’, ‘Smile’, ‘Complicated’, ‘Ali D’

All we can say is – get ready to party with Client Liaison with their funky ‘80s-inspired jams. This Australian indie-pop duo is made up of vocalist Monte Morgan, and keyboardist and producer Harvey Miller as they travel festivals bringing nothing but good vibes and delivering extravagant performances. On top of their music career, the duo have also created their very own deluxe fashion line with aesthetically-pleasing ensembles for daily wear. 

Song Recommendations: ‘A Foreign Affair’, ‘Off White Limousine’, ‘The Real Thing’, ‘Survival in the City’

Created as a side project by Paramore’s Zac Farro, HalfNoise acts as the perfect alternative indie rock and synth-pop band for your listening consideration this year. Unlike Paramore’s emo and pop-punk origins, HalfNoise’s sound veers more towards Paramore’s ‘After Laughter’ album – a fun contemporary sound to bring joy to 2022.

Song Recommendations: ‘French Class’, ‘Coast’, ‘Telephone’, ‘She Said’

“We’re a Jewish band. It makes sense. We make music. Ok!,” says the Australian band in a random Instagram post. If you can’t infer the vibe of the group from that, we don’t know what will. Known for their quirky pop melodies, Approachable Members of Your Local Community is sure to turn up the crowd with their fun performances and positive auras.

Song Recommendations: ‘Millenium Queen’, ‘Strangest Places’, ‘Semiotic Vision’, ‘F*** You (I Love You)’

Singer and drummer, G Flip, is essentially known as the Hayley Kiyoko of Australia. Making waves in queer spaces and the Australian music industry for being an openly out lesbian who happens to make really, really good music, G Flip’s identity as a non-binary queer person only makes them more interesting to their LGBTQ+ fans and straight listeners alike. That, and the fact that they can play a mean drum solo to any song. 

Song Recommendations: ‘Scream’, ‘Drink Too Much’, ‘Stupid’, ‘Killing My Time’

We know; it’s a peculiar name for sure. Formed by musicians and childhood friends, Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth, this British pop group creates alternative and indie jams for easy listening. The duo recently released a fantastical summer tune titled ‘Happy New Year’ and will be releasing a new album in April this year.

Song Recommendations: ‘Happy New Year’, ‘It’s Not Just Me’, ‘Falling Into Me’

English indie rock and synth-pop band, Fickle Friends, is made up of members Natassja Shiner, Harry Herrington, Sam Morris and Jack Wilson. In January, the group released their new album titled ‘Are We Gonna Be Alright?’, garnering good reception and a highly successful tour that they only just concluded in London three days ago. 

Song Recommendations: ‘Swim’, ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’, ‘Pretty Great’, ‘Eats Me Up’