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While scrolling through Spotify, it can get a bit frustrating trying to find new artists beyond what their algorithm pushes towards you. If you’re looking for smaller artists to support before they inevitably rise through the ranks, we’ve got just the collection for you. The artists below, at the time of writing, all have under 80,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, making them perfect to be your little secret while you get to know them.

Caroline Carter (13,859 monthly listeners)

The vulnerability of Caroline Carter hits your ears the second her voice flows through your speakers. We’re lucky to be experiencing the rise of so many exceptional female artists at the same time, and I believe Carter belongs in conversations about artists such as Lizzy McAlpine and Maggie Rogers. Her casual vocal delivery makes you believe everything she’s saying, no matter how realistic or fictional it may be. The songs on 2024’s I Did What I Promised EP are gripping in their sincerity and haunting in their relatability, two things that are impressive to master at once. Her most recent single, “Superstar,” dropped on April 11.

Lila Holler (14,922 monthly listeners)

In a similar fashion, Lila Holler places vulnerability at the center of everything she creates. Her debut EP Worth It Soon is an emotionally-driven journey through heartbreak, nostalgia, and the inevitable reality of getting older. The musical growth they’ve gone through with just eight songs officially released is exceptional, making the Liverpool-based artist a no-brainer for those looking to witness the rise of eventual indie darlings. Holler’s most recent single, “Not Mad,” is her most impressive song to date, but I can’t help but feel that way with each new release.

Hank Heaven (15,667 monthly listeners)

After releasing their debut album Loaded Dice last year, Hank Heaven is an artist to watch who blends genres like country and hyperpop into sonic perfection. Their career started as a guitarist, touring with indie acts like Samia, Del Water Gap, and Gus Dapperton. Eventually, Hank’s own musical talents couldn’t hide anymore. Their album is filled with melancholic charm, playful production, and a voice which begs to be heard. You can also see them on tour opening for Allison Pointhier in June.

Joh! (37,169 monthly listeners)

In the expansive South Korean music industry, there’s a pocket of artists creating incredible R&B music. Joh! is a rising artist within this sub-genre who blends elements of hyperpop with an irresistably smooth vocal delivery and undeniable R&B hooks. His most recent single, “cupid,” is riddled with metaphors, but the entire song is summed up in just one line, “you’re toxic, come over, never leave,” three separate statements that, when put together, create a painfully clear narrative. This is the first single from his forthcoming debut album, a project that the artist describes as “a more mature and honest version of Joh!.” Since beginning his career, Joh! has grown tremendously with how he deals with emotions he feels, particularly in how he includes these emotions in his music. “I really put a lot of thought into making sure they feel different from what I’ve done before,” he says. Joh!’s debut album is set to drop in the next few months.

4BOUT (38,810 monthly listeners)

4BOUT is an artist who, on the surface, seems easily identifiable as a combination of the sounds of Korean R&B and indie music. However, after a deeper listen, his music reaches across many genres. As a whole, 4BOUT’s music commonly examines themes of loneliness, self-love, and uncertainty, making it widely relatable to a range of people. His deep, unique tone allows tracks like “Burning Rose,” off his latest album Wilder Sadness, to pierce through the hearts of listeners, adopting a style of singing that can only be compared to someone like Tamino.

DARUMAS (53,902 monthly listeners)

The Latin Grammy-nominated trio lose themselves in the groove of funk-pop on their latest single, “Puerta Abierta.” The single pulls listeners through the open door of soundscapes oozing with addictive bass licks and joyful, infectious energy. This comes nearly a year after their debut, self-titled album rocked the airwaves in 2024. After performing at Lollapalooza Argentina last month, making their North American festival debut at Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco, and multiple appearances at Brazil’s Rock in Rio, DARUMAS is perfectly set up for global stardom.

Maya Kuriel (57,555 monthly listeners)

On Maya Kuriel’s newest single, “Dead Weight,” the artist pulled inspiration from several different relationships and friendships. When asked about the song’s more specific meanings, Kuriel said it was about “being consumed and dragged down by a suffocating and extremely toxic force. It’s about the battle to break from that person and find the strength to release them.” The inspiration behind “Dead Weight” is someting that most people can relate to, especially with how blatantly Kuriel leaves its meaning up to interpretation. Throughout the rest of her music, she tends to spell things out for listeners with her rich, velvety voice. She also holds an incredible amount of appreciation for her growing fanbase, taking pride in those who sing along to every word at her shows. “I’m very grateful for my fans that take the time to listen and feel so deeply with me and of course, my lovely parents who have supported me through my whole entire journey.”

Isabel Dumaa (64,508 monthly listeners)

On her debut EP Just My Nature, Isabel Dumaa lets listeners in on her deepest, darkest secrets in a way that feels more like a confessional between close friends than anything. She takes your hand and shares her experiences, undoubtedly relating to situations you’ve been through along the way. Anyone experiencing a “Quarter Life Crisis” at the ripe old age of 25 will appreciate Dumaa’s song of the same title. Her sweet vocal tone gets her message across in a gentle way that will have you under her spell waiting for even more music to relate to.