SZA, Drake and Daniel Caesar are some of the most popular artists of our generation — and for good reason; they make culture-shaping music and have millions of listeners. But what about the artists who aren’t as well known, yet whose works are just as strong? Here are three “underground” artists who deserve more attention.

Redveil

Rapper and record producer Marcus Morton, better known as redveil, has quietly built a following of 806,100 monthly listeners on Spotify with his thoughtful lyricism and music.

The 21-year-old began making music as a teenager, taking inspiration from Tyler, The Creator, and teaching himself how to produce his own music. He promotes his work through his social media, specifically his Instagram account, where he has garnered 210,000 followers.

His most popular track, “Soulfood,” released in 2020, currently has 14.56 million streams on Spotify. It samples “What More Can I Say” by The Notations from 1973. The song pairs a soulful backdrop with reflective verses that highlight his storytelling ability: “You leaving my life, then I’m wishing you well. I can’t hold grudges no more.”

Not relying on heavy or flashy production, “Soulfood” stands out for its unique sound and emotion-evoking music.

His single, “pray 4 me – A COLORS SHOW,” released on Jan. 8 on COLORS, a music platform that showcases global talent from new, original artists. Fans have responded strongly, discussing redveil’s talent and praising his live performance, helping him expand his audience and reputation.

As redveil continues to evolve and gain recognition in the rap industry, his music flourishes with creativity and consistency.

While much of today’s rap scene leans into repetition and virality, redveil stands out for creating music that blends maturity, creativity and authenticity in a way many mainstream artists don’t.

SAILORR

Up-and-coming R&B artist Kayla Le, better known as SAILORR, creates music that masterfully expresses vulnerability while embracing femininity. Her soft vocals and emotion-driven lyrics radiate both intimacy and confidence.

She started making music in 2020 and has since gradually built an audience through streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

SAILORR has also promoted her work through her Instagram, where she has amassed over 380,000 followers. 

Her latest release, FROM FLORIDA’S FINEST DELU/XXX [for my delusional ex], released on Friday, Dec. 5. It explores themes of heartbreak and self-worth, bringing power to vulnerability rather than framing it as a weakness.

For example, in her song “Sincerity,” she sings, “Who are you to dim on my shine? … I’m worth more than a fall back,” illustrating her pain turning into confidence.

One of her most popular songs, “RENT FREE,” with 2.74 million streams on Spotify, blends an R&B beat with lyrics about lingering feelings and self-confidence. The track details SAILORR occupying someone’s thoughts while maintaining control and empowerment, which helps it resonate with listeners.

She sings, “I could give you all my love … You want me all to yourself; I need it my way,” exemplifying her mix of confidence and emotional honesty. She pairs this with mellow instruments and an effortless cadence that, when all combined, successfully conveys her mindset.

With 1.9 million monthly Spotify listeners, SAILORR is gaining momentum in the R&B scene and expanding her audience with each new release.

As much of today’s R&B leans on formulaic delivery, SAILORR anchors her music in honesty and emotional clarity, emphasizing sincerity in a genre crowded by noise.

The Softies

Lastly, for indie music lovers, Rose Melberg and Jen Sbragia, better known as The Softies, bring a gentle, heartfelt sound that blends guitar with their delicate vocals. Through emotional lyricism and beautiful harmonies, they create a comforting and intimate listening experience.

The musical duo began collaborating in the early 1990s and explored the indie pop scene in California. After disbanding in the early 2000s, they reformed in 2012 and later released their first album in 24 years in 2024: The Bed I Made.

With 341,100 monthly Spotify listeners, they’ve maintained a steady following throughout the decades.

Their most popular track, “You and Only You,” originally released in 1995, has recently gained more traction on TikTok. The song’s sweet, loving lyrics and gentle guitar accompaniment showcase the duo’s indie pop expertise: “Your eyes are like poetry. Your lips are so sugary.” The tender words create a heartfelt, comforting feeling, bringing depth to seemingly simple things.

Aptly named, The Softies’ singing is soft yet expressive, giving their music a warmth that continues to attract new listeners. 

On Thursday, Dec. 4, they released their latest single, “Turn It Up,” which stays true to their original sound and simultaneously offers fresh energy for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

As The Softies continue to create music and build their social media presence, their quiet and intimate approach to indie pop suggests their timeless songs will continue to tug on the heartstrings of their audiences for years to come.

In an industry that often favors noise over nuance, The Softies deserve to be celebrated for protecting the beauty of soft voices and honest lyrics.