6 Indie Gems You Won’t Find on Your Algorithm

Tired of your music feed sounding the same? It might be time to shake up your playlist. Letting the algorithm take the wheel can lead you to safe and predictable sounds, especially now when music choices are endless, but truly original artists are hard to come by.

To save you the scroll and help you discover something new, we’ve put together a carefully curated list of songs and artists that break the mold. This eclectic mix is full of raw emotion, artistic depth, and authenticity that goes way beyond mainstream trends.

Vendredi sur Mer – “Arrêter Le Temps”

‍Poetic and deeply emotional, “Arrêter Le Temps” brings together Swiss singer-songwriter Vendredi sur Mer and renowned pianist Sofiane Pamart. This track is a standout from her album Malabar Princess, a 10-song journey with no filler—just her at her finest.

Vendredi sur Mer has already built a solid fanbase in Switzerland, but Malabar Princess aims for global ears. Following the success of Premiers émois and Métamorphose, she continues to open up through intimate songwriting that connects on a soul-deep level.

This entire album deserves a front-to-back listen—ideally with a glass of wine and no distractions.

VENDREDI SUR MER ON INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY

‍Alwyn Morrison – “Chained”

‍“Chained” is the latest single from up-and-coming singer-songwriter Alwyn Morrison. With heartfelt vocals and a story inspired by a loved one’s struggle with depression, this song is as powerful as it is relatable.

Produced by Michael Carey (Escape The Fate, Pablo Alborán) and co-written with Michael Ales, “Chained” blends indie pop rock with intense guitar and emotional storytelling. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a toxic relationship, this one will hit home.

ALWYN MORRISON ON INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

‍Evil Twin – “Funky Steve”

‍Eccentric, soulful, and completely unique—“Funky Steve” is a genre-bending gem from New York’s own Evil Twin. Spearheaded by frontman Peter McGee, the song started during lockdown but evolved into something much deeper.

Produced by Nathan Salon (Oneohtrix Point Never, Jónsi), the track feels like a reflective time capsule—melancholic, introspective, and melodic. Evil Twin’s sound mixes jangle pop and punk, layered with jazz, blues, and classical influences. It’s unexpected and worth the dive.

CONNECT WITH EVIL TWIN ON INSTAGRAM

‍Davey Legend – “Subliminal”

‍From the first note, Davey Legend proves he’s not your average newcomer. His latest single, “Subliminal,” is a raw dive into existential questions and the search for meaning—something Gen Z knows all too well.

While “Subliminal” leans toward pop rock, it also flirts with hyperpop, Midwest emo, and hip-hop—drawing inspiration from Eden, Twenty One Pilots, Imogen Heap, and Björk. He’s just getting started, but if this song is any sign, he’s on the right path.

DAVEY LEGEND ON SPOTIFY | INSTAGRAM

‍Neil Soiland ft. Sarah Vita – “Harlequin Tears”

‍If you’ve ever wished for a modern-day soundtrack with the elegance of the 1920s, “Harlequin Tears” is your answer. This track from Neil Soiland, featuring Sarah Vita, is a nostalgic, jazz-laced tribute to a bygone era.

“I’ve always wanted to make music like this,” Soiland says. “I grew up playing sax in big-band jazz groups. It’s only now that I can truly live out that dream.”

With clear vision and timeless vibes, Soiland’s vintage twist is refreshing in a world full of short-lived trends.

NEIL SOILAND ON INSTAGRAM

‍VAARIN – “Heading Home”

Norwegian singer-songwriter VAARIN returns with Heading Home, a warm and nostalgic album that feels like a sonic letter to her roots, her family, and her childhood memories.

Written on train rides to her hometown of Hokksund, the album features steel guitars, upright bass, and lush arrangements that wrap around you like a hug. Fans of Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Édith Piaf, and Björk will find plenty to love here.

VAARIN has already wowed audiences with Even If I Started Seeing Rainbows (2018) and The Identity of Belonging (2023). With Heading Home, she cements her place as one of Scandinavia’s most emotionally resonant voices.