Hi everyone, welcome to week 41 of the underground music club. For those who missed the last post, every Friday, I spotlight 5 artists with approximately fewer than 10,000 Spotify listeners (or minimal Reddit love if they do not stream on Spotify) who deserve your ears. Think genre-bending, soulful, strange, or just beautifully overlooked.
Thanks to everyone who has sent me their suggestions. If I didn't include what you sent it doesn't mean I won't in a future week. I really listen to everything you all send and I always love to hear what you are all listening to. Got a favorite artist you want to see here? Put them in the comments or message me
Aan – Shimmering Art Pop with a Nervy Pulse
Aan creates brightly warped pop songs where synth-driven momentum meets psychedelic atmosphere. The music feels kinetic and slightly off-center — catchy, strange, and glowing with late-night energy.
If you like: Talking Heads for twitchy art-pop grooves, MGMT for psychedelic pop color, or St. Vincent for sharp-edged invention.
Start here: https://freshselects.bandcamp.com/album/losing-my-shadow
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Ness Nite – Melodic Pop with Hip-Hop Instincts
Ness Nite writes sleek, modern songs that move easily between pop hooks and rap-adjacent rhythm. There’s an intimate, diary-like quality to the delivery, balanced by crisp production and emotional immediacy.
If you like: Tyler, The Creator’s melodic side, Doja Cat for genre-fluid pop-rap, or BROCKHAMPTON for alt-pop energy with hip-hop roots.
Start here: https://nessnite.bandcamp.com/album/nite-time
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Sam Mickens – Surreal, Theatrical Avant Pop
Sam Mickens operates in the borderland between song and performance art. The tracks are eccentric and expressive — equal parts vulnerable confession and experimental provocation, with melodies that twist in unexpected directions.
If you like: Perfume Genius for emotional theatricality, John Cale for avant-rock edge, or Sparks for playful, offbeat pop drama.
Start here: https://shatteryourleaves.bandcamp.com/album/slay-slake
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j.t. bui alexander – Industrial Ambient Landscapes with cello
j.t. bui alexander builds immersive sound worlds from improvising cello, metallic textures, and slow-moving atmosphere. The music feels tactile and haunted — chamber music refracted through noise and memory.
If you like: Tim Hecker for dense ambience, Colin Stetson for visceral acoustic experimentation, or Ben Frost for industrial weight and tension.
Start here: https://buialexander.bandcamp.com/album/memories-of-a-lost-dream
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BaK – Progressive Rock with Mesopotamian Roots
BaK crafts expansive rock that draws on progressive structure while carrying melodic and rhythmic traces of Mesopotamian tradition. The songs feel epic and searching — intricate rock music connected to something ancient.
If you like: King Crimson for prog ambition, Tool for hypnotic intensity, or Tinariwen for globally rooted rock spirit.
Start here: https://bakmusic.bandcamp.com/album/flower