TOP 5: Indie folk musicians put passion back into music

Anne Hampton, News Editor

October 6, 2025

While most trending music has an artificially produced, “written for TikTok” feel to it, indie folk values lyricism and genuine passion in songwriting. Image via Pexels.com by 42 North

Acoustic instruments, hard-hitting lyrics, and earthy aesthetics are some of the main characteristics of the modern indie folk genre.

Indie folk music got its start in the 1990s and has become much more mainstream since then. This growth comes from many indie folk singles going viral on TikTok, exposing younger listeners to a unique wave of music.

While most trending music has an artificially produced, “written for TikTok” feel to it, indie folk values lyricism and genuine passion in songwriting. Indie folk isn’t as extreme of a genre as others like rock or hyperpop, which makes it easy for those with different tastes to get into the music.

Music fans who want a change from their usual genres should give these artists a listen.

TOP 5: Indie folk musicians put passion back into music

Noah Kahan exploded with the single and album titled Stick Season. Photo via Republic Records.

Noah Kahan

As the best-known indie folk artist, Noah Kahan exploded with the single and album titled Stick Season. Those, however, only scratch the surface of his skillful lyricism.

For instance, songs like “Glue Myself Shut,” “Godlight,” and “Carlo's Song” are lesser known yet just as well made.

While many of his songs are based on heavy topics such as death, alcoholism, and mental struggles, others – like “All My Love” and “Strawberry Wine” – focus more on making positive memories and seeing things in a better light. Particularly, “All My Love” takes the idea of losing someone and turns it into a message of leaving the negative feelings behind.

Kahan is known for frequently referencing his dogs and the Northeast, as someone who was born in Vermont. Referencing parts of his identity in his songwriting only adds to the ingenuity emitting from his music – a characteristic that is lacking in a lot of other big artists.
Lord Huron uses storytelling in a way that’s far different from other artists. Photo via Whispering Pines Studios. (Scott Sheff)

Lord Huron

Best known for the single “The Night We Met,” the band Lord Huron uses storytelling in a way that's far different from other artists. While most musicians tell stories through single songs, Lord Huron uses entire albums and concerts to tell theirs.

The most recent album, The Cosmic Sector Vol. 1, focuses on the concept of a solo traveler and the ideas of fate and regret. Their concert at Stage AE in July showed a whole new way to look at the album, with two main dancers frequently coming on stage and depicting the messages of the songs.

Towards the end of the show, lead singer Ben Schneider asked that the crowd try to listen to the album on vinyl or CD, front to back. Doing so was entirely worth it. Hearing the songs in order and in physical form makes for the best listening experience.
The Lumineers have been creating music with a genuine and peaceful atmosphere. Image via Dualtone Records. (Courtesy of the artist)

The Lumineers

Since 2005, The Lumineers have been creating music with the same genuine and peaceful atmosphere. Their fifth and newest album, Automatic, has multiple songs that stand out, such as the title track and “Plasticine.”

Their most recent concert at Star Lake Pavilion in July no doubt won them new fans. Hearing the band live enhanced the experience and truly displayed their collective talent. The calm vibe of the band was obvious and made it feel like a smaller-scale event, despite it being at a pretty large and crowded venue. Looking back into their older music, the songs “Sleep On The Floor” and "Flowers In Your Hair” are good introductions to their music.
Hozier writes impactful music with deeper meanings beneath the surface. Photo via Rubyworks Records.

Hozier

Hozier is most well-known for expressing political commentary through his music. Even his most mainstream songs, like “Too Sweet” and “Take Me To Church,” have meanings beyond their lyrics.

In particular, “Cherry Wine” may seem romantic and light, but the lyrics are actually about domestic violence. This flew so far under the radar for casual listeners that multiple fans used this song to propose during his concerts.

Meanwhile, Hozier's actual love songs, like “Jackie and Wilson” and “Work Song,” are overlooked.
Their writing style is very original and it sets them apart from other up and coming bands. Image via Psychic Hotline.

Hippocampus

While falling more on the rock side of the genre, Hippocampus is a smaller band with a lot of potential.

This past year, they opened for the Lumineers and excelled in that spot.

Their song “Baseball” in particular stands out. At first listen, the lyrics might seem like a bunch of nonsense. But when the listener takes the time to actually consider them, the lyrics make a lot more sense.

Their writing style is very original and it sets them apart from other up and coming bands. The catchy and nostalgic vibe of the song hooks listeners and feels like summer.

About the Contributor

Anne Hampton, News Editor

News Editor Anne Hampton is a senior and a fourth-year member of the Purbalite. She enjoys shopping and going to coffee shops.

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TOP 5: Indie folk musicians put passion back into music

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