Image Description: A murky pink silhouette of a person with a golden halo around their head.
If you're looking for some artists whose songs lift a joyful noise, but probably won't hear on Christian radio, this is the list for you! In all honesty, I'm just posting this because I listen to these artists myself and wish more people would enjoy their thought-provoking lyrics as much as I do! Their music is inspired and inspiring, yet none have more than 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify!
I'll go in order of the least general monthly listeners to the most, with a link to their Spotify or personal website in their name. Followed up is a personal bio, if they have one, along with my person insights on their music. Then, some samples of their work.
Enjoy!
Image Descriptions: Bellarive, consisting of five young adults, four guys and one lady.
Bio:
Based out of Orlando, Florida, Bellarive specializes in a heady blend of richly detailed, shape-shifting indie pop and anthemic Christian rock that has drawn comparisons to artists like the Rend Collective Experiment, MuteMath, and the David Crowder Band. Formed in 2009 around the talents of Sean Curran, Melissa Mage, Mike Mage, Josh Luker, and Kenny Werner, the quintet issues a debut EP in 2009 before striking a deal with Sparrow Records, who would do on to put out the band's 2012 debut long-player The Heartbeat and 2014's Before There Was.
>>> In a word, Bellarive's music is Cinematic. With transcendent instrumentation, powerful vocals, and compelling lyrics, their songs glide along the niche of music that affects the spirit as much as the imagination. They're not afraid to get creative either, playing with spoken word, instrumental breaks, and full choirs.
Image Description: Sarah Sparks, a young white woman, often seen with flowers.
Bio:
Sarah Sparks is a singer-songwriter and Christian creative. After learning to play guitar in college and writing her first song (albeit a very cheesy one), she was hooked.
Her music is an honest look at life. From Sarah, "I try to say exactly what I mean. My goal in songwriting is clear communication. By it by storytelling, melody, or illustration, my hope is that the message of the song is heard and felt, and that the hearer will be both confronted by truth and comforted by it."
Sarah is still loving getting to make things and now lives in Maui with her husband, Kenny, who she loves very much.
>>> Sparks' music is a delightful type of indie folk that feels reminiscent of Loves Come Softly, "Brand New Key" by Melanie, and a gentle rocking chair on a country porch. What got me hooked was her album "Into The Lanternwaste," which is based on The Chronicles of Narnia and almost every song is from the point of view of one of the characters! She also has a short album dedicated to lullabies, if you like to listen to music as you sleep.
Image Description: Kurtis Hoppie, a white male with a faint blonde hair and light beard.
Bio: I am a Husband, Son, and a believer. Blessed & thankful for you taking the time to listen to my music. Instagram @Thekurtishoppie
>>> Hoppie's music is refreshingly youthful, combining themes relatable to Christians with a crisp yet honest sound. I most love how his music plays with hiphop and epic instrumentals, sometimes both in the same song! His music is the kind I can listen to when I want to zone out in my feelings in the car or charge into battle!
Image Description: Aklesso, an African-American man with facial hair and twists past his shoulders.
Bio: You're never alone.
>>> Aklesso is a rap, gospel, and hiphop artist chomping at the bit to share his messages with the world, working with the likes of GAWVI, Wordsplayed, and nobigdyl. But don't think the hustle goes to his head, though. He shouts out the King, calls out his inner demons, and talks down to materialism in almost every song. I would be lying if I said that I haven't made up dances to his music - "Just Dance" style!
Bio: Christy Nockles, a middle aged white woman, with dark wavy hair and a wide smile.
Bio:
Whether she’s singing a lullaby, belting out an anthem, hosting her podcast or mentoring worship leaders, Christy’s heart is not only to lead people to connect and communicate with the living God, but to learn to live from their true identity as His beloved and from a heart of rest. The daughter of a pastor, born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, she remembers simple beginnings that laid a sure foundation for her, for the rest of her life.
>>> Even if you already know Nockles from her collaboration with other artists such as Michael W Smith and Passion, or from her podcast, or from her numerous ministry endeavors, you need to know her for her album of healing lullabies called "Be Held." A perfect gift to the weary hearted, "Be Held: Lullabies For The Beloved" is the personification of gentleness and works like a spell to slow down the spirit like a little creek.
Image Description: Thomas Austin, a thin white guy with glasses.
Bio:
Thomas Austin is a theo-folk singer and writer who really doesn't like writing about himself in the third person, but here he is, doing it anyway.
He has released two EPs, Indiana and Evergreen, and one full-length album, Eternal Life, which you can find anywhere music is streamed, sold, or held ransom. He also writes stories and essays which he sends to his email list. He lives in Nashville with his wife Skye.
If you have something to say to him, or if you want him to come play a concert at your church, venue, or even your house (he does this often and it's less weird than you think), or if you want to play him in a sport, I have it on good authority that you can email him at Tom@ThomasAustinMusic.com, DM him on Instagram @_thomasaustin, or come up to him in public and initiate an interaction.
>>> Austin is the only person on this list whom I have actually met! He opened for Gervis Campbell in Bryan last April, and he was probably the best opening act I've ever seen. He made the audience laugh with his observations on Texas wildlife (Armadillos. It was just armadillos.) and then captivated us with his gentle, insightful songs on life, doubt, and longsuffering. His song "Garden City" was what made me have to meet him between acts at the merch tables. We chatted about our crazy dreams and how easily imposter syndrome creeps in like weeds. Without going into too many details, I'll just confirm that he is as personable as his music makes him sound.
Image Description: Allie Paige, a young blonde white lady in her twenties.
Bio:
Allie Paige, raised in Santa Barbara County, started taking piano lessons when she was five years old. Her parents encouraged her in her classical lessons until she turned 18, at which point she gave up on music all together, pursuing any other passion. For about 8 months. At which point she found herself turning 19 in Isla Vista, California, and standing behind a half broken organ playing electro-pop music for a packed out room of college kids, and crowd surfing worship nights became her scene of choice as her passion for the keys began to resurface.
Since then, she has been pursuing her passion in recording and music production. She is currently working on two different projects, Her plan is to release her first full length worship album this year, with an EP for her second project titled "Haiva Ru" to follow.
>>> If I had to describe Paige's music, it would be "what you would hear while having a group prayer session at a church retreat." If you prefer Christian music that is more direct in its worship and encourages quiet reflection, you'll be happy to know that her music does just that, while maintaining a cozy roadtrip vibe.
Image Description: Zauntee, a young white guy with pale hair, wearing a lot of black.
Bio:
A Tampa, Florida native, Zauntee grew up submerged in music. Producing, creating, and writing, music was part of his DNA from the young age of ten. The oldest of seven and son to hardworking parents, Zauntee credits his family as his heroes. “They’re my why,” he says, “why I do what I do.” He was still in high school when he decided to devote his life to making music for God. “Once I made the decision I was gonna represent what I believed, people who wanted to find God but didn't fit into conventional 'religion' would come to me and ask for prayer or ask how to find God. I realized I could make music that would reach this audience and bring a message that points them to the solution. My prayer was, God, if this is meant to work, I pray it would work. Immediately things started to gain traction. In 2017 I graduated high school and have been doing it ever since.”
... Hopeful intense describes Zauntee’s entire persona. He makes no attempt to contain his passion for God, music, and people. His focused intensity could come off as intimidating if not for his genuine compassion for people. “I’ve always had a heart to find the weird kid, the left-out kid, and that kid who believes they can make it when no one else does.” he says. “That was me, so I want my music to be a place for them to belong. At my shows, it’s not fans, it’s community.”
>>> HOT DANG does this guy crank out bangers! Only about a year older than me, yet crashing into the hiphop scene like a superhero, Zauntee's music has a message for everyone. If you need motivation, comfort, or reminders of God's powerful story being written in your life, he has a song for every single thing. An energetic rap piece that reminds me of Spiderverse one moment, a tear-jerking alternative ballad the next. Listening to his songs causes whiplash sometimes - in a great way. It amazes me how he can make his voice clear and soulful one second and raw and emotional the next.
Image Description: Five young adults in cozy, seventies attire. They are the picture of indie bands everywhere.
Bio:
We are a band from Flagstaff, Arizona. We tell stories through music. Sometimes we perform it for our friends.
Tow'rs is a band from Flagstaff, AZ led by husband-and-wife duo Kyle and Gretta Miller. For ten years, this group has focused on the quiet connection between a song and its creator - a connection they've shared with their grassroots following through touring and six albums.
This summer the band is celebrating a decade of music with a new album "Versions," a heartfelt retrospective that weaves past songs with their present selves. ... With refreshed arrangements and matured perspectives, fans can rediscover familiar melodies through a contemporary lens. It's a sincere thank-you note to loyal followers who've witnessed and appreciated their progression and a warm welcome to new listeners discovering Tow'rs for the first time.
>>> Introduced to me from a Flagstaff native, this band scratches my indie folk band itch while raising a joyful noise to the Lord. Their combination of gentle acoustics and down-to-earth vocals often get stuck in my head and leave me humming their melodies for hours.
Image Description: A group photo of ten young adults, three women and seven guys, of varying races, ethnicities, and styles.
Bio: ZOE Music is a genre-blending musical expression born out of ZOE Curch in Los Angeles led by Pastors Chas and Julia Veach. We are comprised of a collective of songwriters and musicians jointly committed to creatively developing more ways for people to discover the freedom and joy found in Jesus. The mission of Zoe Music and Zoe Church are synchronized in aim - to point people towards living the ZOE life (abundant life, in Greek).
>>> While the members of the band vary and their stylings alternate, their music is consistently engaging, delightfully mixed, and features amazing vocals! I most love how they manage to combine youthful sound with uplifting ethos, so everybody can remember what matters most and enjoy lifting a shout of praise together.
Top Song / My Favorite: "Somebody"
Image Description: A band of six guys who are as colorful as their outfits.
Bio: Did the rainbow fade?
>>> When I say Kings Kaleidoscope is one of my most favorite bands, and a big part of the reason why I wanted to make this list, it is the God-sworn truth. They were one of the first bands I found that didn't follow the same four-chord, predictable-lyric, churchy-sound formula typical across the Christian music scene. Their lyrics actually require you to put on your thinking cap for more abstract and multi-faceted themes, and they often take long breaks of gorgeous instrumentation - they have instrumental versions of a few albums too. Of all the artists here, they're definitively the most "artsy," constantly experimenting with form, content, and style in search of the right medium for each song. Even their website looks like modern art! Also, they never shy away from big emotions and complicated topics. "W.D.Y.K.A.G." calls out the Church's complicity in materialism, "A Prayer" goes so far as to drop the F-bomb to convey emotional pain, and their three-part song "The Rush" delves into many believers' struggle between zeal and lukewarmness. (Where the lyric "did the rainbow fade" is from.) I frequently listen to their music for hours, and will have a hard time choosing just one favorite song to highlight.
Image Description: Jon Ogden, a young white guy, remaining in a grassy park amidst a city.
Bio:
Jonathan Ogden is an artist and producer from Manchester, UK. Following the release of his beat tape, Twenty Four, a pop album called ‘Future Forever’, and a stripped back acoustic folk EP called ‘Take Me Back’ - Jonathan is now at work on new music in 2024.
From delicate acoustic songs to jazz and hip-hop infused pop, Jonathan crafts musical soundscapes that invite the listener on a journey. With a background in graphic design, he is passionate about exploring the intersection of visual art and music to form a complete experience. Describing his songs as ‘prayers set to music’ he expresses his faith through psalm-like lyrics and sweeping, melodic instrumentation.
>>> If you're like me and enjoy chilling out to lo-fi to calm the nerves, then you'll for sure love Ogden's style. It's like listening to the lo-fi channel to soothe the stress, coupled with God-centered words to soothe the spirit.
Image Description: gio., a white boy in his 20s, wearing a lot of black.
Bio:
Growing up on the outskirts of Boston, “gio.” found himself surrounded by gospel music and poetry at a very young age. Inspired by artists like TobyMac and Andy Mineo, he started writing music, eventually leading him to share his work with the rest of the world. Gio hopes to bring a new, modern look to Christian music with the intensity of his various pop and hip-hop sounds. He wants his audience to understand that they’re not alone in their walk with God when they listen to his music and that they are not left stranded. He believes that there is a need for creativity in the Christian music world and doesn’t want to put any barriers on the art that he makes. Gio also hopes to inspire the next generation to create freely with their God given gifts.
>>> gio. may be the youngest artist on this list, so my GenZ pride is real! I love how he combines mixing practices common with mainstream pop/hiphop with affirming yet honest lyrics. He proves that faith-centered songs never have to sacrifice good sound! His youthful energy and expert skills deserve all the hype he can get.
Image Description: O'Brien, a young white guy with dark curly hair.
Bio:
Joseph O’Brien is a Singer/Songwriter based out of Nashville, TN. Growing up with two musical parents, O’Brien had music running through his blood from day one. At age 12, he taught himself how to play the piano and realized that is where his passion was. O’Brien says, “I’ve always gravitated towards performance. It’s one of those unexplainable drives that God puts in you. Music was one of those few things that it didn’t seem like a burden to learn and grow in.” His talent took him to the quarter finals of “America’s Got Talent” and CCM legend, TobyMac took notice as well, signing him to his Gotee label.
O’Brien’s hope is to write songs that inspire others, especially his own generation to be bold for Christ and to dig deeper into their own faith. His sound has been described by others to resemble For King and Country and Owl City, who he counts as some of his inspiration. As O’Brien releases his brand new music, he is excited to continue to encourage through his music and faith.
>>> Ever since I found O'Brien's music, I've been wishing that Christian radio would feature him, and my wish did come true - in New Zealand! Needless to say, the US needs to hop on the Joseph O'Brien bandwagon. His pop/singer-songwriter style is so refreshing and his voice is clear, sincere, and just plain beautiful to hear. I often confuse his voice with Lauv! His lyrics are down-to-earth, yet like to tackle multi-layered issues like remaining faithful despite suffering and trusting God's timing with relationships. It's hard to pick just one favorite song!
This post felt like a long time in coming since I've wanted to post this for months, and I'll probably make a follow-up post someday as I find more underrated Christian artists. But for now, I hope you enjoy exploring these folks as much as I did!
Who are some artists I should include in my sequel post? Let me know!
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