The Lumineers performed in Philadelphia last semester and I noticed that a lot of university students attended. I loved this excitement for them because I’ve been an avid fan since the release of their second album, “Cleopatra,” in 2016. 

The Lumineers, for me, are one of those bands whose music is more than just music, but an experience. All of their songs provoke a deep feeling; whether it be love, nostalgia, or sometimes even hurt, they really have a way with their lyrics, voices and instruments.

I remember hearing somewhere that there’s something about The Lumineers that makes you feel like you are walking through a rainy memory. I thought that was beautiful and perfectly encapsulated the vibe of their indie-folk music. My top three songs for this band are difficult to choose, but “Leader of The Landslide,” “Gloria” and “Long Way From Home” are my current favorites. 

I’ve been on a search for similar artists and below are my recommendations if you enjoy the indie-folk genre. 

Michael Marcagi has recently come to light in the indie-folk community – and for good reason. He has opened for Brett Dennen and, more recently, The Lumineers. Marcagi’s music falls into the pop-folk genre; his songs feel more upbeat while still exploring intense themes of love and loss in a narrative lyrical style. My top three from him are “Wish I Never Met You,” “Follows You” and “Tear It All Apart.”

Another personal favorite of mine is Rainbow Kitten Surprise. If you are turned off by their name, it is totally understandable, but don’t miss out on this great band. Popular on TikTok for their song “It’s called: Freefall,” RKS is genuinely different from any band that I have ever heard. They combine multiple genres: folk, alternative, indie and rock, for unique sounding music with poetic lyrics.

 Their songs have a very unique feel that falls somewhere between heartache and bliss. The singing is passionate and vulnerable and they explore themes of love, hardship and self-discovery. Definitely a band to listen to while driving on the highway at night with the windows down. My top three from them are “Goodnight Chicago,” “Black and White” and “Cocaine Jesus.”

Caamp is another great band that has an indie-folk feel and is closer to The Lumineer’s earlier works. Their sound is warm and acoustic and their style feels grounding and down-to-earth. Their music explores themes of love, loss, change and finding beauty in different sectors of life. If I could describe their music, I would say that it feels and sounds like flowers, honey and a nostalgic hug from an old friend. My top three from them are “No Sleep,” “By and By” and “All the Debts I Owe.” 

Matt Maeson is a new favorite of mine — one of the gems that Spotify so graciously recommended to me. His music falls into the alternative/folk/rock range and his songs have softer verses with more upbeat choruses built on a sense of storytelling. His voice is both tender and powerful, as are his lyrics. He had an interesting upbringing that is reflected in his music, as his parents were both criminals who changed their lives around. He even played  music with his family in a prison ministry. My top three from him are “Beggar’s Song,” “Downstairs” and “Cliffy.”

If you are looking for a band to listen to before falling asleep, the music from “The Paper Kites” is genuinely ethereal. Their vibe feels distinctly like walking through the woods into a clearing lit up by lightning bugs and floating lanterns. Their songs are poetic while being a bittersweet mix of blissful and melancholy. My top three from them are “Paint,” “Featherstone” and “Take Me Home.” 

 Known for “Little Talks,” Of Monsters and Men is a band that falls into the folk/rock genre. Their songs use mythical and fairy-tale-like imagery to create stories with quiet acoustic passages and unique, catchy choruses. My top three from them are “Wolves Without Teeth,” “King and Lionheart” and “Dirty Paws.”

Jonah Kagen, another recent favorite of mine, falls on the folk and indie side, with some country elements. His songs are raw, emotional and make you feel understood. All of his tracks are great ones to sing along to, whether you are alone with your thoughts, experiencing heartbreak or you simply just want to feel something. Kagen’s most recent album, “Sunflowers and Leather,” was written, recorded and produced by himself, all while he was traveling across the country in a converted airstream trailer. 

My top three from him are “Burn Me” (specifically the version where Sam Barber is featured), “Save My Soul” and “You Again.”

The 502s are a lot more upbeat and sunshiny, also falling into the indie-folk category. Their music is old and beachy-sounding, featuring instruments like the piano, banjo and horns. They incorporate “shout-along” choruses with a breezy feel and my top three from them are “Magdalene,” “Perfect Portrait of Young Love” and “Something’s Gonna Go Our Way.” 

Buffalo Traffic Jam is a duo of two folk-music artists from Montana that sounds like a more modern version of Caamp, with a slightly louder sound. They released their first track in May 2024 and have released nine songs since then. Their music is catchy while still being deep and heartfelt, using storytelling lyrics and acoustic guitars. Their voices also feel very raw and vulnerable. My favorites from them are “Forgot Your Roots,” “Comfort in Misery,” and “Strangers Now.” 

Lastly, we have The Backseat Lovers. They also opened for The Lumineers earlier this year and have very similar fanbases. This band also falls into the folk-indie category but I would argue that their sound is very distinct. Their music features a lot of impressive guitar work, with lots of guitar breaks and they incorporate charismatic effects like vocal samples and distortion/fuzz for solos. My top three from them are “Maple Syrup,” “Out of Tune” and “Kilby Girl.” 

Exploring The Lumineers for me opened the door to a rich world of indie-folk music, full of heartfelt lyrics, storytelling and emotional depth. I recommend all of these artists and encourage you to listen if you haven’t yet!