Clairo, whose real name is Claire Cottrill, is an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in 2017 with her viral track “Pretty Girl,” recorded in her bedroom and posted to YouTube. Known for her introspective lyrics and soft, lo-fi sound, she quickly became a key figure in the “bedroom pop” movement. Her debut album *Immunity* (2019), featuring standout songs like “Bags” and “Sofia,” was critically acclaimed for its emotional depth and sonic maturity. Clairo’s follow-up album *Sling* (2021), co-produced with Jack Antonoff, showcased a more vintage, folk-inspired style and reflected her evolving artistry. Her music blends indie pop, soft rock, and R\&B influences, and she’s widely praised for her authenticity, gentle vocals, and thoughtful storytelling.
My Favourite Tracks and Their Albums
Elliott Smith was an American singer-songwriter known for his deeply emotional, introspective lyrics and hauntingly melodic music. Born in 1969 and raised in Portland, Oregon, he gained a cult following with his lo-fi solo recordings in the mid-1990s, including albums like *Either/Or* and *XO*. Smith’s music combined delicate fingerpicked guitar, whispered vocals, and poignant songwriting that explored themes of loneliness, addiction, and heartbreak. He received mainstream attention when his song “Miss Misery” from *Good Will Hunting* was nominated for an Academy Award in 1998. Despite his growing success, Smith struggled with depression and substance abuse, and he tragically died in 2003. His work continues to influence indie and alternative artists for its raw honesty and emotional resonance.
My Favourite Tracks and Their Albums
Faye Webster is an American singer-songwriter and musician from Atlanta, Georgia. She’s known for her unique blend of indie, alternative R\&B, folk, and country influences, creating a dreamy, laid-back sound. Starting out in her teens, she self-released her first album before signing with the label Secretly Canadian. Her breakout came with *Atlanta Millionaires Club* (2019), which earned praise for its intimate lyrics and genre-mixing style, followed by *I Know I’m Funny Haha* (2021). Beyond music, she’s also a skilled photographer and has shot portraits for artists like Lil Yachty. Webster’s work stands out for its emotional honesty, dry humor, and soft, soulful delivery.
My Favourite Tracks and Their Albums
Neil Young is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his distinctive voice, raw guitar work, and poetic, often politically charged lyrics. Emerging in the 1960s with Buffalo Springfield and later as a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, he also built a prolific solo career spanning genres like folk, rock, country, and grunge. Albums like *Harvest*, *After the Gold Rush*, and *Rust Never Sleeps* are considered classics, showcasing his ability to blend acoustic intimacy with electric intensity. Young is also known for his activism, especially around environmental issues and artists' rights. His influence can be heard across generations of musicians, from folk singer-songwriters to punk and alternative rockers.
My Favourite Tracks and Their Albums
Phoebe Bridgers is an American singer-songwriter known for her emotionally raw lyrics, haunting vocals, and melancholic indie-folk sound. Emerging with her debut album *Stranger in the Alps* (2017), she quickly gained a devoted following for her introspective songwriting and delicate, atmospheric arrangements. Bridgers followed up with the critically acclaimed *Punisher* (2020), which earned her multiple Grammy nominations and cemented her status as a leading voice in modern indie music. She is also a member of supergroups boygenius (with Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus) and Better Oblivion Community Center (with Conor Oberst), further showcasing her collaborative spirit and versatility.
My Favourite Tracks and Their Albums
Neutral Milk Hotel was an American indie rock band formed by singer-songwriter Jeff Mangum in the late 1980s, best known for their cult classic album *In the Aeroplane Over the Sea* (1998). The band's music blends lo-fi folk, psychedelic rock, and surreal, emotionally charged lyrics, often drawing from themes of love, loss, and war—most famously inspired by *The Diary of Anne Frank*. Though their time as an active band was brief, Neutral Milk Hotel's raw, haunting sound and Mangum's enigmatic presence have had a lasting impact on indie music, influencing countless artists and maintaining a devoted fan base long after their breakup.