10 Independent Black Artists You Need To Check Out - February 2026
Since the inception of what we now call the music industry, minorities, specifically black people, have always been left out of the spotlight. Intentionally not playing these artists on radio stations, not allowing them to play at certain venues, not airing their music videos on MTV in the 80s, putting them in the “Urban” or “Rap/Hip-hop” categories at award shows no matter what genre the artist is, and more recently leaving them off of major streaming playlists curated by music streaming platforms. Black musicians and bands have always been at the forefront of innovation and cultural movements within the music industry. They created blues, rock, jazz, disco, house, R&B, hip-hop, rap, and many other genres that have been the foundations of all the music and subgenres we know today.
Although there has been a stronger push since the 90s for greater mainstream representation of black voices and art, it is still not enough. Especially in local scenes and independent music online, I always see these artists getting suppressed by algorithms and pushed out of the spotlight for other white artists. For Black History Month, I wanted to focus this blog on 15 amazing black, independent artists and fronted bands from all sorts of genres who are really pushing their respective sounds forward. These are people you should definitely add to your daily music rotation and start going to their shows. We are not just supporting them for the month of February, but all year round!
Photo by @put.over.photo
Lake Lanier
Hardcore band Lake Lanier is known in the New York scene for getting a crowd wild and being fierce while doing so. Unapologetically outspoken, Lake Lanier is always vocalizing and uplifting black stories and voices, as well as those of other marginalized communities. Even their name is political; named after the community in Georgia that sits on the remains of a predominantly black town previously named Oscarville. The band is a fan favorite all around the city and is always the highlight of each show they’re on the bill of. You NEED to see a show of theirs, it’ll be one of the best nights of your life. The energy is lively, especially with the lead singer, Mia’s powerful presence; they all really know how to capture a crowd's attention. Their two singles, “RESISTANCE!” and “THEY WANT TO KILL US ALL OFF,” are just a sneak peek into their intensity on stage. Both songs are punk anthems, the former starting off with a protest chant. The lyrics then pose the question to the audience if they will turn a blind eye to all the atrocities happening around them. The latter single delves into the idea that even if oppression isn’t directly affecting you now, it will eventually come back to haunt you, as the rich will eventually kill anyone beneath them. Lake Lanier is definitely a powerhouse of a band, and you should listen to both singles and follow them on Instagram @lakelaniernyc to find upcoming shows of theirs to go to.
Photo by @zacharybrightphotography
The Bad News First
The Bad News First is an indie-rock musician from San Diego who began releasing music in 2024. His first single, “Sincerely, The Girls Next Door,” was featured in our top singles of 2024 for our first issue of the magazine, which is still heavy in my rotation. The Bad News First, across all his released songs, captures a 2000s indie coming-of-age movie-esque sound. It's music that you can dance to alone in your room without a care in the world. The catchy riffs, crunchy guitar tones, funky bass, and satisfying vocals of The Bad News First create infectious hits one after another. He switches between pop and catchy sounds and more mellow and laid-back ones. The Bad News First combines sounds of the heights of the 2000s and 2010s (specifically 2019) indie movements, creating something incredibly unique. There’s a possibility that I have heard some demos of his that may be released soon, and let's just say, you should really keep up with him; he’s definitely going places! You can follow him on Instagram @thebadnewsfirst and find his music on all major streaming platforms.
Photo by @joshmellowdesign
Cadetsilver
Long Island-based musician Cadetsilver is someone we talked about before and will always highlight his incredible talent. Revealing in both house and electronic genres, Cadetsilver has been tirelessly innovating within them and creating brand-new sounds. Starting from his debut, Viva La Valentine, in 2023, you can tell that Cadetsilver is having fun creating these songs. As we go further into his discography, listeners can hear the artist go deeper and deeper into experimentation. He plays with different sounds, melodies, and samples, seeing how they interact with each other. The music is always calming, captivating, and yet will get you moving. He features other artists rapping and even soundbites and skits between him and his friends, creating an immersive experience. This is exceptionally done on his 2025 EP The Rapture After Party, which invites the listener into a story of a night out that goes wrong and devolves into chaos with a sick soundtrack. (Read more about this specific EP in our Top Projects of 2025 blog!). His most recent release, WUNDA WUN HUNNED, explores even more ventures of new sounds, even at the short 10-minute run time. To learn more about Cadetsilver, check out our interview with him in our second issue of Uncharted Music! Click here to buy! Follow Cadetsilver on Instagram @cadetsilver and find his music on all major streaming platforms.
Photo by @leeda.live
Cemetery Sex
D.C. rising stars Cemetery Sex is a female-led goth rock band that is incredible. Their debut single, “Leviathan,” was included in our Top Songs of 2024 list for our first issue, and their debut album, Cemetery Sex, was featured in our Top Projects of 2025 for our second issue. As a genre that may feel stagnant and stuck in the 80s to many, Cemetery Sex is the band that is producing a fresh sound in the goth and alternative metal scene. Not only are they upholding the music, but they prove as a band that goth is not just a look or aesthetic, it’s a lifestyle. Released just last summer, Cemetery Sex cemented the band in the genre and culture. The heavy, fuzzy guitars and ghostly, strong vocals create anthems meant for stadiums. Taking inspiration from bands like Type O Negative, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Cure, Cemetery Sex creates moody, dark, and seductive masterpieces. I’ve been itching to see them live, so if they’re performing at a venue near you, take the opportunity to see this amazing band. Follow them on Instagram @cemetery.sex and find all their debut on all major streaming platforms.
Photo by @lilysowndigitaldiary
Static Brian
Philly-based emo band Static Brian is definitely a favorite of most who are tapped into the East Coast emo scene right now, and for good reason. Their self-titled debut EP was definitely a favorite project of mine last year. Their sound is on the grungier side, with fuzzy guitars and lead singer Jasmine switching between softer vocals and grueling screams. Each song on the project is delicately crafted, creating a mellow moodiness that I don’t really hear on most emo projects. Their most recent release, a single named “secrets” displays their growth in a heavier direction. The single, although beginning with softer vocals from Jasmine, has this very heavily distorted guitar with a beat that’s instantly moshable. It then ends with an amazing breakdown that sounds like a totally different song with screaming and maximum headbanging potential. The rawness of emotion is powerful and is definitely translated through their live performances. I saw them in November and was absolutely blown away. They had the crowd moving the entire time. I definitely recommend seeing them very soon before they become a powerhouse nationally in emo music. You can listen to their music on all major streaming platforms and follow them on Instagram @staticbr1an!
Photo by Sophia Juliette
SliccMic
SliccMic is a NYC-based pop artist and producer who dawned on my feed one fateful day, and I fell in love with her music instantly. She creates such fun electronic sonic landscapes to dance to. Her most recent project released was an EP, My Sweet Fairytale!, in 2024. On first listen, it will have you instantly hooked. It starts strong with the song “University!,” a rave banger with a fast beat and high hats that will keep you glued to the dance floor. Other favorites, “Cute!” and “Facecard!” are also great listens, and definitely will be added to your daily playlists. Her most recent single, “Do it all,” has a more R&B-inspired sound to it, but still has the SliccMic touch to it. If you need a pinpoint on what the music sounds like, I would say it's a mix of Pink Panthress, Doja Cat, and Grimes sounds, but it definitely has a fresh take on this specific subgenre of pop girly. Go listen to her music on all major streaming platforms and follow her @sliccmic!
Photo by @put.over.photo
Pucker Up!
Fem-fronted punk band Pucker Up! had an awesome come-up the past couple of years. From releasing their debut album, I HARDLY KNOW HER, to playing a Road to Warped Tour show back in June in Scranton, they are easily becoming a well-known name in punk circuits. Their songs range from silly and fun melodies about relationships with immature men and uplifting women (like “PUCKER?” and “CRY BABY”) to more politically charged lyrics about the experience of being a black woman in America and the genocide in Gaza (like “CREOLE” and “RIVER AND SEA”). Their sounds are catchy, and will get you on your feet into the pit, especially their song “CREOLE.” Their two more recent singles, “GUITAR HERO” and “PENN,” take a more hardcore approach to their sound, as the vocals are much heavier in some parts of the song. It is just as powerful as their previous work. I recommend listening to them and seeing them live! I haven’t seen them live yet, but have been dying to ever since seeing videos from their shows! Go follow them @puckeruppa and find all their music on major streaming platforms.
Photo by @lesgomezgonzalez
Mikah Amani
Mikah Amani is a folk musician from Florida who creates beautiful arrangements that’ll take your breath away. Only having an EP and a single out, you will easily fall in love with him. The beautiful, haunting vocals and harmonies from Amani mixed with the soft electric guitar will make you feel heavenly. His latest single, “fig, i want it all,” is a step up from previous work, as Amani trades in his electric guitar for an acoustic, creating a somewhat more haunting atmosphere. There’s also an echo to the vocals and guitar, which allows for a nostalgic sound, creating a beautiful listening experience. He is coming out with new music soon, specifically a single named “i know a drummer” to be released on March 8th! You can presave it here. Keep up with Mikah Amani on Instagram @mikah.amani and find his music on all major streaming platforms.
Photo by @eryn.leeann
Isaiah Stone
Drawing inspiration from Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and Fall Out Boy, Atlanta-based musician Isaiah Stone takes the scene, creating a rock n’ roll, fresh, contemporary sound. With funky beats and guitars, Stone creates lively, upbeat melodies throughout each of his singles. His single “Leavin!” released last year ended up on our Top Singles of 2025 list. His voice particularly stands out in this single, showcasing his diverse range. His other singles are just as strong indications of his true artistry. Especially his most recent two, “Broke Boy Blues” and “Possessed,” which show Stone having the most fun with his sound and really expanding his funk and glam rock inspirations. These songs are for anyone who loves to dance and rock out at the same time. Although they can take you back to the 70s or 80s, Stone can invigorate a unique sense of confidence and style within his music. You can find him on Instagram @theisaiahstone and his music on all major streaming platforms.
Photo by @sofialisena
Alphabet City
One of the first bands to be featured in our magazine (you can read their interview in our first issue), Alphabet City is an electric indie-rock trio that lights up every room they’re in. Inspired by bands like The Strokes, Oasis, Cage the Elephant, and other staple rock bands, their sound is a bit grimy, exhilarating, and most of all fun! Their two singles, “Yesterday’s Papers (That’s Me!)” and “Year of the Tiger,” are emblematic of their ability to write strong compositions and give a powerful performance on the stage. Both combine their inspirations from 90s-2000s indie rock bands with 60s and 70s classic rock sounds. Their live shows are fantastic, I’ve seen them a few times and will continue to see them as much as I can!! They’re definitely a band you need to go see if you live in or are anywhere near New York City. If you think their released songs are great, you’re in for a very special treat once you see their unreleased music on their setlist. Catch them on Instagram @alphabetcityband!
Hope you all found something that you loved!! I’ll be back very soon with more blogs :P
