As a dedicated fan of Lana Del Rey, I've often found myself searching for artists whose music captures the same haunting beauty, emotional depth, and cinematic quality that makes Lana’s sound so captivating. Her ability to blend vintage glamour with modern melancholy has inspired countless listeners like me to explore other musicians who carry a similar vibe.
Below, I’ll take you through a curated list of the top 10 artists similar to Lana Del Rey, including indie folk artists and other talented musicians who perfectly capture that melancholic yet captivating essence.
My Top 10 Picks on Artists Similar to Lana Del Rey
1. Marina (formerly Marina and the Diamonds)
If you're a fan of Lana's blend of vulnerability and strength, you might find a kindred spirit in Marina, known for her former stage name Marina and the Diamonds. While her sound is generally more pop-leaning, there’s a shared emotional depth and thematic richness between her and Lana. Both artists explore themes of identity, love, and the pressures of modern society. Marina’s introspective lyrics, combined with her unique vocal style, make her one of the best artists similar to Lana Del Rey in both tone and atmosphere.
Her album “Electra Heart” explores themes of fame, femininity, and self-doubt, which mirrors some of the emotional struggles Lana often sings about. Although Marina’s production is more upbeat at times, tracks like “Hollywood” and “I Am Not a Robot” contain that cinematic quality, coupled with introspective, emotional lyrics that resonate with Lana’s fans.
2. Florence and The Machine
Florence Welch’s ethereal voice and emotionally charged songwriting have made Florence and The Machine a standout act in the music world. Florence taps into powerful, raw emotions through her music, which makes her one of the best artists similar to Lana Del Rey. While her sound is often more bombastic, with elements of rock and baroque pop, there is a shared thematic exploration of love, self-discovery, and existential questioning between her work and Lana’s.
Her album Lungs features tracks like “Cosmic Love” and “Dog Days Are Over,” both of which blend ethereal soundscapes with deeply emotional lyrics. For fans of Lana who appreciate more expansive, emotionally intense music, Florence’s work is an excellent match.
3. Lorde
Lorde’s debut album Pure Heroine was an instant hit, and for good reason—her introspective lyrics and unique sound immediately drew me in, especially as a fan of Lana Del Rey. Lorde, like Lana, has an uncanny ability to capture the melancholy of youth, disillusionment, and the complexity of relationships. While Lorde’s production is minimalist and electronic compared to Lana’s orchestral sound, both artists share a focus on introspective, thought-provoking lyrics.
4. Daughter
If you're looking for the best artists similar to Lana Del Rey who embrace acoustic music, Daughter should be on your list. The London-based band, fronted by Elena Tonra, crafts music that’s equally haunting and atmospheric. Their sound is often described as indie folk, with layers of delicate instrumentation and introspective lyrics that delve into themes of love, loss, and isolation.
The band’s album If You Leave features songs like “Youth” and “Smother,” which perfectly evoke the kind of emotional vulnerability that I love in Lana’s music.
5. Angel Olsen
Angel Olsen is an artist whose music perfectly bridges the gap between indie folk and the kind of atmospheric sadness that I love in Lana Del Rey’s work. As one of the best indie folk artists, Angel’s voice, with its raw, emotionally rich delivery, conveys a sense of longing and vulnerability that reminds me of the emotional depth Lana often infuses into her songs.
6. Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish is one of the most unique and exciting artists in modern music, and I find her sound to be a fascinating evolution of the atmospheric, melancholic style that Lana Del Rey is known for. Billie’s music often leans into minimalistic production, with haunting, whisper-like vocals and introspective lyrics that deal with themes of isolation, self-doubt, and heartbreak—much like Lana’s work.
7. Mazzy Star
Mazzy Star, with their dreamy, slow-paced melodies and haunting lyrics, is a band that perfectly complements the mood of Lana Del Rey’s music. Their sound, driven by the ethereal voice of Hope Sandoval, mixes elements of folk, psychedelia, and blues, creating a mood that’s both nostalgic and melancholic.
8. Sharon Van Etten
Sharon Van Etten’s music speaks to me in the same way Lana Del Rey’s does—raw, vulnerable, and deeply emotional. Sharon’s blend of indie folk and rock creates a sound that’s both intimate and powerful, much like Lana’s atmospheric ballads.
9. Natalie Imbruglia
Though Natalie Imbruglia might be best known for her 90s hit “Torn,” her music features an acoustic, folk-inspired side that makes her an excellent pick for fans of Lana’s more stripped-back moments.
10. First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit, the Swedish indie folk duo, is known for their lush harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and acoustic-driven sound. Their music evokes the same kind of emotional resonance that Lana Del Rey does, with themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection.
Final Words
If you’re someone who loves Lana Del Rey’s ability to weave emotional depth, melancholy, and cinematic beauty into her music, you’ll find much to love in the artists I've highlighted here. From the haunting folk sounds of Daughter and First Aid Kit to the atmospheric pop of Marina and Lorde, these musicians all carry that same emotional weight and introspective quality that makes Lana’s music so captivating.