If you’re a fan of Wild Nothing and their dreamy, ethereal sound, you’re likely drawn to the dream pop and indie pop genres. Wild Nothing, spearheaded by Jack Tatum, has captivated audiences with its lush, nostalgic melodies and introspective lyrics. Here are 19 bands and artists that offer a similar vibe, perfect for expanding your playlist.
1. Beach House
Beach House is a cornerstone of the dream pop genre. Their albums Teen Dream and Bloom are filled with atmospheric tracks like “Zebra” and “Myth” that transport listeners to another world.
2. DIIV
DIIV blends dream pop with shoegaze, creating a sound that’s both immersive and energetic. Their album Oshin features standout tracks like “Doused” and “How Long Have You Known?”
3. Real Estate
Real Estate’s jangly guitars and laid-back melodies make them a perfect match for fans of Wild Nothing. Songs like “It’s Real” from the album Days and “Darling” from In Mind are must-listens.
4. Craft Spells
Craft Spells’ music is characterized by its lush, synth-heavy soundscapes. Their debut album Idle Labor features tracks like “After the Moment” and “Party Talk” that are sure to resonate with dream pop enthusiasts.
5. Washed Out
Washed Out, the project of Ernest Greene, is known for its chillwave and dream pop sounds. The album Within and Without includes hits like “Amor Fati” and “Eyes Be Closed.”
6. The Radio Dept.
The Radio Dept. offers a blend of dream pop and indie rock with a touch of shoegaze. Their album Clinging to a Scheme features tracks like “Heaven’s on Fire” and “David.”
7. Alvvays
Alvvays combines jangly indie pop with dreamy melodies, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Their self-titled debut album includes the hit “Archie, Marry Me,” while Antisocialites features “Dreams Tonite.”
8. M83
M83’s expansive, cinematic soundscapes are perfect for fans of dreamy music. The album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming includes the iconic track “Midnight City,” as well as other gems like “Wait.”
9. Slowdive
Slowdive is a seminal shoegaze band whose music is characterized by its lush, reverb-heavy sound. Their self-titled comeback album features tracks like “Star Roving” and “Sugar for the Pill.”
10. Cocteau Twins
Cocteau Twins are pioneers of the dream pop genre, with their ethereal sound and Elizabeth Fraser’s distinctive vocals. Albums like Heaven or Las Vegas and Treasure are essential listening.
11. Deerhunter
Deerhunter blends dream pop with experimental rock, creating a unique and captivating sound. The album Halcyon Digest includes standout tracks like “Helicopter” and “Desire Lines.”
12. Tamaryn
Tamaryn’s music is a lush blend of dream pop and shoegaze, with haunting vocals and atmospheric instrumentals. Albums like The Waves and Cranekiss feature tracks like “Love Fade” and “Hands All Over Me.”
13. The War on Drugs
The War on Drugs combines indie rock with dreamy, expansive soundscapes. The album Lost in the Dream includes hits like “Red Eyes” and “Under the Pressure.”
14. Japanese Breakfast
Japanese Breakfast, the project of Michelle Zauner, offers a blend of dream pop and indie rock with introspective lyrics. The album Soft Sounds from Another Planet features tracks like “Boyish” and “Road Head.”
15. Day Wave
Day Wave’s music is characterized by its lo-fi, dreamy sound and introspective lyrics. The EP Headcase includes tracks like “Drag” and “We Try but We Don’t Fit In.”
16. TOPS
TOPS offers a blend of dreamy pop and soft rock with catchy melodies and smooth vocals. The album Picture You Staring features tracks like “Way to Be Loved” and “Sleeptalker.”
17. Hatchie
Hatchie’s music is a dreamy blend of pop and shoegaze, with lush instrumentals and catchy hooks. The album Keepsake includes tracks like “Stay With Me” and “Without a Blush.”
18. Alcest
Alcest combines elements of shoegaze, post-rock, and black metal to create a unique and atmospheric sound. The album Écailles de Lune features tracks like “Solar Song” and “Écailles de Lune Part 2.”
19. Wild Nothing
Of course, no list would be complete without Wild Nothing themselves. Albums like Gemini and Nocturne are filled with dreamy tracks like “Chinatown” and “Paradise” that define the genre.