Most Original Music Artists

1. K.S. Chithra

   

   Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra, often credited as K. S. Chithra or simply Chithra, is an Indian playback singer from Kerala. She also sings Indian classical, devotional, and popular music. Chithra has recorded over 25,000 songs in various languages and is a recipient of six National Film Awards.

   She's one of the few singers I know who sounds just as good without a microphone as she does in the studio.

   There is a reason Chithra is high on everyone's list - it's because she is awesome.

   Extremely rare-sounding voice. She has such energy and passion.

2. Frank Zappa

   

   Frank Vincent Zappa was an American musician, songwriter, composer, record producer, actor, and filmmaker. He was known for his innovative work across multiple genres including rock, jazz, and classical music. Zappa passed away in 1993 but remains an influential figure in music history.

   A highly proficient guitarist, anti-drug, anti-censorship, and anti-anything that made him angry. He worked with some of the best musicians of his day. He was an original music artist in the best sense of the word. He took his craft seriously but had fun at the same time.

   Could he be called a modern classical composer like Philip Glass and Terry Riley?

3. Beck

   

   Beck Hansen, known by his stage name Beck, is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is known for his eclectic musical style and his fusion of genres such as folk, funk, soul, hip-hop, and alternative rock. His breakthrough album, Odelay (1996), received widespread critical... read more

   Amazing guy. He has literally changed my life and my musical taste since I first discovered him! I love his work, from old to new.

   I don't know what it is. I just love Beck - he's a genius.

4. Primus

   

   Primus is an American funk metal band based in San Francisco, California, currently composed of bassist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde, and drummer Tim Alexander. Les Claypool is widely recognized for his distinctive slap-bass technique, showcased in tracks such as "My Name Is Mud," "The Toys... read more

5. Ween

   

   Ween is an American experimental rock band formed in 1984 in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Its members are Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo, known by their stage names Gene Ween and Dean Ween, respectively. The band is known for its eclectic musical style and has released numerous albums across various... read more

6. Bjork

   

   Björk Guðmundsdóttir (born November 21, 1965) is an Icelandic singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, and actress. Over her four-decade career, she has developed a unique and eclectic musical style that incorporates elements from electronic, pop, jazz, experimental, trip hop, alternative, classical... read more

   Interesting lyrics, interesting vocals, and very few like her.

   She is one of the best musicians and artists out there.

7. Tool

   

   Tool is an American alternative and progressive metal band formed in 1990.

   The lineup includes Maynard James Keenan (vocals), Danny Carey (drums), Adam Jones (guitar), and Justin Chancellor (bass), who joined in 1995. The band is recognized for incorporating electronic influences and for their... read more

   The most unique, incredible, original, creative band to ever live. So underrated. The best band, not only of the '90s but of all time. There is no comparison. This is where music should just give up - no one will ever be as good as Tool. They're too intelligent and musically inclined to match.

   It might seem like I'm taking this a bit far, but I don't think so. Best band EVER.

   The start of the end when it comes to metal, but despite what some people say, this is a very clever and consistently great band.

8. Gorillaz

   

   Gorillaz are an English virtual band created in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. The group consists of four animated members: 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs. Their music spans genres such as alternative rock, hip hop, and electronic, with notable albums including... read more

   They're an animated band consisting of a superchild, a Satanist, a drummer who is possessed, and a singer without eyes. Besides that, Gorillaz are basically their own genre. They're unique, original, and flat-out amazing!

   Very unique sound. Damon Albarn is incredibly creative and free with Gorillaz, which is uniquely accompanied by Jamie Hewlett's original art style.

   Nothing else sounds like them. All of their songs sound different, and they mix genres together in a way that works.

9. Radiohead

   

   Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Phil Selway, and Ed O'Brien.

   Known for their experimentation and sonic evolution, they rose to international prominence with OK Computer and continued... read more

   Definitely Radiohead. Grunge, arena rock, prog, electronica, ambient, jazz, krautrock, and rhythm all in one band.

   There is a reason they're high on everyone's list - it's because they're awesome.

10. Michael Jackson

    

    Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more

    Listening to Michael Jackson's songs today makes me believe the way his music sounded was totally different from what was considered pop at the time. He completely reinvented pop by making it so unique.

    His melodies were completely unique and flowed almost perfectly. People are still borrowing ideas and quirks from Michael to this day. A true legend.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Judith Durham

    

    She may have been a folk artist, but she also made jazz music. She was the first Australian artist to gain global recognition (as the lead member of The Seekers).

    She was Australia's first lady of pop, paving the way for other Aussie music artists to become famous worldwide. Gone from bronchiectasis. R.I.P. legend (1943-2022).

12. ?

    Bappi Lahiri

    

    He popularized disco in Bollywood and became the king of it all. He even made 180 songs in a year. Gone from obstructive sleep apnea complications. R.I.P. (1952-2022).

The Contenders

13. KoRn

    

    Korn is an American nu-metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The band's current lineup includes founding members Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Brian "Head" Welch, and Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, along with Ray Luzier, who replaced original drummer David Silveria in 2007. Korn... read more

14. The White Stripes

    

    The White Stripes were an American rock duo formed in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan. The duo consisted of Jack White (born Jack Gillis), who handled songwriting, vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboards, and Meg White, who played drums and provided backing vocals. Jack adopted Meg's surname after their marriage.... read more

    They only have two members, but they're better than half of the stuff out today.

    The music is catchy, and Jack White is a brilliant guitarist.

15. Mr. Bungle

    

    Mr. Bungle was an American experimental rock band from Northern California. Known for their highly eclectic style, the band often cycled through several musical genres within a single song. These included heavy metal, avant-garde jazz, ska, disco, and funk.

    One does not simply get more original than Bungle. All of Mike Patton's other projects are 29 times more original than any of the other artists on this list.

16. The Residents

    

    The Residents are an American art collective best known for avant-garde music and multimedia works. Since their first official release, Meet the Residents, the group has released over sixty albums, numerous music videos and short films, three CD-ROM projects, and ten DVDs... read more

17. Robbie Williams

    

    Robert Peter Williams (born February 13, 1974) is an English singer, songwriter, and actor. He was a member of the pop group Take That from 1990 to 1995 and rejoined the group from 2009 to 2012.

    He also achieved major commercial success as a solo artist, selling over 75 million records worldwide... read more

    His songs have interesting lyrics that sometimes carry a double meaning. His voice is unique, and he has an amazing personality.

18. Elvis Presley

    

    Elvis Aaron Presley was an American singer and actor, widely dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll" and regarded as a pivotal cultural icon of the 20th century. His energetic musical interpretation and provocative performance style, bridging racial music traditions in a shifting era, both fueled his fame... read more

    I know what you're thinking, but when he started, no one was doing what he did. He changed the face of music forever. For that reason, he's here.

19. Tom Waits

    

    Thomas Alan "Tom" Waits, born on December 7, 1949, is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and actor. He is recognized for his distinctive, gravelly voice and for blending musical styles such as blues, jazz, vaudeville, and experimental sounds.... read more

    Every album he makes is different from the others - you really don't know what he'll do next.

    Elvis Presley at 11? Really? As far as I know, he somehow took Black music and sold it to a wider audience, so I don't see why that's considered original.

20. Marilyn Manson

    

    Marilyn Manson is an American rock band that formed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1989. The group was founded by frontman Marilyn Manson and guitarist Daisy Berkowitz. They were originally called Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids and built a cult following in the early 1990s through theatrical performances.... read more

    No one is like him. In some people's opinion, that's a good thing. He's just so varied and definitely one of a kind.

21. System of a Down

    

    System of a Down, formed in 1994, is an Armenian-American alternative metal band from Glendale, California. The band name is sometimes shortened to System or SOAD. They're known for their politically charged lyrics, often addressing topics such as genocide and war, in songs like Holy Mountains, Prison... read more

22. Kate Bush

    

    Catherine "Kate" Bush is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. She gained prominence in 1978 with her debut single "Wuthering Heights," which topped the UK Singles Chart. Bush is known for her eclectic musical style and has received critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout... read more

    She's very good. Kind of like a female David Bowie in the art rock sense, doing music for the music and whatnot.

    Interesting lyrics, interesting vocals, and very few like her. This may or may not have been copied.

23. Jimi Hendrix

    

    Jimi Hendrix was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Though his mainstream career lasted only about four years from 1966 to 1970, he's widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in popular music.... read more

    He's the greatest guitar player that ever lived and has his very own distinctive style of playing music.

    Just listen to his control of the guitar, and you'll see.

24. Jeff Buckley

    

    Jeffrey Scott "Jeff" Buckley (November 17, 1966 - May 29, 1997), raised as Scott "Scottie" Moorhead, was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist.

    Buckley was born in Anaheim, California, into a musical family. His mother, Mary Guibert, was a classically trained musician, and his father, Tim... read more

    A mix of soul, R&B, Indian (world), rock, some jazz, folk, and blues. Blending styles can be tricky, but he did it effortlessly, and it turned out beautifully. He was inspired by the vocal styles of Robert Plant, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Freddie Mercury, and Morrissey. His inspiration for folky singer-songwriter lyrics and song structures was drawn from Nina Simone, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, Patti Smith, Cat Stevens, and even his own father, Tim Buckley.

    His guitar playing is incredibly underrated. He originally wanted to be a great guitar player and only dabbled in singing early in his career. His guitar style combines jazz, blues, and rock influences to create his own signature style of alternative music. He had many more influences, including progressive rock, hard rock, and heavy metal bands. He even played some funk and reggae early on.

    Jeff Buckley was a very creative and original artist - a once-in-a-lifetime gift that left us way too soon. Rest in peace, Jeff and Tim Buckley.

25. Amy Winehouse

    

    Amy Jade Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic blend of soul, rhythm and blues, and jazz. She is a well-known member of the 27 Club, having died from alcohol poisoning at age 27 on July 23, 2011. Her album Back to Black remains... read more

26. Lorde

    

    Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor (born November 7, 1996), better known by her stage name Lorde, is a singer-songwriter from New Zealand. She released her debut EP The Love Club in 2012 and rose to international fame with the single "Royals" at age 16.... read more

    A teen artist. Come on, guys, she's super talented and writes songs about her surroundings. Not songs about stuff like stay the night or some stupid stuff like still into you.

27. Queen

    

    Queen is an English rock band formed in London in 1970. The original lineup was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar). Before Queen, May and Taylor had played together in a band named Smile. Freddie Mercury, a fan... read more