Main Character: Singles
Coming of age can feel dramatic. These singles match that energy. Youthful, fresh, adventurous, they capture the sound of our growing pains. From surf rock to indie pop to R&B, this playlist promises at least some taste of feeling seen in whatever trials and tribulations you might face as someone navigating early adult life.
All I Ever Asked (ft. sombr), Rachel Chinouriri (2025)
We love when two Gen Z icons come together. One of my favorite songs of the spring. Rachel foresaw sombr’s talent and success. The duo is dreamy.
untitled, Blaxian (2024)
Blaxian remains a consistently underappreciated voice in r&b indie. Young but oh so soulful, his flowy tracks blended with vocal runs work to create a flowy, cinematic soundscape that feels like the freedom of nighttime drives.
Dig My Heels In, Alexis Faith (2024)
A pretty voice and an old soul without very many releases yet, here to authentically recreate the sounds of the 70s. Faith Alexis feels like coming of age. “I confuse peace with negligence of better things. Is that gonna do it for me?”
STREIT, makko + Miksu/Macloud (2025)
“makko is what I listen to when I feel like a german girl with slick back hair.” Definitely a main character song.
hunting days, Khatumu (2024)
Up-and-coming Khatumu’s hunting days is a stunning banjo-laced indie pop track that feels like trying to be graceful about rage as she navigates the pain of watching someone fall out of love: “Treat me like a dog, take me out back, put a bullet in my brain, tell me that my hunting days are done; Treat me like a bitch, say I’m full of shit, say that I’m no fun, soyou’re done, just treat me like I’m someone.”
The Edge, The American Dawn (2025)
The ultimate indie dream track. The American Dawn has cultivated a special, surf rock-infused sound with just three released singles. We need more!
Monsters That Talk, Ella Watson (2025)
New vocals on the scene, reminiscent of Of Monsters and Men. All her album covers are her own art and they are stunning. Ella Watson is perfect for feeling haunted.
I've seen ur ex, flowerovlove (2025)
Feeling petty? flowerovlove has got you covered. The English artist currently touring with Olivia Rodrigo is only 19 and I love seeing that reflected in the music. I want to hear the nasty and cutesy and feisty and fierce and insecure.
American Dream Trajectory, Sam MacPherson (2025)
A song that speaks of adolescent oppression but sounds like freedom. This single grapples with the struggles of youth while giving hope for a better future. “My life is a movie” at the intersection of folk, pop, and indie rock.
