10 amazing little-known artists you need to discover during lockdown

We've all got a little too much time on our hands right now, so why not put it to good use and discover some brilliant unknown artists? They don't call music food for the soul for nothing!

Here at VT, fighting each other over the Spotify playlist is just another part of the working day. Now, we want to introduce our readers to the music we are currently listening to in order to help us get through the lockdown.

From London-based musician Joe James Lewis' gloriously relaxing and soulful track 'Day Dreaming' to the angsty passionate sound of South African band Black Moscow's single 'Refract', there's a pool of incredible musicians out there just waiting to be discovered, and we've compiled a list of our ten favorites. Check them out:

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The first up-and-coming artist you need to check out is English musician Joe James Lewis. He's been working on his debut EP, Days On You, for the past two years - and it is finally available to stream on Spotify!

On Lewis' Facebook page, he describes his relaxing EP as "musical relief in this age of indoors" - and we couldn't agree more.

Lewis has also been keeping his housebound fans entertained with some Instagram Live shows recently, and they are a welcome distraction from all the chaos of the outside world.

Days On You can be purchased on both CD and limited edition 12" vinyl from his website.

Another artist who is absolutely worth a listen during quarantine is British-Guyanese musician Sabiyha. Her debut single 'Choorile' is out now and was described as "the anthem that was missing on International Women's Day" by The Line of Best Fit.

Sabiyha's distinctive and powerful vocals combined with the track's punchy rhythm and sudden end has left all of us at VT wanting so much more...

Up next is London-based artist Harry Strange. In an interview with The Music Mermaid, Strange described one of his most popular singles on Spotify, 'Sober', as being about "the classic case of not being noticed by the one person you'd hope to be noticed by" and it focuses on "this contrasting dynamic between happiness and sadness which I think is a really interesting relationship."

South African alternative band Black Moscow are an up-and-coming band well worth keeping an eye on. They describe their music as "passionate and quirky drumming combined with aggressive basslines. The lyrics and melodies navigate through varying emotions evoking nostalgia and the highs and lows of living in the modern world."

Irish musician Stephen Elliot is a poetic and understated singer-songwriter, whose work leans towards the softer side of modern folk. Available to stream on Soundcloud, Elliot described his work to VT as containing "finger-style guitar and oblique lyricism", with songs that thread "their own tapestry of subtle storytelling. Listen closely."

Scott Folan is an English actor turned singer-songwriter, who has been putting his talents to good use, having written the extremely comforting 'Amy's Song' about the lockdown. You can listen to more of his work on Spotify.

Up next is London busker Charlotte Campbell, who is known for her stunning voice and brilliantly observant songwriting. Her song 'Streets of London' is a particularly uplifting listen, and perfect for anyone who is longing for when things get back to normal.

Captain is anther London-based musician. He dropped out of music school to start his own label and told VT that his music as being influenced by African American subgenres such as neo-soul, funk, gospel, and RnB. Below is another track that's perfect if you're looking for easy-listening during the lockdown.

Another musician worth checking out is English singer-songwriter Thomas Law. He made a name for himself originally as an actor with credits including The World's End, but he has now branched out as a singer-songwriter. His most recent single, Stand by Me, was released this year and is available to stream on Spotify.

Last but most certainly not least is an artist with a totally different vibe from those featured so far, Beat Assassins. Speaking to VT, he described his work "as cheeky, bouncy yet powerful drum and bass designed especially to be played at parties. It's music with intent, it's ballsy, brash, and in your face!" Check out his work on Spotify.

So there you have it - 10 little-known artists we believe will help you to escape the outside world and inject a little bit more music into your lives.