Top 5 Artists Like The Paper Kites (Indie Folk & Atmospheric Alternatives)
TL;DR: The top artists similar to The Paper Kites are Bon Iver, S. Carey, Gregory Alan Isakov, Novo Amor, and Hollow Coves.
The Paper Kites are known for soft indie folk textures, layered harmonies, and atmospheric acoustic production that leans into nostalgia and intimacy. If you're looking for artists like The Paper Kites, these five artists share delicate arrangements, emotional restraint, and immersive soundscapes built around acoustic instrumentation.
Quick List: 5 Artists Like The Paper Kites
- Bon Iver -- experimental indie folk with layered atmospheres
- S. Carey -- ambient folk with soft falsetto and subtle textures
- Gregory Alan Isakov -- poetic indie folk with warm acoustic depth
- Novo Amor -- airy, emotional indie folk with cinematic production
- Hollow Coves -- stripped - back acoustic folk with serene melodies
1. Bon Iver
Bon Iver expands on The Paper Kites’ atmospheric folk with more experimental textures and layered production.
Sound Profile:
- falsetto-driven vocals
- ambient sound design
- acoustic and electronic blend
Why It's Similar to The Paper Kites:
Bon Iver shares the same introspective and atmospheric qualities as The Paper Kites, particularly in quieter, layered tracks. While more experimental overall, the emotional tone and spacious production create a similar listening experience.
Notable Songs:
- Holocene
- Skinny Love
- Re: Stacks
2. S. Carey
S. Carey offers a minimalist, piano-and-acoustic-driven sound closely aligned with The Paper Kites’ softer material.
Sound Profile:
- soft falsetto vocals
- ambient folk arrangements
- subtle percussion
Why It's Similar to The Paper Kites:
As a collaborator of Bon Iver, S. Carey captures a similar hushed and atmospheric mood. His music emphasizes space and texture, mirroring The Paper Kites’ ability to create immersive, quiet soundscapes.
Notable Songs:
- Alpenglow
- In the Dirt
- Fire-scene
3. Gregory Alan Isakov
Gregory Alan Isakov leans into narrative-driven indie folk with the same warmth and emotional subtlety.
Sound Profile:
- acoustic guitar focus
- poetic lyricism
- gentle vocal delivery
Why It's Similar to The Paper Kites:
Gregory Alan Isakov shares The Paper Kites’ restrained emotional delivery and organic instrumentation. His songs feel grounded and reflective, appealing to listeners who value storytelling and atmosphere.
Notable Songs:
- The Stable Song
- Big Black Car
- Amsterdam
4. Novo Amor
Novo Amor captures the airy, intimate tone of The Paper Kites with a more cinematic and modern production style.
Sound Profile:
- breathy vocals
- reverb-heavy textures
- emotional crescendos
Why It's Similar to The Paper Kites:
Novo Amor closely aligns with The Paper Kites in tone and mood, especially in his use of space and layered sound. His music often builds gently, maintaining emotional intimacy while expanding into fuller arrangements.
Notable Songs:
- Anchor
- Carry You
- Birthplace
5. Hollow Coves
Hollow Coves delivers a simpler, acoustic-first approach that mirrors The Paper Kites’ quieter folk side.
Sound Profile:
- acoustic guitar arrangements
- warm harmonies
- minimal production
Why It's Similar to The Paper Kites:
Hollow Coves focuses on clarity and simplicity, similar to The Paper Kites’ stripped-back songs. Their music emphasizes melody and calm, making them a natural fit for fans seeking a more grounded acoustic sound.
Notable Songs:
- The Woods
- Coastline
- Blessings
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Artist | Primary Genre | Mood | Vocal Style | Closest Era/Album of The Paper Kites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bon Iver | Indie Folk | Atmospheric | Falsetto, layered | twelvefour era |
| S. Carey | Ambient Folk | Calm | Soft falsetto | twelvefour quieter tracks |
| Gregory Alan Isakov | Indie Folk | Reflective | Gentle, grounded | Woodland EP era |
| Novo Amor | Indie Folk | Melancholic | Breathy, airy | twelvefour / On the Train Ride Home |
| Hollow Coves | Folk | Warm | Soft harmonies | Early acoustic releases |
What These Artists Have in Common
- Soft, atmospheric production with emphasis on space
- Acoustic instrumentation as a core foundation
- Emotionally restrained vocal delivery
- Themes of nostalgia, reflection, and quiet introspection
Subtle Differences to Note
- Bon Iver incorporates more experimental and electronic elements
- Gregory Alan Isakov leans more into narrative songwriting
- Hollow Coves maintains a simpler, more traditional acoustic approach
Listening Path: Where to Start
- Start with -- “Bloom” by The Paper Kites -- defining atmospheric folk sound
- Then try -- “Holocene” by Bon Iver -- layered and introspective tone
- Go deeper -- “Anchor” by Novo Amor -- cinematic and emotional build
- For something different -- “The Stable Song” by Gregory Alan Isakov -- storytelling-driven folk
- Deep cut -- “Alpenglow” by S. Carey -- quiet, immersive atmosphere
More Similar Artists
- Angus & Julia Stone
- Ben Howard
- Daughter
- Fleet Foxes
- Keaton Henson
- José González
FAQ: Artists Like The Paper Kites
Who sounds most like The Paper Kites?
Novo Amor is often the closest match due to similar airy vocals, ambient production, and emotional tone.
What genre is The Paper Kites similar to?
The Paper Kites are primarily associated with indie folk and folk pop, with strong atmospheric elements.
Are there indie folk artists like The Paper Kites?
Yes, artists like Gregory Alan Isakov and Hollow Coves share similar acoustic-driven, reflective indie folk styles.
What are lesser-known artists like The Paper Kites?
S. Carey and Hollow Coves offer similar sounds with a more understated presence compared to larger indie acts.
Is Bon Iver similar to The Paper Kites?
Yes, especially in terms of atmospheric production and emotional tone, though Bon Iver often explores more experimental territory.
What new artists sound like The Paper Kites in 2026?
Emerging indie folk artists continue to adopt atmospheric production and intimate songwriting, particularly those blending acoustic elements with ambient textures.
How We Chose These Artists
These artists were selected based on shared vocal styles, production approaches, and lyrical themes centered on introspection and atmosphere. The selection also considers genre overlap within indie folk and audience crossover among listeners who favor calm, emotionally driven music.
Last updated: 2026-04-02