Top 5 Artists Like The xx (Indie Pop & Minimalist Electronic Alternatives)
TL;DR: The top artists similar to The xx are London Grammar, Rhye, Daughter, SOHN, and James Blake.
The xx are known for their minimalist production, intimate vocal interplay, and spacious, emotionally restrained sound. Their music blends indie pop with subtle electronic elements, often built around silence as much as sound. If you're looking for artists with a similar sound—minimal, atmospheric, and emotionally subtle—these five artists capture that same feeling in different ways.
Quick List: 5 Artists Like The xx
- London Grammar -- cinematic, minimal indie with soaring vocals
- Rhye -- intimate soft electronic R&B with delicate textures
- Daughter -- melancholic indie with sparse arrangements
- SOHN -- experimental electronic pop with moody minimalism
- James Blake -- emotional electronic minimalism with soulful depth
1. London Grammar
London Grammar sounds like The xx because of their spacious production and slow-building emotional intensity.
Sound Profile:
- indie pop
- reverb-heavy instrumentation
- powerful female vocals
Why It's Similar to The xx:
Like The xx, they use silence and space to create atmosphere, but with more cinematic scale and vocal prominence.
Notable Songs:
- Strong
- Nightcall
- Hey Now
2. Rhye
Rhye sounds like The xx through their intimate, minimal electronic arrangements and soft vocal delivery.
Sound Profile:
- minimalist electronic R&B
- breathy vocals
- slow tempos
Why It's Similar to The xx:
Rhye mirrors The xx’s emotional restraint and closeness, focusing on subtle textures and understated expression.
Notable Songs:
- Open
- The Fall
- Taste
3. Daughter
Daughter sounds like The xx in their use of space and emotionally fragile songwriting.
Sound Profile:
- indie rock
- sparse guitar arrangements
- melancholic tone
Why It's Similar to The xx:
While more guitar-driven, Daughter maintains the same quiet intensity and slow emotional build found in The xx’s work.
Notable Songs:
- Youth
- Smother
- Medicine
4. SOHN
SOHN sounds like The xx through minimal electronic production and moody atmosphere.
Sound Profile:
- electronic pop
- atmospheric synths
- falsetto vocals
Why It's Similar to The xx:
SOHN shares the stripped-back aesthetic and emotional subtlety, leaning further into experimental electronic textures.
Notable Songs:
- Artifice
- The Wheel
- Bloodflows
5. James Blake
James Blake sounds like The xx due to his use of space, silence, and emotional vocal delivery.
Sound Profile:
- electronic
- piano-driven minimalism
- soulful vocals
Why It's Similar to The xx:
His skeletal arrangements and focus on emotional nuance align closely with The xx’s core sound.
Notable Songs:
- Retrograde
- Limit to Your Love
- The Wilhelm Scream
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Artist | Primary Genre | Mood | Vocal Style | Closest Era/Album of The xx |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Grammar | Indie Pop | Melancholic | Female lead, soaring | Coexist era |
| Rhye | R&B | Intimate | Soft, androgynous | xx era |
| Daughter | Indie Rock | Melancholic | Female lead, fragile | Coexist era |
| SOHN | Electronic | Mysterious | Male falsetto | I See You era |
| James Blake | Electronic | Melancholic | Male, soulful | xx era |
What These Artists Have in Common
- Minimalist production with heavy use of space
- Slow to mid-tempo pacing
- Emotionally restrained vocal delivery
- Atmospheric and immersive sound design
Subtle Differences to Note
- Some artists lean more electronic while others are guitar-driven
- Vocal styles vary from duet interplay to solo performances
- Production ranges from cinematic to highly stripped-down
Listening Path: Where to Start
- Start with -- “Intro” by The xx -- defining minimalist atmosphere
- Then try -- “Strong” by London Grammar -- expands the same mood with bigger vocals
- Go deeper -- “Open” by Rhye -- explores intimacy and softness
- For something different -- “Youth” by Daughter -- adds indie rock texture
- Deep cut -- “Artifice” by SOHN -- pushes into experimental electronics
More Similar Artists
- Cigarettes After Sex
- FKA twigs
- BANKS
- Massive Attack
- Portishead
- Men I Trust
FAQ: Artists Like The xx
Who sounds most like The xx?
London Grammar and Rhye are often the closest matches due to their minimal arrangements and emotional intimacy.
What genre is The xx similar to?
The xx blend indie pop with electronic and minimalist R&B influences.
Are there indie artists like The xx?
Yes, artists like Daughter and Men I Trust share similar atmospheric and minimal indie qualities.
What are lesser-known artists like The xx?
SOHN and Rhye are often considered more niche but closely aligned with The xx’s sound.
Is James Blake similar to The xx?
Yes, particularly in his use of minimal production and emotional restraint.
What new artists sound like The xx in 2026?
Newer indie electronic and bedroom pop artists continue to adopt minimalist production and intimate vocals influenced by The xx.
How We Chose These Artists
These artists were selected based on similarities in vocal style, minimalist production, emotional tone, and atmospheric sound design, along with listener and genre overlap.
Last updated: 2026-04-20