Rising UK indie-folk sensation Essy Sparrow continues her meteoric ascent with her latest single, “Artists Dreamers”, a track that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. As the Dylan biopic sparks renewed interest in the indie-folk sound, Essy leads the charge of old souls injecting new life into the genre, carving out a space that’s both nostalgic and undeniably her own.
After going viral on TikTok, with her debut EP amassing nearly one million views, Essy quickly drew comparisons to Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Sufjan Stevens—high praise that feels earned from the very first listen. But Essy isn’t simply reviving folk traditions; she’s reshaping them. Her introspective lyricism and emotive melodies offer what Under the Radar aptly describes as “indie lyric therapy,” blending the warmth of classic 60s and 70s songwriting with the emotional immediacy of modern indie pop.
The story behind Essy’s artistry is as compelling as her music. Raised in a rural commune “out in the sticks,” she taught herself guitar by watching Laura Marling videos on YouTube—a formative experience that now bubbles through her sound with a quiet intensity and intimate vulnerability. This organic grounding, paired with the production genius of Jemima Coulter (of Hailaker fame), results in a sound that’s lush yet understated, tender yet powerful.
“Artists Dreamers” dives deep into themes of friendship, loss, and moving on, offering a cathartic listening experience for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a cycle of nostalgia. Essy’s ability to capture the bittersweet ache of growing up and letting go makes her music relatable, especially for her growing audience of what she calls “girls who never get over anything.”
Her rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. With five BBC Introducing features in just two months and glowing endorsements from indie tastemakers like Jodie Bryant (BBC Radio 1), Essy Sparrow has established herself as not just “one to watch,” but one to obsess over.”
“Artists Dreamers” is a testament to Essy’s gift for storytelling and her ability to channel personal introspection into something universally resonant. As she continues to shape the sound of modern indie folk, this single marks another beautiful step in her journey—one that promises to captivate, comfort, and inspire.
