Artists Like The Paper Kites: Discover Similar Bands

The Paper Kites, an indie folk band hailing from Melbourne, Australia, have captivated audiences worldwide with their heartfelt lyrics and enchanting melodies. If you're a fan of their unique sound and storytelling, you might enjoy exploring these artists who share similar musical traits.

The paper kites- Bloom lyrics
The paper kites- Bloom lyrics

From their inception in 2009, The Paper Kites have consistently delivered a blend of folk, indie rock, and pop that resonates with listeners. Their music is characterized by introspective lyrics, intricate guitar work, and harmonious vocals. Here, we'll delve into some artists who, like The Paper Kites, masterfully blend these elements.

a painting of a woman standing in front of a window looking out at the city
a painting of a woman standing in front of a window looking out at the city

Similar Indie Folk Artists

Indie folk, with its roots in traditional folk music and a twist of indie rock, is a broad genre. However, several artists share The Paper Kites' ability to create intimate, storytelling-driven music.

the paper kites woodland tour poster
the paper kites woodland tour poster

One such artist is Bon Iver. Led by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, Bon Iver's music is known for its intricate instrumentation and Vernon's distinctive falsetto. Like The Paper Kites, Bon Iver's lyrics are deeply personal and introspective, often drawing from nature and personal experiences.

Bon Iver's Evolution

a man sitting on a bus talking on a cell phone and holding his hand to his ear
a man sitting on a bus talking on a cell phone and holding his hand to his ear

Bon Iver's discography showcases a remarkable evolution, from the lo-fi intimacy of their debut "For Emma, Forever Ago" to the electronic-infused sound of "22, A Million". This evolution mirrors The Paper Kites' own growth, as they've experimented with different sounds while maintaining their core indie folk identity.

Another artist who shares The Paper Kites' penchant for storytelling is Fleet Foxes. Hailing from Seattle, this band is known for their intricate harmonies and lush instrumentation. Their lyrics often draw from mythology, history, and nature, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that resonates with fans of The Paper Kites.

Fleet Foxes' Choral Influences

the paper kites album cover with an image of a person walking up stairs in front of
the paper kites album cover with an image of a person walking up stairs in front of

Fleet Foxes' music is heavily influenced by choral music, with their harmonies often reminiscent of medieval and Renaissance choral works. This influence can be heard in The Paper Kites' own use of harmonies, particularly in songs like "Bloom" and "Electric Indigo".

For fans of The Paper Kites' ability to blend folk and pop, Mumford & Sons is another artist worth exploring. While their sound is more energetic than The Paper Kites', both bands share a love for traditional folk instruments and a knack for writing memorable, anthemic choruses.

Mumford & Sons' Banjo-Driven Folk

the paper kites states cover art for an upcoming album, with blurry lights in the background
the paper kites states cover art for an upcoming album, with blurry lights in the background

Mumford & Sons' use of the banjo, kick drum, and acoustic guitar in their early work is reminiscent of The Paper Kites' own use of traditional folk instruments. Both bands also share a tendency to write songs that build to powerful, emotive climaxes.

Artists Exploring Similar Themes

the paper kites logo with three mice in a boat and two birds flying over it
the paper kites logo with three mice in a boat and two birds flying over it
a collage with music notes, flowers and shoes on it's side that says won't lay down our heads till the day is won won won won won won don't stop running till till till
a collage with music notes, flowers and shoes on it's side that says won't lay down our heads till the day is won won won won won won don't stop running till till till
bloom
bloom
there are many colorful kites in the water
there are many colorful kites in the water
the paper kites tour poster for their upcoming show, with an image of a boat in
the paper kites tour poster for their upcoming show, with an image of a boat in
What’s the Story Morning Glory? – The Paper Kites
What’s the Story Morning Glory? – The Paper Kites
a drawing of a girl flying a kite on top of a hill with a dog
a drawing of a girl flying a kite on top of a hill with a dog
the paper kites
the paper kites
The Paper Kites — Release Final Single \
The Paper Kites — Release Final Single \
many colorful kites are hanging on the wall
many colorful kites are hanging on the wall
a group of people standing next to each other on top of a roof with the city in the background
a group of people standing next to each other on top of a roof with the city in the background
a man is holding up a piece of cardboard with birds on it
a man is holding up a piece of cardboard with birds on it
three young women standing next to each other
three young women standing next to each other
a painting of people flying kites in the sky above flowers and fish swimming around
a painting of people flying kites in the sky above flowers and fish swimming around
a painting of a person flying a kite on a hill with flowers in the foreground
a painting of a person flying a kite on a hill with flowers in the foreground
two people standing next to each other with kites hanging from the top of them
two people standing next to each other with kites hanging from the top of them
The Sweet Sound of You
The Sweet Sound of You
a young boy flying a butterfly kite in the sky
a young boy flying a butterfly kite in the sky
several kites are hanging from the ceiling in an office cubicle with pictures on it
several kites are hanging from the ceiling in an office cubicle with pictures on it

While the artists mentioned above share musical similarities with The Paper Kites, some artists explore similar themes in their lyrics, even if their musical styles differ.

One such artist is Phoebe Bridgers. Bridgers' lyrics are known for their raw honesty and introspection, much like The Paper Kites. Her songs often explore themes of love, loss, and mental health, delivered in a conversational, storytelling style.

Phoebe Bridgers' Emotional Honesty

Bridgers' music, which ranges from folk to indie rock, is characterized by its emotional honesty. Her ability to write lyrics that feel deeply personal and relatable is reminiscent of The Paper Kites' own storytelling prowess.

Another artist who explores similar themes is Julien Baker. Baker's music is deeply introspective, often grappling with themes of faith, mental health, and self-discovery. Her lyrics, delivered in a soft, vulnerable voice, share The Paper Kites' ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity and clarity.

Julien Baker's Introspective Lyrics

Baker's music, which ranges from folk to indie rock, is characterized by its emotional intensity. Her ability to write lyrics that feel deeply personal and raw is reminiscent of The Paper Kites' own introspective style.

From their introspective lyrics to their blend of folk, indie rock, and pop, The Paper Kites have carved out a unique space in the musical landscape. Whether you're drawn to their musical style or their storytelling, these artists offer a wealth of music to explore. So, grab your headphones, and let the journey begin.