outsider
what it is
Outsider music is songs and compositions by musicians who are not part of the commercial music industry. They write songs that ignore standard musical or lyrical conventions, either because they have no formal training or because they disagree with formal rules. This type of music, which is often bizarre and emotionally stark, has few outlets; performers or recordings are often promoted by word of mouth or through fan chat sites, usually among communities of music collectors and music connoisseurs.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make outsider a playlist
turn these 23 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is outsider?
Outsider music is songs and compositions by musicians who are not part of the commercial music industry. They write songs that ignore standard musical or lyrical conventions, either because they have no formal training or because they disagree with formal rules. This type of music, which is often bizarre and emotionally stark, has few outlets; performers or recordings are often promoted by word of mouth or through fan chat sites, usually among communities of music collectors and music connoisseurs.
What are good outsider albums to start with?
Try Philosophy of the World by The Shaggs, You Think You Really Know Me by Gary Wilson, Rush Hour by Wesley Willis, and Hi, How Are You by Daniel Johnston.
Who are some women making outsider?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/outsider/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making outsider, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-21