Finding artists similar to Melanie Martinez feels a bit like trying to find a specific antique doll in a haunted attic. You know the vibe—creepy but cute, deeply cinematic, and usually hiding some heavy emotional trauma under a layer of pastel frosting. Melanie has spent over a decade building a literal universe, from the nursery rhymes of Cry Baby to the literal alien rebirth in Portals.
Honestly? It's hard to replicate that.
But as we head into 2026, the "Dark Pop" landscape has expanded. Melanie herself is currently pivoting toward her fifth studio album—a double project themed around "Utopia and Dystopia"—which means fans are hungrier than ever for that specific brand of surrealist storytelling. If you’ve got Pity Party on a loop and need something fresh that hits the same nerve, there are a few names you absolutely need to have on your radar.
The Heirs to the Creepy-Cute Throne
If you like the "dollhouse" aesthetic but want something a bit more visceral, Jazmin Bean is usually the first name people drop. They’ve basically mastered the art of looking like a beautiful nightmare. While Melanie’s earlier work was rooted in childhood metaphors, Jazmin takes a sharper, more "alt-rock" edge to their sound. Songs like Worldwide Torture or Puppy Pound carry that same theatrical weight, though the production feels a bit more industrial.
Then there's Baby Bugs.
If you miss the specific, high-pitched "toy" sounds from the Cry Baby era, this is your artist. Their track Pure as a Lamb has been making the rounds in the fandom recently because, frankly, the vocal resemblance is uncanny. They lean heavily into the "morute" (mori-cute) style—lots of lace, lots of blood, and lyrics that make you want to check under your bed.
The Small Artists You’re Sleeping On
- Marley Angel: Very calm, very K-12. If you like the softer, more melodic moments of Melanie’s second album, Marley’s photography and musical projects feel like a direct extension of that world.
- Elita: You might actually recognize Elita Harkov from the K-12 film itself (she played Angel). Her music is lo-fi, glitchy, and deeply unsettling in the best way possible.
- Nicole Dollanganger: She’s been a staple in the "Coquette" and "Dark Pop" subcultures for years. Her voice is airy and delicate—almost like a whisper—but she’s singing about things that would make a horror movie director blush.
Why the "Portals" Era Changed Everything
When Melanie traded her pigtails for a four-eyed pink creature, a lot of fans were confused. But it opened the door for more Ethereal Pop and Avant-Garde recommendations.
Aurora is the obvious bridge here. While she isn't "creepy" in the traditional sense, her connection to nature and her otherworldly stage presence align perfectly with the Portals energy. She’s less about "dolls" and more about "forest spirits," but the level of world-building is identical.
Then you have Ashnikko.
Her WEEDKILLER era was basically the cyberpunk cousin of Portals. It’s loud, it’s aggressive, and it’s deeply rooted in a fictional narrative. If you like the "creature" aspect of Melanie’s new persona, Ashnikko's music videos are a visual feast that occupy that same "unfiltered" space.
The "Tumblrcore" Veterans
We can't talk about artists similar to Melanie Martinez without acknowledging the big three: Lana Del Rey, MARINA, and Halsey.
Melanie has cited Marina (formerly Marina and the Diamonds) as a massive influence, and you can hear it in the concept-heavy structure of albums like Electra Heart. It’s that shared interest in archetypes and social commentary hidden behind a pop hook.
Lana, on the other hand, provided the blueprint for the "Vintage Sad Girl" aesthetic that Melanie eventually warped into something more surreal. If you’re a fan who loves the storytelling of Tag, You're It, you’ve probably already devoured Lana’s early discography.
New Contenders for 2026
Watch out for Adéla this year. She’s a Slovakian singer who recently landed a spot supporting Demi Lovato. She’s bringing back that subversive, bold visual style that feels like the "next step" for pop. She doesn't do the fairy-core thing, but her "Sex on the Beat" visuals show a willingness to be weird and uncomfortable that is very Melanie-coded.
Also, keep an eye on Alessi Rose. People are calling her a mix of Lorde and Gracie Abrams, but her lyrics have a raw, witty darkness that appeals to the more "coming-of-age" side of the Melanie fandom.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Genre
People often think "sounding like Melanie" just means using a music box sample.
It’s not.
The core of the "Crybaby" appeal is vulnerability through character. Melanie uses her alter-egos as shields to talk about heavy topics: domestic abuse, body dysmorphia, and the transition of the soul.
Artists like Mitski or Fiona Apple (another one of Melanie's idols) might not wear pink dresses or alien masks, but they share that "ugly-honest" lyricism. Fiona’s Fetch the Bolt Cutters used household objects as percussion—clapping, barking, stomping—which is a technique Melanie used heavily in K-12.
Quick Checklist: Who Should You Listen To First?
- If you love the "Creepy Toy" sound: Baby Bugs, Kerli, or early Poppy.
- If you love the "Spiritual/Nature" vibe: Aurora, Björk, or Maliana.
- If you love the "Dark Storytelling": Jazmin Bean, Ashnikko, or Sub Urban.
- If you love the "Vintage Aesthetic": Lana Del Rey, The Pierces, or Lesley Gore.
The 2026 Outlook
The "Melanie Martinez style" is evolving into something much more experimental. We're seeing a rise in "Bedroom Pop" artists who aren't afraid to use "found sounds" or heavy distortion.
Melanie’s upcoming 2026 double album, Utopia & Dystopia, is reportedly finished. It features new characters and stays away from the Cry Baby storyline entirely. This suggests the "aesthetic" is moving toward high-concept sci-fi and social philosophy. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, start looking into artists like Eartheater or yeule. They are pushing the boundaries of what "pop" looks like, much like Melanie did back in 2015.
To really dive into this world, start by exploring the discography of Jazmin Bean or the early EPs of Elita. These artists offer the most direct "thematic" bridge while Melanie prepares her next universe. If you’re looking for a specific starting point, Jazmin Bean’s Traumatic Livelihood is a solid bet for 2026.