6 Artists To Listen To If You Loved The Stranger Things Season 5 Soundtrack

We all kicked off a new year by waving goodbye to some of our favorite characters of the Stranger Things universe. Happy spoiler alert…Steve survives Vecna and all the Demogorgons in the Upside Down. While fans are divided about whether or not the Duffer brothers really stuck the landing…with some watchers comparing it to Game Of Thrones’ poorly-rated finale…we can all agree on one thing. The music of season 5 brought the heat!

Taking place in the late ’80s, Stranger Things featured prominent figures of the decade, including Prince, and of course, the incomparable Kate Bush, whose “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” returned to the soundtrack. If you loved these vintage jams as much as we did, rest assured, many modern alternative stars are keeping the grooves of 30 years ago alive in their releases. From Pale Waves to DE’WAYNE, here’s who gives all the energy of the Stranger Things season 5 songs in 2026.

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Prince → DE’WAYNE

DE’WAYNE has all of the sex appeal, smooth moves, and grooviness of Prince himself. In fact, DE’WAYNE was heavily inspired by the “Purple Rain” artist in the case of his 2025 record june. From his fashion to the fuzzy, old-school guitar tones, this rising artist oozes good vibes and dance-inducing choruses that echo the High Priest of Pop.

The Clash → Bob Vylan

The Clash lit the torch of English punk rockers using their platform to share progressive politics, and Bob Vylan is carrying and keeping it burning bright. Bob Vylan’s 2024 record Humble As The Sun tackles themes of capitalism’s failures, toxic masculinity, corrupt government systems, and beyond. Notably, Bob Vylan stands on business by always supporting Palestine, even if festivals drop them, nations strip their visas, and news media organizations attack them for their stance. Their rap-rock and punk sonics, as well as their ability to stand up on the right side of history in the face of tyranny and oppression, would surely make Joe Strummer proud. It still might not be Nancy Wheeler’s cup of tea, but hey, more for you!

Kate Bush → SKORTS

Kate Bush‘s popularity reignited in the 2020s when the show used “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” as Max’s song. In fact, the song re-entered the charts upon the premieres of Stranger Things seasons 4 and 5. NYC-based SKORTS may be fresh to the indie/alternative scene, but they are keeping the haunting and ethereal rock vibes of the ’80s alive on their debut record, Incompletement.

Tiffany → Pale Waves

Pale Waves‘ Smitten era is so Tiffany-coded, it’s not even funny! Tiffany‘s “I Think We’re Alone Now” serves as Holly Wheeler’s go-to track. We just know Holly would grow up to also dig the nostalgic sounds of Pale Waves with their dazzling pop vocals and feel-good synth sounds, especially on “Glasgow.”

David Bowie → Vienna Vienna

Much like David Bowie, Vienna Vienna is also a queer icon. Experimenting with glam rock and pop, aka glimmer rock, Vienna Vienna gloriously revives the rock ‘n’ roll spirit and glittery aesthetics that made Bowie so prominent. We believe that the rising artist’s LGBTQ anthem “God Save The Queens” would make the “Heroes” singer extra proud.

Fleetwood Mac → Blondshell

No band could replicate the sexual tension between Fleetwood Mac‘s Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, but Blondshell certainly reminds us of the beloved group’s sound. The rising singer-songwriter, aka Sabrina Mae Teitelbaum, employs a wealth of soothing acoustic guitar sounds to complement her soaring, yet controlled vocals. Her reflective lyrics are ideal for fans of “Landslide.” Blondshell just might be as dynamic an artist as Nicks, and is just getting started. Check out her new double-album Another Picture for all the right vibes.

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