Watch out for Casey Ruth Little and the track “Smudge on the Lens.” Fans of indie folk will love it. A perfect song for a sad rainy day.

Casey Ruth Little is the 19-year-old singer/songwriter from Bristol, Rhode Island, you need to hear. With a sound that blends the timeless charm of Joni Mitchell, the grit of Stevie Nicks, and the emotional depth of Phoebe Bridgers, Casey’s music is raw, honest, and deeply relatable. Whether she’s inviting you into her world of personal stories or uplifting you with her infectious energy, Casey’s sound sticks with you long after the song ends.

Her big break came in April 2024 when she earned a spot on NPR Music’s Top Shelf List as part of their Tiny Desk Contest. At just 18, she was the youngest artist featured, and her song “Smudge of the Lens”—with its intricate guitar work and soaring soprano—quickly captured the hearts of listeners. The feature became the launchpad for her career, introducing her to a national audience and sparking an immediate, organic following.

But it wasn’t just the NPR spotlight that built her fanbase—it was Casey’s authenticity and relatability. As she continued to share her music, her unfiltered personality, honest storytelling, and genuine connection with her fans helped her grow a community of over 35,000 followers across platforms. Her debut solo single, “Who Could’ve Known?” (released in July 2024), further solidified this bond, with its heartfelt lyrics that fans could instantly relate to.

Spotify playlists where “Smudge on the Lens” could find a home:, Indie Folk, Fresh Folk, Acoustic Chill, Sad Indie, Morning Coffee, and Indie Rainy Day.