Why More Pop Artists Are Picking Up the Ukulele (And Who’s Doing It Well)
I don’t know when exactly it happened, but the ukulele went from being that quirky, beachy instrument your aunt pulls out at family barbecues… to something genuinely cool again. Lately, I’ve been hearing it pop up all over modern pop music – and not just in those “look how cute I am” acoustic sets. It’s in chart-topping singles, viral videos, even live arena shows.
And honestly? I’m here for it.
So what’s the deal? Why are pop artists reaching for this four-stringed wonder more than ever? And who’s actually making it sound good? Let’s talk about it.
It’s Small, Simple, and Sounds Like a Vibe
There’s something undeniably disarming about the ukulele. It’s light, it’s warm, and it doesn’t try too hard. That simplicity has turned out to be a secret weapon for pop artists who want to strip things down and connect – really connect – with listeners.
It’s the opposite of overproduced. You don’t need plugins or 14 layers of synth. Just a few chords and the right melody, and suddenly you’ve got something that feels honest. Intimate. And in the world of pop, that kind of authenticity goes a long way.
The Vance Joy Effect
Let’s just say it: “Riptide” put the ukulele back on the mainstream map. When Vance Joy released that song, it wasn’t just the catchy lyrics or his easygoing vocals that hooked everyone – it was the laid-back strumming that made the track feel like summer in three minutes.
The ukulele in “Riptide” isn’t flashy. It’s steady, rhythmic, and completely unforgettable. It inspired a whole wave of musicians to pick up the instrument – and even more fans to try it themselves.
If you’re feeling tempted to try playing it too, here’s the exact ukulele tab for “Riptide”. You’ve probably already got the melody stuck in your head anyway.
Twenty One Pilots Got Gritty With It
If Vance Joy made the uke cool, Twenty One Pilots made it edgy. Tyler Joseph has been known to break out the ukulele mid-show, giving their alt-pop sound an unexpected softness in the middle of all that intensity.
Songs like “House of Gold” use the ukulele to contrast with the heavier, darker themes in their music – and it works. It’s this strange but perfect balance of light and heavy, simple and complex. Proof that the ukulele doesn’t have to be a novelty instrument. It can carry weight when you let it.
Billie Eilish Knows It’s a Secret Weapon
Yes, even Billie Eilish has flirted with the ukulele. Her stripped-back cover of “The End of the World” with her brother Finneas is haunting, and part of that comes from how the ukulele softens everything around it.
It’s no surprise that an artist so focused on intimacy and minimalism would find a home for the ukulele in her music. It fits the vibe. It brings you closer to her world. And that’s exactly what today’s listeners want – not perfection, but proximity.
TikTok Is Fueling the Fire
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok even a little, you’ve seen the uke explosion. Everyone from unknown bedroom musicians to viral stars is using it to cover pop hits, remix trends, and write original songs that sound like they were made for your afternoon playlist.
The ukulele has become the unofficial instrument of “soft pop.” And TikTok’s short-form format is perfect for it: you can learn a few chords, strum a loop, and suddenly you’ve got something catchy enough to rack up a few million views.
Artists Who Are Quietly Killing It on Ukulele
It’s not just the big names. There’s a whole underground of artists using the ukulele in genuinely creative ways.
- Dodiehas built an entire brand around soft acoustic pop with uke tones throughout.
- Cavetownblends ukulele with lo-fi production in a way that feels like a diary entry.
- mxmtoon? Basically the poster child for uke-pop on YouTube and Spotify.
They’ve all taken the instrument and made it a signature part of their sound. And it doesn’t feel forced – it feels natural.
It’s Not Just a Phase
The uke isn’t going anywhere. Its portability, playability, and charm make it the perfect tool for a new generation of musicians who care more about connection than complexity.
And for fans, it gives pop songs a fresh texture. Something lighter. Something personal.
So whether you’re watching Vance Joy on a festival stage or scrolling past a bedroom cover on your phone, one thing’s clear: the ukulele has found its way into modern pop – and it’s fitting in just fine.
