Indie music prides itself on being undefinable, famous for exploring a wide variety of sounds and influences. While other genres are more clear-cut, indie is floaty and youthful, and doesn’t let itself be defined by anything. This music genre has sounds that could easily fit into being played over the speakers in a surf shop or playing in your wired earbuds at a teenage house party. If you want to expand your knowledge on indie artists but find yourself overwhelmed and not sure where to start, here are a few up-and-coming bands and artists that will stand out in your playlist.
Peach Pit
Listen: “Magpie,” “Seventeen,” “Drop the Guillotine”
Similar Artists: Backseat Lovers, Cardinal Bloom, and Rec Hall
Peach Pit is a funky indie rock band from Vancouver, Canada. They are one of the frontrunners of what they themselves classify as “chewed-bubblegum-pop”.Their sound can be best described as containing heavy notes of pop and psychedelia that are always complimented by diverse production. Lyrically, the songs describe distinct situations, ranging from poignant breakup tales to unique and dreamy yearnings. Their music transports listeners to being in beaten-up Converse, feeling the sticky floor beneath you at a party that only appears to you in a hazy memory, in the best way possible.
Sarah and the Sundays
Listen: “Take Your Time,” “Vices,” “Masquerade”
Similar Artists: Del Water Gap, Arcy Drive, Breakup Shoes
The music of Sarah and the Sundays contains elements of what many people assign to classic indie pop. The band consistently delivers smooth, pleasant, laid-back instrumentals on every track, which is highlighted by addictive guitars, vocals and drums that make you want to quit your job and lay by the beach until the sun goes down. Their most well-known album, The Living End, nails these qualities to a tee. However, their latest album Like A Damn Dog snaps listeners out of their sultry, summery daydream. Heartbreaking tracks like “The Cue” and “Policy” will leave you metaphorically spiraling on your kitchen floor as you attempt to grapple with lost loves and the insecurities that follow.
Kitty Craft
Listen: “Fray,” “Alright,” “When Fortune Smiles”
Similar Artists: The Sundays, The Cranberries, TV Girl
The best way to describe the delightful tunes of Kitty Craft, the musical moniker of Pamela Valfer, is akin to being wrapped in your favorite fuzzy blanket fresh out of the dryer and receiving a warm hug from someone you love. Kitty Craft’s music is cozy and delectable, characterized by leisurely melodies and unique samples reminiscent of those of TV Girl. If one finds themselves exhausted and scatterbrained in this crazy world, take a deep breath and shuffle some of her tracks. You’ll feel at ease in no time as soon as you melt into her sweet and soothing discography.
The Backfires
Listen: “Brighter Lights,” “Dressed for a Funeral,” “Matador”
Similar Artists: Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Coin
The Backfires boldly broke into the indie rock scene this year. The group donned black suits and ties, and brought a discography that packs a serious punch. If you find yourself longing for the indie sleaze empire of Arctic Monkeys, look no further. Their songs are striking, intense and chock-full of ferocity. Tracks are jam-packed with impressive guitar riffs, rocking production and persistent vigor that’s unmistakable throughout every line. They released their debut album This Is Not An Exit this past January, embarked on a North American tour and don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
Spacey Jane
Listen: “Good Grief,” “Lunchtime,” “Through My Teeth”
Similar Artists: The Rions, Royel Otis, Pacific Avenue
This Australian Los Angeles-based band is no stranger to the ever-changing world of indie music. However, Spacey Jane is a standout, consistently astonishing us with a distinctive sound that is adored by fans across the world. Despite this, the band is unafraid of pushing boundaries with each new album. They are praised for their raw and undressed lyricism which explores stories of love, loss, longing, and loneliness. These masterfully-strung lyrics are complimented by silky, self-indulgent vocals and instrumentals. If you find yourself yearning for what once was, or what could have been, Spacey Jane is the band for you.
Greer
Listen: “Happy People,” “Connect the Dots,” “Franken”
Similar Artists: Benches, The Slaps, Makeout Reef
The four-person band is still unsure of what exactly to call themselves in terms of a musical genre, but Greer has gone on to loosely classify themselves as alternative indie rock. Following a recent three-year hiatus, Greer came back to release their debut album Big Smile in March of this year. They stand out through plenty of acoustic guitars and easygoing vocals. Their music encapsulates the tumultuous adolescent experience with nostalgic and relatable stories as expressed though their lyrics, and their friendly alternative sound keeps fans coming back for more.
Sun Room
Listen: “Something You’re Missing,” “Sol de Sur,” “Crashed my Bike”
Similar Artists: Almost Monday, The Hails, Ashes to Amber
Refreshing rock ‘n’ roll newcomers, Sun Room allow you to escape to an endless summer sun-soaked daydream. Two of their songs were featured in the TV series “Outer Banks,” which should give you an idea of the vibes their songs emulate. Their sound is reminiscent of surf rock with an additional laid-back tropical flair that makes them delightfully notable in the indie scene. If you’re looking for a band to play behind the counter of your local surf shop or to spice up your summer playlist, look no further than this SoCal trio.
Ax and the Hatchetmen
Listen: “Grace,” “Flagstaff,” “What’s New”
Similar Artists: Rebounder, Lime Cordiale, Two Door Cinema Club
Ax and the Hatchetmen are a fresh, new-fashioned indie band that’s youthful, airy and charming. This self-assured sextet are always light on their feet, carrying catchy riffs and lively vocals enhanced by energetic production. Their tracks make you want to dance around your room, nostalgic for days of carefree bliss. Their bouncy ear worm lyrics will have you humming them over and over again, leaving you infatuated with every track and with an extra pep in your step.
Cannibal Kids
Listen to: “Save Me the Time,” “ACEY,” “Always Waiting”
Similar Artists: Flipturn, Phoneboy, Young the Giant
One of the things I love about being from South Florida is being able to discover local indie bands with sounds that are fresher than our oranges. Cannibal Kids are sweet and sour all at the same time, with a captivating, uniquely blended production that never fails to elevate their musical and vocal talents. Their discography is a vibrant, tropical smoothie of addictive melodies that will leave you wishing you had discovered them sooner. Despite their imaginative and daydreamy songwriting, their heads are anything but in the clouds. They are always found at local gigs with other local indie bands like P.M Tiger and Rohna across Florida. If you live nearby, be sure to catch them sometime!
LAUNDRY DAY
Listen: “Damn Shame,” “Little Bird,” “Worry About Yourself”
Similar Artists: Greeting Committee, Teenage Dads, BENNE
This superb, splinter van-traveling, knockout indie rock group hit the ground running in 2016 with striking songs that put them on the map. LAUNDRY DAY is a high-energy quartet with capricious chords that will leave your head spinning. Complete with overlapping vocals, unpredictable instrumentals and surprising samples, LAUNDRY DAY make every song a new experience. Their quickly growing fanbase is infatuated with their groovy and dance pop-inspired tracks.
Listen to a curated playlist of these artists here:
Great read with amazing insight. I think I need a new playlist!
this list is amazing. I usually hate articles like this because the bands are too quirky. I listened to every recommended song and added every single one of them to my playlist. great job!
hey JB! just wanted to say thank you so much for this comment, it totally made my day!!! so glad you love these artists just as much as i do!
This is such a gem, so many excellent recommendations. This compilation is what I have been looking for. Thank you well done Sarah.
your list is amazing. You need to check out CATTAIL BLOOM