Indie and alternative are terms often used to refer to artists outside of commercial music’s mainstream sphere. They indicate an artist with innovative sounds who is different than most.
Helado Negro creates her hypnotic brand of multilingual indie pop using guitar, analog electronics and reverberated vocal loops – her influences span multiple genres but her emotive, soulful voice remains at its core.
The Decemberists
Established in Portland, Oregon in 2000, The Decemberists are an eclectic band influenced by folk, Americana, and British rock music. Their varied sound often tells tales of lowly chimney sweeps, wounded Revolutionary War soldiers, weathered sea captains – often to an accompaniment of either rollicking folk pop or more subtle sounds such as accordions and upright bass to enhance their sound.
At first, The Decemberists initially adopted a more folk-informed sound with their self-released EP 5 Songs in 2001. Subsequent to releasing Castaways and Cutouts full length album in 2002 and receiving label support through Kill Rock Stars to produce Her Majesty… The Decemberists the following year; which featured more of the baroque pop twist on folk that became a hallmark of their sound.
2005 saw their next release, Picaresque, recorded in a church and pushing further the musical envelope by including orchestral sounds in their soundscape. This record proved extremely popular with listeners and quickly established them as one of the premier indie bands in existence.
Though led primarily by Colin Meloy, each member brings unique influences to their writing. For example, drummer Ezra Holbrook and bassist Nate Query grew up listening to Americana, bluegrass, classic rock, while keyboardist Jenny Conlee had an affinity for classical and heavy metal music – these differing backgrounds all help contribute to creating The Decemberists’ distinct soundscape.
Though their sound may be complex, their lyrics remain accessible and relatable for most listeners. Instead of dwelling on personal issues or self-pity like many modern rock artists do, the band utilizes their songs as tools for telling historical tales about figures or events from history – producing some of indie music’s acclaimed albums along the way and earning themselves a great following live through elaborate stage shows and high energy performances that leave audiences spellbound.
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes may not be known for being seductive bands, but their elegance makes other newer bands take notice. Their music features sensuous melodies, softly pulsing strings and graceful guitar work – not to mention poetic lyrics about love, loss and the human experience. Their songs also bring back fond memories of simpler times when all you needed was some great lyrics and an instrument!
Skyler Skjelset, Robin Pecknold, Casey Wescott and Christian Wargo first came together as an indie folk band in 2006 in Seattle, Washington and have released five albums since. Considered one of the most influential acts ever within their genre, they combine American and British folk styles with country, bluegrass and classic rock influences for an album with layers and textures of vocal harmonies that perfectly suit a night around a campfire.
While The Arcade Fire have earned praise for their beautiful melodies and lush atmospheres, their signature strength lies in lyrical storytelling. Their songs combine mythology, history and the personal to explore themes such as love, loss and regret; many songs feature what are known as Pecknoldian pairs–brothers, lovers, friends or shadow-selves that add an additional depth to their music.
Fleet Foxes made headlines for being more socially and politically aware on their 2020 album Shore than they ever have before, by drawing inspiration from Sam Cooke and Nina Simone while exploring themes of depression and addiction. One powerful track is “Holiday,” featuring an unforgettable chorus and message of hope and redemption; written specifically about an army veteran returning home after fighting in Afghanistan who experienced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
At first glance, it may be tempting to dismiss them as just another exercise in nostalgic yearning or throwback to simpler times, but there’s something far deeper at work here – their records possess a timeless quality that elevates them beyond being just another indie folk act.
Fever 333
Fever 333 has an agenda and aren’t afraid to push boundaries with their music and activism. Instead of hiding behind politics or social issues, Fever 333 brings these matters front-and-center through their lyrics, inspiring listeners to stand up for what they believe in. Their music is powerful while their activism inspiring.
Fever 333 stands out from many alternative bands by not shying away from political topics but instead embracing them with their music, often touching upon anti-racism and pro-LGBTQ sentiments, antifascism messages and strong calls to action in its songs.
Jason Aalon Butler leads this group with his frenetic energy and message of inspiring change. Joining him are Stephen Harris (from punk rock band Letlive) and Aric Improta (Night Verses). Together, these artists are committed to using art as activism within their communities to bring about real transformations.
Fever 333 recently released their debut full-length album, Strength in Numb333rs. Packed with electric guitar riffs and fierce lyrics about injustice and inequality, Fever 333 are touring globally to spread their message of equality and fairness. Critical acclaim has already come pouring in for this album and been highly lauded for both its lyrical content and music production qualities.
Notable for their electrifying live shows and use of music as an effective political advocacy tool, the band has established themselves through political activism and using music as a force for change. Their music serves as a rallying call, with fans eager to hear what the band has to say. One of the world’s most beloved alternative indie bands today, their style influenced by legendary figures such as Jimi Hendrix and Sister Rosetta Tharpe among others.
With their music, the band is revolutionizing how people view activism. Their model for other bands to follow and their message of inclusivity make them an inspiration to many others. Furthermore, they’re working toward becoming a non-profit organization to make an impactful difference in fans lives.
Favourite Artists
Indie bands have made an indelible mark on the music scene. Each has managed to establish itself thanks to its distinct sound and lyrical content; while also possessing an ability to craft catchy melodies which help their fans connect with them easily.
Many indie artists have had an enormous effect on a new generation of musicians. Lorde, SHAED and J Ember are some of the latest alternative indie singers that have inspired new generations of musicians as well. Their music offers an unusual combination of tenor and falsetto vocals that work perfectly against their intricate electronic backgrounds.
Death Cab for Cutie remains one of the most beloved indie rock bands today, having released ten studio albums since 1997 and becoming known for their emotional songwriting and captivating melodies. Their latest record Asphalt Meadows has already become one of the best selling albums worldwide.
Like many independent music artists, they don’t shy away from exploring various genres and sounds. Additionally, they were instrumental in the formation of post-grunge music; many indie rock artists (Kimbra and Gotye among others) have cited them as influences; additionally they are the first band ever to use an iPhone in a music video!
Lorde is not only a respected indie artist but is also a vocal proponent for women’s rights and equality, often attending protests to demonstrate her beliefs through her music. Lorde serves as an inspirational role model to young girls looking to pursue their goals in life.
Recently, she unveiled some of her favorite indie artists and we know they will be popular among her fans. These influential music acts included Grimes, Four Tet, and James Blake – three highly regarded figures within indie music.
Helado Negro, Houses, and Ashnikko are also gaining ground as indie artists that are making waves. Helado Negro is a Brooklyn-based Ecuadorian-American group that creates multilingual indie pop music that blends everything from guitars to analog electronics and reverberated vocal loops to create their unique atmosphere – they serve as an example of how indie music has grown more diverse over the years.