Indie music is an engaging genre. Its diverse, creative, and influential nature make it immensely popular among students.
Today’s artists desire freedom from labels; they desire something special and personal that stands out.
This is due to the wild west of internet and mp3 sharing, enabling musicians to bypass industry middlemen and be more creative.
The Decemberists
Since 2000, Portland-based indie rock group the Decemberists have thrived on its vibrant indie rock scene. Their music marries folk-informed melodies with lyrics inspired by real historical events. Individual members bring different musical influences into the group, including Colin Meloy who draws upon Fleetwood Mac, Smiths, Robyn Hitchcock and R.E.M as his primary influences; Nate Query with Americana bluegrass classical and folklore appreciation from Jenny Conlee while Chris Funk with drumming as his passion.
The Decemberists released their debut album in three days – 5 Songs – as an experiment to gauge public reaction and see what their sound would evolve into over time. Over the following years, their sound expanded as their popularity increased with subsequent albums like Castaways and Cutouts and Her Majesty the Decemberists adding more horn and string sections into their sound; while their EP The Tain (2004) contained one song broken up into multiple movements to signify more theatrical direction for the group.
While The Hazards of Love (2009) featured more modern pop elements, I’ll Be Your Girl (2015) marks their return to rustic folk-influenced sounds. Additionally, their albums often reference historical events or folklore while still possessing an irreverent sense of humor.
The Decemberists are widely celebrated for their lively live shows. Engaging audiences through humorous reenactments of sea battles and other centuries-old events, The Decemberists regularly engage their audiences through humorous performances that encourage audience participation during their encores and are an increasingly popular choice as festival and concert headliners.
The name The Decemberists was inspired by the Russian Decembrist Revolt of 1825 and refers to both December itself as well as its climate; both provide inspiration for many of their lyrics. Band members are avid music fans with an extensive vinyl record collection. Furthermore, they support both local and national musical groups by giving time, money and equipment donations towards their causes; additionally they have written books and created children’s music as part of The Decemberists.
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes are an indie folk band from Seattle, Washington that formed in 2006. Comprised of Robin Pecknold (vocals, guitar), Skyler Skjelset (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Christian Wargo (bass guitar, vocals) and Casey Wescott (keyboards, vocals), they have released four studio albums since 2008. Their 2008 EP Sun Giant received positive reviews both from critics and fans; its blend of Baroque pop and classic rock was welcomed as an alternative to many popular indie acts at the time.
The group takes its name from the phrase, “Fleet of Voices,” in reference to their lush vocal harmonies on recordings. Their pastoral lyrics have been described as mysterious, melancholy and transcendent while their songs often address themes such as love, inconstancy and death – earning widespread critical acclaim and an ever-growing following.
Shore was released to wide critical acclaim in 2020 as a limited edition that featured a book and set of photographs, coincident with the autumnal equinox at 13:31 coordinated time. Shore draws its inspiration from Pacific Northwest landscapes where many members of the band were raised.
Fleet Foxes have quickly become a critically-acclaimed band despite only recently emerging onto the scene, receiving rave reviews for both their lyricism and production style. Their songs explore life’s mysteries while maintaining an ethereal quality that appeals to listeners of all ages. Furthermore, this dynamic duo has earned numerous awards and honors including two Grammy nominations for Best Folk Album.
Fleet Foxes brought their indie folk music to Surly Brewing Festival Field this summer. Amid cool breezes and cotton candy skies, Fleet Foxes and opener Uwade soothed the crowd with soulful tunes that resonated through cotton candy skies – with Uwade captivating listeners with stories about her African upbringing and singing popular hits like “Wadin in Waist-High Water” and “Nostalgia”. In total it was an evening full of beauty and tranquillity which will continue long after fans experience it first-hand!
MSTRKRFT
MSTRKRFT first emerged as a duo in 2005 when Jesse F. Keeler from dance-punk noise group Death From Above 1979 and Alex Puodziukas of Girlsareshort collaborated to produce DJ-ready electro club tunes with scuzzy leather jacket aesthetic. Their 2006 debut The Looks helped define an entire movement of electro house with punk rock leanings like Justice and Boys Noize; yet Operator seems to show the duo has moved away from Serato for something bolder; featuring live drums, crunchy guitars and weary amps
Keeler and Puodziukas both hail from Toronto’s vibrant punk scene, and that energy permeates MSTRKRFT. Their distorted funk maestry lends itself perfectly for moshing as well as dancing; on songs like “Runaway,” MSTRKRFT sounds as though they’re trying out-geek one another at an electronic rave.
MSTRKRFT are more than musicians – they’re storytellers! These long-established musicians know the power of music as a form of expression to share emotions, dreams and experiences with one another. Their songs reflect who they are as people while at the same time inspiring you to be better people yourself.
Indie artists make sure their stories reflect the struggles and hardships experienced by others – something all indie artists should strive to do. Their tales can help viewers better understand their own experiences, feelings, hopes and encouragement as well as spark debate, activism or change initiatives.
Indie artists tend to care less about money than mainstream counterparts, which enables them to explore music with greater creative freedom and variety. Genres that they might explore range from acoustic folk music to electronic dance music; pop, rock and hip hop can serve as sources of inspiration as well. All this diversity creates a richer musical landscape while providing insight into new ideas, innovations and movements which influence other genres or artists; it can also foster community among fans who appreciate similar genres.
Mass Gothic
Mass Gothic released their self-titled debut in 2016 as an absolute gem, but many may have missed it altogether. Though easily classified as indie pop, Mass Gothic manages to escape being boxed into one genre with their mix of electronica, pop, and rock that produces something truly captivating, mesmerising, and sometimes even hypnotic music.
Noel Heroux began his musical journey under the Mass Gothic moniker as an outlet to reignite his creativity after Hooray for Earth disbanded after over a decade, leaving its lead singer feeling disillusioned and exhausted. This project has allowed Noel Heroux to explore all his creative ideas; from doo-wop of “Dark Window” to sepulchral ambivalence on “Mind Is Probably.”
Mass Gothic’s sound has evolved significantly throughout its career. Perhaps most noticeable is Jessica Zambri, Heroux’s wife and former Hooray for Earth collaborator, joining several tracks with vocals sung by Heroux himself on many songs as an indicator that this no longer is an individual project, but an equal partnership. Their partnership on Mass Gothic is both engaging and chaotic in equal measures, offering up thrilling and unpredictable results on every track.
Mass Gothic remains faithful to its roots despite a change of vocalists; the opener, “Mind Is Probably,” begins with an almost religious-sounding chant before progressing into an explosion of guitars and drums. Tracks like “Want To, Bad” and “Nice Night” show Heroux hasn’t lost his knack for writing upbeat indie rock anthems but also prove that his songwriting can be more subversive on this album.
Mass Gothic offers more than the aforementioned songs on this album; listeners can expect sultry synths, an eerie ambience, and the pulse-pounding track “Territory.” Another stand-out track on Mass Gothic’s album is “Subway Phone.” Boasting both haunting harmonies and delicate keys, this track makes a memorable finish for listeners.