Alternative indie music is an umbrella genre that celebrates difference, experimentation and independence. Over the years it has evolved into more than simply being an important cultural force.
People often associate indie rock with musicians with long hair strumming an acoustic guitar, as depicted above. Unfortunately, this stereotype does not far off from reality.
Fever 333
Fever 333 stands out as an exciting political music band on the scene today. Combining hard-hitting punk energy with hip hop and thrash influences to craft dynamic soundscapes that match their fierce messages. Their debut album Strength in Numb333rs earned a Grammy nomination and international acclaim, and their name represents their mission of supporting community, charity and change through music.
The group was founded in California in 2017 by vocalist Jason Aalon Butler formerly of post-hardcore outfit letlive, guitarist Stephen Harrison (from metalcore group The Chariot), and drummer Aric Improta (formerly Night Verses). They cite influences such as Travis Barker of Blink 182 and John Feldmann from Goldfinger as influences, while their name represents three C’s: community, charity, and change; they donate proceeds of every performance to local charities and view music as a tool to increase social activism and raise social awareness in society.
Troubled times require bold steps, and The Fever 333 have clearly taken an interest in social issues such as racial injustice, gun violence and sexual assault. Their lead singer Jason Aalon Butler (a biracial artist himself) has never hesitated to express himself publicly on these subjects; and this can be found within their visceral lyrics that often cover such sensitive material.
Rage Against the Machine-inspired songs can sound quite forceful; their blend of catchiness and provocative ideas may resemble them, yet their ability to incorporate similar harsh ideas with more accessible melodies may make their music appealing to listeners who would normally stay clear of such music.
WRONG GENERATION by The Fever 333 is another testament to their unapologetic approach to politics and pop culture. Their message is unwavering and they don’t shy away from controversial subjects like George Floyd’s death and police brutality – two issues they take on head on in an album sure to make waves in music circles. Be sure to visit The Fever 333’s website if you want to hear more of what The Fever 333 can offer; their debut EP promises not to disappoint!
The Strokes
The Strokes were one of the earliest indie rock bands to truly break through into mainstream music, thanks to influences like Television and Velvet Underground, while their style exuded New York cool. These qualities set them apart from other indie bands at that time.
Is This It was an iconic classic that helped shape the early 2000s indie music scene. Featuring raw guitar riffs paired with Julian Casablancas’ unique vocal delivery, their music has had an enormous influence on subsequent indie bands including Arctic Monkeys and Interpol. Their sound combines elements of rock, indie, and pop, their lyrics being poetic yet relatable yet energetic; The Strokes should be required listening for anyone interested in indie music.
After the success of Is This It, The Strokes quickly ramped up their touring. They played Reading and Leeds in the UK as well as appearing as musical guests on many late night talk shows; their popularity quickly skyrocketed until they began headlining large arenas as well as appearing at major festivals such as Lollapalooza. Furthermore, they opened for Rolling Stones on their world tour.
Though they enjoyed immense success, The Strokes encountered several hurdles along their career journey. Some critics accused them of being paid hype bands while other critics took issue with their lifestyle and image choices; although attractive young men, The Strokes didn’t fit the typical mold of rock bands.
While The Strokes had some hits after their debut album was a smash hit, their subsequent albums weren’t as successful. When The Strokes attempted to move away from their signature stripped-down rock sound with albums Angles and Comedown Machine they received mixed reviews, yet continued performing live as well as release some EPs.
Now, The Strokes face an uphill struggle: creating new material to appeal to their fanbase while keeping up with contemporary music trends is no easy feat; but this popular band will likely remain beloved among their supporters regardless.
The White Stripes
The White Stripes helped popularize indie genre of music in the 1990s; this Detroit garage rock duo formed in 1997 and disbanded in 2011. Comprised of Jack White (guitar/piano/keyboards/vocals) and Meg White (drums, percussion, vocals) they featured punk, country and Mississippi Delta blue influences in their sound as they released multiple albums within Detroit independent music underground before breaking through with White Blood Cells becoming an incredible success; soon becoming one of the premier garage rock revival revival scenes worldwide.
The White Stripes were one of the most influential bands of their era. Their distinctive sound made them instantly popular with critics and fans alike, while their eclectic musical style appealed to a broad spectrum. Their early albums heavily incorporated punk and blues influences before expanding beyond these genres to other styles – their early albums even featured punk songs about race relations as inspiration! Their sound featured an almost raw garage rock aesthetic while songs frequently told a narrative.
In 1999, The White Stripes made waves when they released their self-titled debut album and it quickly became a major success; sparking off the garage rock revival movement of the 2000s. Their subsequent albums Elephant and Get Behind Me Satan became even more well known and solidified their place within music’s global landscape.
After The White Stripes announced a hiatus in 2007, Jack and Meg continued performing as side projects, performing for one final time on Late Night with Conan O’Brien on February 2009 as their last performance (filmed), an alternate version of “We’re Going to Be Friends”. Later Jack dabbled with straight power pop under the name Raconteurs before appearing in Jim Jarmusch’s Coffee and Cigarettes which expanded upon themes associated with childhood innocence and Nikola Tesla that recurred throughout their work together.
Jack founded Third Man Records, a Nashville record store, concert venue, and label specializing in vinyl releases that embrace physical artifacts from album culture. Additionally, in 2011 Jack produced rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson’s comeback album entitled “The Party Ain’t Over”.
The Black Keys
The Black Keys are an alternative rock duo from Akron, Ohio who began recording demos together in their home basement back in 2001. Their debut album The Big Come Up came out a year later and included original tracks as well as covers by artists like Muddy Waters and Junior Kimbrough – plus they did other things such as mow lawns or sit in local bars to earn money!
The band’s sound is rooted in blues music, yet their music is more sophisticated and mature than many indie bands. Their influence includes 1960s garage rock, soul and psychedelia creating their distinct style and earning numerous awards including being named an American Band of the Year by Rolling Stone in 2012.
Throughout their career, The Black Keys have explored various genres. Ohio Players is their latest album that mixes in both rap and country genres; these changes in genre may help the band find an identity within the music industry, though such drastic shifts may result in fans disengaging with them altogether.
Early press for The Black Keys from Rolling Stone and Billboard highlighted their rejection of the indie-rock establishment. Carney and Auerbach expressed strong dislike of its trust funds and clique-y atmosphere which did not extend to them as outsiders from small-town flyover country.
Black Keys’ latest album marks a departure from their traditional sound and offers more pop rock melodies and song structures than before, though not without some high points and some signature elements still present despite this change of direction – such as great lyrics, drumming, and guitar solos from frontman Dan Auerbach and co.
The Black Keys’ latest album is an impressive contribution to both rock and alternative indie genres, offering an eclectic range of sounds that should appeal to a broad audience. One such track from this album, ‘Wild Child,’ stands out due to its blend of Prince-esque guitar playing with disco grooves; making for an engaging listen, perfect for summer listening pleasure!