Students are being exposed to alternative indie music more and more often in films and advertisements, making this music increasingly appealing among their peers.
Alternative indie music refers to bands with distinctive sounds that release their music independently and do not fall under major labels’ auspices. It rose to prominence in the ’90s as grunge lost its countercultural edge and developed into new wave rock.
The Decemberists
The Decemberists are one of the best-known alternative indie bands in history. Hailing from Oregon, their music can range from British folk to American roots music – an impressive diversity. Critics have widely acclaimed The Decemberists albums; I’ll Be Your Girl was recently released as their eighth studio effort.
The group originally formed in Helena, Montana before relocating to Portland when singer-songwriter Colin Meloy met Jenny Conlee (keyboardist/accordionist/keyboardist), Nate Query (bassist/bassist) at a bar in Oregon. These three quickly formed relationships which ultimately had an influence on developing the sound. Meloy also had an interest in creative writing which allowed him to craft engaging lyrics and wide-ranging pop music which caught the attention of indie music fans alike.
In 2003, The Decemberists released their debut full-length album Her Majesty the Decemberists. The songs on this record focused on characters from olden times who told stories set against an at times upbeat folk pop backdrop – it received positive reviews and quickly garnered them a loyal following.
With the release of Picaresque in 2005, The Decemberists expanded their musical horizons and introduced elements of rock and jazz into their sound. Soon afterwards, the band established itself as an indie sensation, appearing both on television programs as well as the college circuit. By 2007 however, The Decemberists were touring with a full orchestra; its music featured prominently in The Princess Bride movie.
The band continued its evolution with the 2006 release of The Crane Wife. This album marked a move away from more conventional rock to progressive progressive music and proved an enormous hit, reaching number 35 on Billboard 200 chart and earning listener favorite status with NPR listeners as well as garnering critical acclaim from critics.
After the release of The Crane Wife, The Decemberists made another drastic shift with The King is Dead, an experimental album featuring more complex arrangements and textures for an altogether more mature sound that helped establish them as indie rock pioneers.
The Decemberists continue to push the limits of indie rock with each new release, their eclectic style and commitment to storytelling earning them an avid following. Their music stands apart from anything else out there; while live shows offer an unforgettable experience.
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes emerged during the 2000s neo-folk boom to bring an entirely different sound and sophistication to folk rock music. Their earthy and harmonically rich music draws comparisons to acts such as Nick Drake and Beach Boys while often having an autumnal flair.
Their 2008 self-titled debut and 2011’s more pop-oriented Helplessness Blues both received critical acclaim, while they also pioneered online release with early singles and EPs coming out digitally before albums hit shelves.
The band’s baroque musical style, employing various instruments to produce intricate sounds. Their lyrics draw upon history to conjure elaborate, lush fictional worlds; often these songs center around Pecknoldian pairs–brothers, friends, lovers or shadow-selves who must contend with betrayal, loss and other hardships.
Onstage, members of this band often croon together and use their voices to create mood and tension with melodies that can be both captivating and haunting. Their melodies can often be mesmerizing while their harmonies often leave audiences speechless. Furthermore, they have an incredible talent for adding raw, natural sounds into their sound through incorporating acoustic guitar.
In today’s culture of indie folk being popularised into an entire lifestyle brand – complete with bands soundtracking hybrid cars and selling pickles with their music on them – it may be easy to dismiss Fleet Foxes as too soft, but that would be wrong; they should not be underestimated as powerful music-makers.
They serve as a refreshing reminder of creativity that’s been missing in mainstream music scene; their album covers feature handwritten sentiments of love and gratitude as an indicator that there are still people out there who appreciate an honest, heartfelt song.
Fleet Foxes are an essential must-see for indie music fans, and on August 2nd they’re performing at Surly Brewing Festival Field in Minneapolis. Tickets are on sale now so make sure to get yours soon before it sells out!
Uwade will open up this concert from Minneapolis with music that has garnered critical acclaim among indie musicians. Her songs explore both her culture and nature while at once conveying nostalgia for an era when all that was required for an amazing album was guitar and voice.
Uwade will captivate her audience at the Surly Brewing Festival Field with warm, sincere, and intimate performances that will leave them feeling connected to one another and that their night has been unforgettable. Her opening set will certainly stand out; Uwade is truly gifted with so much potential – don’t miss her opportunity! If you haven’t experienced her yet – do so soon.
Carly Benson
Carly Benson is a powerhouse of talent, and her music bears testimony to this fact. Her songs feature infectious melodies and alluring choruses with her deep voice evoking real emotions in listeners. Carly brings fresh air into an industry often neglected by rock music, providing role models and inspirations for young artists in turn.
Indie rock is an evolving genre that incorporates various musical styles, but all share one feature in common: an independent ethic. Indie rock bands tend to sign with smaller labels so as to maintain their artistic integrity while creating unique music that stands out.
Indie artists stand out from today’s pop stars by their willingness to take risks and challenge norms – something which makes them very popular with students and young people. Additionally, these artists display strong social responsibility by supporting charities and working within local communities; music helps bring people together as well as alleviate stress and depression.
Vancouver has an illustrious musical past that takes cues from Portland and Seattle’s grunge rock and indie folk movements, but has also developed its own distinct sound over time – this playlist showcases some of Vancouver’s best musicians.
Bryan Adams is one of Canada’s best-known musicians, having sold over 100 million albums worldwide and winning five Juno Awards. Additionally, he’s been nominated for fifteen Grammy Awards as well as being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. His most recent release No Home Record encompasses experimental sounds of early no-wave scene into one nine song album that defies genre classification.
In 2019, The Backseat Lovers made their mark on the indie music scene with the release of Elevator Days – their heartfelt anthems were an instantaneous hit, cementing them as one of the premier bands within it. Subsequent releases by sister duo Waiting to Spill demonstrated this skill perfectly: emotionally charged tracks guaranteed to have you singing along loud and proud.
Indie rock music is full of talented artists making waves worldwide. If you need an escape from daily stress or just something nice to listen to while studying, this genre could be ideal. Give indie rock a chance – who knows, maybe it could even become your new favorite tune!