The Best Alternative Music of the 2000s

indie alternative music 2000

Indie music took an enormous leap forward during the 2000s. Formerly niche acts such as Modest Mouse and The Killers gained mainstream recognition and created huge followings among their followers.

This shift was driven by tastemaking mp3 blogs and buzzy TV syncs, but also saw bands emerging who were louder, rowdier and more experimental than their traditional indie counterparts.

The Killers

The Killers are one of the most beloved bands ever. Their iconic sound and memorable hits such as Mr. Brightside captured fans worldwide in the 2000s. Fusing elements from punk and alternative rock, The Killers created their own distinct style unlike anything else available at that time on radio; making their music an exhilarating adrenaline rush that will leave you feeling alive!

The band remains active today and has released multiple additional albums, exerting great influence over the indie music scene while continuing to inspire new bands.

Nirvana or Pearl Jam may not be household names, but these musicians have had an enormous effect on the indie scene. Their music is both edgy and raw with lyrics that both address personal issues as well as larger social ones; their success has inspired a whole generation of young musicians to follow in their footsteps and make their mark on music history.

Indie music comes in many different styles and it can be hard to classify them all. Some indie bands may be more commercial than others, but all share certain traits: indie bands tend to be independent and not signed to record labels; they may draw influence from genres like punk and post-punk; they also tend to boast diverse lineups and create distinct music.

In the 2000s, indie music made a comeback. Many popular bands emerged during this era such as The Strokes, The Hives, and Arctic Monkeys; each were able to capture the essence of indie music and draw many fans while also incorporating elements of different genres into their sound for increased accessibility and fanship.

The Killers, Vampire Weekend and Neutral Milk Hotel are three of the greatest indie bands of the 2000s. Influencing many new artists while helping revive indie music’s popularity.

The Killers are currently touring and will be performing from 2023-2024. Check their schedule to see if they’re coming near you!

Vampire Weekend

In the 2000s, independent bands found success globally. While many bands came and went during this era, some stood out above others due to their unique and catchy music which added something new to indie rock genre. Their popularity spread far and wide from casual listeners to diehard music fans alike.

Vampire Weekend was one of the most innovative bands of their era, drawing inspiration from classic rock, post-punk, modern pop and more traditional indie rock to craft songs that struck an ideal balance between playful yet serious melodies – making them one of the premier indie rock acts of their time.

Spoon is another band which had an enormous influence on the indie rock scene, led by Britt Daniel’s distinctive vocals – one of the most distinct voices in indie rock -and created music which combined classic indie with modern pop, creating a sound which has inspired numerous other bands.

Arctic Monkeys were another influential indie band of the 2000s. Combining classic rock with Brit pop, their catchy tunes and Alex Turner’s good looks helped make them an instantaneous success on the music scene – their debut album Employment became a massive indie success.

Isaac Brock’s Modest Mouse began as an underground success, but after they released their second album The Moon and Antarctica they achieved national recognition. Their distinctive sound and emotive lyrics set them apart from other indie rock bands; furthermore, their music has had a lasting influence on many other musicians and bands.

Jungle entered the indie scene at just the right moment, offering an energetic sound to the genre. Their catchy hooks and anthemic choruses get people dancing; their recent release Busy Earnin’ has received critical acclaim both from critics and fans.

In the 2000s, female alternative bands emerged. These bands provided a welcome change from all-male rock groups of old, and their music expressed the discontent felt by young women living today.

The National

The National were a hardworking band who were slow to gain attention but once they did it was exponential. After producing several critically-acclaimed albums and filling 20,000 capacity arenas on tour it wasn’t long until The National became one of the biggest indie rock bands worldwide.

Matt Berninger leads the band on vocals, twin brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner play guitar and drums respectively while Scott Devendorf provides bass guitar. Their style has been described as dark and moody with lyrics often depicting themes of loss and despair.

Established in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1999, The Long Winters’ first release was self-titled album in 2001 on Brassland Records. Since then they’ve released several more records including Sad Songs for Happy Endings, In the Heat of the Night and Boxer which helped develop a fan base before signing to Beggars Banquet then 4AD records and developing their signature sound.

In 2008, The National released their documentary film A Skin, A Night to capture their life during the making of their fourth album Boxer. Later that same year they issued Score! 20 Years of Merge Records that featured one track by themselves along with contributions from numerous bands on Merge including St Vincent.

After this initial performance, The National went on to release three albums: High Violet, Trouble Will Find Me and Sleep Well Beast. A documentary film entitled Mistaken For Strangers also showcased them while on tour for High Violet.

The National are an indie rock icon and continue to create unforgettable music. Boasting unique sound and beautiful vocals, they should be on every indie fan’s playlist.

The National’s 2023 album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein was an incredible feat of musical craftsmanship that showcases their ability to draw inspiration from various genres and take them as their source material.

The Pipettes

As much as the 2000s may seem distant now that Tik Tok and pub talk revolves around mortgage rates and sexual changes, every so often you will experience a blast from your past that forces a flashback. Lynx Africa or Chewit may linger on your nostrils and bring back fond memories of student years filled with indie tunes from that heady mix!

The Pipettes were an influential indie act from the 1990s that took their cue from Phil Spector’s girl groups of the ’60s. Their catchy garage rock fit perfectly into party culture of that period; its members donned jeans and bandanas for their look that was as fashionable as it was musical. Although only lasting a few years as full band members themselves, their legacy lives on in their fans and influence on current indie acts.

Black Wire were Leeds scene favorites that excelled at creating the garage rock sound, mixing post-punk energy with angular hooks to craft songs with an edge and excitement that were unmistakeably dangerous and exciting. Selfish Cunt were another political group who combined anarchist chants with an extravagant sense of fun not usually associated with Ed Sheeran; their reckless lifestyle earned them bans from gigs for various petty crimes (including sabotage). Yet these bands managed to secure an important place in many hearts of noughties heads.

Hot Club de Paris of Liverpool made their mark with their unique sound and seductive image, as they were often described. While still active today, Hot Club haven’t quite captured that same magic they once had.

Pull Tiger Tail was another Sheffield band with an intoxicating punk/garage sound, taking inspiration from grunge-influenced art rock trio Nirvana and employing punk/garage influences to form grunge-tinged art rock trio Pull Tiger Tail. Packed full of buzzing guitars and biting lyrics about posers who charmed Myspace users everywhere.