Music is an engaging form of expression with the power to transform lives and shift perspectives. It has the ability to shape trends, innovations and movements; as well as serving as a platform for activism against various social issues.
Indie music is an eclectic genre that celebrates independence and experimentation, captivating audiences worldwide.
Thom Yorke
Thom Yorke is an esteemed British singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist best known as the frontman for alternative band Radiohead. His musical compositions blend rock, jazz and electronica influences; his collaborations include Bjork and Flying Lotus among many others; plus film scores for cinematic releases as well as theatre productions.
Yorke is known for his poetic lyrics that explore love stories or nuclear weapons with profound impact, making each song emotional in their delivery. Aside from writing for Radiohead, his solo albums Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes and Anima have garnered critical acclaim, while he has collaborated with directors like Luca Guadagnino on films such as Suspiria and 71/100 soundtracks as an artist in their own right.
Radiohead are perhaps best-known for their post-punk hits; however, many of their later releases display more of an alternative sound. “Paranoid Android”, for instance, features abrupt changes and yowling guitar interjections reminiscent of Can’s music; this track clearly illustrates Radiohead’s departure from their initial post-punk sound.
The Shins
The Shins is one of the premier alternative indie rock bands today. Their music is intricate and innovative, their lyrics thoughtful and profound. Wincing the Night Away was released as an excellent showcase of this work with catchy tracks incorporating melodic chords, light synths and strong drum rhythms into an organic whole that explores themes such as escape and self-discovery – adding even further emotional depth through frontman James Mercer’s emotive vocals that add depth.
Flake Music frontman James Mercer began writing gentler tunes that borrowed heavily from 1960s pop. These didn’t fit with Flake, so he created The Shins as a side project to record them at home.
Oh, Inverted World became their debut release and won critical acclaim, due to its home-recorded charm and catchy yet accessible tunes. Additionally, this album showcased Mercer’s poetic lyricism – something characteristic of his work. Subsequent releases by The Shins have not met with as much success; but their sound has continued to evolve; for instance their third album Chutes Too Narrow features more eclectic compositions with peppier sounds than previous efforts; 2012 saw their next studio effort called Port of Morrow which shows further expansion; exploring genres such as electronica and psychedelic music!
Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers is one of the newest and biggest stars in alternative music, having released her debut album Stranger in the Alps in 2017. Since then, she has quickly established herself as an influential force within this genre; known for emotive songs with audiences singing along; she also boasts a distinct sound featuring swaying guitars and drums to enhance her distinctive vocals.
Her songs explore a range of subjects, from death and heartbreak to lyrics that explore death and loneliness – the latter explored through “Better Oblivion Community Center”, featuring melodic guitars as underpinnings for lyrics that rise and fall in intensity.
Bridgers was raised in a musical household in Pasadena, California. She began her musical journey as part of an all-girl band named Sloppy Jane before embarking on her solo career and receiving critical acclaim – including Grammy nominations – for her work. An article by Rolling Stone explores Bridgers’ writing process and influences that have helped shape her music. In it she talks about writing her songs as therapy sessions or writing lyrics that only come together years later.
The War On Drugs
The War on Drugs have quickly become one of the most acclaimed indie rock bands today, having their music featured in films and tv shows across both Hollywood and mainstream audiences alike. Furthermore, their extensive touring schedule and three albums released over the past 10 years make The War on Drugs one of the premier acts. Led by singer-songwriter Adam Granduciel.
“This Is Love” is an unapologetic declaration of how easy love and lust can be. The lyrics are romantic yet empowering, with crushing guitars adding intensity. Additionally, there’s even a jazzy saxophone solo that sets it apart from other indie tracks.
The War on Drugs have emerged as one of the premier alternative indie bands since the beginning of this millennium, known for their distinctive sound and whimsical lyrics – timeless treasures for daydreaming or relaxing purposes alike. Grouplove’s song “Tongue Tied” stands out as another fine example of indie pop with its catchy melody and quirky lyrics making this track stand out among others indie songs.
My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance made an immediate statement with their 2006 album, The Black Parade. Boasting gothic aesthetics and emo-pop tunes that bridged goth and indie aesthetics, their gothic aesthetics and emo-pop tunes proved themselves as an indie counterpart of your favorite screamo band (even playing Warped Tour in undertaker suits!). Additionally, MCR demonstrated their song-writing talent was more ambitious and complex than other bands–their rock’n’roll roots as well as grandiose narrative themes from comic books stood them apart from crowds of tee-shirt-clad concert goers.
MCR are often lumped into genre categories like emo, post-hardcore or pop punk music – yet there’s much more to their sound than that. Their combination of layered guitars and percussion with singer Gerard Way’s theatricality, grit and compelling storylines helped elevate them beyond being simply another screamo band.
Tennis are another indie band often classified as alternative, and this track from their 2008 EP Sun Giant shows why. Reminiscent of Fleet Foxes and The National, this song from Tennis showcases dreamy indie folk that’s become characteristic of their music – as well as Ray Toro’s classical influences which can be heard all across their discography.
Brand New
Indie music is ever-evolving; once associated with independent musicians, today many indie artists are more likely to have record label ties than independent status. Still, “indie” still represents non-commercially driven music that emphasizes DIY aesthetics, with alternative flair and intelligent lyrics often characteristic of this genre of music.
Indie bands emerged during the 1980s, rejecting synthpop for more guitar-oriented sounds like those produced by 10,000 Maniacs and Husker Du as well as more introspective artists like Nick Drake and Bob Dylan. Many were signed by Rough Trade Records at this time – one of the most influential independent labels.
In the 1990s, indie rock became more mainstream; internationally-acclaimed artists such as Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie achieved international success during this era. Additionally, emo emerged during this time period; merging rock music with more emotive emotions.
In the 2000s, indie music continued to evolve with artists like Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys embracing new sounds and techniques. Meanwhile, folktronica emerged, which combined traditional folk music with electronica – Four Tet and The Books are two notable artists within this subgenre.
Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend has quickly become one of the premier indie rock bands ever, boasting one of the most distinctive styles ever heard on modern indie music: an amalgam of various global styles including baroque harpsichord and African polyrhythms, intertwined with religious allegories and cultural references for an inimitable sound that defies categorization.
No matter your assessment of them, no doubt that they are an influential band. Their music has inspired numerous indie bands and been a cornerstone of college radio programs for years. Additionally, this musical ensemble are known for their political activism and strong sense of social responsibility.
The group has not shied away from controversy, becoming known for promoting racial justice and diversity. Their music has been an influential voice against white supremacy as they protest the Trump administration. Ezra Koenig spoke with NPR about how his views on politics and society had evolved over time due to experience as well as discussing the challenges of writing lyrics about President Donald Trump’s administration. Their latest album Father of the Bride was released this year and explores political themes as well as societal concerns.