This week in rock music, indie is bigger than ever. While it might be smaller, by my definition and yours, than in the past, there are tons of amazing artists today that carry on the tradition.
The indie-rock genre exploded in mainstream music a few years ago. When I say it “exploded”, I mean it! If a music critic wasn’t sure what indie rock was, they sure do now.
Indie rock was all over the airwaves, it was on all of the television shows, and you saw these bands in every magazine; you couldn’t escape it! Indie rock is known to be super energetic and youthful.
It has a certain edge to it that isn’t as glossy as mainstream rock music. You’ll also find that there are always a lot of instruments being played and the vocals are usually top-notch too. In this article, we’re going to focus on the different ways indie has been used in songs and other genres like country, pop and EDM.
A selection of new rock songs to make your indie rock playlist: acts from around the world that are redefining the indie rock genre. Some are just not as mainstream as they should be, others are consolidating their careers, and together they keep the indie rock culture alive.
You can listen to our full playlist now, or check each artist individually by scrolling down the page.
1) SHALLOWSKY – MUSCLESAREUSELESSAGAINSTGHOSTS
Alternative rock band SHALLOWSKY has released their new single, MUSCLESAREUSELESSAGAINSTGHOSTS, and it is the perfect combination of heavy drums and melodic guitar riffs.
No, the name of their new song is not wrong. Yes, it’s crazy we know, but we consider the band’s members also “CRAZYROCKERFELLASFULLOFTALENT”, so it works perfectly for their project.
The song builds slowly to a powerful crescendo that will leave you breathless. The track has all of the elements you’d expect from a metal anthem, but the video for “MUSCLESAREUSELESSAGAINSTGHOSTS” makes the track’s overarching concept even more intriguing.
“This track is one where we just let the creativity flow,” Stephens shares. “We didn’t set out with any intent behind it, we just wanted an interesting story and song that people could really feel. It’s melodic, it’s exciting, a little spooky, and fun to sing.”
SHALLOWSKY
We can describe their work as “alternative rock with a heavy dose of metalcore.”
Watch their music video, check out this incredible track on Spotify now, and don’t forget to follow the band!
2) NORTH SHIP – Plastic House
The new single from North Ship will make you want to dance, pay attention to the lyrics, and enjoy the guitars all at once. This band is a good example of international independent production of post-punk—and they’re based in Copenhagen!
The band’s new single “Plastic House” combines the best elements of alternative rock style that meets synth-pop. With a dreamy start that builds into an anthem-worthy chorus, this track is a mix of many different subgenres of indie rock. It has Scandinavian roots too and feels very nordic.
With an incredible sound, North Ship is sure to cause an impact! Check them out now on Spotify and follow them to see what other amazing music they release in the future.
3) AUTO 250P – Marvel Age
When you listen to AUTO 250P – Marvel Age, you’ll be reminded that there’s not much that’s bigger than the power of a great song.
AUTO 250P is a Danish band whose new single Marvel Age is a perfect example of how indie rock has gotten bigger than ever.
The song is melodic pop-rock with cinematic overtones, where male vocals and guitars come together for an amazingly powerful performance.
It sounds like something straight out of Scandinavia, which makes sense since AUTO 250P is based in Viborg, Denmark. Think about a Netflix series for the younger generation, this is the right soundtrack.
Marvel Age is spot on for this time-lapse we are leaving it. Think about publicity on TV about jeans clothes for modern bold people. So here you have the right soundtrack for that as well. Not to mention the great effect it could have on the radio. This is a hit track to reach – with love – Millenials straight in their faces guys.
Oh, I almost forgot to comment, these guys sounds like the good rebel rockers from the 80s, and this is what makes them special for the young generation. Additionally, it has a folky smoke in the middle that makes this track a perfect anthemic superhero musical background. We just loved it!
If you’re looking for something fresh and exciting to listen to this weekend, check out AUTO 250P on Spotify, don’t forget to follow them!
4) GLOOMY JUNE – This Party Is A Warzone
This week on New Music Saturday, we’re taking a look at the new single from GLOOMY JUNE, This Party is a Warzone.
The track is an alt-rock banger that’s as catchy as anything you’ll hear this year. It’s got all the elements of a great song—emotive vocals, edgy synth riffs and melodies that will get stuck in your head for days.
It sounds like it could be played during the opening scene of a really intense teen drama about high school party culture gone wrong—but let’s be real: this is exactly what we want to listen to while we’re driving around town on our way to meet up with friends or go out dancing. The song has been described as “emo pop-rock” and “melodic pop-rock” by critics who have heard it—and after listening to myself, I can definitely see why!
GLOOMY JUNE is based in San Francisco, California and they’ve released other three singles since the beginning of 2022, including “Awayls Gonna Let You Down” and more. You can check them out on Spotify or follow them on Instagram as well!
5) BEN DALBY – Season of the Knife
This week, the British singer-songwriter BEN DALBY releases his new single, Season of the Knife, on Spotify.
Ben Dalby’s new track is the perfect example of what indie rock is all about. Featuring a catchy chorus and some neat instrumentation, it’s a classic sing-along tune that will keep you entertained for quite some time.
The song has that classic sound we all know and love, it’s nostalgic, but it is old-school with a little bit of a modern twist to keep it interesting.
The song combines traditional rock with soft rock and alternative influences. Dalby’s vocals are accentuated by the powerful guitar solos and a driving rhythm.
Whether you want alternative rock or classic rock, since you enjoy British male vocals (as some classic sound), this is your jam. Follow the band on Spotify.
6) OWEN COLEMAN – If the World Falls Apart
Indie rock is a genre of alternative music that was popular in the 1980s, and it has made a resurgence over the last few years.
Recently, indie rock has become more mainstream than ever before. Artists like Owen Coleman are releasing singles that have great classic rock vibes with an updated twist.
“If The World Falls Apart” is an indie rock song that combines 80’s rock and modern alt-rock to create something new and exciting. The single was released by an independent artist based in Los Angeles, California, who has been making music for some years, is young but we notice he has some experience already as he sounds like a proper rock star.
If you’re looking for a song that sounds like something from the 80s but has a fresh new spin on it, check out If The World Falls Apart by Owen Coleman! Follow the artist on Spotify.
7) KEITH CALVERIC – Untold
KEITH CALVERIC‘s new EP, Untold, is a powerhouse of a rock album. The artist is based in Cicero, Illinois and has been making music influenced by the ’80s. His sound is heavily influenced by ’80s and 90s rock, with a little bit of new wave thrown in for good measure.
I really suggest you listen to all tracks, 80’s vibes are all over this EP: it’s got power-pop chords that will make you want to air guitar along with them; it’s got a synth melody that’ll make you feel like you’re dancing at your best night party ever, and it’s got male vocals that are perfect for singing along with on the car ride with open windows.
This is yet another artist whose music is so compelling that it should be explored by the film industry, as his music holds a snapshot of almost an entire film on its shoulders.
Give some time to appreciate “Hit Me” and you will understand what I’m talking about, it’s pure powerful synths with great guitars to brighten your life, and I’m not commenting about this guy’s voice, wow!
Just check out KEITH CALVERIC on Spotify now, you will never regret it!
8) JESSE GROSSI – Day by Day
In this new music Saturday, we’re exploring not only the indie rock music genre but also what is possible to create, mix with different styles and innovate.
Looking at a single called Day by Day by Jesse Grossi, we can see a lot of creativity, he is an indie artist based in Los Angeles who is taking the genre to new heights.
The track opens with a riff that feels like it belongs on a classic ’90s rock radio station, but then suddenly changes direction into something much more modern and unexpected, at the same that it sounds like The Beatle’s dramatic hits. How is that possible?
Actually, I am unable to explain it in words, so you will have to listen to it and decide for yourself how you feel. After listening to his new release Day by Day, give some attention to The Crown.
The vocals are laid over the top of these two sounds to create an intriguing contrast—you’ll want to listen again just to figure out what’s going on in your mind as you hear each one separately and then together.
You can check out Jesse Grossi’s latest song on Spotify and follow him to give your support.
9) ELECTRIC HIGH – Walls Fall Down
Indie rock is a genre that’s not just hipsters and Emocore, open your heart for great classic rock that is gaining space on the social networks day by day.
If we talk about the 90s, ELECTRIC HIGH was garage rock. Now that everyone can produce music electronically or even on their mobile phones, this is the actual classic amazing rock. And I can tell you, these guys made it very well produced and with great vocals direct from Norway, Bergen.
It’s the kind of music you can listen to while you’re chilling at home, at a party or driving around town. It’s the kind of music that gets your blood pumping and your head bobbing. And it’s the kind of music that helps you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
And if this sounds like your jam, then we’ve got just the thing for you! Electric High has just released their new EP, Walls Fall Down, which will have you ready to run through walls in no time flat.
This album is full of high-energy tracks with an indie rock sound—perfect for listening to on long drives or late nights. It’s a little bit classic rock and a little bit alternative, but mostly it feels like something new and exciting—just loved this band!
Support them and follow the band on Spotify.
10) STARFISH64 – Scattered Pieces Of Blue
Last month the new album from German indie rock band STARFISH64 called Scattered Pieces Of Blue was released, and it’s a real summertime treat. The LP is a homage to the classic sound of the 70s and 80’s rock, but with modern production. The influences are great and we can notice them in the results of their project.
The sound is dreamy and smooth, with soft vocals and guitar riffs that will make you want to put on some shades and drive around town with the windows down.
The band also has a few tracks that are more in the prog-rock/psychedelic genre, which I really enjoyed because they mixed things up a bit while still maintaining their signature style.
If you’re looking for some relaxing rock music to listen to while you’re at work or just hanging out on a Sunday afternoon, look no further than this album, especially the track Birdsong.
You can find it on Spotify under STARFISH64 or just check out their tracks below and follow the band on Spotify.
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