There's something about indie music that brings a sense of serenity to your soul. From every different style of indie music, it catches a hold of your innermost feelings and moves you in a way that no other genre of music does. For me, when I listen to indie music, all my feelings of anxiety and everything else that troubles me cease, which is so valuable in a world where peace seems impossible to find.
You may have heard of some of these bands, but if you haven't, I hope you discover someone you love because who doesn't love finding new music?
1. Wild Child
Originating from Austin, Texas, Wild Child is quickly becoming one of my favorite Indie groups. Wild Child has more of an indie/folk style to their music. While all of their songs are worth listening to, definitely listen to "Pillow Talk" and "Silly Things".
Oh, and check out the "Rillo Talk" music video too. You'll understand why they say "Keep Austin Weird".
2. Hippo Campus
I was blessed to see them live at Lollapalooza this summer. Whenever I listen to Hippo Campus, I can't help but to sing along at the top of my lungs, often getting very concerning looks from other drivers when I'm at a stoplight. Their indie/punk rock style can't help but to put a warm glowing feeling in your heart and a smile on your face.
This past week, I was able to see them again in Birmingham, and out of all the performances I've been to, they are definitely in my top 5. If you have an opportunity to see them live, do it.
3. Mt. Joy
Thank God for Spotify's Discover Weekly playlist because without it, I never would've stumbled upon Mt. Joy. While they only have 3 songs released, I can't stop listening to them. Since their debut festival performance at Lollapalooza, their popularity has increased exponentially. Hopefully, it has enough for them to travel down to Birmingham for a concert.
4. Tipling Rock
Indie/rock is probably my favorite type of indie music, and Tipling Rock is near the top of my favorite bands with that style. Coming from the northeast, the quartet has been making music together since high school.
Another interesting thing about them is that most are all self-taught with their respective instruments. They also record, mix and produce all of their own songs. Check out one of their newest songs "Staring".
5. The Genius Buddha Band
The Genius Buddha Band is, in my opinion, one of the more talented. The duo from Stockholm, Sweden presents more of a rock style with their music. Although they don't have many songs, don't be surprised if they blow up sooner rather than later.
6. Blind Pilot
Blind Pilot is different than any other band on the list. They're a more "in your feels" band with their slow-paced songs. There is something about the Pacific Northwest and great indie music as these guys are from Portland, Oregon. I know someday I will have to move somewhere up there just for the music scene. My favorite song by them is "The Story I Heard."
7. The Brook And The Bluff
From your very own Birmingham, Alabama, The Brook and the Bluff are rapidly making their presence known in the music scene. Only emerging a year ago, they have increased their popularity exponentially in the past few months. The best thing about them being from Birmingham is that they play in the Birmingham/Tuscaloosa area often so there are many opportunities to see them live.
8. Declan McKenna
Declan McKenna has quite the personality. He's only 18 years young and released his first hit song "Brazil" when he was only 16. Declan is already a star in the United Kingdom, which is where he's from and is starting to spread that popularity over to the United States. I love how he uses his music to bring light to social issues in contemporary society.
9. Elliot Root
Coming from Nashville, Elliot Root has one of the best voices I've heard. He's not yet that widely known, but I have a feeling that will change relatively soon. He actually just visited Tuscaloosa when he opened up for Rainbow Kitten Surprise (another band I recommend checking out) and was everything I expected and more.
10. Mac Demarco
Mac, I love you. You're probably the only good thing to ever come out of Canada, but you more than enough makeup for it. He's a goofy guy that loves what he does. When I saw him this summer, he was cracking jokes and ripping cigs the entire show. His voice and style is different than any other artist I've heard before. If you love him as much as I do, comment and let me know because we'll probably become best friends.
11. Milky Chance
Milky Chance is simply amazing. I saw them perform at Lollapalooza and was blown away. They were one of my favorite performances of the whole 4 days. You've probably heard of them before back in high school with their first album Sadnecessary. Earlier this year, they released a new album called Blossom that I would highly recommend checking out.
12. Middle Kids
It was pure luck how I came across Middle Kids. I was walking around a festival and heard them performing at one of the smaller stages and decided to stop and listen. The vocalist Hannah Joy sounds like an angel, and they are some of the best performers. Listen to the song "Edge of Town."
13. Night Moves
My best friend showed me this band, and she does not let me forget how she discovered a good indie band before I did. Night Moves' country-indie style is something I haven't heard much of before.
14. Bonjah
Bonjah originates from New Zealand and introduces a more chill-relaxed sound with their music. I love listening to their music whenever I'm feeling anxious, and it automatically slows my heart rate. Sadly, the band broke up a little over a year ago, but you should still check out the songs they have released.
15. STRKFR
How can you not love a band named STRKFR? Their electro/indie style is something totally different, and I appreciate their craftsmanship and passion they make their music with. I had them on my list of top 10 bands I need to see live, and luckily, they'll be playing in my hometown over Thanksgiving break.
16. Shakey Graves
It's a stretch to call Shakey Graves indie, but I like him too much to not let y'all know about him. He is probably the most talented artist on this list. Most of his songs are done solely by him. He'll sometimes play 3 instruments simultaneously while singing. Watch the music video for "Roll the Bones." Also, this guy was an actor that appeared in "Spy Kids 3" (best one by far) and Friday Night Lights. What can this guy not do?
17. Inner Wave
Inner Wave is revitalizing the psychedelic/indie style to the music scene. Coming from Los Angeles, Inner Wave got their inspiration from another one of my favorite groups, Tame Impala. If you're ever having a lazy day and enjoying the gifts of this earth, definitely have Inner Wave playing in the background.
18. Sports
Sports is weird, but I really like them. Their breezy '80s style reminds me of a mix between MGMT and Cherub. Listen to the songs "You are the Right One" and "Whatever You Want" and you'll understand what I am talking about.
19. Pickwick
Everyone needs a little soulful music, and that's the type of style Pickwick brings. They're from Seattle, Washington, which is my favorite city to find new indie bands. The lead singer, Galen Disston's voice is perfect for the type of music they make. Give the song "Hacienda Motel" a listen.
20. Old Man Canyon
Old Man Canyon is probably the most chill and relaxing artist on this list. I actually began to really appreciate this group even more as I was making this list and listening to more of their music. If you are ever feeling anxious or overwhelmed, put their music on shuffle.
21. The Head and the Heart
All. Time. Favorite. Band. I just had to bold and italicize that. Everything about The Head and the Heart is perfect. I remember randomly hearing the song "Rivers and Roads" on Soundcloud one day when I was in middle school but never knew who sang it. Then a few years later, I heard it again, quickly pulled out my phone, and shazamed it. Ever since then, I've pretty much idolized them. A few weeks ago I got to see them for the first time in Birmingham and was brought to tears. Charity and Kenny and Josiah and Jonathan and Chris and Tyler make music in a way that no other group ever has. This band has changed my life.
Music is such a beautiful creation. It's crazy how a song can have such a deep connection and meaning to our lives and how certain songs will always remind you of certain relationships/events. When you really think about it, the music we tend to gravitate towards helps explain the person we have grown up to be today and the person we will become years from now.
