The Best Indie Rock Music Videos of 2016
A look at the best indie rock music videos of 2016. These are the videos that caught our attention and made us want to share them with you.
Best Indie Rock Music Videos of 2016
The year 2016 was full of great music, and the indie rock genre was no exception. From intimate live performances to cleverly-edited montages, these are the best indie rock music videos of 2016.
“Liability” by Lorde
“Liability” is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde from her second studio album, Melodrama (2017). Written by Lorde and Jack Antonoff, and produced by Antonoff, the song was released to digital retailers on 16 March 2017 as the album’s third single. “Liability” is a indie pop and electronic ballad with piano instrumentation. The song’s lyrics concern an individual’s Social anxiety disorder and struggles with self-doubt.
Critical reception towards “Liability” was positive; many praised its production and considered it a change of pace from the rest of Melodrama. The song peaked at number 33 on the US Alternative Songs chart and number 11 on the NZ Hot 40 Singles chart. An accompanying music video for “Liability” was released on 7 March 2017. The visual sees Lorde dancing in an empty warehouse, and later driving at night; it was acclaimed by critics who praised its minimalism.
“Green Light” by Lorde
Lorde’s “Green Light” is one of the best indie rock music videos of 2016. The video was directed by Grant Singer and features Lorde dancing around New Zealand.
“The Middle” by Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey
The music video for “The Middle” by Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey was released on January 23, 2018. The video was directed by Dave Meyers and features Zedd, Morris, and Grey performing in a high school gymnasium. The video received positive reviews from critics, who praised the song’s production and the visual effects.
“Stay” by Zedd and Alessia Cara
“Stay” is a song by Russian-German record producer Zedd and Canadian singer Alessia Cara. The song was released on February 24, 2017, as the lead single from Zedd’s second studio album, True Colors. It is a warbling electropop track with quivering synths and a smattering of drum machines. The lyrics are about enjoying the moment.
The song received mixed reviews from music critics. Some praised its production and composition, while others criticized its lyrics and Cara’s vocal performance. Commercially, “Stay” peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Internationally, it also attained top-ten positions in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
An accompanying music video for “Stay” was directed by Tim Mattia and released on March 23, 2017. It features Zedd and Cara spending time together in 180° slow motion. Critics praised its visuals and likened it to a short film. “Stay” won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction at the 2017 ceremony.
“Thunder” by Imagine Dragons
The American rock band Imagine Dragons has released a new music video for their song “Thunder,” and it is quickly becoming one of the best indie rock music videos of 2016.
The video was directed by Joseph Kahn, who is known for his work on some of the biggest music videos in the world, including those for Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Britney Spears. Kahn has a reputation for creating visually stunning and impactful videos, and “Thunder” is no exception.
The video tells the story of a young girl who is taken to a mysterious island where she discovers her true identity and First Line
“Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons
“Whatever It Takes” is a song by American rock band Imagine Dragons. The song was released on May 8, 2017 as the third single from their third studio album, Evolve (2017). The song peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s music video was released on August 18, 2017. It features the band performing in a post-apocalyptic world.
“Believer” by Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons’ “Believer” might just be one of the most inspiring music videos you’ll see this year. The video, which features footage of the band performing live, as well as inspiring clips of people with disabilities doing amazing things, is sure to leave you feeling motivated and uplifted.
“Walking on a Dream” by Empire of the Sun
Independent music videos are often lauded for their creativity, artistry, and ability to capture the essence of a song in a visual format. These are some of the best indie rock music videos of 2016.
“Walking on a Dream” by Empire of the Sun is a vibrant, dreamlike video that perfectly matches the ethereal quality of the song. The video features footage of the band performing in a variety of colorful locations, including an underwater scene that is truly unique.
“Do You Remember” by Jarryd James is a nostalgic look at lost love, told through the perspective of an older man reflecting on his past. The video features footage of couples in various stages of their relationships, from young love to long-term commitment.
“No One Else But You” by The Paper Kites is a beautifully shot video that tells the story of two star-crossed lovers who are forced to part ways. The video features stunning visuals and an emotionally charged performance by the band that will leave you wanting more.
“Seasons (Waiting on You)” by Future Islands is a hauntingly beautiful video that captures the feeling of longing and loss. The video features footage of the band performing in an empty room, interspersed with shots of people in their everyday lives.
“High” by Sir Sly
The video for “High” by Sir Sly is a perfect example of an indie rock music video done right. The visually stunning video follows a group of friends as they experience the highs and lows of a night out on the town. From the excitement of getting ready for a night out, to the not-so-glamorous realities of waiting in line at a club, the video captures the ups and downs of a fun night out with friends. Sir Sly’s catchy tune is the perfect soundtrack to this relatable and hilarious video.
“&Run” by Sir Sly
The music video for “&Run” by Sir Sly is a perfect example of an indie rock music video done right. The video is set in a dark and gritty world, with the band performing in an abandoned warehouse. The color palette is muted, and the camera work is edgy and handheld, giving the video a feeling of immediacy and intimacy. The video also tells a story, with the band members running from something (or someone) throughout the video, adding another layer of meaning to the song.
