The Best Indie Rock Music Artists You Need to Know

The term “indie rock” is used to describe a wide variety of rock genres that are not associated with major record labels. Indie rock artists are usually unsigned or signed to small, independent record labels. These artists typically produce their own music, which gives them more creative freedom than artists signed to major labels.

The 1975

The 1975 is an English rock band from Manchester, formed in 2002. The group consists of Matthew Healy (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Adam Hann (lead guitar), Ross MacDonald (bass), and George Daniel (drums). They have released four studio albums: Their eponymous debut album (2013), I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It (2016), A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships (2018), and Notes on a Conditional Form (2020).

The National

The National is an American rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in 1999. The band consists of Matt Berninger (vocals), Aaron Dessner (guitar, keyboards), Bryce Dessner (guitar, keyboards), Scott Devendorf (bass) and Bryan Devendorf (drums).

The National’s early material was released on their self-titled debut EP and their first two albums, The National (2001) and Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers (2003). Their fourth album, Alligator (2005), earned the band critical acclaim and their fifth album, Boxer (2007), was equally praised. High Violet, the band’s sixth album, was released on May 11, 2010 to widespread critical acclaim. Trouble Will Find Me, the band’s seventh album was released on May 17, 2013.

Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire is a Canadian indie rock band that formed in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 2001. The band consists of Win Butler, Régine Chassagne, Richard Reed Parry, Tim Kingsbury, Wilco Boucher and Jeremy Gara. The band’s fifth studio album, Everything Now, was released on July 28, 2017.

Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 2006. Originally consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Ezra Koenig, bassist and backing vocalist Chris Baio, drummer and percussionist Rostam Batmanglij, and keyboardist and backing vocalist Walt Martin. The band released their first album in 2008 to critical acclaim, with its singles “A-Punk”, “Mansard Roof” and “Oxford Comma” all receiving prominent airplay on modern rock radio and being certified gold or silver in several countries.

Modest Mouse

One of the most popular and well-known indie rock bands, Modest Mouse was formed in Issaquah, Washington in 1993 by lead singer/guitarist Isaac Brock, drummer Jeremiah Green, and bassist Eric Judy. Known for their catchy tunes, quirkiness, and Brock’s distinctive voice and lyrics, the band has amassed a large following over the years. They have released six studio albums, with their 2007 album “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank” debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Some of their most popular songs include “Float On”, “Dashboard”, and “Lampshades on Fire”.

Why You Need to Know These Artists

There’s just something about indie rock music that’s so appealing. It’s the perfect mix of alternative, rock, and pop. And, these days, there are so many great indie rock artists out there making amazing music. Here are just a few of the best indie rock music artists you need to know.

They’re making great music

The critical and popular success of indie rock has made it one of the most influential movements in rock music since the 1990s. Indie rock’s commercial breakthrough came in the mid-1990s with the release of Nirvana’s Nevermind, Beastie Boys’ Ill Communication, Blur’s Parklife and Pixies’ Doolittle. Since then, many indie rock bands have gone on to achieve commercial success, including Radiohead, Modest Mouse, Arcade Fire and The Strokes.

In spite of its mainstream appeal, indie rock has retained its countercultural status, with bands and artists often expressing anti-corporate views and support for independent record labels and DIY ethic. Indie rock musicians have also been associated with a wide range of musical styles, including lo-fi, noise pop, emo, post-rock and math rock.

Here are 10 of the best indie rock music artists you need to know.

They’re popular

Indie rock is a genre of music that is typically characterized by a DIY aesthetic, independent record labels, and a focus on artist-driven songwriting. While the term “indie rock” can be used to describe music that is released by major labels, it is more often used to describe music that is released by independent labels or artists who are not signed to a major label.

In recent years, the indie rock scene has become increasingly popular, with many artists finding mainstream success. If you’re looking for some new music to check out, here are some of the best indie rock artists you need to know.

They’re unique

There’s just something about them — the way they play their instruments, the way they sing, the way they write their songs. They’re different from anyone else out there, and that’s why they’re so special. These are the best indie rock music artists you need to know.

They’re unique
The best indie rock music artists are unique in their own ways. They might have a different style of playing their instruments or a different way of singing. But whatever it is that makes them different, it’s what makes them special.

They’re not afraid to be themselves
The best indie rock music artists are comfortable in their own skin. They don’t try to be someone they’re not. They know who they are and they’re not afraid to show it. That’s what makes them so appealing to fans.

They have a passion for what they do
The best indie rock music artists have a passion for what they do. They love making music and it shows in their performances. They pour their hearts into their songs and it comes through in their music.

They connect with their fans
The best indie rock music artists know how to connect with their fans. They understand that fans want to feel like they know the artist and that they can relate to them. That connection is what makes fans loyal for life.

How to Get Into Indie Rock Music

Indie rock is a genre of rock music that originated in the United States and United Kingdom in the 1970s. Indie rock is characterized by a DIY ethic, and a disdain for the established music industry. As a result, indie rock is often underground or independent. Some of the best indie rock artists you need to know are The Strokes, Vampire Weekend, and Arcade Fire.

Listen to the radio

One of the best ways to get into indie rock music is to listen to the radio. You can find plenty of great indie rock stations online, or you can tune in to your local college radio station. College radio stations are often some of the first places that new indie rock bands are played, so you’re likely to hear a lot of great new music if you tune in.

In addition to listening to the radio, there are also a few great indie rock festivals that take place every year. These festivals are a great way to see a bunch of different bands in one place, and they’re usually a lot of fun. Some of the most popular indie rock festivals include SXSW, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza.

Go to concerts

One of the best ways to get into indie rock music is to go to concerts. By seeing live bands, you can immerse yourself in the music and get a sense of what the genre is all about. You can also mingle with other fans and get recommendations for new artists to check out. There are often smaller, local venues that host indie rock concerts, so keep an eye out for show listings in your area. If you’re willing to travel, you can also attend festivals dedicated to indie rock music. These events usually take place once a year and feature a lineup of multiple bands.

Check out online music sites

If you want to get into indie rock music, there are a few different ways you can do it. One of the easiest and most convenient ways is to simply check out online music sites that cater to this genre. Some of the most popular ones include Pitchfork, Best New Music, and Altered Zones. All you need to do is visit these sites on a regular basis and take a look at the new music that they’re featuring. If you see something that looks interesting, simply click on it and give it a listen. You can also use these sites as a starting point for further research if you find an artist that you like.

The Best Indie Rock Music Artists You Need to Know