New Indie Folk Music to Check Out in 2015
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If you’re looking for some new indie folk music to check out in 2015, look no further! Here are 10 up-and-coming artists that are sure to get your toes tapping.
New Music
The following albums are a great starting point for anyone interested in exploring the genre of indie folk music. These artists have created a unique sound that blends traditional folk elements with modern instrumentation and production techniques.
The Lumineers
The Lumineers are one of the most popular indie folk bands today. Their music is characterized by its simple, catchy melodies and emotive lyrics. The band comes from Denver, Colorado, and consists of lead vocalist/guitarist Wesley Schultz, drummer Jeremiah Fraites, and cellist Neyla Pekarek. The Lumineers’ self-titled debut album was released in 2012 to critical acclaim and commercial success. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart and has been certified platinum in the United States. The album’s lead single, “Ho Hey,” was a huge global hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and selling over 5 million copies in the US alone. The Lumineers’ follow-up album, Cleopatra, was released in 2016 to equally strong reviews and sales. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and has been certified gold in the US.
Mumford and Sons
Mumford and Sons is a British indie folk group that first gained popularity in the early 2010s. The group consists of Marcus Mumford (vocals, guitar, drums), Ben Lovett (vocals, keyboard), Winston Marshall (vocals, banjo, guitar) and Ted Dwane (bass). Mumford and Sons’ debut album, Sigh No More, was released in 2009 and peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart. The album was also a critical success, winning the band several awards including the Brit Award for Best British Album of the Year. The group’s second album, Babel, was released in 2012 and debuted at number one on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200. Mumford and Sons has won numerous awards including three Grammy Awards and four Brit Awards.
Of Monsters and Men
Of Monsters and Men is an indie folk rock band that hails from Iceland. The band rose to popularity in 2011 with the release of their debut album, My Head is an Animal, and the success of their single “Little Talks.”
If you’re a fan of bands like Mumford & Sons or The Decemberists, then you’ll likely enjoy the sound of Of Monsters and Men. Their music has a distinctly folksy feel, with playful tracks like “Dirty Paws” sitting alongside more emotional ballads like “Lakehouse.”
If you’re looking for some new indie folk music to check out in 2015, Of Monsters and Men should definitely be on your radar.
Up and Coming Artists
There are a lot of new and upcoming artists in the Indie Folk scene that are really starting to make a name for themselves. Some of these artists are: The Paper Kites, Passenger, and Lord Huron.
Hozier
Hozier is an Irish singer and songwriter who rose to prominence in 2013 with his debut single, “Take Me to Church.” His self-titled debut album was released in 2014 and reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. Hozier has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Best New Artist.
The Paper Kites
The Paper Kites are an indie folk band from Melbourne, Australia. The band consists of Sam Bentley (lead vocals, guitar), Christina Lacy (guitar, backing vocals), David Powys (bass guitar, keyboards), Sam Rasmussen (drums) and Kerry Jayne Chapman (cello, backing vocals). The Paper Kites have released two studio albums and one EP.
The Paper Kites’ sound has been described as “heartfelt indie folk rock with a dash of americana” and “gentle yet anthemic indie folk”. The band’s musical style has been compared to that of Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Iron & Wine and Mumford & Sons.
The Paper Kites were formed in 2010 by Sam Bentley and Christina Lacy. The two had met while attending the University of Melbourne and began writing songs together. In 2011, the duo released their debut EP, A Season On the Line. They followed this up with their debut album, States, in 2012. The album was met with positive reviews from critics and was nominated for ‘Best Album’ at the 2013 AIR Awards.
The band’s second album, twelvefour, was released in 2014. The album was written and recorded over the course of one year and is a collection of songs inspired by the hours between midnight and four AM. Twelvefour received positive reviews from critics and debuted at #2 on the ARIA charts.
The Paper Kites are currently touring Australia and New Zealand in support of twelvefour.
The Head and the Heart
If you’re a fan of indie folk music, then you’re in for a treat with The Head and the Heart. This band is relatively new on the scene, but they’re already making waves with their catchy melodies and folksy lyrics.
The Head and the Heart formed in 2009 in Seattle, Washington. The band members are Josiah Johnson (vocals, guitar, percussion), Charity Rose Thielen (vocals, violin, guitar), Chris Zasche (bass), Jonathan Russell (vocals, guitar, percussion), Matt Gervais (drums), and Tyler Williams (keyboards).
The Head and the Heart’s music has been featured on several TV shows, including Grey’s Anatomy and One Tree Hill. The band has also toured with indie folk darlings Mumford & Sons and Bunbury Music Festival.
If you’re looking for some new music to add to your collection, be sure to check out The Head and the Heart. You won’t be disappointed!
Notable Releases
The winter months are often a time when people’s thoughts turn inward, and the music scene tends to be a little quieter than usual. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing new and exciting to check out. If you’re looking for some new indie folk music to add to your collection, here are a few notable releases from the past year.
The Lumineers – Cleopatra
This album by The Lumineers is a true example of an Indie Folk album. It features rustic guitars, folky lyrics, and has an overall down-to-earth feeling. Despite being released in 2016, it feels as though it could have come out decades ago. It’s a great album for anyone who wants to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of their everyday life.
Mumford and Sons – Wilder Mind
Mumford and Sons are a British rock band formed in 2007. The band consists of Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane. Mumford and Sons have released three studio albums: Sigh No More (2009), Babel (2012), and Wilder Mind (2015).
Wilder Mind is the band’s third studio album. It was released on May 4, 2015. The album was produced by James Ford and Marcus Mumford.
The first single from the album, “Believe,” was released on March 16, 2015. The second single, “The Wolf,” was released on April 6, 2015.
Of Monsters and Men – Beneath the Skin
Of Monsters and Men’s Beneath the Skin is an album built on dualities. The first of these is the appropriation of modern pop while staying firmly entrenched in their indie/folk roots. The second is frontman Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir’s gorgeous, lilting voice trading off with fellow singer/guitarist Ragnar “Raggi” Porhallsson’s gruff howl. These two elements come together to create an album that is both immediate and timeless.
The opening track, “Crystals,” is a perfect example of this dichotomy. It starts with a simple acoustic guitar strum and Hilmarsdóttir’s ethereal voice before blossoming into a stadium-ready anthem complete with driving drums and arena-sized guitars. It’s a masterful piece of songwriting that should please both fans of the band’s earlier work and those looking for something new.
Of Monsters and Men have always been good at creating catchy, sing-along melodies, but on Beneath the Skin they have reached a new level of songcraft. These are songs that will stay with you long after the album is over. And while they may never achieve the same level of mainstream success as “Little Talks,” they have created an album that is sure to please their existing fanbase and win them some new converts along the way.
