One of the best ways that we’ve found to discover new music is through listening to independent artists. If you’re interested in finding the latest indie rock or pop rock releases, then read on for my essential picks.
The indie rock culture is thriving with a massive following online, and indie bands are releasing new music all the time. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the best indie rock, pop rock and rock released by independent artists.
We’ll also share our picks for new releases that are sure to get your blood pumping and make you want to dance.
The indie rock scene has long been one of the most vibrant communities in music—and it’s only getting better. These days, there’s something for everyone in terms of genre—whether you’re into punk or jazz fusion or jam bands! So whether you’re looking for something new on Spotify or just want to get your feet wet with live shows in your area… this list is for you!
1) FROM INSIDE – Say The Word
With its roots in the very same high school in Liverpool where The Beatles went, FROM INSIDE is about to embark on a new chapter with a brand new outlook on the future.
Angry, powerful rock guitars and anthemic pop synth sound drive the band’s angsty sound, which is driven by a modern blend of pulsating rock guitars and anthemic pop synths.
It is important to understand that the band is truly defined by their vocally charged approach and with lyrics that address the insecurities that many of us deal with every day on a daily basis.
There is no doubt that an all-out Alt-Pop Ballad which could be described as a ‘If Shakespeare had MySpace’ is sure to get you hooked, and with strong hooks and melodies that have become a regular feature in the band’s songs, it is safe to say that it is one of their strongest songs to date.
If you like From Inside’s music, we suggest checking out their website as well as following them on Spotify. And listen to and like the playlist that this artist is featured on!
2) CAMENS – On The Walk From The Picturehouse
CAMENS has been making waves in the independent music scene with their new single, “On The Walk From The Picturehouse”
’23 Camens began as it ended in ’22. The single Jacket Weather released in February accumulated more than 41,000 Spotify plays and counting, in addition to various other DSP editorial playlists and a plethora of radio support from the likes of Amazing Radio UK, Amazing Radio US, XS Manchester and BBC Introducing.
The songwriter Scott, in discussing the aforementioned ‘Jacket Weather’, reflects: “I love the idea of creating worlds with words and then trying to pick the listener up and take them there”. As a result, it’s a way of working that bleeds into Picturehouse, but it is only now that it feels completely realized.
This single is an indie melodic pop-rock anthem that’s nostalgic, catchy as hell, and so much fun to sing along to. It’s also super edgy and has some banger lyrics.
If you like an indie melodic pop rock with male vocals, this is a must-listen. Check out their website and follow them on Spotify! And also check out our entire playlist which this artist and some other great ones are included!
3) TOM CRAVEN – Make Yourself Known
If you’re looking for an artist that has both a classic sound and an indie edge, look no further than Milton Keynes-based singer-songwriter Tom Craven.
The UK native released his latest album, Make Yourself Known, released in May 2023 and it’s a masterpiece of modern rock. With songs like “Hidden City” “New Signals” and “Catalyst” Craven perfectly blends the power pop of the 70s with the alt-rock influences of today.
The lyrics are meaningful and the music is well-composed with a pop style. The songs have an indie rock feel to them with a soft rock vibe to it as well.
Tom Craven’s second full studio album, Make Yourself Known, is a collection of songs whose theme of honesty, self-belief, bravery, and humble resilience is emphasized throughout.
If you want to hear something new and different, check out Tom Craven’s music on Spotify, and visit his website also! Also listen to our entire playlist, where this artist and many great ones are also featured, you won’t regret it!
4) ONEDAYBEAR – Island
If you’re looking for a new rock anthem to blast in your car, look no further than “Island” by ONEDAYBEAR. This UK-based band has been making waves in the alt-pop world with their 90’s rock sound, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
The onedaybear project is the solo project of musician Michael Snitchblossom. The singer-songwriter decided to record and release original songs that are strongly influenced by the alternative rock genre after having been a member of several successful indie bands.
‘Island’, the new single by Dodgy Landlords, is a song about the post-Brexit years living in Manchester, UK after Brexit, and about dodgy landlords.
The single “Island” is a great example of post-punk rock. The song has the classic sound of 90’s rock, with a modern twist that makes it relevant to today’s culture.
This song definitely deserves more attention than it has received so far! Anyone who loves 90’s rock or indie pop should check it out immediately! Check out their Spotify, and visit their website. And also check out our entire playlist which this artist and some other great ones are included!
5) DORIS – Storm Doris
DORIS is a British-based dream pop/art rock band that has recently released their EP, Storm Doris. The EP has been met with widespread critical acclaim.
Many critics praise the artist’s dreamy and ethereal vocals and her knack for creating highly infectious and catchy music that is both unique and original.
If you are a fan of shoegaze and dream pop with a twist, you will love Doris. In their debut album Storm Doris, which was recorded in a bunker in London, this London-based band has crafted a unique sound that is unique to their style.
This album is full of dreamy and melodic songs that will transport you to another world. If you haven’t heard their album yet, don’t miss their album launch on the 30th of April at the Gunners pub.
The vocalist’s voice adds another layer of depth to this sound: paired with clean production values that make their voice stand out against the backdrop of instruments such as guitars and drums.
If you love music that sounds like it was ripped straight out of a post-punk-era British music scene, Storm Doris is for you! Click on their YouTube or Spotify page today to check them out! And listen to the playlist on which they are featured.
6) UNDER STARLING – PORTALS
Under Starling, hailing from the Viking City of Ireland is an Irish alternative rock band with a unique brand of music that is bringing a breath of fresh air into the Irish music scene.
Defining the word euphoria as a feeling of reverb-soaked melodies with dark distorted riffs, Under Starling describe the feeling as beautiful with a bite to it. Their pop-influenced music has a rocky undertone driven by a powerful rhythm section.
There are a variety of genres that are represented on the Portals EP, such as alt-rock, pop-rock, and experimental pop. The songs were recorded using a mix of old and new production methods in order to achieve a unique sound
This is the highly anticipated upcoming EP from Under Starling entitled ‘Portals’. Throughout this collection of work, there are four distinct compositions, each giving a unique perspective on a different aspect of life.
As well as self-reflection, Canopies explores the cyclical nature of life. The message of Nazare gives us an insight into the more hopeful side of life, allowing us to persevere in the face of difficult times. Eros deals with love, lust and heartbreak, while Coraline is a lullaby for a lost child.
If you want more from them, follow their Spotify, and visit their website! And also check out our entire playlist which this band and some other great ones are included!
7) M.KREBS – Peggy Lee
M.KREBS, the masterminds behind the album Peggy Lee, is based in Seattle and hails from N.Kohala. They are an independent artist who has been churning out their dreamy music for some time now.
M.Krebs is composed of Spencer Moody, Brian Yeager, and Jeff Alvarez. Seattle, Washington, and N. Kohala, Hawaii, were used as recording locations.
The album Peggy Lee is a masterpiece of art rock, post-rock, dream pop, garage rock, and indie rock. The songs are all interconnected with each other and form an aesthetic whole that seamlessly flows through different styles without losing its coherence or momentum.
If you’re looking for some indie rock with a twist of pop, then this is the album for you. It’s got elements of dream pop and shoegaze, but also hints of avant-garde and experimental general—it’s got everything!
I’d highly recommend checking out the album if you’re into any kind of alternative rock or dream pop! You can listen on Spotify! Also listen to our entire playlist, where this band and many great ones are also featured, you won’t regret it!
8) DOWNTOWN LESTER BROWN – AI Masters Part II
It is with a sense of pride that we introduce you to DOWNTOWN LESTER BROWN, a 4 piece funk-rock quartet from Newcastle, UK.
Mixing pulsating funk grooves with searing guitars, super heavy bass lines and smooth blues-style vocals, their newest EP encapsulates their relentless pursuit of originality and all-around musical badassery.
The artist is one of the rising stars in the Newcastle-Upon-Tyne music scene and released his latest EP AI Masters Part II. It might be his best yet—and it’s sure to become your favourite album this year.
With songs ranging from the sleazy blues-funk of Batteries Not Included, to the ingenuity of ‘Jigsaw Maverick’, through to the monster-funk anthem, ‘Funky Munky’, the EP truly showcases their rare talent for saddling up and riding the lightning in multiple genres simultaneously.
If you like what you hear here, be sure to check out Downtown Lester Brown’s website and follow them on Spotify! Also listen to our entire playlist, where this artist and many great ones are also featured, you won’t regret it!
9) THE TIGER MOTHS – Dreaming Of Yesterday
This is a five-piece Americana-inspired rock band from London called The Tiger Moths. The Moths combine alt-country guitar runs, jazz-infused piano and a thunderous rhythm section to create an original twist on the Americana genre that has been heavily influenced by the late 1960s and early 1970s folk-rock and country rock scenes.
A couple of EPs have already been released by the band and their debut full-length album – When Sunshine Departs – will be released in the summer. ‘Dreaming of Yesterday’ is the lead single from The Tiger Moths’ forthcoming album.
The song epitomises the tumultuous times in which the band found itself during the pandemic years. The band was in the midst of preparing for possible festival appearances at the Isle of Wight and Camden Rocks, when lockdown broke out and the band’s momentum was halted.
There was then a change of line-up for the band and, as the first lockdown lifted, the band was able to begin writing most of the material for their forthcoming debut album, which is due for release in the near future.
We suggest checking out this track today! You can find it on Spotify or visit their website to learn more about them and see where they’re playing next. And also check out our entire playlist which this band and some other great ones are included!
10) SHAUN SCRATCHLEY – On My Way
Shaun Scratchley is a singer-songwriter with a classic rock sound. He hails from the UK, and his music is influenced by the culture of his home country.
His second single, “On My Way,” is a rock pop song with classic rock and soft rock influences that reminds the UK culture.
The track is a classic rock song with soft rock influences. Shaun’s voice makes this song a great listen; it is smooth and soothing while also being rough and gritty at times.
The production quality is excellent—the instruments are mixed perfectly, giving each one space to shine while still maintaining the overall feel of the song. The vocals are very strong and emotional; they will draw you into the story right away!
It’s easy to see why this song is so popular: it’s catchy and upbeat with a strong rhythm section and solid musicianship. If you’d like more information about Shaun Scratchley or check out his other music, you can follow him on Spotify.
Check out our entire playlist which this artist and some other great are included!
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