We’re going to explore a nostalgic vibe now: For those part of Generation X or among the Baby Boomers, music was an integral part of their lives—their education. We want to take a look at what we have today in the same light.
Their classrooms must have been filled with the songs of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Paul Simon, and so on and thus the new kids on the block – that’s when the soft rock and singer-songwriter genres were endured.
We may not witness a second coming but each day artists like Glen Hansard, Joshua Radin, Damien Rice and more continue to release some amazing soft rock and singer-songwriter albums, unlike their previous efforts which make them best suited for an occasional listen.
It doesn’t matter whether you are from that time or not, stay with us because you will find here something you will enjoy. Nostalgic vibes!
Nostalgia is a crazy thing. You know you’ve hit an age where it starts to kick in when your friends or family members ask why you want to start a band and play the music that they can’t relate to.
It’s a nostalgic vibe that draws its effect on you, and it is really strong when the subject is Rock and its subgenres, which is what this review is all about.
Soft rock music is a subgenre of rock music and an outgrowth of the British blues-based rock movement that emerged in the late-1960s. It got its name from the soft guitar sound which drove many of the most popular songs of the era.
We have compiled a list of some of the best independent musicians working in soft rock music right now, and this playlist contains some of the most interesting of those, as well as representing a wide variety of musical styles You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artists’ music, and know more about their work by scrolling down the page.
1) MATT DEANGELIS – Real Future
Matt Deangelis is a soft rock artist from the United States, Turnersville New Jersey. He released his single Real Future weeks ago.
The song has been described as having amazing 70’s vibes with pop influences and classic rock undertones. The mood of the track is introspective, with a bit of melancholy, and reflective with a dreamy undertone to it.
In his words, this piece was inspired by the new world we have lived in since the pandemic started, which has changed many aspects of our lives. His work was also inspired by climate change, an issue he takes very seriously.
I’m not sure if Matt DeAngelis will become the next big thing in indie rock because there are so many talented artists out there nowadays—but I know that this guy definitely has something special! Check out Real Future below, visit his website and follow him on Spotify.
2) CHUCKY TRADING CO – Grace
Chucky Trading Co is an indie soft rock band from Manhattan, New York. They have been together for some years and are experts in this kind of music genre.
The music they write has a rock pop feel, but can also be described as folk-rock; whatever you call it, it’s definitely 80’s inspired, and nostalgic. It’s also featuring beautiful and smooth male and female vocals in perfect harmony.
Their single “Grace” is a must-listen! It’s very emotional and moving but still has an upbeat tempo which makes it more accessible than some other softer music styles might be for some listeners. It invites you to dance and this is very positive in my opinion.
I recommend checking out Chucky Trading Co.’s website where you can find all of their music, tour dates, and other information about the band members themselves! They also have a Spotify page where you can listen to more songs like “Grace”.
3) ZADAR – Julie
ZADAR is a post-punk band from Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. They are known for their dark, gothic rock sound and their unique blend of influences from the United States punk scene and the UK’s indie rock scene.
Their single “Julie” is a perfect example of the band’s signature sound: dreamy vocals, driving bass lines, and intricate guitar work that never fails to impress. It’s not just the music that makes them stand out though—the lyrics are full of emotion and thoughtfulness.
This band has been gaining a lot of attention lately in their home state, but they deserve even more attention than they’ve gotten so far.
If you’ve never heard ZADAR before but want something new in your life (or just need some fresh tunes for the weekend), check them out!
Also, check out their BandCamp, follow them on Spotify, and use their music to improve your best playlist) and listen to some of their other songs—you won’t be disappointed! “Crimson Pain” is a good bet.
4) THE LUNAR KEYS – Once
I’ve been on a soft rock-deep kick lately, and I’ve been really digging the sound. This one is a little bit more mellow than modern pop rock, but it still has that catchy beat that makes you want to dance and enjoy the vibe. It’s got an old-school style with some modern touches—and we all know how much I love my old-school vibes!
I recently discovered them, the band is named THE LUNAR KEYS, which is making some serious waves right now. Their song “Once” has been getting tons of attention in the indie rock scene and has been getting lots of airplay on Spotify. Producers from PopHits.Co described it as “a great, inspiring and epic indie rock track”. Wow!
The Lunar Keys are from Guildford in the UK, and their sound is distinctly British—it’s got that classic British rock feel that makes you think of London in the 80s.
They can definitely be one of the most popular bands on their scene right now, but they seem like they’re just getting started with this latest release’s campaign—I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from them soon! Check it out, visit the band’s website and follow on Spotify.
5) NOTHING LOST – Nothing Lost
Nothing Lost is a rock independent band from the United States, San Antonio. The band has a sound that is both classic and modern with a ’90s vibe.
Their album Nothing Lost is 12 tracks long and is a true banger. It’s heavy rock and brings a surprise that I decided to include in this playlist especially as they reach a diversified audience too.
The album opens with “Ten Years”, which is an anthemic song with male vocals and heavy metal rock elements. It has a ’90s sound but also feels like it could be from today. The vocals are incredible and the guitar work is done well as well.
“Ki Ki Ma Ma” follows, it has an upbeat tempo and a classic sound to it. The guitar work on this track is superb as well as the bassline that comes in later in the song. This track has a pop vibe to it as well, especially when you hear the whistling at the end of the track before going into “HitThe Ramp”, which has an alt rock element to it while still having that classic sound that they have throughout this album.
Now it’s my favourite, “One Too Many”, which is the last track, but softer and begins with a great catchy melody and beautiful vocals, followed by some nice guitar work. This one brings impressive drumming which makes you want to move around because it sounds like something right out of a movie soundtrack! Think of a modern rocky The Beatles playing pop-punk, it’s better. So, check it out, visit the band’s BandCamp and follow on Spotify.
6) DREAM OF A MAN IN A TOP HAT – Eggshell Minefield
If you’re a fan of soft rock, indie rock, psychedelic rock, classic rock, post-punk, or alternative rock and you’ve been looking for an artist that takes the best of all these genres and blends them into one sound—then you’ve found it with Dream of a Man in a Top Hat.
This band hails from Boston, Massachusetts in the United States. Their single “Eggshell Minefield” is an example of the kind of music they create: it’s alternative rock with psychedelic leanings that blend seamlessly into post-punk rock. The vocals are soothing and melodic—perfect for listening to while relaxing after work.
The band has been around for many years and has recently begun gaining traction online through streaming services like Spotify.
This is definitely one of the most adventurous bands in this selection, they have no fear to explore post-punk in a pop environment. If you’re looking for something new and different to listen to I would definitely recommend checking out their website and following them on Spotify!
7) BEAT THE DRUM – It’s All Gonna Go
The UK Rock Indie Scene is a world of its own. It’s where you’ll find a lot of alternative rock bands and some great stoner rock bands. But it’s also home to some of the best soft rock artists out there.
A good place to start than BEAT THE DRUM. This band has been on the scene for a while now, and they’ve been steadily pumping out music that keeps getting better and better.
Their latest single, It’s All Gonna Go, is an ode to life that goes beyond just one person. Essentially, it is the tale of a person who has everything, but there is still something he wants, an old-fashioned rise and fall saga.
This song has a classic sound that will take you back in time—it’s like listening to an oldies station on the radio when you were young. It makes you want to sing along at the top of your lungs, or even dance around with your friends!
If you’re looking for something new and exciting, check out BEAT THE DRUM today—you won’t regret it! Wtach their music video, listen to their portfoio, visit their website and follow them on Spotify.
8) LONNIECLAIRE – Flock O’ Fakes
When you’re looking for a new garage rock band to get into, it can be hard to know where to start. After all, there are so many bands out there!
With LONNIECLAIRE, though, you’ve got a band who’s been causing a stir in the indie rock scene for quite some time now. And their newest single—Flock O’ Fakes—is an absolute hit.
This track is a perfect example of everything that makes garage rock so great: lo-fi guitar riffs, stoner rock drums and psychedelic elements.
The lyrics are sharp and witty and the vocals sound like they were recorded in some weird alternate 90s universe where all of our favourite classic rock artists are still alive and kicking ass.
Their debut single Flock O’ Fakes is already on streaming services – but it doesn’t mean this is their first project, they are on the road for a long time.
So keep an eye on this space if you want to be one of the first people on your block with it! Check it out, visit the artist’s website and follow on Spotify.
9) NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE (NDX) – Living
NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE aka NDX is an indie rock band from London, England. They are a promising and eclectic group in the UK indies scene and have been described as a Rock’n’Soul The Beatles type, or having a Psychedelic rock The Stone Roses style. Is it difficult to imagine by description? Then you will have to listen to it.
They released their latest single “Living” some weeks ago. The song has been described as a mix of classic rock and pop music with psychedelic guitars.
Their sound is best described as psychedelic retro rock with a soulful twist.
Living starts off in a groove style, putting you moving your head in seconds and goes up with just a few strummed chords on an acoustic guitar.
Then it builds into something much bigger than itself as drums kick in and a full band joins in on vocals at the chorus. But even then it never loses its soulfulness; instead, it becomes something even more beautiful than before.
If you’re looking for something new and soulful to listen to this week, check out the band’s website, watch their music video and follow them on Spotify!
10) ALIENSDONTRINGDOORBELLS – Hello 2 You
Hello 2 You by AliensDontRingDoorBells is a soft rock single with a classic sound. It has groove and soul-rock elements, as well as funk and pop. The artist uses catchy guitar riffs, smooth vocals, and groovy drums to create an enjoyable listen.
The song starts off with an upbeat guitar riff that is reminiscent of the classic sound of rock n’ roll. The singer’s voice is clear and mellow, holding the listener’s attention throughout the song. The lyrics are simple yet meaningful and invite you to soing together. The chorus is catchy and sweet, featuring harmony from great male vocals.
At first, listen, it might seem like this song would be perfect for dancing or driving down long stretches of highway with the windows down (trust me).
Don’t worry, if you sit down with headphones on and really listen to it, you’ll find yourself getting lost in its happy and uplifiting atmosphere—and maybe even dancing while walking on the streets, the kind of attitude you see on music videos as Happy by Pharell Williams.
If you’re looking for something new in the independent music scene or just want something fun to play while hanging out with friends, check out AliensDontRingDoorBells on Spotify today and visit their website!
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