Choosing one favourite indie band is like choosing a favourite child — impossible. When you love independent music, it’s hard to choose just one or two bands among a sea of outstanding and talented bands. The Music Discoveries are here to save you!
It’s not easy, but that doesn’t mean we don’t try to fit all subgenres inside the rock music genre, from classic to electronic, to fusions of genres to acoustic.
We at PopHits.Co has been building playlists with fresh music since 2005 — before the term “indie rock” was even popular among our younger generation.
So we’ve learned a thing or two about finding obscure yet great bands and artists that are worth some extra attention. Join us as we cover the Top 10 Most Recent Indie Music Releases of 2023 on our playlist, This Week in IndieRock.News.
You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artists’ music, and know more about their work by scrolling down the page.
1) HILLSBOROUGH – Comin Back For You
Hillborough is a band that hails from Meanjin Brisbane, Australia. They’re a group of four members who make music rooted in the Americana genre, with a hint of blues and folk rock mixed in.
The nostalgic cowboy songs by Hillsborough feature stripped-back guitar wrangling, vintage keys, and classic harmonies. In February 2022, Hillsborough released their debut single and video through the label Heartsville Records, and their full-length album was released on October 4th on digital platforms, CD and vinyl.
The album was recorded at BBC Studios by Dan James (Drawn From Bees) and mixed at Tym Guitar Studios in Brisbane by James Aparicio (Grinderman, Spiritualized) and Richie Belkner (Bertie Blackman, Lanie Lane).
Singles and videos from the album have generated international attention, creating anticipation among fans, radio and the press. In addition to Double J, 4zzz, ABC radio and many others, Hillsborough has had spins on many other stations as well
Check it out, visit their website, and follow the artist on Spotify!
2) INSANE BLUE – Down With The Miracles
INSANE BLUE is a French alt-rock band with a unique sound that combines elements of pop, rock, and indie. Their new single “Down With The Miracles” is a perfect example of what they’re all about: catchy melodies and powerful vocals mixed with memorable lyrics.
A statement from INSANE BLUE about the song reads: ”This is a song about war, loss of hope (even for the most believers) and struggle to survive. We couldn’t be indifferent to what is happening around the world.
We were particularly touched to learn that this song was played on the war front in Ukraine. Only for that, it was already worth”.
This is one of my favourite songs from INSANE BLUE because I think it does a great job of capturing what their music is all about: giving people hope through music!
Check it out, visit their website, and follow the artist on Spotify!
3) JOULES RIO – Oh-Blivion
JOULES RIO, a hard-rocking band from the United States, has just released a new single called Oh-Blivion. The song is a perfect introduction to their new sound, which blends elements of hard rock and indie rock with catchy vocals and alternative instrumentation.
This an excellent example of stoned, angry, and ambivalent juju. The sound would be similar if old-school Kid Cudi and Paramore had a marriage with Evanescence
I love this song because it’s so easy to jam to! It has a great beat that you can dance to, and I think it would be great for going out on the town with friends. And since it’s an indie rock song, it’s also perfect for when you’re just hanging out at home, relaxing.
If you want to check out some more music from Joules Rio, visit their website and you can also follow them on Spotify!
4) SILAS ARMSTRONG – I’m Not Ok
One of the best things about the music industry is that, no matter how many new artists and songs come out, there will always be room for originality.
In this case, we’re talking about the artist Silas Armstrong, who has been making waves in the UK for his genre-bending style of indie rock.
Armstrong’s single “I’m Not OK” is a perfect example of his style: it combines elements of rhythm and blues with soul rock and contemporary pop to form a sound that’s dark yet catchy.
According to SILAS ARMSTRONG, the song is as follows: ”a serious song about mental health issues and depression. I hope this song helps people who feel the same way I did when I wrote it.”
Now that you know a lot about the artist and his new project, check it out, visit his website, and follow the artist on Spotify!
5) CLAY JOULE – Memories
Clay Joule is a singer-songwriter who makes soft rock and soul rock music. He is based in Secaucus, New Jersey, and released his single ”memories”
The first thing you’ll notice about this track is its classic sound of it. It’s like a throwback to the ’80s rock era, but with more of a soul influence
In his prior releases, Clay Joule displayed his talent for writing groovy, bouncy, joyful, life-affirming tracks, but “Memories” reveals a different side.
His more reserved and introspective tone nevertheless reveals a deep love for life and an appreciation of what he has. Having known Clay Joule as the carefree, life-loving, giddy musician before, we’re now getting to know him as the more reserved, nuanced troubadour.
There’s a wistful quality to this song, as the singer muses about lost love while remaining thankful for what they had. Whether those experiences come to pass the way we hoped or not, they shape our lives, no matter what we think they will do. Check it out, watch his music video, visit his website, and follow the artist on Spotify!
6) ALPHA MORTAL FOXTROT – Spectrum
Alpha Mortal Fox Trot is a band that doesn’t know how to slow down. The Indonesian-based indie rock band has been making waves with their latest single.
“Spectrum” is the latest single from Jakarta-based alternative rock group Alpha Mortal Foxtrot. Featuring Wiku Anindito (vocals, guitar), Raiden Soedjono (drums) and Ricky Putra (guitar), the track was produced by Rully Worotikan and released on September 30, 2022, via the band’s own label JBRC.
Although pounding drums, sharp riffs, and expansive solos are still present on previous Alpha Mortal Foxtrot albums, “Spectrum” has a greater sense of tenderness at its core: Wiku wrote the song in response to his intense desire to communicate with his autistic son, Anantara.
“He only started speaking when he was five years old, so this song was my promise to him that even if he couldn’t speak, I would try to learn his language,” Wiku explains. “He’s not late, he’s just in his own time and space.”
If you don’t believe me about how good these guys really are then check them out for yourself! You can listen on Spotify or visit their website where there are links where you can buy physical copies if you want them!
7) JONNY ONG – Don’t Wake Me From This Dream
If you’ve been looking for a new artist to get into, you should check out JONNY ONG. His sound is a mix of classic rock, psychedelic pop, and power pop with a hint of British folk.
His single “Don’t Wake Me From This Dream” will have you grooving from the first note. The song has an easy-listening vibe that makes it perfect for any mood. You’ll find yourself wanting to hear it over and over again.
Jonny Ong, a multi-instrumentalist, shares a captivating new video for his single, “Don’t Wake Me From This Dream”; an infectious 60s-influenced tune that was inspired by a dream.
Taking a nostalgic trip back to the 1960s, Jonny explores the classic sounds of this iconic era as he departs from emotive, folk-inspired music. A lush string section, a punchy vocal melody, and intricate live instrumentation make up ‘Don’t Wake Me From This Dream’.
Artist Alvaro Ortega created this vibrant music video for the single to complement the song’s colours, so we really recommend you try it out. Check it out, watch his music video, visit his website, and follow the artist on Spotify!
8) THE PALFREYMAN COLLECTIVE – The Palfreyman Collective
The Palfreyman Collective is an album that will take you back to the ’80s, when alternative rock was first gaining popularity. This album has all of the classic elements of early alternative rock, but with a modern twist.
Palfreyman Collective is a group of musicians and singers formed by songwriter David Palfreyman.
On drums, Matt Hector (Iggy Pop), Martyn Barker (Shriekback/Marianne Faithful).
In addition to Ben Miles (Film & TV actor – Star Wars/Star Trek, The Crown), Dan Mckinna (Tindersticks) plays bass.
On keyboards, David Clayton (Simply Red/David Bowie/George Michael)
Guitars by Greg Hart (Cats in Space) and Rodger Hanna (Decades).
This is an album that would be great for anyone who enjoys soft rock or classic rock. It has a classic sound but also has some new elements that make it different from other albums in this genre. If you want to check out some of their music, visit their website and follow Spotify!
9) CLOUD – Circles
If you’re looking for a new psychedelic indie rock artist to add to your music collection, you might want to check out the work of Cloud.
The British band is a four-piece that plays alternative rock with a psychedelic tinge, drawing inspiration from the likes of Tame Impala, Led Zeppelin and Free. Their newest single, Circles, has been making waves.
Regarding the song, CLOUD said: ”A lot of the music that’s inspired me lately stems from film scores, including Hans Zimmer and Howard Shore. I asked myself what the score of this narrative would sound like and tried to translate the imaginary string section into a psychedelic rock riff. The narrative of this song is an over-dramatised portrayal of my own totally indecisive nature. This song is a reminder to myself, and other over-thinkers, that the total demolition of reality won’t depend on what you have for breakfast”
If you’re looking for something new to listen to on Spotify and YouTube, or if you just want to support an independent artist who makes great music, check out Cloud today!
10) THE MARS MCCLANES – The Liar
The Mars McClanes, an alt-country band from Portland, Oregon, is a super catchy rock n roll band with a classic sound. Their single The Liar is a great example of the band’s sound and style.
The song starts off with a fast, steady beat and then bursts into a fast-paced guitar riff that sounds like it was ripped straight out of a classic rock n roll song, with a hint of country.
The vocals are very strong and they have a modern rock n roll sound as well. The lyrics are super catchy and they remind me of bands like Johnny Cash and The eagles.
The band has been together for some years, performing at venues across the United States since then and has gained popularity among fans who enjoy listening to indie rock music and country.
If you’re looking for an anthem of your own, to include on your party’s playlist, or just want something to sing along to in the car on your way home after a long day at work, this is definitely the song for you. Check it out, visit their website and follow them on Spotify.
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