We are in a digital era where streaming services are getting more popular than ever before, thanks to its abundance of new music released not just by the biggest name in the industry, but also by indie artists who know how to make great music.
Independent artists are even hitting the number one chart position in countries worldwide like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
In this article review, we will be looking at some new songs from independent artists that deserve a closer look. Take a look at our playlists and make your own playlist of hit-makers to watch out for!
As an avid music lover and curator, I spend hours scouring the “new release” section of popular music stores to find the latest artists. I can tell you, currently, I feel it’s getting easier to find really good ones.
Some are surprising and some make me wonder why I hadn’t heard of them before. In this post, I’ll be reviewing a loaded, “must-have” playlist full of my favourite indie rock songs by independent musicians.
We must consider that not every great album released by independent artists gets the recognition it deserves. Indie musicians work tirelessly for years and release music that should be heard.
They don’t want to win a Grammy or Billboard Music Award. They just want their music to connect with your soul and make you feel something. So go ahead and take some time today to listen to some fresh new sounds from independent artists.
Not only will you be introduced to amazing new music, but you’ll be supporting artists and giving them the appreciation they deserve!
You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artists’ music, and know more about their work by scrolling down the page.
1) BARISTA – Justice Now!
If you’re looking to get your hands on some new music that’s both interesting and well-written, look no further than BARISTA and their latest album, Justice Now!
This album is a collection of 11 tracks that are sure to move you in more ways than one. It’s got a hard rock style with 80’s vibes and a classic sound. The album features both male and female vocals and is a mix of soft rock and pop rock.
If you’re looking for something that embodies European rock culture, then this is definitely the album for you! Our favourite track is Justice Now, but we are sure that you will lose yourself in the amazing 11 tracks that are just waiting for you to explore.
The album was released a month ago, but it feels like it could have come out in the 80s—it has that classic sound but with a modern twist. Check it out, visit the band’s YouTube and follow it on Spotify.
2) INTERCONTINEN7AL – War’s The Noise
The Colorado-based band INTERCONTINEN7AL will drop the brand new single “War’s The Noise,” and it’s a true anthem for our times.
They’re an indie rock band with an alternative sound that is reminiscent of classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and The Eagles but also has its own unique twist.
Their sound is tuneful, their lyrics are meaningful and powerful, and as they discuss topics related to the emotional side of the rock scene, it’s not only noise, for sure! They also have a female vocalist who brings in some softer sounds to compliment the hard-hitting guitar riffs that make up the backbone of their music.
The band is the only group to record music across all 7 continents (using BandLab), and this particular mid-tempo rock song features collaborators from Europe, North America, and South America. Proceeds from the album will go to Ukrainian refugee relief efforts. Stay tuned as it’s coming as part of their third album INTERCONTINEN7AL Vol. 3.
If you love classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin or The Eagles but want something new to listen to, then you’ll definitely want to check out INTERCONTINEN7AL! Check them out now, visit their website and follow them on Spotify!
3) ERUPTION ARTISTIQUE – Icon
Eruption Artistique is a Dutch rock band that has been making waves in the indie scene for some time now. Their latest single, “Icon,” is a banger of an anthem that will get you up on your feet and moving.
The song begins with a slow, soft melody that builds into a powerful chorus. It’s got everything you could want out of an indie rock track: a catchy beat, beautiful female vocals, and lyrics that are both introspective and uplifting.
Eruption Artistique does a great job of balancing quiet moments with loud ones—the dynamic range between the verses and the chorus really gives this song a feeling of empowerment. Makes you dance, or at least move your head, you can’t resist.
The band’s sound is reminiscent of the 80s and 90s rock bands like The Cranberries or Hole, but with more modern production values and influences from pop/alt-rock bands like Tame Impala or The Strokes.
This makes “Icon” feel like something completely fresh and new—it’s not just another retro throwback! If you’re looking for something upbeat with gorgeous vocals and great guitar riffs then this is definitely the track for you! Check it out, watch their music video, visit the artist’s BandCamp and follow them on Spotify.
4) TRAGICALLY UNKNOWN – Uprooted
TRAGICALLY UNKNOWN is an indie rock band from Reykjavík, Iceland. They have recently released their new single “Uprooted” and it’s a great addition to their repertoire.
The song starts off with a slow, spacey synth that builds up into a pop-infused beat, with drum machines and synths complementing each other.
The chorus is catchy and introspective, and I could see myself dancing to it at a club, but for a romantic moment. The verses are slower, but still have a good rhythm that keeps you engaged in the song.
The vocals are powerful and expressive, making the words easy to understand even when they get slightly muddled by effects such as reverb and delay.
I think this is one of TRAGICALLY UNKNOWN’s best songs yet! It has everything you could want in an indie rock song: catchy hooks, meaningful lyrics, and upbeat rhythms that make you want to dance all night long! Check it out, watch their music video, visit the artist’s website and follow them on Spotify.
5) AARON TORONTO – Reaping What I Sow
Aaron Toronto is a singer-songwriter from Brookings, South Dakota. His latest single, Reaping What I Sow, is a perfect example of his unique style.
The song combines classic rock instrumentation with an alt-pop sound to create an upbeat and energetic track that’s sure to get your feet tapping and your hands clapping along.
The vocals are clear and precise, with just enough grit in the lower range for it to sound like a more rock tune, not just pop. The guitar work is simple but effective: it’s not flashy or over-the-top, but it still has that classic rock feel to it.
When you think you’ve heard all you need to hear from this one track, there’s an unexpected key change at the end that leaves you wanting more! This track is ready for musical theatre too, and guess what, the singer has a good experience with musicals and choirs. So you will find these influences on his sound.
If you’re looking for something new that will make you feel like dancing while still getting your head bobbing along with the beat, check out Aaron Toronto on Spotify or visit their website! Check it out, visit the artist’s website and follow on Spotify.
6) FAGAN – Killers
If you’re into alternative rock and British rock, then you should check out Fagan‘s new single, Killers.
Fagan is an English artist from Liverpool who released his first single on streaming services in 2019. His sound is a mix of pop rock and melodic indie rock with classic British influences that make for super catchy tunes.
The single is an anthemic track about the struggles related to the duality of day-to-day life, from a singer trying to break through the noise of the North England music scene.
The lyrics are honest and relatable for any artist trying to make it in their field, especially if they find themselves frustrated or discouraged by other people’s negativity. The song’s infectious chorus makes it easy to sing along with—which is a good thing because you’ll want to!
The song’s theme is “don’t let anyone bring you down,” but it doesn’t come across as preachy or arrogant—just inspirational and motivating. The lyrics are poetic without being cheesy; they’re simple but meaningful enough to make you think about how they apply to your own life outside of just being a musician. If this kind of music sounds like your cup, check it out, visit the artist’s BandCamp and follow on Spotify.
7) PAUL COGLEY – Deep Blue Sky
Paul Cogley is a singer-songwriter and producer from Edmonds, Washington. He’s been making music for years and he’s a good experience with soft rock music.
His latest album Deep Blue Sky is nothing short of incredible. It’s a powerful blend of alt-rock, pop, dream pop and indie melodic pop rock—all with a distinct electronic sound that sets Cogley apart from other artists in his genre.
Each track on this 12-track album is like an emotional journey through the highs and lows of life. The lyrics are honest and heartfelt; they make you feel like you’re sitting across from Cogley at a coffee shop while he tells you all about himself and his life story.
The instrumental arrangements are subtle but powerful—they add just enough texture to compliment Cogley’s vocals without overwhelming them or distracting them. The lyrical content ranges from deep introspection with “Lament” to heartbreak with “All The Love Inside”, to empowerment with “Mr Spaceman”.
Cogley’s experience shines through in his work: every track on Deep Blue Sky feels like it could have been written by someone who has been doing this for decades rather than only 2 years, the time the singer spent producing this specific project. Now check it out, visit the artist’s website and follow on Spotify to keep track of his next releases.
8) ERIC ANDERS AND MARK O’BITZ – So Far Gone
With their new album, So Far Gone, Eric Anders And Mark O’Bitz have crafted a masterful collection of 6-tracks that are sure to delight listeners of all tastes.
The record combines distinct elements such as an Americana rock fusion with folk rock and singer-songwriter sensibilities to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh. That kind of soft rock you would love to discover on the radio while driving.
The first track on the album, “So Far Gone” is a perfect example of this sound. It starts out with an upbeat tempo and strong male vocals that bring together elements of folk rock and singer-songwriter styles. The song’s chorus is especially memorable with its catchy melody and beautiful harmonies between Eric And Mark O’Bitz.
The second track on the album, “Above The Highest of Spires” is our favourite, it continues this trend by combining elements of Americana rock fusion with folk-rock again, but this one is more rock than folk. This time however it includes less acoustic guitar playing as well which makes for a nice contrast between tracks 1 & 2.
A project like this brings a lot of influences to the table. It is a matter of finding the ones that will appeal to a variety of rock fans. This will make them fall in love with the whole album as soon as they hear it. Check it out, visit the artist’s website and follow Eric Anders And Mark O’Bitz on Spotify.
9) THE LEVY CIRCUS – Changes
In the world of indie rock, there are many artists that try to stand out. With so many bands releasing music, it can be hard to make an impression. But one band has managed to do just that with their single, “Changes.”
Their name is The Levy Circus and they’re a five-piece band hailing from Leicestershire in the United Kingdom. They’ve been around for years and have been part of successful bands, individually, now releasing their debut single together, as a band.
The Levy Circus’ sound is a mix of folk, soul and rock influences brought together by the band’s singer-songwriters. Their music is deeply rooted in classic rock but also has elements of soft rock and pop.
The Levy Circus’ single “Changes” is an anthem for anyone who wants something different from their life but doesn’t know how to get it. It’s also an anthem for anyone who feels like they have nothing left to lose because they’ve already lost everything else. It’s time for a change.
And it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like they were drowning in their own misery because they thought there was no way out; this song tells them that there is hope even if it seems impossible right now. Check it out, visit the artist’s website and follow on Spotify.
10) PICNIC LIGHTNING – Youth Group
If you’re looking for a new sound, check out Picnic Lightning‘s single “Youth Group.” This brand-new band from Fort Worth, Texas is part of the indie scene in the United States and is definitely worth checking out.
The single starts off with a simple guitar riff that builds into an anthemic rock n roll ballad. It has a classic sound that is reminiscent of The Beatles or The Who. The vocals are male and have a very modern feel, but they are also reminiscent of the best classic rock songs in their simplicity.
The lyrics are simple and relatable—they talk about growing up and getting older without being too nostalgic or too sentimental. The words could easily apply to anyone who’s ever been young and searching for meaning in life.
Overall, this song hits all the right notes: it’s catchy, memorable, and fun to listen to over and over again! If you’re looking for something new to add to your playlist, check out Picnic Lightning’s “Youth Group” on Spotify and follow them, also visit their website for more information about upcoming releases!
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