Whether you’re an indie rock fanatic or just someone who is looking for some new music to listen to in your free time, this playlist is for you.
I’ve spent the past week compiling a list of my favourite indie rock songs from independent artists that aren’t yet as popular as the mainstream artists and bands but will get there (if they aren’t already). If you are in the mood for some good music, press play on the playlist below and try out some of these awesome new indie rock tracks!
Indie rock is so much more than what we’re used to hearing on the radio. In fact, if you listen to mainstream radio you may be missing out on some great independent artists. Whether you’re an old school indie rock fan or a newbie, I have a few playlists that will suit your tastes, and this is one of them.
Alternatively, listen to each artist by scrolling down the page, and get to know them, and please don’t forget to follow all of them on Spotify.
1) THE PARLOPHONICS – Heaven Can Wait
I’ve been waiting for this band to release a single for a while now, and I’m thrilled that it’s finally here.
The Parlophonics make brilliant Britpop/Alternative rock despite having never been in the same room with each other in the beginning. If anything, distance has only added grace and intention to the band’s sound, which is based on the classic British pop and rock of the 60s and 70s. The band members Robert Horvath, Fernando Perdomo and Hugh Macdonald got on track to release their debut album A Day in The Life in 2021.
Now The Parlophonics just released a single called “Heaven Can Wait.” The song combines folk-rock and Britpop into one melodic pop-rock ballad.
The song starts out with a soft guitar riff that sets the mood for the rest of the song. The vocals are soft and slightly distorted, which gives them an interesting sound. After about 30 seconds, all instruments kick in and add some percussion to the mix. The vocals continue throughout most of the song and the whole set makes it special.
Overall this is a great song from an up-and-coming band! Follow them on Spotify.
2) PAUL LOREN – Something In The Way She Moves
PAUL LOREN is a new indie folk-rock artist. His single Something In The Way She Moves is a classic rock song with a bit of Britpop influence, and it’s absolutely amazing.
The song starts out with a soft acoustic guitar that sounds like it came straight from a classic rock record—but then the vocals come in, and they’re so melodic and beautiful that you’ll find yourself immediately transported to another place from old times. This is just one of those songs that makes you want to close your eyes and dance around and feel free, even if you’re just sitting on your couch.
The rest of the track follows suit: it’s soothing, but also upbeat enough to make you want to start dancing slowly right away, it’s quite romantic. There are also some really cool piano sounds in there that add just enough flair without overwhelming the track or distracting from the vocals or guitars.
Overall, this song is definitely one to check out if you’re looking for something upbeat but not too intense—it’s perfect for starting off your day with good vibes! Follow the artist on Spotify.
3) SARPA SALPA – Dreaming
SARPA SALPA is the name of a new indie rock band from the UK, and they have just released their debut single, Dreaming.
The track kicks off with a mellow guitar riff that propels into a catchy, melodic chorus. While the verses are soft but driving, the chorus is downright anthemic. The song builds in intensity and then drops down to a quieter bridge before coming back for another round of high-energy instrumentation. It’s a banger!
This song is great for any party or gathering where you want to get people excited about what’s happening, as well as for all those moments when you just need to let loose and dance around your living room with your best friends.
If you’re looking for some new indie-pop music that will get you dancing around your room, look no further than ‘Dreaming’.
Follow the band on Spotify to show your love now!
4) JOSH SAVAGE – Another Life
I’m a big fan of the indie rock genre, and I was lucky enough to come across this new artist, Josh Savage. I love the way his songs sound like they’re straight out of a dream—they’re so mellow and dreamy that it’s impossible not to get lost in them!
The album he released recently is called Another Life, and it features 8 tracks that are all incredible. My favourite song on the album is Young Fools. The lyrics are about going mad and waiting to be free, also a bit melancholic, but they’re not at all sad; instead, they sound optimistic and hopeful (which is exactly what you need when you’re going through something like that).
The guitar work on this album is beautiful: it’s nostalgic without being too shoegaze-y or washed-out. It’s soft and melodic, but still has some pop-rock vibes going on too—it really does feel like an indie pop-rock album!
Overall: This is definitely an album worth checking out if you’re looking for some new music! Follow the artist on Spotify and listen to all his songs, it’s worth it.
5) FRANK BRAMBLE – Serotonin
I just discovered a new artist on Spotify, and I’m very excited to share him with you. His name is FRANK BRAMBLE, and he just releases a single called “Serotonin.”
This single is indie pop, but it’s also drum n bass/jungle. It’s got super catchy drumbeats and jazzy chords for a really authentic feel. What’s even better is that it’s not only pop—it also has some electronic influences and art-pop elements that make this single really stand out from the crowd.
It’s perfect for working out (which is what I did while listening to it) or just chilling out at home with a glass of wine (which was what my colleague did). In short: if you like your rock music pop with a twist, you’ll love this!
Be sure to check out the artist’s other singles and follow him on Spotify!
6) KEVIN WHITAKER – Unpredictable Love
What a jam! This is a great single from an independent artist, KEVIN WHITAKER. It’s got that classic 80s rock sound, but with a modern twist. The vocalist has a great voice, and his energy really comes through in the song. I love how he manages to make even the most basic lyrics sound unique and interesting—I’m sure this song will work well for any kind of indie rock playlist you might be putting together!
The instrumentation is solid and engaging throughout; there’s plenty of variety here to keep you focused on the music instead of the lyrics (which are still great). The guitar riff alone is so catchy that I found myself singing along almost immediately after listening to it once.
I think this is a great single for Kevin Whitaker because he has an amazing voice and he sounds like an old-school rock star who knows what people want to hear from him: something fun, upbeat, and memorable.
Follow the artist on Spotify and support him by listening to his other songs.
7) OH MY GOD! IT’S THE CHURCH – Revelations
If you are a big fan of indie rock and alternative pop like me, pay attention now, focusing especially on this kind of music that has a classic rock feel to it.
I find it’s easy to get lost in the music when it’s got an old school sound, but with a modern twist. That’s why I’m so excited about OH MY GOD! IT’S THE CHURCH‘s new EP, Revelations.
The EP features 12 new tracks, including Kiss My Apocalips—my personal favourite track on the album, full of double meaning like the whole album, and I love it. It starts out with an explosive guitar riff that quickly builds into a catchy beat that will have you tapping your feet before you know it.
This song has all the elements of a classic rock tune: powerful vocals, driving drums, and a catchy melody that gets stuck in your head for days after listening to it. This is definitely one of those songs that make you want to get up and dance around in your living room (or wherever).
The rest of the EP is equally as good: From start to finish, there’s not one bad track on this album—each one has something special about it that sets it apart from everything else out there right now.”
You will notice some conversation between songs, but really, it’s fun, and also check their cover profile on Spotify, it’s hilarious.
Follow these guys, they know what they are doing, spot on!
8) UNDER NEPTUNE – Throw All Away
The song Throw All Away by Under Neptune is a classic rock anthem that is sure to be your new indie rock song ready to get on your playlist.
I can define it as a cool, laid-back track as It’s got a classic rock vibe with some alternative overtones, with male vocals that are clear and strong. Overall, it’s a great song for driving around on a sunny day.
The song starts with a piano, then a guitar riff that sounds like it could be straight out of an ’80s rock anthem. Then, when the drums kick in, you’ll find yourself tapping your foot along to this classic rock tune.
In some parts, the vocals are smooth and soothing, but they have just enough bite to keep things interesting—and they’re definitely on point!
The chorus is catchy and memorable—you’ll be singing along before the song ends! At just over 3:44 minutes long, Throw All Away is easily one of our news playlists. Their style is alternative rock, with elements of classic rock, pop-rock, and even a bit of 80s rock thrown in for good measure.
The lyrics are about secrets that we keep—there’s no doubt about that—but they’re also about moving forward and not being the same anymore. According to Under Neptune, seems like it’s time for a change, the singer even invites you to take his hand, so do it!
If you’re looking for an anthem that will get stuck in your head for days on end then this is definitely the song for you! Follow the artist on Spotify.
9) KAIYAH MERCEDES – I Don’t Know Who You Are Anymore
You won’t believe what you’re about to hear. In spite of the fact that she is just 15, I can tell you that what she is doing is exactly what I always talk about, it’s pure talent.
What an amazing voice, beautiful lyrics, a beautiful melody, and a wonderful performance! There was just something amazing about this song, and the singer is just starting out. Can you imagine when she gets some more experience? You can be sure that she will take part in many performances before long.
I Don’t Know Who You Are Anymore is the second single from KAIYAH MERCEDES on Spotify so far, an indie rock artist that you will not regret listening to. The song is a soft rock ballad with a classic pop feel, featuring the beautiful voice of frontwoman (little girl) Kaiyah Mercedes and backed by an easy listening string section.
The track has a classic sound, with an Asian-inspired melody and lyrics that tell a story of love and loss. The vocals are smooth and melodic, while the instrumentation is lush and textured. The arrangement includes a full band sound with drums, bass guitar and keyboards – making this song great for easy listening or just relaxing alone at home.
This song is available now on all major streaming services, so please, follow the artist and support her career, she deserves it!
10) MY COUSIN’S GIRLFRIEND’S HOUSE – Wasting Away
It’s not often that I get to review an indie rock song from a newly independent artist, but when I do, it’s always a treat.
I was recently sent the single “Wasting Away” by My Cousin’s Girlfriend’s House, and let me tell you: I was hooked right away.
This band is doing something different—they’re mixing elements of alternative rock, pop-punk, skating rock, and nostalgic anthemic rock into one super catchy package.
The song opens with a guitar riff that reminds me of the soundtracks to old skateboarding videos (think the early 2000s), which transitions into a verse sung by a male vocalist who sounds like a proper rock band from the radio.
Overall, this song will make you want to put on your skates and go for a ride on the boardwalk with someone you love (or just your mates, who you also love). It’ll also remind you of what it felt like when you were younger and had no cares in the world.
Let’s rock babe, follow the band on Spotify.
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