The Very Best Indie Pop Bands and Artists
This indie pop bands list ranks the best indie pop groups and musicians of all time. This list of top indie pop artists let’s you see who indie fans think are the best singers, musicians, and artists in indie pop. Although indie pop bands first emerged in the 1980s (primarily in the UK, and Scotland in particular), the 2000s saw them become more mainstream. Its roots are in post-punk and alternative rock, but indie pop artists can encompass a slew of different genres including indie folk, synth pop, and electro pop. No matter what your definition of indie pop is, these indie pop bands are among the best in the genre and have managed to influence new indie pop bands that have managed to become hugely popular without the help of mainstream record labels and radio airplay.
So, what are the best indie pop bands? For starters, any list of indie pop artists has to include the names Two Door Cinema Club, Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, Phoenix, MGMT, and Arcade Fire. The classic songs and albums released by these acts had a huge part in on shaping indie pop today and there's a good reason they're considered the top indie artists. These groups sell out headlining tours, are top billing at festivals, and are without a doubt the most recognizable indie pop bands out there today.
That said, it's up to you to determine who are the best indie pop bands. This list answers the questions "who are the best indie pop bands of all time?" and "who is the greatest indie pop musician ever?" If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the band's music instead of what groups are most popular. After all, this list is about independent, non-mainstream acts.
This enigmatic singer-songwriter captivates audiences with her lush, cinematic soundscapes and sultry vocals that evoke a nostalgic longing for vintage Americana. Her evocative storytelling abilities have garnered her a dedicated fanbase, transcending pop culture barriers and earning critical acclaim. From humble beginnings as an internet sensation to becoming a global phenomenon, she's redefined what it means to be an indie artist.
Hailing from Sheffield, England, this group gained fame through the internet and quickly became a sensation with their clever lyrics and catchy riffs. Their innovative sound combines elements of garage rock, post-punk revival, and Britpop, showcasing their technical prowess in creating memorable hooks. With numerous awards and chart-topping albums under their belt, they've cemented their status as influential figures within the indie scene.
This Japanese-American singer-songwriter has garnered a devoted following with her introspective lyrics and genre-defying sound that blends elements of rock, folk, and electronic music. Her raw vulnerability and powerful voice have resonated with fans across the globe, earning her critical acclaim for her innovative approach to songwriting. As she continues to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, she's poised to leave a lasting impact on the indie world.
Emerging from the Manchester scene in the 1980s, this iconic group's jangly guitars and introspective lyrics have left an indelible impact on indie music as a whole. Their unique blend of post-punk influences and poetic storytelling resonated with disaffected youth of the time, securing their place in popular culture history. Although their tenure was brief, their influence continues to be felt by countless bands that followed in their footsteps.
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London Grammar
London Grammar is a British trio formed by Hannah Reid, Dan Rothman and Dominic 'Dot' Major. Their debut EP Metal & Dust was released in February 2013 by Metal & Dust Recordings Ltd, while their debut album If You Wait was released on 9 September 2013. If You Wait has been certified platinum in Australia and the UK, shipping over 70,000 and 300,000 copies respectively. Formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds, this Welsh singer-songwriter has captivated audiences with her quirky pop sensibilities and powerful vocals that showcase her impressive range. Her thought-provoking lyrics tackle themes such as mental health, societal expectations, and self-discovery, earning her a dedicated fanbase who relate to her vulnerability and honesty. As she continues to break boundaries with her artistic evolution, she remains a trailblazer within the indie community.
This Los Angeles-based trio burst onto the scene with an infectious blend of danceable beats, intricate melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics that tackle social issues. Their energetic live performances showcase their impressive musicianship and ability to connect with fans on a deeper level. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've solidified their place in popular culture as one of the most inventive groups of the past decade.
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This American duo rose to prominence through their infectious synth-pop anthems that became instant classics within both indie circles and mainstream charts alike. Their eclectic sound draws from various genres, showcasing their ability to create memorable melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. With several critically acclaimed albums under their belt, they've cemented their legacy as one of the most innovative acts in indie music.
This Australian psychedelic project masterminded by multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker is known for its lush soundscapes that transport listeners to otherworldly realms. With a penchant for sonic experimentation and genre-blending, their music has resonated with fans across the globe, earning them numerous accolades and festival headlining spots. As they continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, they've become an influential force in modern indie music.
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This iconic California-based group has been pushing boundaries since the '90s with their innovative fusion of rock, pop, and alternative influences. Their catchy hooks and clever lyrics have earned them a devoted fanbase as well as numerous awards and chart-topping albums. As they continue to reinvent themselves while maintaining their indie spirit, they remain an influential force in modern music.
This folk-rock outfit from Denver has captured hearts worldwide with their foot-stomping anthems and poignant ballads that showcase raw emotion and relatable themes. Their unique blend of acoustic instrumentation and soaring harmonies has earned them legions of fans, as well as commercial success and critical acclaim. Through grassroots touring and word-of-mouth buzz, they've established themselves as a powerhouse within the indie community.
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This English band has taken the world by storm with their anthemic sound that blends elements of rock, electronic, and pop music into a unique sonic experience. Their soaring choruses and introspective lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide, earning them numerous awards and commercial success. As they continue to evolve their sound while maintaining their indie roots, they're poised to leave a lasting impact on the music industry.
This genre-bending duo has captivated fans worldwide with their energetic live performances and eclectic sound that combines elements of rock, hip-hop, electronic, and pop music. Their thought-provoking lyrics tackle themes such as mental health and self-doubt, resonating with fans who appreciate their raw honesty and vulnerability. With numerous awards and commercial success under their belt, they've solidified their status as one of the most innovative acts in modern indie music.
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This New Zealand singer-songwriter has become an international sensation with her introspective lyrics and genre-defying sound that combines elements of pop, electronic, and alternative music into a unique sonic experience. Her thought-provoking storytelling abilities have garnered her critical acclaim as well as commercial success at a young age. As she continues to evolve as an artist while maintaining her indie roots, she's poised to leave a lasting impact on popular culture.
This Irish trio's infectious blend of indie rock and dance-pop has made them a staple within the indie scene since their formation in 2007. Their energetic live shows and catchy hooks have garnered them a dedicated fanbase, as well as critical acclaim for their genre-defying approach to songwriting. As they continue to push boundaries with each release, they remain at the forefront of innovative indie music.
This enigmatic R&B artist's introspective lyricism and genre-defying sound have garnered him a dedicated fanbase that transcends the boundaries of mainstream and indie music. His unique approach to storytelling tackles themes such as love, identity, and self-discovery, showcasing his ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. As he continues to push the envelope with each release, he remains an influential figure within the indie community.
This New York City-based quartet has carved out a niche for themselves with their distinctive fusion of indie rock, Afrobeat, and baroque pop influences. Their intelligent lyrics and intricate arrangements showcase their exceptional musicianship and knack for crafting memorable tunes. With multiple Grammy Awards and chart-topping albums under their belt, they've solidified their status as one of the most influential bands in modern indie music.
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This British group has become synonymous with emotive anthems that tug at heartstrings while showcasing their impressive musical abilities. Their genre-blending approach to songwriting incorporates elements of rock, pop, electronic, and even world music influences into a cohesive sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. With numerous awards and chart-topping albums under their belt, they've established themselves as icons within both mainstream and indie music circles.
This Icelandic group has enchanted listeners with their unique blend of folk-rock and indie pop that features soaring harmonies, anthemic choruses, and powerful instrumentation. Their evocative storytelling abilities have garnered them a dedicated fanbase as well as commercial success and critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they're poised to make an indelible mark on the music industry.
This English indie rock outfit has captivated audiences with their powerful vocals, intricate arrangements, and evocative storytelling abilities. Their genre-defying sound incorporates elements of rock, pop, electronic, and even baroque influences into a cohesive sonic experience that has earned them legions of fans and critical acclaim. As they continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, they've established themselves as icons within the indie community.
This Las Vegas-based group has become synonymous with anthemic indie rock tunes that showcase their impressive musicianship and exceptional songwriting abilities. Their eclectic sound draws inspiration from various genres such as new wave, post-punk revival, and synth-pop, resonating with fans across the globe. With numerous awards and chart-topping albums under their belt, they've cemented their legacy as one of the most influential bands in modern indie music.
This English quartet crafts hypnotic, genre-defying soundscapes that blend elements of electronic, psychedelic, and R&B music into a mesmerizing sonic experience. Their intricate production techniques and captivating live shows have earned them a devoted following and critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve their sound while maintaining their signature aesthetic, they're poised to make an indelible mark on the indie world.
This Canadian indie rock collective has garnered a devoted following for their ambitious soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics that tackle themes such as love, loss, and societal expectations. Their innovative approach to songwriting incorporates elements of rock, pop, electronic, and even world music influences into a cohesive sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. With numerous awards and critical acclaim under their belt, they've established themselves as icons within the indie community and beyond.
- 24Claire Cottrill (born August 18, 1998), known professionally as Clairo, is an American recording artist from Carlisle, Massachusetts who wrote "Pretty Girl" (2017), a lo-fi-produced song that attracted over 26 million views on YouTube. She credited her sudden popularity to the website's algorithm system. After the popularity of "Pretty Girl", Clairo signed a record contract with the help of her family's connections with The Fader magazine and her presentation of herself as a "do-it-yourself" artist was questioned amid some online controversy. In 2018, she released her debut record Diary 001 on Fader Label.
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Hailing from France, this indie rock group has captivated audiences worldwide with their infectious hooks and danceable beats that defy categorization. Their eclectic sound draws inspiration from various genres such as electronic, garage rock, and pop music, showcasing their ability to create memorable melodies that resonate with fans across the globe. With numerous accolades and festival appearances under their belt, they've established themselves as icons within the indie community.
This English singer-songwriter has won over fans worldwide with his emotive ballads and heartfelt lyrics that showcase his impressive storytelling abilities. His distinctive voice and acoustic guitar-driven sound have earned him critical acclaim for his ability to create memorable tunes that resonate with listeners across the globe. As he continues to evolve as an artist while maintaining his indie roots, he's poised to leave a lasting impact on the music industry.
This Las Vegas-based quartet has taken the world by storm with their anthemic sound that blends elements of rock, pop, electronic, and alternative music into a unique sonic experience. Their infectious hooks and introspective lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide, earning them numerous awards and commercial success. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've solidified their place in popular culture as one of the most inventive groups of the past decade.
This legendary California-based group has been pushing boundaries for decades with their innovative fusion of rock, funk, punk, and psychedelic influences. Their exceptional musicianship and energetic live shows have earned them legions of fans across the globe, as well as numerous awards and chart-topping albums. As they continue to reinvent themselves while maintaining their indie spirit, they remain an influential force in modern music.
This British folk-rock band has taken the world by storm with their foot-stomping anthems and heartfelt ballads that showcase their exceptional musicianship and storytelling abilities. Their unique blend of acoustic instrumentation and soaring harmonies has earned them legions of fans, as well as commercial success and critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've solidified their place in popular culture as one of the most inventive groups of the past decade.
This Colorado-based group has achieved international success with their anthemic sound that combines elements of rock, pop, and alternative music into a unique sonic experience. Their introspective lyrics and soaring choruses have resonated with fans worldwide, earning them numerous awards and commercial success. As they continue to evolve their sound while maintaining their indie roots, they've solidified their place in popular culture as one of the most inventive groups of the past decade.
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This British trio has become synonymous with epic anthems that showcase their impressive musicianship and genre-blending approach to songwriting. Their eclectic sound incorporates elements of rock, electronic, classical, and even cinematic influences into a cohesive sonic experience that has captivated audiences worldwide. With numerous awards and chart-topping albums under their belt, they've cemented their legacy as one of the most innovative acts in modern indie music.
This multi-talented singer-songwriter has captured hearts with his evocative storytelling abilities and genre-defying sound that draws from folk, electronic, and classical influences. His intricate arrangements showcase his exceptional musicianship while his poignant lyrics tackle themes such as loss, love, and spirituality. As he continues to evolve his sound while staying true to his indie roots, he's established himself as one of the most influential artists within the independent music scene.
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This Scottish synth-pop trio has captured hearts with their infectious melodies and emotive lyrics that showcase their impressive songwriting abilities. Their unique blend of electronic beats, catchy hooks, and powerful vocals has earned them a devoted fanbase as well as critical praise for their innovative approach to pop music. As they continue to break boundaries in the indie world, they're poised to leave a lasting impact on popular culture.
This Washington-based group has captured hearts with their introspective lyrics and emotive soundscapes that showcase their impressive songwriting abilities. Their unique blend of indie rock, emo, and alternative influences has earned them legions of fans as well as critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve their sound while maintaining their indie roots, they've solidified their place in popular culture as one of the most inventive groups of the past decade.
This English singer-songwriter has won over fans worldwide with his emotive ballads and heartfelt lyrics that showcase his impressive storytelling abilities. His distinctive voice and guitar-driven sound have earned him critical acclaim for his ability to create memorable tunes that resonate with listeners across the globe. As he continues to evolve as an artist while maintaining his indie roots, he's poised to leave a lasting impact on the music industry.
This California-based quintet has made waves within the indie scene with their anthemic sound that combines elements of rock, pop, and alternative music into a unique sonic experience. Their infectious hooks and introspective lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide, earning them commercial success and critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve their sound while maintaining their indie roots, they're poised to make an indelible mark on the music industry.
This New York-based trio has gained widespread recognition for their genre-defying sound that combines elements of rock, electronic, R&B, and pop music into a captivating sonic experience. Their heartfelt lyrics and infectious hooks have resonated with fans worldwide, earning them commercial success and critical acclaim. As they continue to push the envelope with each release, they remain at the forefront of innovative indie music.
- Marie Ulven Ringheim (born 16 February 1999), known professionally as Girl in Red (often stylized in all lowercase as girl in red), is a Norwegian indie pop singer-songwriter. Her single "I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend" has gained over 40 million streams on Spotify, and was listed at No. 9 on The New York Times list of "The 68 Best Songs of 2018". Since 2018, Ringheim has released two extended plays from her bedroom studio and has amassed over 3 million monthly streamers on Spotify.
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This Grammy Award-winning project led by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon has captured hearts worldwide with its hauntingly beautiful soundscapes and introspective lyrics. Their unique blend of folk, electronic, and experimental influences showcases their exceptional musicianship while resonating with fans across the globe. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've established themselves as one of the most influential artists within the independent music scene.
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This American electropop project led by singer-songwriter Michael Angelakos is known for its infectious hooks and emotionally charged lyrics that tackle themes such as mental health and self-discovery. Their innovative approach to electronic music has garnered them a dedicated fanbase as well as critical praise for their genre-defying sound. As they continue to push boundaries in the indie world, they're poised to leave a lasting impact on popular culture.
Emerging from the Manchester scene in the late '80s, this iconic group's jangly guitars and introspective lyrics left an indelible impact on indie music as a whole. Their unique blend of Madchester, Britpop, and psychedelic influences resonated with disaffected youth of the time, securing their place in popular culture history. Although their tenure was brief, their influence continues to be felt by countless bands that followed in their footsteps.
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This French electronic project led by Anthony Gonzalez has garnered a devoted following for its lush soundscapes that transport listeners to otherworldly realms. Their innovative approach to electronic music incorporates elements of shoegaze, ambient, and dream pop, earning them critical acclaim for their genre-defying sound. As they continue to push boundaries in the indie world, they're poised to make an indelible mark on popular culture.
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This English trio has captivated listeners with their minimalist soundscapes and introspective lyrics that showcase their impressive songwriting abilities. Their unique blend of indie rock, electronic, and R&B influences has earned them legions of fans as well as critical acclaim for their genre-defying approach to music. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've established themselves as one of the most influential acts within the independent music scene.
This English indie rock outfit has become synonymous with catchy tunes and energetic live performances that showcase their exceptional musicianship and knack for crafting memorable melodies. Their eclectic sound incorporates elements of rock, pop, and even reggae influences into a cohesive sonic experience that resonates with fans across the globe. With numerous accolades under their belt, they've established themselves as icons within the indie community.
This English indie rock trio has gained widespread recognition for their infectious melodies and witty lyrics that showcase their impressive songwriting abilities. Their unique blend of indie, pop-punk, and post-punk revival influences has earned them a dedicated fanbase as well as critical praise for their genre-defying sound. As they continue to push the envelope with each release, they remain at the forefront of innovative indie music.
This American group has taken the world by storm with their anthemic sound that combines elements of rock, pop, and electronic music into a unique sonic experience. Their infectious hooks and introspective lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide, earning them numerous awards and commercial success. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've solidified their place in popular culture as one of the most inventive groups of the past decade.
This Portland-based indie rock outfit is known for its evocative storytelling abilities and intricate arrangements that showcase their exceptional musicianship. Their genre-defying sound draws from various influences such as folk, baroque pop, and Americana, resonating with fans across the globe. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've established themselves as one of the most influential bands within the independent music scene.
- Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell (born December 18, 2001) is an American singer and songwriter. She first gained public attention in 2015 with her debut single "Ocean Eyes", written and produced by her brother Finneas O'Connell, with whom she collaborates on music and live shows. In 2017, she released her debut extended play (EP), Don't Smile at Me. Commercially successful, it reached the top 15 of record charts in numerous countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
This Los Angeles-based quintet has won over fans worldwide with their infectious hooks and energetic live shows that showcase their impressive musicianship and ability to create memorable tunes. Their eclectic sound draws from various genres such as indie rock, electronic, and pop music, resonating with fans across the globe. As they continue to push boundaries in the indie world, they're poised to make an indelible mark on popular culture.
This American sibling quartet has captivated fans worldwide with their infectious hooks and heartfelt lyrics that showcase their impressive songwriting abilities. Their unique blend of indie pop, electronic, and alternative influences has earned them commercial success and critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve their sound while maintaining their indie roots, they're poised to make an indelible mark on the music industry.
- 52Keane are an English rock band from Battle, East Sussex, formed in 1995. The band currently comprises Tom Chaplin (lead vocals, electric/acoustic guitar), Tim Rice-Oxley (piano, synthesisers, bass guitar, backing vocals), Richard Hughes (drums, percussion, backing vocals), and Jesse Quin (bass guitar, acoustic/electric guitar, backing vocals). Their original line-up included founder and guitarist Dominic Scott, who left in 2001. Keane achieved mainstream, international success with the release of their debut album, Hopes and Fears, in 2004. Topping the UK charts, the album won the 2005 Brit Award for Best British Album and was the second best-selling British album of 2004. Their second album, Under the Iron Sea, released in 2006, topped the UK album charts and debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200. Their third album, Perfect Symmetry, was released in October 2008. In May 2008, both Hopes and Fears (number 13) and Under the Iron Sea (number 8) were voted by readers of Q magazine as among the best British albums ever, with Keane, The Beatles, Oasis and Radiohead the only artists having two albums in the top 20. In 2009, Hopes and Fears was listed as the ninth best-selling album of the 2000s decade in the UK. Their EP, Night Train, was released in May 2010. Their fourth studio album, Strangeland, was released in May 2012, and again peaked at number one on the UK Albums Chart. Keane are known for using keyboards as the lead instrument instead of guitars, differentiating them from most other rock bands. The inclusion of a distorted piano effect in 2006 and various synthesisers were a common feature in their music which developed on the second and third albums. Keane have sold over 13 million records worldwide.On 17 January 2019, The Sun newspaper revealed that after five years on hiatus, the band was returning with new material. The band are due to release their fifth studio album Cause and Effect in September 2019. It was announced on 6 June 2019 with the release of lead single "The Way I Feel".
This multi-talented singer-songwriter and guitarist has captured hearts with her genre-defying sound that blends elements of rock, pop, electronic, and even jazz influences. Her innovative approach to songwriting showcases her exceptional musicianship while her evocative storytelling abilities resonate with fans across the globe. As she continues to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, she's established herself as one of the most influential artists within the indie world.
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This American indie pop trio gained widespread recognition for their infectious hooks and anthemic choruses that showcase their impressive songwriting abilities. Their unique blend of indie rock, pop, and theatrical influences has earned them a dedicated fanbase as well as critical praise for their genre-defying sound. As they continue to push the envelope with each release, they remain at the forefront of innovative indie music.
- 55Placebo are an English Brit-pop band formed in London in 1994. The group consists of vocalist/guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band were soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who left in 1996 due to conflicts with Molko and was replaced the same year by Steve Hewitt. Placebo gained exposure in 1997, after releasing "Nancy Boy", a song which Brian Molko described as "obscene". The band has sparked controversy at the beginning of their career because Molko wore dresses and make-up in public and talked openly about sexuality, mental health and drug use. Placebo collaborated with various artists over the years, including David Bowie, Justin Warfield, Michael Stipe and Alison Mosshart. Hewitt left Placebo in 2007, due to personal and musical differences. He was replaced the following year by Steve Forrest. Placebo released two albums with Forrest, who left in 2015 to pursue his own musical career. Since 2015, Placebo perform as a duo with four additional live musicians on stage. Placebo utilise androgynous images and lyrical content. To date, they have released seven studio albums, all of which have reached the top 20 in the United Kingdom, and have sold around 11 million records worldwide.
- The Shins are an American indie rock band formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1996. The band's current lineup consists of James Mercer (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, songwriter), Jon Sortland (drums), Mark Watrous (guitar, keyboards), Casey Foubert (guitar), Yuuki Matthews (bass, keyboards), and Patti King (keyboards). The band is based in Portland, Oregon. The band was formed by Mercer as a side project to Flake Music, who were active from 1992 to 1999. The band released two 7" singles and a full-length album When You Land Here It's Time to Return on Omnibus Records and were touring with Modest Mouse when they were signed to Sub Pop Records. The band's first two records, Oh, Inverted World (2001) and Chutes Too Narrow (2003) performed well commercially and received critical acclaim. The single "New Slang" brought the band mainstream attention when it was featured in the 2004 film Garden State. Consequently, the band's third album, Wincing the Night Away (2007), was a major success for the group, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 and earning a Grammy Award nomination. Following this, the Shins signed to Columbia Records and Mercer parted ways with the entire original lineup, deeming it "an aesthetic decision". Following a near five-year hiatus, Port of Morrow, the band's fourth studio album, was released in 2012. Their fifth album, Heartworms, was released in March 2017.
- Portishead, a pioneering musical group from the United Kingdom, was formed in 1991. The band consists of three core members: Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons, and Adrian Utley. Their unique blend of experimentations with trip-hop, jazz, electronica, and ambient music led to a distinct, melancholic sound that would become their trademark. They are named after the small town near Bristol, England, where Barrow grew up. Geoff Barrow, the band's primary music composer and producer, began his career as a tape operator at Coach House Studios in Bristol. There he met singer Beth Gibbons, who was known for her hauntingly emotive vocals, and guitarist Adrian Utley, an accomplished jazz musician. Their collaborative efforts resulted in the formation of Portishead. Their debut album, Dummy, released in 1994, won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize in 1995, and is often credited with popularizing the trip-hop genre globally. The band's second self-titled album, Portishead, was released in 1997. It veered away from the trip-hop sound of their debut album but was equally well-received, showcasing the band's ability to evolve their musical style. After a brief hiatus, the band came back with their third album, Third, in 2008, which further pushed the boundaries of their sound. Despite their limited discography, Portishead has had a profound impact on the music industry, influencing a new generation of musicians with their innovative soundscapes.
- The Postal Service was an American indie band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2001. The band consisted of vocalist Ben Gibbard, producer Jimmy Tamborello, with Jenny Lewis on background vocals/keyboards & samplers during live performances. The band released their debut album, Give Up, in 2003 on Sub Pop Records, to mostly positive reviews. The album reached number 114 on the US Billboard 200 album chart, and received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. The Postal Service remained largely inactive from 2005 until 2013, when they reunited for a tour, and released a re-issue of Give Up to celebrate its tenth anniversary. Laura Burhenn joined the lineup throughout the tour to provide additional vocals and instruments, with Jen Wood filling in for a few shows. On August 3, 2013, Gibbard announced that the band would disband permanently after the last show of their reunion tour.
- Franz Ferdinand are a Scottish rock band formed in Glasgow in 2002. The band's original lineup was composed of Alex Kapranos (lead vocals and guitar, keyboard), Nick McCarthy (rhythm guitar, keyboards and backing vocals), Bob Hardy (bass guitar), and Paul Thomson (drums, percussion and backing vocals). Julian Corrie (keyboards, synthesiser, guitar and backing vocals) and Dino Bardot (guitar and backing vocals) joined the band in 2017 after McCarthy left during the previous year. The band has been notable for being one of the more popular post-punk revival bands, garnering multiple UK top 20 hits. They have been nominated for several Grammy Awards and have received two Brit Awards – winning one for Best British Group – as well as one NME Award. The band's first two singles, "Darts of Pleasure" and "Take Me Out", peaked within the top-50 on the UK Singles Chart. "Take Me Out" achieved global recognition by charting in several countries and went on to earn a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It has since been noted as the band's signature song as well. The band released their self-titled debut studio album on 9 February 2004 to critical acclaim. The album won the 2004 Mercury Prize and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Album. In 2005, the band released their second studio album, You Could Have It So Much Better, which was produced by Rich Costey. The album went on to earn acclaim from critics as well as a positive commercial performance, peaking within the top-ten in multiple countries. At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, the album earned a nomination for Best Alternative Album and one of the singles released from the album, "Do You Want To", earned a nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The band's third studio album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, was announced in late 2008 and released in January 2009. The album was notable for featuring a change in the band's musical style, as the band had shifted from a post-punk-focused sound, which was featured on their first two albums, to a more dance-oriented sound. The album gained a positive commercial performance as well as positive reviews from critics. A remix album of Tonight, titled Blood, was subsequently released in July 2009. Four years after the release of Tonight, the band released their fourth studio album, Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action, in August 2013. In 2015, Franz Ferdinand and American rock band Sparks formed the supergroup FFS and released a one-off self-titled album in June 2015. Following the departure of McCarthy, the band released their fifth studio album, Always Ascending, in February 2018.
- Snow Patrol are an Irish-Scottish rock band from Northern Ireland and Scotland, formed in Dundee, Scotland in 1994, consisting of Gary Lightbody (vocals, guitar), Nathan Connolly (guitar, backing vocals), Paul Wilson (bass guitar, backing vocals), Jonny Quinn (drums), and Johnny McDaid (piano, guitar, backing vocals). Initially an indie rock band, the band rose to prominence in the early-mid 2000s as part of the post-Britpop movement. The band were founded at the University of Dundee in 1994 by Lightbody, Michael Morrison, and Mark McClelland as Shrug. After briefly using the name Polarbear, releasing the EP Starfighter Pilot (1997) and losing Morrison as a member, the band became Snow Patrol in 1997 and added Quinn to its line-up. Their first two studio albums, Songs for Polarbears (1998) and When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up (2001), were commercially unsuccessful and were released by the independent record label Jeepster Records. The band then signed to the major record label Polydor Records in 2002. Connolly joined Snow Patrol in 2002, and after their major-label debut album, Final Straw, the following year, the band rose to national fame. The album was certified 5× platinum in the UK and eventually sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Their next studio album, Eyes Open (2006), and its hit single, "Chasing Cars" – the most widely played song of the 21st century on UK radio – propelled the band to greater international fame. The album topped the UK Albums Chart and was the best-selling British album of the year, selling over 6 million copies worldwide. In 2008, the band released their fifth studio album, A Hundred Million Suns; then, in 2009, they released their first compilation album, Up to Now; and, in 2011, released their sixth studio album, Fallen Empires. The band released their seventh album, Wildness, on 25 May 2018. During the course of their career, Snow Patrol have won seven Meteor Ireland Music Awards and have been nominated for six Brit Awards. Since the release of Final Straw, the band have sold over 16 million records worldwide.
- Hayley Williams, born in Meridian, Mississippi in 1988, is an American singer and songwriter acclaimed for her eclectic style and vibrant energy. Best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Paramore, Williams's journey into the world of music began at a young age. Facing significant family struggles, she sought solace in songwriting and singing, which eventually led to her discovery by music industry veterans in her early teens. Williams, along with bandmates Josh and Zac Farro, formed Paramore in Franklin, Tennessee in 2004. Under the umbrella of Fueled by Ramen, the group quickly gained international recognition with their debut album All We Know Is Falling. Their subsequent albums, including Riot! and Brand New Eyes, achieved multi-platinum status and featured hits like "Misery Business" and "The Only Exception." With her fiery red hair and powerful vocals, Williams became an icon in the pop-punk world, inspiring countless young artists with her raw onstage performances and candid lyricism. Besides Paramore, Williams has also made her mark as a solo artist and entrepreneur. She released her first solo project, Petals for Armor, in 2020 to critical acclaim, showcasing her versatility beyond the punk genre. In addition to her musical pursuits, she co-founded Good Dye Young, a vibrant line of hair dye products, reflecting her own signature style. Hayley Williams, with her dynamic persona and unyielding spirit, continues to be a pivotal figure in the global music landscape.
- Grizzly Bear is an American Indie Rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2002. The band consists of Edward Droste, Daniel Rossen, Chris Taylor and Christopher Bear. The band employs traditional and electronic instruments. Their sound has been categorized as psychedelic pop, folk rock, and experimental, and is dominated by the use of vocal harmonies.
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This Swedish singer-songwriter has captivated audiences with her ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of melancholic beauty. Her genre-defying approach to songwriting incorporates elements of pop, electronic, and even world music influences into a cohesive sonic experience that has garnered her critical acclaim. As she continues to evolve her sound while staying true to her indie roots, she's poised to make an indelible mark on popular culture.
- The Lemonheads are an American alternative rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1986 by Evan Dando, Ben Deily, and Jesse Peretz. Dando has remained the band's only constant member. After their initial punk-influenced releases and tours as an independent/college rock band in the late 1980s, the Lemonheads' popularity with a mass audience grew in 1992 with the major label album It's a Shame about Ray, which was produced, engineered, and mixed by The Robb Brothers (Bruce Robb, Dee, and Joe). This was followed by a cover of Simon and Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson", which eventually became one of the band's most successful singles. Then Lemonheads were active until 1997 before going on hiatus, but reformed with a new lineup in 2005 and released The Lemonheads the following year. The band released its latest album, Varshons 2, in February 2019.
- The National is an American rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in 1999. The band consists of Matt Berninger (vocals), Aaron Dessner (guitar, piano, keyboards), Bryce Dessner (guitar, piano, keyboards), Scott Devendorf (bass) and Bryan Devendorf (drums). Founded by Berninger, Aaron Dessner, and Scott and Bryan Devendorf, The National released their self-titled debut album, The National (2001), on Brassland Records, an independent record label founded by Dessner and his twin brother, Bryce Dessner. Bryce, who had assisted in recording the album, soon joined the band, participating as a full member in the recording of its follow-up, Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers (2003). Leaving behind their day jobs, the National signed with Beggars Banquet Records and released their third studio album, Alligator (2005), to widespread critical acclaim. The band's fourth and fifth studio albums, Boxer (2007) and High Violet (2010), increased their exposure significantly. In 2013, the band released its sixth studio album, Trouble Will Find Me, which was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2017 the band released the album Sleep Well Beast, which won the Grammy award for Best Alternative Music Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. Their eighth studio album, I Am Easy to Find, was released on May 17, 2019. Four of the band's albums were included on NME's 2013 list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
- 66Metric is a Canadian rock band founded in 1998 in Toronto, Ontario. The band consists of Emily Haines (lead vocals, synthesizers, guitar, tambourine, harmonica, piano), James Shaw (guitar, synthesizers, theremin, backing vocals), Joshua Winstead (bass, synthesizers, backing vocals) and Joules Scott-Key (drums, percussion). Although the band is Canadian, Haines was born in India to American parents, and Winstead and Scott-Key are American. The band started in 1998 as a duo formed by Haines and Shaw with the name "Mainstream". After releasing an EP titled Mainstream EP, they changed the band's name to Metric. The band's first studio album, Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?, was released in 2003. Live It Out, released in 2005, was nominated for the 2006 Polaris Music Prize for the "Canadian Album of the Year" and for the 2006 Juno Awards for "Best Alternative Album". Their third studio album, Grow Up and Blow Away, was recorded in 2001; it was initially planned as their debut album, but was delayed for many years and finally released, with some changes, in 2007. Metric's fourth album Fantasies was released in 2009. It was shortlisted for the 2009 Polaris Music Prize for "Canadian Album of the Year", and won the "Alternative Album of the Year" at the 2010 Juno Awards. Metric also won the 2010 "Group of the Year". The fifth Metric studio album, Synthetica, was released in 2012. The band won two awards at 2013 Juno Awards: "Alternative Album of the Year" for Synthetica and "Producer of the Year" for Shaw. The art director/designer/photographer Justin Broadbent also won an award for "Recording Package of the Year" for Synthetica. Metric's sixth album, Pagans in Vegas, was released in 2015. Their seventh full-length record, the Justin Meldal-Johnson produced Art of Doubt, was released on September 21, 2018.
- The Head and The Heart is an indie folk band from Seattle, Washington. Formed in the summer of 2009 by Josiah Johnson and Jonathan Russell, the band also includes Charity Rose Thielen, Chris Zasche, Kenny Hensley, and Tyler Williams. The band is signed to Sub Pop Records and have released two albums thus far. The band has toured in both North America and Europe.
- My Bloody Valentine are an alternative rock band formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1983. Since 1987, the band's lineup has consisted of founding members Kevin Shields and Colm Ó Cíosóig, with Bilinda Butcher and Debbie Googe. Known for their use of distortion, pitch bending, and digital reverse reverb, My Bloody Valentine's musical progression resulted in the band pioneering an alternative rock subgenre known as shoegazing. Following several membership changes and unsuccessful releases, My Bloody Valentine signed to Creation Records in 1988. The band released a number of successful EPs, including You Made Me Realise, Glider and Tremolo, and two studio albums, Isn't Anything and Loveless on the label. Loveless, which has been described as the band's magnum opus and one of the best albums of the 1990s, was a major critical success. However, the band were dropped by Creation Records after its release due to the album's extensive production costs. In 1992, My Bloody Valentine signed to Island Records and recorded several albums worth of material, although remained largely inactive. Following the departure of Googe and Ó Cíosóig in 1995, My Bloody Valentine later disbanded in 1997.
- Lily Allen, born Lily Rose Beatrice Cooper in May 1985, is an English singer-songwriter known for her expressive lyrics and distinct vocal style. Born into a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry, Allen's flair for music was evident from a young age. Her father, Keith Allen, is a well-known comedian and actor, while her mother, Alison Owen, has made her mark as a successful film producer. This creative environment played a crucial role in shaping Allen's artistic journey. Allen's career in music took off with the release of her debut album, Alright, Still in 2006. The album was a commercial success, reaching number two on the UK Albums Chart, and it also gained significant international recognition. Notable for its eclectic mix of pop, ska, and reggae influences, it featured the hit single "Smile," which topped the UK Singles Chart. This initial success set the stage for Allen's future career, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Outside of her musical career, Allen has also been recognized for her outspokenness on social issues, making her a notable figure in public life beyond the world of entertainment. She has used her platform to advocate for various causes, including women's rights and mental health awareness. Throughout her career, Allen has demonstrated that she is not only a talented musician but also a socially conscious individual who uses her influence to effect positive change.
- Tegan and Sara are a Canadian indie pop band formed in 1998 in Calgary, Alberta, composed of identical twin sisters Tegan Rain Quin and Sara Keirsten Quin (born September 19, 1980). Both musicians are songwriters and multi-instrumentalists.The pair have released eight studio albums and numerous EPs. Their eighth album, Love You to Death, was released on June 3, 2016. The duo earned a Grammy nomination in 2013 for their DVD/Live Album Get Along.
- Bleachers is an American indie pop act based in New York City that was formed by Jack Antonoff, of Steel Train and Fun. Their first single, "I Wanna Get Better", was released February 18, 2014.
- Cold War Kids is an American indie rock band from Long Beach, California. Band members are Nathan Willett, Dann Gallucci, Matt Maust, Joe Plummer and Matthew Schwartz. Jonnie Russell and Matt Aveiro are both former members of the band. Forming in 2004 in Fullerton, the band's early releases came from independent record label Monarchy Music. In 2006, Cold War Kids signed with Downtown/V2 and released their major label debut Robbers & Cowards to cult appeal from fans and critics. 2008's Loyalty to Loyalty and 2011's Mine Is Yours saw the band develop different musical sounds and lyrical content throughout to mixed reviews. In 2013, Cold War Kids released their fourth album Dear Miss Lonelyhearts. Their most recent album Hold My Home was released on October 21, 2014.
- Brandon Richard Flowers (born June 21, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead singer, keyboardist, and occasional bass guitarist of the Las Vegas-based rock band the Killers, with whom he has recorded five studio albums. In addition to his work with the Killers, Flowers has released two solo albums, Flamingo (2010) and The Desired Effect (2015). He has reached number one on the UK Albums Chart seven times, including work by the Killers.
- Grace Avery VanderWaal (born January 15, 2004) is an American singer-songwriter from Suffern, NY. At age 12, she won the 11th season of the NBC competition show America's Got Talent, singing her original songs and usually accompanying herself on the ukulele. Known for her distinctive vocals, she launched her first full-length album, Just the Beginning, in November 2017.
- 75OK Go is an American rock band originally from Chicago, Illinois, now based in Los Angeles, California. The band is composed of Damian Kulash (lead vocals, guitar), Tim Nordwind (bass guitar and vocals), Dan Konopka (drums and percussion) and Andy Ross (guitar, keyboards and vocals), who joined them in 2005, replacing Andy Duncan. The band is known for its often quirky and elaborate one-take music videos. The original members formed as OK Go in 1998 and released two studio albums before Duncan's departure. The band's video for "Here It Goes Again" won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 2007.
- Silversun Pickups is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles that was formed in 2000. The band is composed of Brian Aubert, Nikki Monninger, Christopher Guanlao, and Joe Lester. The band released their debut EP, Pikul, in July 2005, and their debut album, Carnavas, on July 26, 2006. Their second album, Swoon, was released on April 14, 2009. Neck of the Woods, the band's third album, came out on May 8, 2012. They issued their fourth album, Better Nature, on September 25, 2015. Their fifth album, Widow's Weeds, came out on June 7, 2019.
- 77Leslie Feist (born 13 February 1976) is a Canadian indie pop singer-songwriter and guitarist, performing both as a solo artist and as a member of the indie rock group Broken Social Scene. Feist launched her solo music career in 1999 with the release of Monarch. Her subsequent studio albums, Let It Die, released in 2004, and The Reminder, released in 2007, were critically acclaimed and commercially successful, selling over 2.5 million copies. The Reminder earned Feist four Grammy nominations, including a nomination for Best New Artist. She has received 11 Juno Awards, including two Artist of the Year. Her fourth studio album, Metals, was released in 2011. In 2012, Feist collaborated on a split EP with metal group Mastodon, releasing an interactive music video in the process.Feist received three Juno awards at the 2012 ceremony: Artist of the Year, Adult Alternative Album of the Year for Metals, and Music DVD of the Year for her documentary Look at What the Light Did Now.
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Jay Som
Melina Mae Duterte (born March 25, 1994), better known by her stage name Jay Som, is an American, Los Angeles-based, DIY and bedroom-pop singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Her second album Everybody Works was released on Polyvinyl Records in March 2017, which was preceded by Turn Into, an LP of demos that first gained her attention as a singer-songwriter. - Matt and Kim is an American indie dance duo from Brooklyn, New York. The group formed in 2004 and is composed of Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino. They are known for their DIY attitude toward music.
- Scissor Sisters is an American pop/rock band formed in 2001. Forged in the "gay nightlife scene of New York", the band took its name from the female same-sex sexual activity tribadism. Its members include Jake Shears and Ana Matronic as vocalists, Babydaddy as multi-instrumentalist, Del Marquis as lead guitar/bassist, and Randy Real (who replaced Paddy Boom) as drummer. Scissor Sisters incorporates diverse and eclectic styles in their music, but tends to sway towards pop rock, glam rock, nu-disco, and electroclash. The band came to prominence following the release of their Grammy-nominated and chart-topping disco version of "Comfortably Numb" and subsequent debut album Scissor Sisters (2004). The album was a success, particularly in the UK where it reached number one, was the best-selling album of 2004, was later certified platinum by the BPI, and accrued them three BRIT Awards in 2005. All five of its singles reached positions within the top 20 of the UK Singles Chart while "Filthy/Gorgeous" scored the band their first number one on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs, despite the album's meager success in their native US. The album continued its success in countries around Europe, in Australia and in Canada before the release of the band's second studio album Ta-Dah (2006), their second consecutive UK number one album which produced their first UK number one single "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'". Their third studio album Night Work (2010) displayed a shift towards a more club-oriented sound, charting at number two on the UK Albums Chart, number one on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart and in the top 10 of several international territories. The band released their fourth studio album Magic Hour in May 2012. Scissor Sisters has performed around the world and have become recognized for their controversial and transgressive live performances. They also collaborated with a number of other well-known pop musicians, including Elton John and Kylie Minogue; these particular collaborations have been received positively by both critics and other notable figures. In 2004, Bono, lead vocalist of rock band U2, described Scissor Sisters as "the best pop group in the world". They have also collaborated with Global Cool in 2007 on one of their green lifestyle campaigns.
- Half Alive (stylized as half•alive) is an American band from Long Beach, California. The band was formed in 2016 and consists of lead singer Josh Taylor, drummer Brett Kramer and bassist J Tyler Johnson. Their first EP, 3, was released in 2017.
- 83Kasabian ( kə-SAY-bee-ən) are an English rock band formed in Leicester in 1997. The band's original members were vocalist Tom Meighan, guitarist and vocalist Sergio Pizzorno, guitarist Chris Karloff, and bassist Chris Edwards. The band's line-up was completed by drummer Ian Matthews in 2004 after a string of session drummers. Karloff left the band in 2006 and founded a new band called Black Onassis. Jay Mehler joined as touring lead guitarist in 2006. Mehler left the band for Liam Gallagher's Beady Eye in 2013, to be replaced by Tim Carter. In 2010 and 2014, Kasabian won the Q Awards for "Best Act in the World Today", while they were also named "Best Live Act" at the 2014 Q Awards and the 2007 and 2018 NME Awards. The band's music is often described as "indie rock", but Pizzorno has said he "hates indie bands" and does not feel Kasabian fit into that category.Kasabian have released six studio albums – Kasabian (2004), Empire (2006), West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum (2009), Velociraptor! (2011), 48:13 (2014), and For Crying Out Loud (2017). The band's music has been described as a mix between The Stone Roses and Primal Scream with the swagger of Oasis. Their music has won them several awards and recognition in the media, including a Brit Award in 2010 for Best British Group, and their live performances have received praise, the most notable of which was their appearance as headliners at the 2014 Glastonbury Festival.
- 84Kimbra Lee Johnson (born 27 March 1990), is a New Zealand singer and actress who mixes pop with classic R&B, jazz and rock musical elements. Her musical influences range from Prince and Minnie Riperton, to Björk and Jeff Buckley. Her debut album, Vows, was released in Australia in 2011. Singles from the album include "Settle Down", "Cameo Lover" (which won an Australian Recording Industry Association Award), "Good Intent" and "Two Way Street". A reworked version of the album was released in Europe and the United States in 2012. It featured several new songs, including "Come into My Head", "Warrior" (on which Kimbra was joined by musicians Mark Foster from Foster the People and DJ A-Trak), and a cover of Nina Simone's "Plain Gold Ring". Vows reached the top 5 in New Zealand and Australia; on 22 May 2012, the album was released in North America, debuting at number 14 on the Billboard charts. Vincent Fantauzzo's portrait of Kimbra was a finalist for the 2012 Archibald Prize. The portrait was painted in conjunction with the making of a video featuring Kimbra's song "The Build Up".Kimbra was featured on the 2012 multi-platinum single "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye. On 10 February 2013, she and Gotye won the Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance awards at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards for "Somebody That I Used to Know". This achievement made her the third New Zealand singer to win a Grammy Award. Kimbra's second studio album, The Golden Echo, was released on 19 August 2014 to positive critical reception. Her third album, Primal Heart, was released on 20 April 2018.
- Atlas Genius are an alternative rock band formed in Adelaide, South Australia in November 2009. The band's mainstay members are the Jeffery brothers, Keith on lead vocals and lead guitar; Michael on drums; and Darren Sell on keyboard. Their debut album, When It Was Now, was issued on 9 February 2013 and peaked at No. 34 on the United States Billboard 200. In 2013 two of their singles appeared on the related Alternative Songs Chart, "Trojans" at No. 4 and "If So" at No. 8. In 2013 the group toured the US in April and May, United Kingdom in May, and back to the US in August.
- 86Pavement are an American indie rock band that formed in Stockton, California, in 1989. For most of their career, the group consisted of Stephen Malkmus (vocals and guitar), Scott Kannberg (guitar and vocals), Mark Ibold (bass), Steve West (drums) and Bob Nastanovich (percussion and vocals). Initially conceived as a recording project, the band at first avoided press or live performances, while attracting considerable underground attention with their early releases. Gradually evolving into a more polished band, Pavement recorded five full-length albums and ten EPs over the course of their decade-long career, though they disbanded with some acrimony in 1999 as the members moved on to other projects. In 2010, they undertook a well-received reunion tour, with another reunion tour across Europe, the United States, and Japan scheduled for 2022 and 2023. Some prominent music critics, such as Robert Christgau and Stephen Thomas Erlewine, called them the best band of the 1990s.
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Broken Bells
Broken Bells is the self-titled debut album from Broken Bells, consisting of James Mercer of indie rock band The Shins with producer and multi-instrumentalist Brian Burton, and was released on March 9, 2010. In 2011 Broken Bells was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 53rd Grammy Awards. - 88
The Paper Kites
The Paper Kites are an indie folk band from Melbourne, Australia. The band was formed in 2009 by Sam Bentley and Christina Lacy and consists of Bentley, Lacy, Dave Powys, Josh Bentley and Sam Rasmussen. They initially found their success online, through listeners spreading their songs and music videos. They have released two EPs and one studio album, Woodland EP in 2011, Young North EP in 2012 and States in 2013. - 89
The Drums
The Drums are an American indie pop band from Brooklyn, New York. The band is signed to Minor Records. - 90The Fall are an English post-punk band, formed in 1976 in Prestwich, Greater Manchester. With an ever-changing line up, the group essentially consists of its founder and only constant member, Mark E. Smith. The singer is famously dismissive of musicians and when asked about the high turnover of Fall members said "if it's me and your granny on bongos, then it's [the] Fall". First associated with the late 1970s punk movement, the band's music has evolved through numerous stylistic changes, often concurrently with changes in the group's line-up. The Fall's music is characterised by repetition and an abrasive guitar-driven sound, and is always underpinned by Smith's typically cryptic lyrics, described by Steve Huey as "abstract poetry filled with complicated wordplay, bone-dry wit, cutting social observations and general misanthropy." The Fall have released thirty studio albums as of 2013, and more than triple that when live albums and compilations are taken into account. While the Fall have never achieved widespread success beyond minor hit singles in the late 1980s, they have a maintained a strong cult following.
- Rilo Kiley ( RY-loh KY-lee) was an American indie rock band based in Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1998, the band consisted of Jenny Lewis, Blake Sennett, Pierre de Reeder, and Dave Rock. The group released their debut album Take-Offs and Landings under Seattle-based independent label Barsuk Records in 2001. After that, they released three additional studio albums and several EPs. In 2007 they were signed with Warner Bros., and subsequently made their major-label debut with the album Under the Blacklight.
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Claud
Claud Mintz is an American bedroom pop musician from the suburbs of Chicago. They are non-binary, and go by the stage name Claud. - Charlotte Emma Aitchison (born August 2, 1992), known professionally as Charli xcx, is an English singer and songwriter. Born in Cambridge and raised in Start Hill, Essex, she began posting songs on Myspace in 2008, which led to her discovery by a promoter who invited her to perform at warehouse raves. In 2010, she signed a recording contract with Asylum Records, releasing a series of singles and mixtapes throughout 2011 and 2012. She gained fame in 2012 for her collaboration with Icona Pop on "I Love It." Her albums include "True Romance" (2013), "Sucker" (2014), "Charli" (2019), and "How I'm Feeling Now" (2020). In 2021, she co-wrote and provided vocals on the Jax Jones and Joel Corry single "Out Out". Her latest album, "Brat", was released in 2024.
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The Arcana
- The Vaselines are an alternative rock band from Glasgow, Scotland. Formed in Glasgow in 1986, the band was originally a duo between its songwriters Eugene Kelly and Frances McKee, but later added James Seenan and Eugene's brother Charlie Kelly on bass and drums respectively from the band Secession. McKee had formerly been a member of a band named The Pretty Flowers with Duglas T. Stewart, Norman Blake, Janice McBride and Sean Dickson. Eugene Kelly had formerly played in The Famous Monsters.
- Kim Petras (born 27 August 1992) is a German singer and songwriter, currently based in Los Angeles. Since 2016, Petras has been releasing music as an independent artist under her own imprint, BunHead Records. Petras was born and raised in Cologne, where she had become subject of media coverage after undergoing gender transition at a young age. Petras began recording music as a teenager, releasing her debut extended play One Piece of Tape in 2011. She independently released her debut single in 2017, the Dr. Luke-produced "I Don't Want It at All", which went on to top several viral music charts on Spotify. The song was followed by Billboard-charting singles "Feeling of Falling" (with Cheat Codes), "Heart to Break", and "1, 2, 3 Dayz Up" (featuring Sophie). Following her early success, Petras released a slew of digital singles which would later comprise her unofficial body of work known as "Era 1". On 1 October 2018, Petras released the Halloween-themed, novelty EP Turn Off the Light, Vol. 1. Her first studio album Clarity was released on 28 June 2019. The record was preceded with a nine-week-long promotional campaign, during which Petras released one single a week with an accompanying visual video. Clarity managed to reach number seven on the Heatseekers Chart and number 26 on the Independent Albums chart.
- Bloc Party are an English rock band, composed of Kele Okereke (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, sampler), Russell Lissack (lead guitar, keyboards), Justin Harris (bass guitar, keyboards, saxophones, backing vocals) and Louise Bartle (drums, percussion). Former members Matt Tong and Gordon Moakes left the band in 2013 and 2015 respectively. Their brand of music, whilst rooted in rock, retains elements of other genres such as electronica and house music. The band was formed at the 1999 Reading Festival by Okereke and Lissack. They went through a variety of names before settling on Bloc Party in 2003. Moakes joined the band after answering an advert in NME magazine, while Tong was picked via an audition. Bloc Party got their break by giving BBC Radio 1 DJ Steve Lamacq and Franz Ferdinand's lead singer, Alex Kapranos, a copy of their demo "She's Hearing Voices". In February 2005, the band released their debut album Silent Alarm. It was critically acclaimed and was named Indie Album of the Year at the 2006 PLUG Awards and NME Album of the year which both honour indie music. That year, the record was also certified platinum in Britain. The band built on this success in 2007 with the release of their second studio album, A Weekend in the City, which reached a peak of number two in the UK Albums Chart and number twelve in the Billboard 200. In August 2008, Bloc Party released their third studio record, Intimacy which entered the UK Albums Chart at number eight and number eighteen on the Billboard 200. The band went on a hiatus in October 2009 to focus on side projects. They reunited in September 2011, and shortly thereafter released their fourth album, Four, which entered the UK Albums Chart at number three. In 2013, Bloc Party released their third EP titled The Nextwave Sessions in August; the band then began an indefinite hiatus to continue with their respective side projects. The band's fifth studio album, Hymns, the first to involve Harris and Bartle, was released on 29 January 2016. Bloc Party have sold over 3 million albums worldwide.
- Christine and the Queens is a French singer and songwriter.
- Natasha Khan (born 25 October 1979), known professionally as Bat for Lashes, is an English singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She has released four studio albums, Fur and Gold (2006), Two Suns (2009), The Haunted Man (2012) and The Bride (2016), receiving Mercury Prize nominations for Fur and Gold, Two Suns and The Bride. Khan is also the vocalist for Sexwitch, a collaboration with the rock band Toy and producer Dan Carey.
- 100Sebadoh is an American indie rock band, currently signed with Joyful Noise Recordings. Sebadoh were formed in 1986 in Westfield, Massachusetts by Eric Gaffney and Dinosaur Jr bass player Lou Barlow. Along with such bands as Pavement and Guided by Voices, Sebadoh helped pioneer lo-fi music, a style of indie rock characterized by low-fidelity recording techniques, often on four-track machines. The band's early output, such as 1990's Weed Forestin' and 1991's Sebadoh III, was typical of this style. After a 14-year recording hiatus, during which time members pursued other projects while occasionally touring as Sebadoh, the group returned with the Secret EP and a new full-length album titled Defend Yourself, which were both self-recorded. Lead singer Lou Barlow says of the band's resurrected sound, "We kept to ourselves during the recording and didn’t have much, if any, outside intervention. That, to my mind, makes it a true Sebadoh record and aligns the style of Defend Yourself with our early releases."
- 101Damien Rice (born 7 December 1973) is an Irish singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Rice began his musical career as a member of the 1990s rock group Juniper, which were signed to Polygram Records in 1997. The band enjoyed moderate success with a couple of single releases, but a projected album floundered because of record company politics. After leaving the band he worked as a farmer in Tuscany and busked throughout Europe before returning to Ireland in 2001 and beginning a solo musical career, and the rest of the band went on to become Bell X1. In 2002 his debut album, O, reached No. 8 on the UK Albums Chart, won the Shortlist Music Prize and generated three top-30 singles in the UK. Rice released his second album, 9, in 2006 and his songs have appeared in numerous films and television episodes. After eight years of various collaborations, Rice released his third studio album My Favourite Faded Fantasy on 31 October 2014. Rice's personal activities include musical contributions to charitable projects such as the Songs for Tibet, Freedom Campaign and the Enough Project.
- 102Purity Ring are a Canadian electronic music duo originally from Edmonton, Alberta formed in 2010. The band consists of Megan James and Corin Roddick.
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Hippo Campus
Hippo Campus is an indie rock band from St. Paul, Minnesota. They are signed to Grand Jury Records in the United States and Transgressive Records in the UK. The band has performed at South by Southwest, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Summerfest and Reading and Leeds Festivals, as well as on Conan. Hippo Campus were named one of NPR Music's favorite new artists of 2017. - 104Ladytron are an electronic band formed in Liverpool in 1999. The group consists of Helen Marnie, Mira Aroyo, Daniel Hunt and Reuben Wu. Their sound blends electropop with new wave and shoegazing elements. Ladytron described their sound as "electronic pop". Some of the group's songs performed by Aroyo contain lyrics written in her native Bulgarian. Their name was taken from the song "Ladytron" by Roxy Music. According to Brian Eno, once a member of Roxy Music, Ladytron are "the best of English pop music". Ladytron have released five studio albums so far: 604, Light & Magic, Witching Hour, Velocifero and Gravity the Seducer. They also issued the live album Live at London Astoria 16.07.08 in 2009 and the compilation album Best of 00–10 in 2011. They have produced remixes for many artists, including David Gahan, Goldfrapp, Apoptygma Berzerk, Placebo, Blondie, Gang of Four, Christina Aguilera, Bloc Party, Kings of Convenience, and Indochine.
- 105Jens Martin Lekman (pronounced [ˈjɛnːs ˈmaʈːɪn ²leːkman]; born 6 February 1981) is a Swedish musician. His music is guitar-based pop with heavy use of samples and strings, with lyrics that are often witty, romantic, and melancholic. His work is heavily influenced by Jonathan Richman and Belle & Sebastian, and he has been likened to Stephin Merritt (of The Magnetic Fields), David Byrne, and Scott Walker.
- Broken Social Scene is a Canadian indie rock band, a musical collective including as few as six and as many as nineteen members, formed by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning. Most of its members play in various other groups and solo projects, mainly in the city of Toronto. These associated acts include Metric, Feist, Stars, Apostle of Hustle, Do Make Say Think, KC Accidental, Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton, Amy Millan, and Jason Collett.The group's sound combines elements of all of its members' respective musical projects, and is occasionally considered baroque pop. It includes grand orchestrations featuring guitars, horns, woodwinds, and violins, unusual song structures, and an experimental, and sometimes chaotic production style from David Newfeld, who produced the second and third albums.Stuart Berman's This Book Is Broken (2009) covers the band from its inception to its critical acclaim. In 2010, Bruce McDonald made This Movie Is Broken, a movie about the band's Harbourfront show during the 2009 Toronto strike.
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Bad Suns
- 108English songwriter Kate Nash owed her career to two pieces of bad luck: She was rejected by the Old Vic Theatre School, which dashed her hopes of an acting career, then she broke her foot at home, which nearly cost her job in the fashion world. While laid up she began writing songs, and this turned her luck around. She began uploading songs online and the first to catch on was "Caroline's a Victim," also the A-side of her first single. With its half-spoken, heavily-accented vocal and skeletal arrangement, the single was oddly reminiscent of the Flying Lizards' "Money"; an accompanying video underlined the 20-year-old Nash's endearing quirkiness and the song was an underground hit. She quickly signed a record deal, but to the surprise of many her label was Fiction, the UK indie that had broken the Cure three decades earlier. Her first album Made of Bricks included her breakthrough hit "Foundations," which went #2 in the UK drove the album to #1. "Foundations" had a fullier, poppier production and more of her now-trademark Cockney-accented humor, though the song's underlying theme was again serious, looking at the last stages of a relationship. Along with the commercial success came a critical backlash; an oft-quoted review in The Independent said it was in "pole position for worst album of the year." Nonetheless it produced two further UK hits in "Mouthwash" and "Pumpkin Soup." Meanwhile she and Cribs frontman Ryan Jarman (who she met on Jools Holland's TV show) became known as one of UK pop's glamor couples. All wasn't entirely well, however; she confessed in interviews that the pressures of a world tour caused her a temporary breakdown and a struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder. For the second album My Best Friend is You she worked with producer and ex-Suede member Bernard Butler who encouraged her love for '60s girl-group pop, which emerged on the singles "Do-Wah-Doo" and "Kiss That Grrl" (which again had grabbing videos, respectively depicting her as a stewardess and a'60s chorus girl). 2013's Girl Talk was a marked change of direction, with fewer jokes, louder guitars and a more explicitly feminist tone, reflecting her admiration of riot grrl icons Kathleen Hanna and Courtney Love. Though it got her most favorable reviews to date, it brought her hit streak to an abrupt end, only reaching #85 in the UK with no charted singles. With the new sound came a more politically active stance, as she performed at LBGT rallies, supported Russian punks Pussy Riot and wrote an unreleased song for the Occupy London movement. Now recording for her own Girl Gang label, Nash crowd-sourced her fourth album, 2018's Yesterday Was Forever. Its lyrics were often upfront about the effects of anxiety and OCD, while the music scaled back the grunge and returned to the giddy pop sound of her peak years.
- 109The Zutons are an English indie rock band, formed in 2001 in Liverpool. They released their debut album, Who Killed...... The Zutons? in May 2004 and achieved chart success with "Why Won't You Give Me Your Love?" and "Valerie", both taken from their second studio album Tired of Hanging Around in 2006. Both singles reached number 9 in the UK Singles Chart. "Valerie" was later covered by Mark Ronson (with the lead vocals provided by Amy Winehouse), who took the song to number 2 in 2007. The band quietly disbanded in 2009 with no announcement. They reunited in September 2016 for a one-off show billed as "probably [the] last ever" in celebration of their friend, actor and former Tramp Attack frontman Kristian Ealey. The band remained in contact and in November 2018 announced a tour in spring 2019, to play their debut album.
- 110Kula Shaker are an English psychedelic rock band. Led by frontman Crispian Mills, the band came to prominence during the Post-Britpop era of the late 1990s. The band enjoyed commercial success in the UK between 1996 and 1999, notching up a number of Top 10 hits on the UK Singles Chart, including "Tattva", "Hey Dude", "Govinda", "Hush", and "Sound of Drums". The band's debut album, K, reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. The band are known for their interest in traditional Indian music, culture, and mysticism, with a number of their most famous songs, including "Tattva" and "Govinda", featuring lyrics written in Sanskrit. The name Kula Shaker was itself inspired by King Kulasekhara, an Indian emperor from the 8th century. In addition, many of the band's songs feature traditional Indian instruments, such as the sitar, tamboura, and tabla, juxtaposed with guitar-heavy, Western rock instrumentation. Kula Shaker disbanded in September 1999 but reformed in 2004 for sessions for the School of Braja compilation album. This led to plans for a full comeback, although the reformation was not widely publicised until the beginning of 2006.
