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This is a list of notable indie rock artists. Individual musicians are listed alphabetically by their last name. Contents: Top. 0–9. A. B. C. D.
- The Cure. 2,578 votes. Emerging from the post-punk scene in the late 1970s, this influential group's unique blend of gloomy lyrics and melodic tunes has made them a staple in the world of indie music.
- Joy Division. 2,223 votes. As pioneers of the post-punk movement, this British band's dark and introspective sound captivated audiences in the late '70s and early '80s.
- Gorillaz. 2,478 votes. This groundbreaking virtual band introduced the world to a unique fusion of alternative rock, electronica, hip-hop, and pop that defied genre boundaries.
- Pixies. 2,961 votes. Formed in the mid-1980s, this American band's innovative mix of surf rock, punk, and noise-pop helped set the stage for the alternative rock explosion of the '90s.
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- R.E.M.
- The Smiths
- Pixies
- The White Stripes
- Sonic Youth
- Radiohead
- The Strokes
- Spoon
- The Shins
- Belle and Sebastian
One of the pioneers of the Indie rock movement and one of the most decorated indie bands in history is R.E.M. The group formed in 1980 and consisted of Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Bill Berry, and Mike Mills. Stipe’s complex and intellectual lyrics paired with the band’s industrial post-punk sound were an instant hit for the underground music scene. ...
In the UK, it was rock band The Smithswho spearheaded the independent rock movement, which has garnered them a huge following. The Smiths originated from Manchester in 1982 with its primary band members Morrissey as a singer, Johnny Marr on guitar, Andy Rourke on bass, and Mike Joyce on the drums. During their short five-year lifespan, The Smiths r...
From Boston, Massachusetts, the Pixies started in 1986 as a collaboration between lead guitarist Joey Santiago and singer-songwriter Black Francis during their college years in Amherst. Soon after, they recruited Kim Deal on the bass and David Lovering on drums. Their debut album was Come on Pilgrim in 1987, followed in quick succession by Surfer R...
Modern blues garage-rock duo White Stripesis comprised of singer and guitarist Jack White and his ex-wife and drummer Meg White. The two married and began jamming informally during the late ’90s, performing live for the first time in 1997. They released their eponymous debut album in 1999, which would be the first of six albums released between 199...
Founded in New York City in 1981, Sonic Youthis both a pioneering indie rock band and a pioneering band for the experimental rock and noise rock genres. Over their 30-year run, they garnered a wide following, but have never been a mainstream band due to the noisy and distorted nature of their music. Still, they have influenced some of the greatest ...
Consisting of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, and Phillip Selway, experimental English rock band Radiohead formed the band in 1985. Starting with Pablo Honeyin 1993, Radiohead has released 9 albums. The single “Creep,” featured in their debut album, became their greatest hit. For their work, Radiohead has received 20 Gramm...
Originating in New York City in 1998, The Strokesis an alternative rock band comprised of Julian Casablancas, Nikolai Fraiture, Fabrizio Moretti, Nick Valensi, and Albert Hammond. The band became a regular installment in the NYC underground rock club circuit during the late ’90s, perfecting their 14-song set they’d soon release on their debut album...
In 1993, a post-punk, experimental rock band named Spoon formed in Austin, Texas. Their founding members, Britt Daniel and Jim Eno, who’re multi-instrument musicians, had left their previous band to collaborate. Spoon has released ten albums, all through independent record labels. Their breakthrough to nationwide popularity came during the first de...
As a side project, singer James Mercer formed The Shinsin 1996. Mercer was already in a hit band and created The Shins with fellow bandmate and drummer Jesse Sandoval. Their third album, Wincing the Night Away (2007), became a commercial success and was nominated for a Best Alternative Music Album Grammy. Soon after, their song “New Slang” was feat...
Scottish folk rock band Belle and Sebastianformed in 1994 when Stuart Murdoch and Stuart David were music students. They recorded their first songs with their music professor Alan Rankine. They recorded their first album, Tigermilk,in 1996 along with a hit single, “Legal Man,” which became an instant hit in the UK. Their retro pop-rock music quickl...
noise rock. Indie rock is a subgenre of rock music that originated in the United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand in the early to mid-1980s. Although the term was originally used to describe rock music released through independent record labels, by the 1990s it became more widely associated with the music such bands produced.
- Early to mid–1980s, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand
Mar 5, 2013 · 50. The Unicorns. Years active: 2000 - 2004. Influenced: Islands. Hometown: Montreal, Quebec. Jam: "I Was Born A Unicorn." An ode to the multi-faceted, drama-ridden history of the unicorn, one that...
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- Buzzfeed Staff
Jun 7, 2021 · Many of these labels discovered and fostered bands who would later be stars of alternative rock. Grunge stars Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Mudhoney were all Sub Pop artists. Brooklyn stars The Yeah Yeah Yeahs debuted on Touch and Go records before breaking through on major label Interscope.
Dec 21, 2023 · The 40 Best Indie-Rock Albums of 2023. Mitski, Yo La Tengo, Sufjan Stevens, and more. By Rolling Stone. December 21, 2023. Photo illustration by Matthew Cooley. Photographs in illustration by...