I’m in love with indie rock music recently. I even find it better than mainstream music these days.

There’s a level of creativity and authenticity in most small bands that the artists signed to huge record labels have lost. But that doesn’t mean you should just listen to anything, so in this article, I’m gonna give you 10 independent artists from the indie rock scene (and some music reviewers say they sound as good as The 1975) to check out if you’re into that kind of music.

You’ve probably heard of the major musicians that get a lot of press — Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Taylor Swift, and the like. Everyone’s got a friend that’s obsessed with them.

You might even be one of those people. But what about the artists who don’t get put in the spotlight as much? The ones who are making amazing music but aren’t quite on par with radio play yet?

That’s what we’re talking about. Their name might not be ringing a bell, but you should make it your mission to search them out and listen to what they have to offer. And if you like it, show your friends so they can go out of their way to find these artists too.

The indie music scene is going strong and has some serious talent hidden amongst the top 40 songs on iTunes. Check out these 10 fantastic indie rock bands you should be listening to below! Don’t forget to follow our playlist on Spotify.

1) XAVIER BERNAZARD – Enemy

If you’re looking for a good indie-rock song to listen to, check out “Enemy” by XAVIER BERNAZARD.

This single is definitely alternative rock, but it has some emo and melodic elements (and the vocals are great). It’s also got some pop influences, so it’ll appeal to fans of all those genres.

It’s US-based, but it’s not too heavy on the American sound. The singer has a very distinct voice—it’s kind of like he’s sometimes whispering in your ear while he sings!

As described by the artist: “Enemy is the lead single to my upcoming album “Balloons For My Funeral” It is an alt-rock/queer punk track that speaks about being your own worst enemy. It acknowledges that no one can stop you from reaching your dreams except yourself.”

If you’re looking for something new to add to your playlist this season, look no further than XAVIER BERNAZARD’s latest release—and be sure to check out his other singles too!

Follow the artist on Spotify to support him.

2) INCA – E.T. Rides a Delorean

There’s something about the music of INCA that can’t be described. It’s like a dream or a trip through space. It’s psychedelic, prog rock, and all instrumental—but it’s also synth-heavy and cinematic.

The EP E.T. Rides a Delorean is full of sounds that will take you to another dimension, from the pulsing synths to the dreamy effects, there are no vocals, but still pleasant to listen to.

In my opinion, this isn’t just another trip through space: it’s also very much rooted in reality—both in the sound and in its mix of genres. My favourite song is My Compadre, which is a very good example.

They are from Portugal, Lisbon, (Obrigado por estar a criar boa música!) and he describes his work as a music fusion:

“I classify my project as a fusion of genres where listeners can perceive jazz/rock guitars, grooving drums, spicy electronic beats and even 80s pop/new wave synths. It is all about instruments and feelings.”

I agree and recommend, listening to their songs and following the band on Spotify.

3) THE VIOLETS – Smoke, Mirrors & Other Half-truths

If you’re looking for some new music that’s truly unique, then look no further than this EP from Australian indie-rock band THE VIOLETS. The band is formed by four and a singer-songwriter, and their latest release is the E.T. Smoke, Mirrors & Other Half-truths EP.

The EP is a great example of what makes THE VIOLETS such an exciting band: their unique blend of 90s alt-rock and melodic rock with elements of pop and soft rock. Many of the songs have a distinctly Australian flavour, which makes them stand, in my opinion, and also my favourite track is Love Lies In The Rain.

But it’s not just their style that makes them stand out—it’s also their sound. The vocals are rich and full, while still being clear enough to be understood, and when they sing and play in harmony with one another, the formula works very well. I wanna rock listening to it.

Please follow the band on Spotify to support them.

4) VEX MESSAGE – 1 Big 1

If you’re looking for something new to listen to, VEX MESSAGE has got you covered. The band is a three-piece alternative rock band with a British accent that has been getting good attention here.

Their single “1 Big 1” is catchy and well-written, with lyrics that are sure to stick in your head after just one listen! It’s repetitive in the beginning, but it’s on purpose.

The song starts off with a driving beat, which transitions into a slower tempo. The vocals are strong and confident, and the melodies are layered perfectly over one another without getting too busy or difficult to follow along with—so even if you’re not used to listening to indie rock, this song will be easy on the ears!

I could identify a pop influence and even gaming style as My Singing Monsters’ beats. Now follow the band on Spotify and listen to their songs.

5) GIDEON FOSTER – Fatal Kiss

GIDEON FOSTER is a UK-based alternative rock singer that blends new waves with indie melodic pop. They’ve just released their latest single, Fatal Kiss, off of their upcoming album, which is set to be released this summer.

The lyrics are about taking risks and living life to the fullest—and it’s hard not to be inspired by them! It’s the perfect song to blast on your way to work or school, or when you’re driving home late at night and want a reminder that there’s still so much left for you to do and see.

It’s Lo-Fi production but is good, and If you’re looking for something fresh and exciting in music, give this track a listen!

6) HADEE. – 4:00 AM

The indie-rock single 4:00 AM by HADEE. is a song that you’ll want to listen to over and over again. It’s catchy, it’s nostalgic, and it’s got an 80s vibe that will make you feel like you’re back in the day.

He is from the US, Florida, and the song has its influences, a really soothing voice, too—it’s like listening to your favourite singer-songwriter after a long day of work!

The beats in this song are really upbeat, but they don’t overpower the vocals. It’s just enough to keep things interesting without distracting from the lyrics.

If you love 80s music and pop-rock, then this song is definitely for you! Listen to his new track and follow the artist on Spotify.

7) SKAR DE LINE – Reset

SKAR DE LINE‘s single Reset is a song that will have you curious about the music video. The track is a mix of rock, metal, experimental, electronic, and soundscape that gets your toes tapping while also giving you something to think about.

The song starts off with the lead singer’s breath, literally, a synth line that builds into a full-on dance beat with an industrial edge and then back again—it keeps you on your toes! Don’t worry it’s cinematic or soundtrack style, it’s worth listening to.

There are almost two different songs in one here: an upbeat dance tune with pounding drums and a groovy bass line, and then the second features of the song have more of an atmospheric feel as it winds down into a slower rhythm with lots of texture from synthesizers and vocals.

SKAR DE LINE’s Reset is a great example of how artists can use different types of genres to create something new and exciting, all while staying true to themselves as musicians. Check out the music video below and follow the artist on Spotify.

8) KELLY PHOENIX – No Mistake

When it comes to music, I’m usually a fan of the classics. I like a good 90’s rock song or some alt-rock from the 2000s. But every now and then, I come across something that just changes my perception of what is indie Rock today. No Mistake by Kelly Phoenix is one of those tracks.

This song is so different from anything else on our playlist—it’s like a mix between 80’s vibes and dark pop with male vocals that just make me want to get up and wave my head in the air. By coincidence, Kelly is also using some breath sound on his track, like other artists we reviewed before.

It’s got a really cool rhythm, too, which makes it perfect for dancing around your house alone when you don’t have any friends over (which happens more often than you’d think, but I like it).

If you’re looking for an indie-rock song that will take you on a nostalgic journey then this is definitely the right track for you!

Please follow the artist on Spotify to support him.

9) WILLJOY – Bell

The song “Bell” by indie-pop artist WILLJOY is a perfect example of the artist’s ability to infuse electronic house and rock vibes into his music. The track has fantastic vocals, and it is dancey, EDM-influenced and funky. It also has a nordic sound to it, as well as dark-pop undertones.

The song starts off with a pop/rock intro made with electronic beats before transitioning into a more electronic dance/EDM sound with heavy bass and synths for added effect.

The vocals are strong throughout the song; they are male vocals with an R&B vibe that sound almost like an echo effect was used on them at times during certain parts of the chorus, which adds to the overall ambience of this song.

The full features in making it feel like something really special.

“Bell” is definitely one that you will want to check out if you’re into any type of electronic music with Rock vibes, or even just looking for something new to listen to! Follow the artist on Spotify and check out his music video below.

10) DAVIE FUREY – History

If you’re looking for a new artist to get behind, you should check out DAVIE FUREY. He’s a singer-songwriter and he’s been making music for some years. He released his first album on Spotify in 2015, and since then he’s released two more albums.

His latest single is called History, and it is a mix of folk with very pleasant rock vibes, as I mentioned many times, I love the mix of genres.

The song starts out with a synth sound and drums that remind me of 80s music, but then it builds into something more like a rock. It has a really strong beat that makes me want to dance! The lyrics are really interesting too, reflexive as country songs.

I love this song because it feels very authentic—like Davie Furey is singing directly to me! It has an anthem quality to it that makes me want to sing along every time I hear it playing on my radio while driving around town.

Follow the artist on Spotify and support him.