Biggest Stars

Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys
GBRIndie Rock

Arctic Monkeys

GBRRockIndie Rock
The Neighbourhood
The Neighbourhood
USAIndie Rock

The Neighbourhood

USARockIndie Rock
Crash Adams
Crash Adams
CANPop Rock

Crash Adams

CANRockPop Rock
Mitski
Mitski
JPNAlternative Rock

Mitski

JPNRockAlternative Rock
Tame Impala
Tame Impala
AUSPsychedelic Rock

Tame Impala

AUSRockPsychedelic Rock
Oasis
Oasis
GBRPop Rock

Oasis

GBRRockPop Rock
Mon Laferte
Mon Laferte
CHLLatin Pop

Mon Laferte

CHLPopLatin Pop
Bastille
Bastille
GBRIndie Rock

Bastille

GBRRockIndie Rock
The Cure
The Cure
GBRAlternative Rock

The Cure

GBRRockAlternative Rock
Beabadoobee
Beabadoobee
GBRIndie Rock

Beabadoobee

GBRRockIndie Rock
The 1975
The 1975
GBRIndie Rock

The 1975

GBRRockIndie Rock
Florence + The Machine
Florence + The Machine
GBRIndie Pop

Florence + The Machine

GBRPopIndie Pop
Glass Animals
Glass Animals
GBRIndie Pop

Glass Animals

GBRPopIndie Pop
Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon
USAIndie Rock

Kings of Leon

USARockIndie Rock
Mac Demarco
Mac Demarco
USAIndie Rock

Mac Demarco

USARockIndie Rock
The Script
The Script
IRLPop Rock

The Script

IRLRockPop Rock
The Strokes
The Strokes
USAIndie Rock

The Strokes

USARockIndie Rock
MGMT
MGMT
USAIndie Rock

MGMT

USARockIndie Rock
Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson
USAFolk Rock

Jack Johnson

USARockFolk Rock
Foster the People
Foster the People
USAIndie Pop

Foster the People

USAPopIndie Pop
Viberate Analytics

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Top Artists by Radio Spins Last month

Ramirez
Ramirez
FRAIndie Rock

Ramirez

FRARockIndie Rock
113.8K radio spins
Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon
USAIndie Rock

Kings of Leon

USARockIndie Rock
52.8K radio spins
Bastille
Bastille
GBRIndie Rock

Bastille

GBRRockIndie Rock
51.2K radio spins
Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys
GBRIndie Rock

Arctic Monkeys

GBRRockIndie Rock
39.7K radio spins
Milky Chance
Milky Chance
DEUIndie Rock

Milky Chance

DEURockIndie Rock
38.3K radio spins

Most Streamed Spotify Tracks

Past Month
1
I Wanna Be Yours
I Wanna Be Yours
16.8M streams
2
Sweater Weather
Sweater Weather
12.1M streams
3
Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?
Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?
8.5M streams
4
Shut up My Moms Calling
Shut up My Moms Calling
8.3M streams
5
505
505
8.2M streams
6
Do I Wanna Know?
Do I Wanna Know?
8.1M streams
7
I Love You So
I Love You So
6.6M streams
8
Evergreen
Evergreen
6.4M streams
9
Shut up My Moms Calling - (Sped Up)
Shut up My Moms Calling - (Sped Up)
5.8M streams
10
Daddy Issues
Daddy Issues
5.2M streams
1

I Wanna Be Yours

2

Sweater Weather

3

Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?

4

Shut up My Moms Calling

6

Do I Wanna Know?

7

I Love You So

9

Shut up My Moms Calling - (Sped Up)

10

Daddy Issues

Top Spotify Playlists

Feel-Good Indie Rock
Feel-Good Indie Rock
Spotify
2M followers
This Is Arctic Monkeys
This Is Arctic Monkeys
Spotify
1.6M followers
Indie Rock Club
Indie Rock Club
Spotify
1.2M followers
Indiespensables
Indiespensables
Spotify
1.2M followers
You & Me
You & Me
Spotify
1.1M followers
The New Alt
The New Alt
Spotify
1.1M followers

Subgenre Popularity

Music stats for top 3,000 artists last month

Top Countries

    Top Cities

      • 29.6K
      • 4.4B
      • N/A
      • 2.6M
      29.6K
      Indie Rock artists
      Spotify
      4.4B
      Streams on Spotify
      YouTube
      0
      Views on YouTube
      Radio Airplay
      2.6M
      Radio spins
      Viberate for Artists

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      Music distribution, advancing, a free website, playlist & festival pitching, plus analytics to back up your work.

      Questions? We have answers

      Overview of Indie Rock music

      Indie rock emerged in the 1980s as a subgenre of alternative rock. It was characterized by its rejection of mainstream commercialism, and its DIY ethos. Indie rock bands were often signed to independent record labels, and their music was seen as a reaction against the slick production values and corporate control of the music industry.

      The early pioneers of indie rock included bands like Sonic Youth, The Pixies, and The Replacements. These bands were known for their raw, unpolished sound, and their willingness to experiment with different musical styles.

      As the 1990s dawned, indie rock became more mainstream, with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam achieving huge commercial success. This led to accusations that indie rock had sold out, and that it had lost its rebellious edge.

      Despite these criticisms, indie rock continued to thrive throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with bands like Radiohead, The Strokes, and Arcade Fire pushing the boundaries of the genre. Today, indie rock remains a vital and influential force in popular music, with new bands emerging all the time to carry on its legacy of independence and creativity.

      Which musicians and bands defined Indie Rock music?

      Indie Rock is a music genre that emerged in the 1980s and is characterized by its DIY approach and rejection of mainstream commercialism. It encompasses a variety of sub-genres, including garage rock, post-punk, and lo-fi.

      Some of the most renowned Indie Rock musicians and bands include The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Tame Impala, The National, Interpol, Foals, and The Black Keys.

      These artists are known for their distinctive sound, which often features jangly guitars, introspective lyrics, and a raw, unpolished production style. They have inspired a generation of musicians and continue to influence the Indie Rock landscape to this day.

      Which songs and albums defined Indie Rock music?

      Several albums and artists have played a significant role in defining indie rock, a genre known for its independent and DIY spirit. These albums have left an indelible mark on the indie rock landscape:

      "Is This It" by The Strokes (2001) revitalized garage rock and post-punk influences, becoming a defining record for the indie rock resurgence of the early 2000s. Its raw sound and Julian Casablancas' distinct vocals made it an instant classic.

      Arcade Fire's "Funeral" (2004) blended indie rock with baroque pop and orchestral elements, capturing themes of mortality, loss, and hope. This critically acclaimed album marked their breakthrough and propelled them to indie rock stardom.

      The Postal Service's "Give Up" (2003) pioneered the indie-electronic genre. The album's standout track, "Such Great Heights," remains an indie anthem, featuring Ben Gibbard's heartfelt lyrics and Jimmy Tamborello's intricate production.

      Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" (1998) became a cult classic and a cornerstone of indie rock. Jeff Mangum's poetic and surreal lyrics, combined with distinctive vocals and eclectic instrumentation, create a transcendent experience.

      The Shins' "Oh, Inverted World" (2001) introduced their indie pop sensibilities to a wider audience. Infectious melodies, witty lyrics, and lo-fi production contributed to the album's lasting impact on the indie rock scene.

      Wilco's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" (2002) defied genres with its experimental sound. The album's unique blend of alternative country, indie rock, and sonic exploration garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

      Modest Mouse's "The Moon & Antarctica" (2000) showcased their expansion from a cult indie band to wider recognition. Isaac Brock's distinctive vocals and the band's artful blend of indie rock and post-punk created an introspective sonic landscape.

      Interpol's "Antics" (2004) solidified their position in the indie rock scene with atmospheric guitar-driven tracks and Paul Banks' baritone vocals. The album's dark and brooding aesthetic resonated with audiences.

      Fleet Foxes' self-titled debut album (2008) introduced their rich harmonies and folk-infused indie rock sound. It garnered widespread acclaim, establishing the band as a prominent force in the indie folk genre.

      These albums, alongside many others, have left an indelible mark on indie rock, shaping its sound and influencing subsequent generations of artists. They exemplify the diversity and creativity within the genre, capturing the essence of indie rock's independent and artistic spirit.

      Which music festivals and events represent Indie Rock music?

      There are several music festivals and events that represent the Indie Rock music genre.

      Some of the most popular events include Coachella, Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo, and SXSW. These festivals often feature a diverse lineup of Indie Rock artists and bands, ranging from up-and-coming acts to established favorites. Indie Rock festivals are known for their relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and focus on creativity and originality. They often showcase a variety of sub-genres within Indie Rock, such as garage rock, shoegaze, and post-punk revival.

      These events provide a platform for Indie Rock artists to connect with fans and showcase their unique sound and style. Overall, Indie Rock festivals and events are a great way to experience the vibrant and constantly-evolving world of Indie Rock music.