Our culture is widely defined by music and our relationship to it. It’s a platform and vehicle for self-expression and the primary way people engage with art on a daily basis. Music is pivotal in other industries: having strong visuals and soundtracks in a marketing campaign can draw massive audiences, and having engaging and unique soundtrack is key to the top bonus slots offered by Betfair. Plenty of popular films are equally as known for their soundtracks, namely The Breakfast Club (1985) and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), known for popularising the songs heavily featured within.
Indie music has ebbed and flowed over the previous decades, with different subgenres topping the charts. Loosely defined as ‘DIY’ and independent music, indie has something that appeals to everyone. Here’s a look at three indie bands who’ve left their indelible mark on modern rock and provided pretty unique listening experiences for all.
The Shins
This indie powerhouse, with its roots in Albuquerque, NM, came onto the scene in the late 90s with a solid indie rock sound. Their amazing 2001 album became a cornerstone of the indie rock movement because of its introspective lyrics and lush melodies. Songs like “New Slang” and “Caring is Creepy” really grab one’s attention, which is what you have to do if you want to be remembered for defining an era.
The Shins’ ability to blend emotionally charged storytelling and dreamy instrumentals to form a unique sound is what sets them apart. They gained a cult following and have even caught the attention of mainstream audiences as well—their impact on modern rock is undeniable.
Arctic Monkeys
Though the Arctic Monkeys may be a well-known band now, it wasn’t always this way. Starting in Sheffield, England, they were listed as one of Rolling Stones list of the best indie bands with a raw and energetic sound. Their debut album broke records and set the stage for an all-new wave of dominance from indie rock bands.
What really sets them apart is the ability to seamlessly blend infectious rhythms with clever lyrics and create anthems that resonate with a broader audience. The Arctic Monkeys simply injected a fresh and rebellious spirit into the genre that had been sorely missing, and for that, they deserve a place on any playlist.
Vampire Weekend
New York indie defined a generation, whether it be punk rock or indie rock. But this band brought a unique flavor, infusing unconventional instruments and world rhythms together to create a sound that’s wholly their own. With their first release, they showcased an innovative approach to indie music that really shook up the industry.
They took indie rock sensibility and added world music elements, which created instant classics. They were able to break away from traditional indie rock; a whole world of new possibilities opened up for future bands and the genre itself. You can hear their influence in a wide range of artists globally who love to experiment with the addition of mixing musical styles that most would think wouldn’t go together.
Indie bands have played a big part in shaping the modern rock landscape, contributing to its diversity and richness. These bands – The Shins, Arctic Monkeys, and Vampire Weekend – with their unique take on rock, all have left their mark on the genre.
