BEST INDIE MUSIC - WEEK 6 PART 2 2015

Good news everyone—Now you can all feel a little more validated in dropping $200 on seeing Taylor Swift this summer, because she is bringing along her Forever 21 model-looking besties, HAIM! There, now that you have the approval of your super hip friends (then again, they were secretly crying behind your back while watching the Blink 182 drama unfold, so, they aren’t much better actually), you can read on to discover even more of the best new indie tracks of the week! We picked out some seriously get stuff from Father John Misty, Kongos, Courtney Barnett and more that you won't want to miss. 

SLEEPING AT LAST- I’M GONNA BE (500 MILES)

Who knew that the Proclaimer’s 1988 hit “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” could be turned into an awesomely sappy ballad just in time for Valentines Day! Chicago-based four piece, Sleeping At Last, gave the song a beautiful stripped down piano-driven make over for Budweiser’s Super Bowl XLIX commercial, and I’m not ashamed to say that it hit me right in the feels. 

FATHER JOHN MISTY- BORED IN THE USA

Father John Misty is back with a new album, I Love You, Honeybear, and the first single puts an awesome spin on a Springsteen classic. “Bored In The U.S.A.” calls out Americans and their materialistic and shallow obsessions. This particular live performance of the song is extra great due to the fact he’s using his mobile Karaoke Midi Dream Machine. #style

KONGOS- I WANT TO KNOW

South African indie rockers Kongos are working their magic with their super catchy new single, “I Want To Know.” It’s a relatively laid back track back featuring up-picked guitar chords, groovy bass, and an infectious chorus that’s impossible to get out of your head (not that you'd want to.)

COURTNEY BARNETT- PEDESTRIAN AT BEST

Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett just released her new single “Pedestrian At Best” and it’s just the kind of fuzzy guitar-driven rock the indie genre needs right now. The track features a ton of noteworthy lyrics (“I think you’re a joke/ But I don’t find you very funny” is my personal favorite) and has me stoked to hear her upcoming album, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit. 

DU TONC- EVERY SONG

Now’s the time where things get more on the dancey side with Du Tonc’s latest track, “Every Song.” Featuring a hi-hat-filled drum beat, funky bass lines and guitar chords, and plenty of backing “ooohs,” it’s an awesomely disco-meets-funk track that is sure to lift your spirits. 

RANGLEKLODS- LOST U

Danish electropop duo Rangleklods have just released their new track, “Lost U,” from their upcoming sophomore album and you won’t be able to get enough of it. It’s a dreamy house track featuring plenty of synths, wobbly electronic elements, vocal samples, and some seriously awesome percussion.

GRACE- PLUTO

Australian new artist Grace is making her debut with her Dave Sitek (TV On The Radio)-produced single, “Pluto.” The track showcases Grace’s deep and alluring vocals as well as skittering beats and intriguing electronic elements, making it a fresh yet catchy debut that is sure to win people over. 

RAY NOVACANE- REMINISCENCE

We don’t know much yet about new German band Ray Novacane, but after hearing “Reminscence” it’s clear we’ll soon be quite familiar with them. It’s an R&B meets dance track that slowly eases you in with fuzzy synths and eerie electronic elements, before finally hitting you with the gorgeous female vocals around the 0:50 mark. The track slowly evolves, demanding your full attention throughout its wonderfully dark and broody duration. 

LILLA VARGEN- THIS IS LOVE

New singer-songwriter Lilla Vargen is making quite an impact with her emotion-packed debut single, “This Is Love.” The piano-driven track showcases Vargen’s gorgeous vocal capabilities and features some seriously heartbreaking lyrics about a dying relationship, making it a powerful and beautifully written debut.

KEATON HENSON- ABOUT SOPHIE

We’re going to leave you off with English folk singer Keaton Henson and his latest single, “About Sophie.” Featuring nothing but his quirky yet soothing vocals and softly plucked acoustic guitar, it’s a touching track with wonderful lyrics (“You’re my best friend, I’ll love you til one of us dies”…how can that not touch your heart?!) that you’ll keep coming back.

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So there you have it, more of the best new indie tracks off the week. See ya!

About Erin Crider

Erin Crider eats, breathes, and sleeps pop culture. If you have a question about a one-hit wonder from the ‘90s or need help remembering lines from a SNL skit, she’s your girl. When she isn’t lurking the internet, she's either going to a show or hanging out at Disneyland. Erin lives in Southern California and has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Cal State Long Beach.