Indie Rock Today vs 10 Years Ago
The Emergence of New Indie Music Categories
What I love about indie rock music in 2022
As a radio host and music curator in the industry for over 25 years I have certainly scene many changes in the indie rock genre. Indie rock has always been a niche with hard core fans but in the past few years, it has been undergoing a renaissance. What we once understood to be Indie Rock is now transforming and splitting apart into so many micro-niches it can be confusing and difficult to keep track. As far as sound, Indie rock has evolved from the crunchy guitar-driven sound that made it famous, and now it’s more eclectic than ever before! Perhaps that’s what makes the Indie Rock category continue to grow as each micro-niche under that big umbrella has lots of room for new bands to capture those fans who crave more of that unique style.
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Indie Rock Today vs 10 Years Ago
While it’s easy to think of indie rock as being a relic of the past, it’s actually more alive and well than ever. Indie rock today is vastly different from what it was in 2012, and that’s okay!
The Emergence of New Indie Music Categories
When you think of the term “indie rock,” you might picture an indie band that’s part of a small collective in your hometown. You might also picture a band that plays at an alternative venue, such as an art gallery or a DIY venue.
These are both accurate examples of indie rock music from the past, but what about today? What does it mean that there are so many new types of indie genres emerging in 2022 under the Indie Rock Umbrella? Like I mentioned on my intro, the answer is simple: more micro-niches means more smaller yet fan filled pockets to develop hard core and engaged fans. Deep pockets of goodness within smaller pieces of the music pie, means that you can find your own path to success in this genre if you work hard and really focus your music on a specific fan group!
That means you can’t cast a wide net and expect to catch all the fish. Rather smart indie rock bands understand their audience and focus just on filling that need consistently. Growth practically becomes organic when a band gets it right and with the help of some smart industry people, the light at the end of the tunnel can finally be seen.
The Indie Rock Catagories of 2022:
here’s what I’ve heard this year in curating my rock music playlists. 2022 has been a really wild ride for rock music. I haven’t listed classic rock that is still very popular and being produced by indie band like 80' and 90’s rock.
Indie Rock 2022:
*Many of these catagories can be considered larger umbrellas in the rock music genre and have strong micro-niches under them with large fan bases emerging.
Alt Pop, Alternative Rock, Dream Pop, Emo, Garage Rock, Indie Pop, Indie Rock, Indietronica, Latin Rock, Lo-fi Rock, Math Rock, Pop Rock, Post Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Shoegaze, Slowcore, Surf Rock, Hardcore Punk, Pop Punk, Post-Hardcore, Post-Punk, Punk, Ska, Skate Punk, Art Rock, Krautrock, New wave, Power Pop, Southern Rock / Red Dirt, Synthpop, Dream rock, Rap Rock.
Metal 2022:
These are still rather large umbrellas with many mico-niches rising quickly within each of them.
Black Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal / Sludge, Electronicore, Glam / Hair Metal, Gothic Metal, Grunge, Hard Rock, Industrial, Melodic Metal, Metalcore, Noise Rock, Post-grunge, Post-Metal, Progressive Metal / Djent, Rap Metal, Screamo, Stoner Rock, Symphonic Metal, Thrash Metal
Best Indie Rock from 2012:
Here’s a sample of what some catagories of rock sounded like in 2012. far different from what we are adding to playlists today.
Tame Impala — Feels like we only go backwards
Metric — Breathing Underwater
Chairlift — I Belong in Your Arms
Fiona Apple : Every Single Night
Frank Ocean — Lost:
Lana Del Ray — Summertime Sadness
Tegan and Sara — Closer
Indie rock today has evolved into something new but still maintains many of its original values: the DIY attitude, the focus on individualism, even some of its alternative lifestyle branding. The music itself has changed too; indie bands are doing things with their sounds that mainstream acts would never attempt.
The driving force behind indie rock is still the same: it’s about expression, creativity and individuality. The best indie bands out there are doing things that no one else can do; they’re creating their own sound while staying true to themselves and their listeners.
New indie rock genres emerging today
There are many different kinds of indie rock, some more or less mainstream than others. The genre is a niche, but it is still growing in popularity. Today’s indie rock scene is more diverse and innovative than ever before.
Indie-rock is a genre that is defined by its own independent spirit. It’s a subculture of music that promotes originality and innovation, as well as freedom of expression. Indie rock bands tend to be more introspective than other rock groups, often writing about personal experiences or social issues such as politics and religion. They tend to focus on creating raw, stripped down music (often with just an acoustic guitar), rather than relying on studio effects or overdubbing to enhance the sound quality.
Indie rock bands are often associated with the Pacific Northwest, but they can be found all over the world. Indie-rock music is most popular among young adults and teenagers, especially those who are interested in alternative lifestyles or counterculture. The genre has been around since the 1960s, with bands like The Velvet Underground and Talking Heads as some of its earliest pioneers.
Indie Rock of 2022
Here are some indie rock bands emerging within their own micro-niche. It’s impossible for you to get a full feel of a band from one song so I included a link for you to follow them on spotify as well.
Modern Day Outlaw- March of the Sheep
March of the Sheep Brings fresh life to Indie Rock. The song is a delight for indie rock fans who enjoy bands like ‘Lynyrd Skynyrd, Metallica, and Pantera’. March of the Sheep is the generalization that todays society faces in which many have stopped thinking for themselves and blindly follow what they believe to be true.
Catalyst Combs — Rain
“Rain” is an ode to the dark times. To losing hope, losing love, losing yourself. It’s a love song for self-sabatoge in search of relief. This is the first release for Catalyst Combs (formely known as DRAE) under his new name. Catalyst Combs (formerly known as DRAE) is an alternative artist who draws genre-blending influences from Rage Against The Machine, grandson and Linkin Park — combining elements of hip-hop, electronic, and blues rock alongside observational, insightful songwriting. The result is a high energy melting pot of sound that translates to an engaging and frantic live performance.
Greg Hoy and The Boys
If you want to see an amazing band on stage, you have to catch up with this touring treasure. Their newest release ‘Demons At Night’ by Greg Hoy & The Boys is a Classic Rock Gem. They smashed it out of the park with an 80’s rock anthem that pull influences from greats like Cheap Trick, Poison, and Van Halen. I love the energy and nostalgic feel of this release. This song is a reminder of the amazing harmonies and spectacular guitars classic rock always brought to the table. They have brought something special to us while honouring the genre with a well produced classic.
They Might Be Zombies
THEY MIGHT BE ZOMBIES are adjusting public perception one skull at a time with new single and music video ‘Drifting Away’. Watch the video They Might Be Zombies is an American band from Miami, Florida.They Might Be Zombies (also Tmbz) has been grinding metal for more than 8 years and has stayed consistent with their unique sound that borders on indie alternative rock.
The Refusers
You can count on The Refusers to challenge conformation in everything they do. If they have something new, get ready to pay attention as the message will no doubt be strong and well executed. ‘Eat The Bugs’ is a rather graphic blast against the establishment that challenges the very purpose of the wheel as we know it. It’s a song that will make you think more than the typical song requires and perhaps even change some minds through the journey.
The Shamelsss Band
The Shameless Band has collectively found their signature sound and offers something different and unique to their fans by creating and sharing original, unmistakably special music in a bluesy rock style. Less Is More is the name of the EP.
