218 indie playlists

I’ve spent years building playlists around indie because it’s the genre I can’t stop coming back to. One artist who really shows the power of indie music is Noah Kahan. I’ve made multiple playlists around his work because his music captures exactly what I love about this type of music. I’ve gone deep into specific bands like The 1975 (yes, three whole playlists just for them), and even even an Indie Halloween soundtrack that puts a unique twist on a classic seasonal mix. Why settle for a regular Halloween playlist when you can experience it through the lens of indie? Indie is also how I’ve discovered some of my favorite new voices. Bands like Lovejoy, flipturn, and Spacey Jane bring fresh energy to the scene. Whether it’s got sick guitar riffs, moody synths, or stripped-back storytelling lyrics, Indie always finds a way to capture a feeling that mainstream music sometimes can’t. My latest obsession is with UK artists, and I know a lot of them. That’s what keeps me coming back  and why curating indie playlists has become such a big part of how I connect with music. This type of music has always been a great way to discover new voices and helped me find songs that I can connect with. Whether it’s celebrating bands like The 1975, curating seasonal vibes, or just saying we really like indie music and proving it through the songs, If you’re looking to explore indie music you’ll find plenty here.

Written by Jenna B

CHILL OUT

A COOL mix of dreamy alternative-pop – featuring artists like Frank Ocean • Tame Impala • Childish Gambino • Empire of the Sun • Flume • The Marias • Two Feet • The Neighbourhood

Chill Out

Songs that Exude Life!

Songs that exude energy and emotion! – featuring artists like The Beatles • The B-52s • ABBA • The Jungle Giants • The Cleaners From Venus • David Bowie • Arcade Fire • Chuck Berry

Intro To Summer — a playlist by 80/20 Records • powered by musicto

All the right vibes needed to get your summer started – featuring artists like Glass Animals • Bear Ghost • UPSAUL • SZA • Gabe Kubanda • The Mowglis • MGMT • The Maine

Favorites For Feeling Good — a playlist by Matthew McNeal • powered by musicto

Groove-filled tracks that defy genre – featuring artists like Leon Bridges • HAIM The Avett Brothers • Kevin Morby • Spoon • Matthew McNeal • Mac Demarco • Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Matriarch — a playlist by Mary Jennings • powered by musicto

This playlist is filled with women that have proven that stereotype wrong. In fact, they have squashed it, showing that to be a mother is to be a matriarch. Rock like a mother. Featuring artists like Imogen Heap • Tori Amos • Sia • Mary Jennings • I Am Snowangel • Halsey • Adele

KIDSTRIKE!- Jim Bob

Celebrating the determination of “one hundred thousand teenagers” to take over the streets of London to save their future from calamity, KIDSTRIKE! by novelist and singer songwriter JB Morrison – aka Jim Bob – is taken from the UK Top 40 album Pop Up Jim Bob released in August 2020 and inspired by the real life activism of countless young activists. But the song is run through with a rueful recognition of the singer’s own fading urge to save the world.

KIDSTRIKE!- Jim Bob

Magdalena’s Song – First the Winter

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend on the Grieve to list of late where – for one reason or another – the tracks are becoming a little more optimistic – a little more hopeful. And while yes – there are times when that’s appropriate – it’s the sadness of a track that we’re drawn to – the pure melancholy of a love remembered or a life cut short – or – as with this week’s track – both!..

Magdalena's Song - First the Winter

Show On The Road – Tom Freund

Are we doomed?

Is this how it’s going to be?

Forever?

Damn I hope not…

Show On The Road - Tom Freund

The Bug Collector – Haley Heynderickx

At a time that simmers in fragility and fear – words are paralyzing. Sharing feels weighted in heavy uncertainty…

Experimental Mice – First the Winter

Do you have hope?

I know – it’s a heavy question – particularly at this time of writing when the corona virus is reshaping the planet – but – maybe because of that – the question has validity.

So…

Do you?

Do you really?

Do you have hope?…

Experimental Mice - First the Winter

To Love – Jon Worthy & The Bends

I’ve been thinking a lot about Music to Grieve To and and about what kind of playlist I want it to be. The idea is solid – both for the audience – in that listening to sad music is good for you – and for artists because hell, if you can’t write a sad song – then – maybe this game isn’t for you!..

To Love - Jon Worthy & The Bends

Stranger To Yourself – Loving

Are you a stranger to yourself? A habitually threaded thought stitched on the surface of an overcrowded mind…