Sure, you could keep listening to the same catchy pop song over and over again. After all, that’s what Playlists are supposed to be good at. But why not listen to something different?

Indie rock music has a lot more to offer than just indie rock music. The diversity of influences, both musical and lyrical, makes independent artists so exciting. This is the reason we totally recommend: Update your playlists while enjoying the journey through the many intriguing indie rock subgenres.

Playlists are our favourite holiday tradition. Whether it’s to celebrate the end of a good year, enjoy a cosy morning with coffee, or set the mood for a classy date, our playlists are always being tweaked and updated with new songs.

But sometimes it can be hard to find just the right music to fill that new playlist hole. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of tuneful indie rock music from around the world to update your playlist.

You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artists’ music, and know more about the artists by scrolling down the page.

1) StarAV – Endless

StarAV‘s new single, “Endless,” is a perfect example of Art Rock. The band is based in Australia, and their sound is a mix of soft rock, indie influences, and a bit of Dream Pop. It’s a collaboration between instrumentalist Kirk & singer-songwriter StarAV.

The song is about the endlessness of love, and emotions, which is something we all need to hear while discovering new music, so we can relate to it.

‘Endless’ explores the theme of seeking happiness amidst 7 billion unique experiences, and patience and perseverance are the keys to overcoming the fleeting nature of happiness. The conclusion alludes to the idea of leaving opportunities up to chance if necessary.

The vocals are dreamy and mellow—perfect for listening while you’re driving or working on something creative. The guitar has that nostalgic vibe to it that we all love so much, while still maintaining an edge of rock ‘n’ roll energy that keeps things interesting.

We can’t wait to see what else StarAV has in store for us. Check it out and follow the band on Spotify!

2) MURNAU – Primroses

Murnau is a rock band based in the United States, Moline. They released their new single, Primroses, this month and it’s already getting a lot of attention.

Producers from PopHits.Co loved their sound and the band has been described by some as alternative, grunge style, hard rock, and by other as noise rock, post-punk influences, shoegaze and stoner. They mentioned that their sound is so unique that it’s impossible to pin them down with just one genre.

The song begins with a soft guitar tune that sounds like something straight out of the 90s indie rock era—but then the vocals come in and you realize that this band is taking things to another level.

It’s not only about the music: it’s about how you feel when you listen to it. If you’re an emotional person (like me), then this song will hit your mind. If you’re not an emotional person, then this song will still hit close to home because it’s just that good to rock and wave your head!

If you like what you hear then be sure to check out their other songs too! Watch their music video, and find them on Spotify, so follow the band to support their art.

3) ALIEN MACHINE – The Sea Complains

For fans of math rock, hardcore punk and similar genres, ALIEN MACHINE is a band you should definitely check out. Their latest EP, The Sea Complains is a fantastic example of the scene’s best qualities: an unabashedly aggressive sound that’s still melodic and complex.

The band is based in Forth Worth, Texas and features male vocals and noisier elements reminiscent of grunge and alternative rock music. The instrumentation is explosive—the guitar riffs are intricate but powerful, the drums are energetic, but overall the noise rock effect is both driving and melodic. Our favourite track is Sputnik Heart, it’s very melodic but be prepared for the noise!

If you love hard-hitting music that doesn’t shy away from experimentation but still manages to keep things interesting enough for you to stay engaged throughout each track (we’re talking at least 2 and half minutes per song), then this band is definitely worth checking out. Check it out and follow them on Spotify!

4) ROBBIE RAPIDS – April’s Gonna Rain

April’s Gonna Rain, a single released by the indie rock band Robbie Rapids, is a melodic pop rock tune that will take you on a journey of emotions.

It starts off with an uplifting guitar riff, followed by deep and soulful lyrics. The song is perfect to listen to while driving in your car or when you’re having fun with your friends.

It’s nice to see great bands like this one come out every month. Their music can be described as alternative rock, but they also have elements of funk, soul rock and even open space for a good dance. I personally love their sound and think it’s perfect for this time of the year!

Don’t miss out on their other songs if you like April’s Gonna Rain! Check it out and follow them on Spotify.

5) 9 O’CLOCK NASTY – Team Player

I’ve always been a fan of punk rock, and I was excited to see a new indie rock single from 9 O’CLOCK NASTY. I can’t explain but they are rockers who can crack their songs in a funny and enjoyable way.

The song is called Team Player and it’s a solid track for fans of alternative rock music, such as garage rock, post-punk, and even art rock.

The band is based in the United Kingdom, Leicester, UK. The song has an interesting sound that’s kind of like lo-fi art rock with male vocals and quirky lyrics. It’s guaranteed it’s gonna make you move.

I gave this song a try and recommend you check it out! Follow the band on Spotify to support their art.

6) RUIZ! – Falling

Hugh Ruiz Robert is a Sheffield-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and vocalist known as “Ruiz!“, releasing “Falling”.

Using just a laptop, and different live instruments during the Lockdown, the new collection of songs crosses over 60’s rock’n’roll, electronica, punk, pop, psychedelia, and dark rock.

This is with each genre seamlessly fused with Ruiz!’s take on life in modern times. A group of songs about the ills of modern dynamism that is needed during hard moments, love and life in these strange Covid times.

The music of Falling is described as Iberian psychedelia by the Reverend Jon McClure of Sheffield, says Ruiz!. This is the seventh release from Only Fruit Recordings, and BBC Introducing has already endorsed it, which is proof that it’s worth including in our playlist!

Overall it’s a four-minute blast of ’80s-inspired electronica flavoured with Ruiz! trademark psych, and it is not quite different from previous singles, but certainly more accessible. Check it out and follow the artist on Spotify!

7) THE MARS MCCLANES – Wherever You Go

Indie rock from around the world is a joy to listen to, and THE MARS MCCLANES are a prime example. The Portland-based band released their latest single, Wherever You Go, in an 80s style just as catchy as the song itself.

With soft rock-inspired vocals over melodic pop-rock instrumentation, the band builds a world of sound that’s super lively and easy to get into.

And it’s not just the music that will catch your attention—the vocals of the song follow an adorable The Beatles style that will let your nostalgic memories stay with you forever.

The end result is music that’s so good you’ll want to listen to it over and over again! It’s also sure to inspire you to go out there and enjoy the party. Check it out and follow the band on Spotify!

8) WELCOME STRAWBERRY – No One Online

If you’re looking for something new and exciting to listen to this holiday season, we recommend checking out the latest single from the indie rock band Welcome Strawberry.

The song, No One Online, is a 90’s Rock track that has a dreamy guitar, wash-out shoegaze style that will transport you away from your troubles.

The band is based in Oakland, CA and is known for their grunge/indie rock sound with male vocals as well as their use of guitars in a very good energetic tone, rather than just background noise.

Their single No One Online is no exception; it is full of guitar riffs that can easily make you move while listening. Fans of noise rock and shoegaze are enjoying it very much.

If you’re looking for a new band to follow this holiday season or just want some new tunes to listen to, then we highly recommend checking out Welcome Strawberry’s latest release and follow them on Spotify.

9) WHITBECK – January 22

WHITBECK‘s January 22 is an indie rock album that will take you back to the 90s. The band is based in Canada, Vancouver and their sound are reminiscent of the alternative rock of that era.

The songs are well-written and have an anthem quality that will give you chills. There are elements of grunge and hard rock throughout, but it’s the classic sound of the vocals and guitar solos that really make this album stand out.

There is no doubt that the track with the same name as the album is the perfect match for our music taste, but all of them could be great additions to our playlist. Those guys are amazing. I can’t say enough about them! It is the kind of album that is only a matter of time before it goes on the radio or becomes a hit soundtrack for a famous series on Netflix.

If you’re looking for an original alternative rock album with an authentic sound, look no further than WHITBECK’s January 22! This band is one of our favourites, so check out their whole album, we recommend it, and don’t forget to follow the band on Spotify.

10) CANDY RIOT – That’s Entertainment

The band Candy Riot is back with their new single, “That’s Entertainment,” and it’s a great way to kick off the weekend.

The track is a blend of pop, post-punk, synth effects, and indie rock that will take you on an 80s-inspired journey through the best parts of your favourite songs and artists.

The single features male and female vocals, which is delivering incredible results. Since you start listening to it your brain will start the journey to the nostalgic time on the likes of the Strange Things series’ soundtracks, which is just amazing.

If you need something to listen to this weekend that isn’t going to be boring or predictable—and still has some good old-fashioned synth sounds in it—check out Candy Riot’s new single here and follow them on Spotify!