indie music

In album review of Yoke Lore's "Toward A Never Ending New Beginning," a man stands in shadowy light staring into the camera.

Album Review: Yoke Lore Leads Listeners ‘Toward a Never Ending New Beginning’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

The indie star delivers his first full-length project stocked full with nostalgia and experimentation…

October 10, 2023

With ‘Surrender,’ Maggie Rogers Hits the Mark

Jo Stephens, Georgetown University

The singer-songwriter once again hits her stride on a well-composed, well-balanced piece of music.…

August 11, 2022

The Mayries Take a Nostalgic Turn in 2021

Noir Galvin, Arcadia University

Originating from Sweden, the indie acoustic music duo covers popular songs from the '90s while adding their own unique sound.…

January 12, 2022

in article about song Working for the Knife, Illustration of musician Mitski in a cowboy hat looking into a beam of light.

Mitski’s ‘Working for the Knife’ Severs a Two-Year Hiatus

Virginia Laurie, Washington and Lee University

The popular artist has returned to the music scene for the first time since 2018 with a song discussing the demands of the music industry and capitalism's negative effects on art.…

November 8, 2021

Jake Bugg for album Saturday Night, Sunday Morning

‘Saturday Night, Sunday Morning’ Is Far From Jake Bugg’s Best Work

Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

The English musician’s new pop-sound may have been nothing more than a failed experiment.…

September 19, 2021

In an article about the album Sling, an illustration of Clairo

Clairo’s New Album ‘Sling’ Begs the Question: Clairo, Are You Okay?

Natalie Gabor, Indiana University-Bloomington

The popular indie artist known for her dreamy music explores deeper and more intense topics in her sophomore release.…

September 12, 2021

Phoebe Bridgers in an article about niche indie music

Why We Gatekeep Niche Music

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

Someone new discovering old favorites doesn't always water them down.…

September 9, 2021

An article about gatekeeping that references Brockhampton.

Thanks to TikTok, There’s No Such Thing as Gatekeeping

Natalie Gabor, Indiana University-Bloomington

The addicting app has boosted the popularity of previously unpopularized movies, music and books, but is it for the better?…

August 6, 2021

Billie Eilish in article for Happier Than Ever

‘Happier Than Ever’ Hopes To Put an End to Whispers of Billie Eilish’s ‘Flop Era’

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

On her latest album, the young musician will hopefully put a stop to critics' insistence that she's entered a period of artistic stagnation.…

July 31, 2021

In an article about Sarah Kinsley, a girl plays guitar in the spotlight with a red crown over her head.

Sarah Kinsley Begins Her Reign as ‘The King’ of the Music Industry

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

This promising indie music star's latest EP tells a story about growth and demonstrates a positive turning point in the artist’s rising career.…

July 21, 2021

In an article about Liz Phair, a puppet face from the music video for "Hey Lou" from "Soberish" is cast in a purple light among twigs and leaves. (Image via Google Images)

Liz Phair’s ‘Soberish’ Is an Inspiring Search for a Sense of Belonging

Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

This indie rock album, released by a long-standing icon of the genre, explores the new world of semi-responsible adulthood through the lens of a lifelong feeling of insecurity.…

July 18, 2021

An illustration of four female indie artists.

Female Indie Artists Are Leading This Generation’s Musical Renaissance

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

There has been a recent wave of fantastic releases from rising and risen woman musicians, and fans of the genre have the pleasure of witnessing this changing of the guard.…

July 17, 2021

In an article about her debut album To Enjoy Is the Only Thing, indie musician Maple Glider is illustrated against two leaves and with a skull near her feet.

Maple Glider’s ‘To Enjoy Is the Only Thing’ Is 2021’s Standout Indie Release

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

In her debut album, this up-and-coming artist explores themes of heartbreak, love, religion and family through beautiful lyricism and stunning soundscapes.…

July 10, 2021

An illustration of musical artist Yebba for an article about her latest release, "October Sky." (Illustration by Katelyn McManis, Columbia College Chicago)

Yebba’s ‘October Sky’ Is a Stunning Musical Illustration of Loss and Grief

Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

In her newly released ballad, the rising artist discusses these difficult themes through narrative lyricism and intentional vocal techniques.…

July 3, 2021

Art of Billie Eilish, framed and surrounded by blue flowers.

‘Lost Cause’ Shows Us a Billie Eilish That Is Happier Than Ever Before

Michelle Buckley, Chapman University

The singer roasts a former lover and celebrates the acceptance stage of grief with a group of girlfriends in her most recent track and music video, both worthy precursors to her upcoming album.…

June 11, 2021

In an article for Not in Chronological Order, two people in front of another person listen to music.

‘Not in Chronological Order’ by Julia Michaels Is an Ode to Relationships and Ourselves

Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

This album examines the stages of a relationship ... out of order. It explores the journey of romance and what it means in the end. …

May 30, 2021

An illustration Conan Gray in an article about single Astronomy

Conan Gray’s ‘Astronomy’ Connects Love to the Distance Between the Stars

Kieran Benson, Luther College

The young artist has put out his second single since the release of his hit album 'Kid Krow,' and it has gained the admiration of international pop star Taylor Swift.…

May 29, 2021

An illustration of the music group, COIN.

COIN Evokes the Color Spectrum With Their First Releases of 2021

Kieran Benson, Luther College

The band's fans were pleasantly delighted when they released two albums, 'Green Blue + Indigo Violet' and 'Rainbow Mixtape,' which followed shortly after postponing their anticipated tour.…

May 24, 2021

YUNGBLUD Exemplifies TikTok’s Dynamic Role in the Music Industry

Kieran Benson, Luther College

Chloe Noone's feature on the remix of the song 'parents' showcases how crucial TikTok is for the careers of aspiring artists.…

May 3, 2021

An image of Taylor Swift in an article about Evermore

Does the Storytelling on ‘Evermore’ Stack Up To ‘Folklore’?

Emma Watts, University of Arizona

Taylor Swift surprised fans with a second 2020 album, but is this one as good as her previous release?…

December 24, 2020

The Unusual Connections Between JPEGMAFIA and Kate Bush

Caleb Mullenneaux, St. Olaf College

Despite several decades separating the heights of their popularity, both the rapper and the English singer-songwriter share an unwavering independent spirit.…

October 9, 2020

Illustration by Baz Pugmire of Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens’ Exploration of America Continues in His Upcoming Album

Caleb Mullenneaux, St. Olaf College

The singer-songwriter is painting a complex picture of the United States in his soon to be released album, 'The Ascension.'…

September 16, 2020

An illustration of the members of Peach Pit

Meet Peach Pit, Your Lovably Self-Deprecating Indie Fixation

Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

The up-and-coming surf rock pop band uses mundane, everyday scenarios to express deep longing in their most recent album, 'You and Your Friends.'…

August 24, 2020

Illustration by Shelly Freund in article about Spotify

You Need To Hear These 5 Spotify Users’ Iconic Playlists

Audrey Martin, Boston University

Playlists are king on the streaming platform. These five users take their playlist curation to the next level.…

August 12, 2020

Photo of Taylor Swift for her new album, Folklore

‘Folklore’ Lets Listeners Enter Taylor Swift’s Mythical Realm of Music

Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

The singer's latest album, an unexpected surprise from isolation, is an ode to storytelling with empathetic lyrics and mystical sounds.…

August 7, 2020

An artistic depiction of artist Tei Shi dancing in a music video for the song 'Die 4 Ur Love'

Tei Shi’s ‘Die 4 Ur Love’ Gives Us Something To Hold On To

Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

The EP channels anxieties toward a bleak reality, employing the upbeat nature of indie-pop alongside feelings of loss, emptiness and the desire to escape.…

August 6, 2020