Biggest Stars

Yearbook
Yearbook
GBRAlternative Rock

Yearbook

GBRRockAlternative Rock
Al Petteway
Al Petteway
USAIndie Rock

Al Petteway

USARockIndie Rock
Green or Blue
Green or Blue
USAIndie Rock

Green or Blue

USARockIndie Rock
FireKite
FireKite
USAIndie Rock

FireKite

USARockIndie Rock
Joe Clark
Joe Clark
USAOther Electronic Music

Joe Clark

USAElectronicOther Electronic Music
dEUS
dEUS
BELPop Rock

dEUS

BELRockPop Rock
Beliefs
Beliefs
CANIndie Rock

Beliefs

CANRockIndie Rock
Love Paranoia
Love Paranoia
ARGIndie Rock

Love Paranoia

ARGRockIndie Rock
PerSay
PerSay
UKRIndie Rock

PerSay

UKRRockIndie Rock
The Neighbourhood
The Neighbourhood
USAPop Rock

The Neighbourhood

USARockPop Rock
The Vagina Lips
The Vagina Lips
GRCIndie Rock

The Vagina Lips

GRCRockIndie Rock
Hot Damn Burnette
Hot Damn Burnette
USAIndie Rock

Hot Damn Burnette

USARockIndie Rock
The Painted Pianos
The Painted Pianos
USAIndie Rock

The Painted Pianos

USARockIndie Rock
Daniel Yoong
Daniel Yoong
USAIndie Pop

Daniel Yoong

USAPopIndie Pop
Golden State
Golden State
USAIndie Rock

Golden State

USARockIndie Rock
Wicked Games
Wicked Games
GBRIndie Rock

Wicked Games

GBRRockIndie Rock
Mozes And The Firstborn
Mozes And The Firstborn
NLDPop Rock

Mozes And The Firstborn

NLDRockPop Rock
PAUSE
PAUSE
THAPop Rock

PAUSE

THARockPop Rock
Alexei Shishkin
Alexei Shishkin
USAIndie Rock

Alexei Shishkin

USARockIndie Rock
Irocco
Irocco
DEUIndie Rock

Irocco

DEURockIndie Rock
Viberate Analytics

Premium music analytics, unbeatable price: $19.90/month

11M+ artists, 100M+ songs, 12M+ playlists, 6K+ festivals and 100K+ labels on one platform, built for industry professionals.

Top Artists by Radio Spins Last month

The Killers
The Killers
USAIndie Rock

The Killers

USARockIndie Rock
65.6K radio spins
Tom Grennan
Tom Grennan
GBRIndie Pop

Tom Grennan

GBRPopIndie Pop
55.6K radio spins
Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon
USAIndie Rock

Kings of Leon

USARockIndie Rock
55.1K radio spins
New Order
New Order
GBRIndie Rock

New Order

GBRRockIndie Rock
44.2K radio spins
Portugal. The Man
Portugal. The Man
USAIndie Rock

Portugal. The Man

USARockIndie Rock
38.7K radio spins

Most Streamed Spotify Tracks

Past Month
1
Freaks
Freaks
2.6M streams
2
Sweater Weather
Sweater Weather
2.4M streams
3
Daddy Issues
Daddy Issues
1.6M streams
4
Mr. Brightside
Mr. Brightside
1.5M streams
5
Do I Wanna Know?
Do I Wanna Know?
1.3M streams
6
Space Song
Space Song
1.3M streams
7
The Night We Met
The Night We Met
1.2M streams
8
Little Bit of Love
Little Bit of Love
1.2M streams
9
Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?
Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?
1.1M streams
10
505
505
1.1M streams
1

Freaks

2

Sweater Weather

3

Daddy Issues

4

Mr. Brightside

5

Do I Wanna Know?

6

Space Song

7

The Night We Met

8

Little Bit of Love

9

Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?

Top Spotify Playlists

Indiespensables
Indiespensables
Spotify
1.2M followers
This Is Arctic Monkeys
This Is Arctic Monkeys
Spotify
1M followers
La + Chingona
La + Chingona
Spotify
884.5K followers
Sing-Along Indie Hits
Sing-Along Indie Hits
Spotify
819.2K followers
Indie Rock Road Trip
Indie Rock Road Trip
Spotify
728.4K followers
Indie Folk for Focus
Indie Folk for Focus
Spotify
690.7K followers

Subgenre Popularity

Music stats for top 3,000 artists last month

Top Countries

    Top Cities

      • 17.2K
      • 2.7B
      • 252.1M
      • 2.5M
      17.2K
      Indie Rock artists
      Spotify
      2.7B
      Streams on Spotify
      YouTube
      252.1M
      Views on YouTube
      Radio Airplay
      2.5M
      Radio spins
      Viberate for Artists

      All the tools an independent musician needs: $2.99/month

      All your first-party streaming stats without switching tools. With data-driven music website and Spotify playlist pitching

      Questions? We have answers

      Overview of Indie Rock music

      Indie rock emerged in the 1980s as a subgenre of alternative rock. It was characterized by its rejection of mainstream commercialism, and its DIY ethos. Indie rock bands were often signed to independent record labels, and their music was seen as a reaction against the slick production values and corporate control of the music industry.

      The early pioneers of indie rock included bands like Sonic Youth, The Pixies, and The Replacements. These bands were known for their raw, unpolished sound, and their willingness to experiment with different musical styles.

      As the 1990s dawned, indie rock became more mainstream, with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam achieving huge commercial success. This led to accusations that indie rock had sold out, and that it had lost its rebellious edge.

      Despite these criticisms, indie rock continued to thrive throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with bands like Radiohead, The Strokes, and Arcade Fire pushing the boundaries of the genre. Today, indie rock remains a vital and influential force in popular music, with new bands emerging all the time to carry on its legacy of independence and creativity.

      Which musicians and bands defined Indie Rock music?

      Indie Rock is a music genre that emerged in the 1980s and is characterized by its DIY approach and rejection of mainstream commercialism. It encompasses a variety of sub-genres, including garage rock, post-punk, and lo-fi.

      Some of the most renowned Indie Rock musicians and bands include The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Tame Impala, The National, Interpol, Foals, and The Black Keys.

      These artists are known for their distinctive sound, which often features jangly guitars, introspective lyrics, and a raw, unpolished production style. They have inspired a generation of musicians and continue to influence the Indie Rock landscape to this day.

      Which songs and albums defined Indie Rock music?

      Several albums and artists have played a significant role in defining indie rock, a genre known for its independent and DIY spirit. These albums have left an indelible mark on the indie rock landscape:

      "Is This It" by The Strokes (2001) revitalized garage rock and post-punk influences, becoming a defining record for the indie rock resurgence of the early 2000s. Its raw sound and Julian Casablancas' distinct vocals made it an instant classic.

      Arcade Fire's "Funeral" (2004) blended indie rock with baroque pop and orchestral elements, capturing themes of mortality, loss, and hope. This critically acclaimed album marked their breakthrough and propelled them to indie rock stardom.

      The Postal Service's "Give Up" (2003) pioneered the indie-electronic genre. The album's standout track, "Such Great Heights," remains an indie anthem, featuring Ben Gibbard's heartfelt lyrics and Jimmy Tamborello's intricate production.

      Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" (1998) became a cult classic and a cornerstone of indie rock. Jeff Mangum's poetic and surreal lyrics, combined with distinctive vocals and eclectic instrumentation, create a transcendent experience.

      The Shins' "Oh, Inverted World" (2001) introduced their indie pop sensibilities to a wider audience. Infectious melodies, witty lyrics, and lo-fi production contributed to the album's lasting impact on the indie rock scene.

      Wilco's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" (2002) defied genres with its experimental sound. The album's unique blend of alternative country, indie rock, and sonic exploration garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

      Modest Mouse's "The Moon & Antarctica" (2000) showcased their expansion from a cult indie band to wider recognition. Isaac Brock's distinctive vocals and the band's artful blend of indie rock and post-punk created an introspective sonic landscape.

      Interpol's "Antics" (2004) solidified their position in the indie rock scene with atmospheric guitar-driven tracks and Paul Banks' baritone vocals. The album's dark and brooding aesthetic resonated with audiences.

      Fleet Foxes' self-titled debut album (2008) introduced their rich harmonies and folk-infused indie rock sound. It garnered widespread acclaim, establishing the band as a prominent force in the indie folk genre.

      These albums, alongside many others, have left an indelible mark on indie rock, shaping its sound and influencing subsequent generations of artists. They exemplify the diversity and creativity within the genre, capturing the essence of indie rock's independent and artistic spirit.

      Which music festivals and events represent Indie Rock music?

      There are several music festivals and events that represent the Indie Rock music genre.

      Some of the most popular events include Coachella, Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo, and SXSW. These festivals often feature a diverse lineup of Indie Rock artists and bands, ranging from up-and-coming acts to established favorites. Indie Rock festivals are known for their relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and focus on creativity and originality. They often showcase a variety of sub-genres within Indie Rock, such as garage rock, shoegaze, and post-punk revival.

      These events provide a platform for Indie Rock artists to connect with fans and showcase their unique sound and style. Overall, Indie Rock festivals and events are a great way to experience the vibrant and constantly-evolving world of Indie Rock music.