2024 has been a wild ride in the indie rock universe! These artists have been making fresh sounds that are the talk of the town. Here are the five most popular indie rock artists who have taken the world by storm in 2024.
Father John Misty
Father John Misty, the stage name of Joshua Michael Tillman, has created a unique niche in indie rock music with his satirical lyricism. Misty emerged from Seattle in the early 2000s. Then, his career took a turn after he left the folk band Fleet Foxes. In 2012, he released his debut album under the Father John Misty moniker, Fear Fun. It established him as a solo artist. The album's lead single, Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings, set the tone for his future projects.
He released the albums I Love You, Honeybear (2015), and Pure Comedy (2017), which solidified his status in the indie rock genre. These works are marked by their lyrics and instrumentation. He adds personal narratives with societal critiques. His latest project, Mahashmashana, will be released on November 22, 2024. The album's lead single, Screamland, released in September 2024, has generated buzz for its composition.
He has a charismatic stage presence. He performs live shows with elaborate setups. He has a loyal fan base eager for his music. The audience can feel the vintage vibe as he is often seen in suits and that signature mustache. It’s like he stepped right out of a classic movie. His performances can be downright theatrical. One minute, he’s charming the pants off the audience, and the next, he’s asking some deep, existential questions.
Sufjan Stevens
Stevens gained popularity in the early 2000s with his album Michigan. The album marked the beginning of his project to create an album for each state in the U.S., but he later focused on more thematic works. He is popular due to his folk and classical music elements.
His album Illinois (2005) is considered a milestone release in indie music. It features lush instrumentation. The album is based on the themes of American history.
He uses strings, banjos, and many other instruments. It’s like he takes a bit of folk, sprinkles in some pop sensibility, and adds classical influences.
He has collaborated with other musicians that have expanded his reach. His partnerships include work with fellow artists like Angelo De Augustine and the collective Sufjan Stevens & Angelo De Augustine on their album A Beginner's Mind (2021).
He is a visual artist and a filmmaker. He has his fingers in many pies. He brings his artistic vision to life through different mediums.
St. Vincent
St. Vincent, the stage name of Annie Clark, is an indie rock artist since her debut in the mid-2000s. St. Vincent’s music is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you will get! She is popular for her guitar skills and sound, which use avant-garde elements. Her self-titled album, released in 2014, was a turning point in her career. It showed her her talent for crafting melodies with thought-provoking lyrics.
She also has visual aesthetic performances. Her 2021 album Daddy's Home draws inspiration from the sounds of New York City in the 1970s. People often say liking St. Vincent isn’t exactly “cool,” but that’s part of her charm.
St. Vincent has collaborated with various artists across genres. Collaborations with musicians like David Byrne on Love This Giant (2012) have shown her ability to merge different musical styles.
Critics have praised her guitar skills, ranking her among the best of the twenty-first century. She was ranked as the 26th-greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone in 2023.
Iron & Wine
Iron & Wine is the stage name of Samuel Beam. He is an American singer-songwriter with soothing vocals and poetic lyricism. He dabbled in film studies and even taught cinematography before diving headfirst into music. The name "Iron & Wine" comes from a supplement he found in a general store—talk about quirky inspiration!
Beam's music features guitar work with lyrics that cover love, loss, and nature. His breakthrough album, The Creek Drank the Cradle (2002), established him as a voice within the indie folk genre.
He gained recognition for his lo-fi recordings with gentle melodies. His albums like Our Endless Numbered Days (2004) introduced more complex arrangements.
Iron & Wine has grown through collaborations with other musicians, such as Ben Bridwell from Band of Horses, on their joint project Sing Into My Mouth (2015).
Julian Casablancas
Julian Casablancas is best known as the lead vocalist of The Strokes. It is a defining band of the early 2000s garage rock revival. The Strokes' debut album, Is This It (2001), received acclaim for its raw sound.
Casablancas has experimented with various musical avenues through side projects such as Julian Casablancas + The Voidz. Their debut album, Tyranny (2013), departed from The Strokes' sound with experimental elements. It pushed genre boundaries into avant-garde territory. He often crafts melodies spontaneously—sometimes while riding the subway or inspired by other art forms like opera.
Casablancas has ventured into entrepreneurship by co-founding Cult Records. It supports emerging artists within the indie scene.
He is also candid about his views on the industry. He expressed frustration with mainstream music's direction over the past decade. He called it “super-depressing” and advocated for more originality in songwriting.
Julian Casablancas often looks like he just rolled out of bed but somehow pulls it off like a rockstar. He has got that effortless cool that many people can only dream of. He is not shy about his opinions about music, politics, or life. He has a voice that carries weight and isn’t afraid to use it.
Keep your playlist fresh and your ears open for what these artists will drop next. While you are at it, check out our vocal presets and sample packs. They help you capture that same indie magic in your tracks. Who says you can't recreate that chart-topping sound from your bedroom studio? Here's to making 2024 your breakout year! Rock on!