The Very Best Indie Pop Bands and Artists

Coley Reed
Updated June 1, 2024 199.9K views 110 items
Ranked By
44.5K votes
5.0K voters
Voting Rules
Only indie pop bands and artists.
Latest additions: London Grammar, TV Girl, Bleachers
Most divisive: The Arcana
Over 5.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Very Best Indie Pop Bands and Artists

This indie pop bands list ranks the best indie pop groups and musicians of all time. This list of top indie pop artists let’s you see who indie fans think are the best singers, musicians, and artists in indie pop. Although indie pop bands first emerged in the 1980s (primarily in the UK, and Scotland in particular), the 2000s saw them become more mainstream. Its roots are in post-punk and alternative rock, but indie pop artists can encompass a slew of different genres including indie folk, synth pop, and electro pop. No matter what your definition of indie pop is, these indie pop bands are among the best in the genre and have managed to influence new indie pop bands that have managed to become hugely popular without the help of mainstream record labels and radio airplay. 

So, what are the best indie pop bands? For starters, any list of indie pop artists has to include the names Two Door Cinema Club, Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, Phoenix, MGMT, and Arcade Fire. The classic songs and albums released by these acts had a huge part in on shaping indie pop today and there's a good reason they're considered the top indie artists. These groups sell out headlining tours, are top billing at festivals, and are without a doubt the most recognizable indie pop bands out there today.

That said, it's up to you to determine who are the best indie pop bands. This list answers the questions "who are the best indie pop bands of all time?" and "who is the greatest indie pop musician ever?" If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the band's music instead of what groups are most popular. After all, this list is about independent, non-mainstream acts. 

  • Arctic Monkeys
    1

    Arctic Monkeys

    1,010 votes

    Hailing from Sheffield, England, this group gained fame through the internet and quickly became a sensation with their clever lyrics and catchy riffs. Their innovative sound combines elements of garage rock, post-punk revival, and Britpop, showcasing their technical prowess in creating memorable hooks. With numerous awards and chart-topping albums under their belt, they've cemented their status as influential figures within the indie scene.

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  • Lana Del Rey
    2

    Lana Del Rey

    944 votes

    This enigmatic singer-songwriter captivates audiences with her lush, cinematic soundscapes and sultry vocals that evoke a nostalgic longing for vintage Americana. Her evocative storytelling abilities have garnered her a dedicated fanbase, transcending pop culture barriers and earning critical acclaim. From humble beginnings as an internet sensation to becoming a global phenomenon, she's redefined what it means to be an indie artist.

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  • Mitski
    3

    Mitski

    210 votes

    This Japanese-American singer-songwriter has garnered a devoted following with her introspective lyrics and genre-defying sound that blends elements of rock, folk, and electronic music. Her raw vulnerability and powerful voice have resonated with fans across the globe, earning her critical acclaim for her innovative approach to songwriting. As she continues to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, she's poised to leave a lasting impact on the indie world.

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  • The Smiths
    4

    The Smiths

    720 votes

    Emerging from the Manchester scene in the 1980s, this iconic group's jangly guitars and introspective lyrics have left an indelible impact on indie music as a whole. Their unique blend of post-punk influences and poetic storytelling resonated with disaffected youth of the time, securing their place in popular culture history. Although their tenure was brief, their influence continues to be felt by countless bands that followed in their footsteps.

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  • Foster the People
    5

    This Los Angeles-based trio burst onto the scene with an infectious blend of danceable beats, intricate melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics that tackle social issues. Their energetic live performances showcase their impressive musicianship and ability to connect with fans on a deeper level. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've solidified their place in popular culture as one of the most inventive groups of the past decade.

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  • The Lumineers
    6

    The Lumineers

    210 votes

    This folk-rock outfit from Denver has captured hearts worldwide with their foot-stomping anthems and poignant ballads that showcase raw emotion and relatable themes. Their unique blend of acoustic instrumentation and soaring harmonies has earned them legions of fans, as well as commercial success and critical acclaim. Through grassroots touring and word-of-mouth buzz, they've established themselves as a powerhouse within the indie community.

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  • Weezer
    7

    Weezer

    145 votes

    This iconic California-based group has been pushing boundaries since the '90s with their innovative fusion of rock, pop, and alternative influences. Their catchy hooks and clever lyrics have earned them a devoted fanbase as well as numerous awards and chart-topping albums. As they continue to reinvent themselves while maintaining their indie spirit, they remain an influential force in modern music.

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  • MARINA
    8

    MARINA

    861 votes

    Formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds, this Welsh singer-songwriter has captivated audiences with her quirky pop sensibilities and powerful vocals that showcase her impressive range. Her thought-provoking lyrics tackle themes such as mental health, societal expectations, and self-discovery, earning her a dedicated fanbase who relate to her vulnerability and honesty. As she continues to break boundaries with her artistic evolution, she remains a trailblazer within the indie community.

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  • Tame Impala
    9

    Tame Impala

    181 votes

    This Australian psychedelic project masterminded by multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker is known for its lush soundscapes that transport listeners to otherworldly realms. With a penchant for sonic experimentation and genre-blending, their music has resonated with fans across the globe, earning them numerous accolades and festival headlining spots. As they continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, they've become an influential force in modern indie music.

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  • MGMT
    10

    MGMT

    628 votes

    This American duo rose to prominence through their infectious synth-pop anthems that became instant classics within both indie circles and mainstream charts alike. Their eclectic sound draws from various genres, showcasing their ability to create memorable melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. With several critically acclaimed albums under their belt, they've cemented their legacy as one of the most innovative acts in indie music.

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  • Bastille
    11

    Bastille

    903 votes

    This English band has taken the world by storm with their anthemic sound that blends elements of rock, electronic, and pop music into a unique sonic experience. Their soaring choruses and introspective lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide, earning them numerous awards and commercial success. As they continue to evolve their sound while maintaining their indie roots, they're poised to leave a lasting impact on the music industry.

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  • Two Door Cinema Club
    12

    This Irish trio's infectious blend of indie rock and dance-pop has made them a staple within the indie scene since their formation in 2007. Their energetic live shows and catchy hooks have garnered them a dedicated fanbase, as well as critical acclaim for their genre-defying approach to songwriting. As they continue to push boundaries with each release, they remain at the forefront of innovative indie music.

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  • Vampire Weekend
    13

    This New York City-based quartet has carved out a niche for themselves with their distinctive fusion of indie rock, Afrobeat, and baroque pop influences. Their intelligent lyrics and intricate arrangements showcase their exceptional musicianship and knack for crafting memorable tunes. With multiple Grammy Awards and chart-topping albums under their belt, they've solidified their status as one of the most influential bands in modern indie music.

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  • Glass Animals
    14

    Glass Animals

    201 votes

    This English quartet crafts hypnotic, genre-defying soundscapes that blend elements of electronic, psychedelic, and R&B music into a mesmerizing sonic experience. Their intricate production techniques and captivating live shows have earned them a devoted following and critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve their sound while maintaining their signature aesthetic, they're poised to make an indelible mark on the indie world.

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  • Twenty One Pilots
    15

    This genre-bending duo has captivated fans worldwide with their energetic live performances and eclectic sound that combines elements of rock, hip-hop, electronic, and pop music. Their thought-provoking lyrics tackle themes such as mental health and self-doubt, resonating with fans who appreciate their raw honesty and vulnerability. With numerous awards and commercial success under their belt, they've solidified their status as one of the most innovative acts in modern indie music.

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  • Coldplay
    16

    Coldplay

    961 votes

    This British group has become synonymous with emotive anthems that tug at heartstrings while showcasing their impressive musical abilities. Their genre-blending approach to songwriting incorporates elements of rock, pop, electronic, and even world music influences into a cohesive sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. With numerous awards and chart-topping albums under their belt, they've established themselves as icons within both mainstream and indie music circles.

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  • Frank Ocean
    17

    Frank Ocean

    244 votes

    This enigmatic R&B artist's introspective lyricism and genre-defying sound have garnered him a dedicated fanbase that transcends the boundaries of mainstream and indie music. His unique approach to storytelling tackles themes such as love, identity, and self-discovery, showcasing his ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. As he continues to push the envelope with each release, he remains an influential figure within the indie community.

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  • Lorde
    18

    Lorde

    115 votes

    This New Zealand singer-songwriter has become an international sensation with her introspective lyrics and genre-defying sound that combines elements of pop, electronic, and alternative music into a unique sonic experience. Her thought-provoking storytelling abilities have garnered her critical acclaim as well as commercial success at a young age. As she continues to evolve as an artist while maintaining her indie roots, she's poised to leave a lasting impact on popular culture.

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  • Phoenix
    19

    Phoenix

    408 votes

    Hailing from France, this indie rock group has captivated audiences worldwide with their infectious hooks and danceable beats that defy categorization. Their eclectic sound draws inspiration from various genres such as electronic, garage rock, and pop music, showcasing their ability to create memorable melodies that resonate with fans across the globe. With numerous accolades and festival appearances under their belt, they've established themselves as icons within the indie community.

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  • Of Monsters and Men
    20

    This Icelandic group has enchanted listeners with their unique blend of folk-rock and indie pop that features soaring harmonies, anthemic choruses, and powerful instrumentation. Their evocative storytelling abilities have garnered them a dedicated fanbase as well as commercial success and critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they're poised to make an indelible mark on the music industry.

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  • Sufjan Stevens
    21

    This multi-talented singer-songwriter has captured hearts with his evocative storytelling abilities and genre-defying sound that draws from folk, electronic, and classical influences. His intricate arrangements showcase his exceptional musicianship while his poignant lyrics tackle themes such as loss, love, and spirituality. As he continues to evolve his sound while staying true to his indie roots, he's established himself as one of the most influential artists within the independent music scene.

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  • Mumford & Sons
    22

    This British folk-rock band has taken the world by storm with their foot-stomping anthems and heartfelt ballads that showcase their exceptional musicianship and storytelling abilities. Their unique blend of acoustic instrumentation and soaring harmonies has earned them legions of fans, as well as commercial success and critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've solidified their place in popular culture as one of the most inventive groups of the past decade.

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  • Red Hot Chili Peppers
    23

    This legendary California-based group has been pushing boundaries for decades with their innovative fusion of rock, funk, punk, and psychedelic influences. Their exceptional musicianship and energetic live shows have earned them legions of fans across the globe, as well as numerous awards and chart-topping albums. As they continue to reinvent themselves while maintaining their indie spirit, they remain an influential force in modern music.

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  • Imagine Dragons
    24

    This Las Vegas-based quartet has taken the world by storm with their anthemic sound that blends elements of rock, pop, electronic, and alternative music into a unique sonic experience. Their infectious hooks and introspective lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide, earning them numerous awards and commercial success. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've solidified their place in popular culture as one of the most inventive groups of the past decade.

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  • Florence + the Machine
    25

    This English indie rock outfit has captivated audiences with their powerful vocals, intricate arrangements, and evocative storytelling abilities. Their genre-defying sound incorporates elements of rock, pop, electronic, and even baroque influences into a cohesive sonic experience that has earned them legions of fans and critical acclaim. As they continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, they've established themselves as icons within the indie community.

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  • Passenger
    26

    Passenger

    360 votes

    This English singer-songwriter has won over fans worldwide with his emotive ballads and heartfelt lyrics that showcase his impressive storytelling abilities. His distinctive voice and acoustic guitar-driven sound have earned him critical acclaim for his ability to create memorable tunes that resonate with listeners across the globe. As he continues to evolve as an artist while maintaining his indie roots, he's poised to leave a lasting impact on the music industry.

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  • OneRepublic
    27

    OneRepublic

    568 votes

    This Colorado-based group has achieved international success with their anthemic sound that combines elements of rock, pop, and alternative music into a unique sonic experience. Their introspective lyrics and soaring choruses have resonated with fans worldwide, earning them numerous awards and commercial success. As they continue to evolve their sound while maintaining their indie roots, they've solidified their place in popular culture as one of the most inventive groups of the past decade.

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  • Young the Giant
    28

    This California-based quintet has made waves within the indie scene with their anthemic sound that combines elements of rock, pop, and alternative music into a unique sonic experience. Their infectious hooks and introspective lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide, earning them commercial success and critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve their sound while maintaining their indie roots, they're poised to make an indelible mark on the music industry.

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  • Arcade Fire
    29

    Arcade Fire

    585 votes

    This Canadian indie rock collective has garnered a devoted following for their ambitious soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics that tackle themes such as love, loss, and societal expectations. Their innovative approach to songwriting incorporates elements of rock, pop, electronic, and even world music influences into a cohesive sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. With numerous awards and critical acclaim under their belt, they've established themselves as icons within the indie community and beyond.

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  • Chvrches
    30

    Chvrches

    263 votes

    This Scottish synth-pop trio has captured hearts with their infectious melodies and emotive lyrics that showcase their impressive songwriting abilities. Their unique blend of electronic beats, catchy hooks, and powerful vocals has earned them a devoted fanbase as well as critical praise for their innovative approach to pop music. As they continue to break boundaries in the indie world, they're poised to leave a lasting impact on popular culture.

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  • The Killers
    31

    The Killers

    1,011 votes

    This Las Vegas-based group has become synonymous with anthemic indie rock tunes that showcase their impressive musicianship and exceptional songwriting abilities. Their eclectic sound draws inspiration from various genres such as new wave, post-punk revival, and synth-pop, resonating with fans across the globe. With numerous awards and chart-topping albums under their belt, they've cemented their legacy as one of the most influential bands in modern indie music.

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  • Muse
    32

    Muse

    430 votes

    This British trio has become synonymous with epic anthems that showcase their impressive musicianship and genre-blending approach to songwriting. Their eclectic sound incorporates elements of rock, electronic, classical, and even cinematic influences into a cohesive sonic experience that has captivated audiences worldwide. With numerous awards and chart-topping albums under their belt, they've cemented their legacy as one of the most innovative acts in modern indie music.

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  • X Ambassadors
    33

    X Ambassadors

    220 votes

    This New York-based trio has gained widespread recognition for their genre-defying sound that combines elements of rock, electronic, R&B, and pop music into a captivating sonic experience. Their heartfelt lyrics and infectious hooks have resonated with fans worldwide, earning them commercial success and critical acclaim. As they continue to push the envelope with each release, they remain at the forefront of innovative indie music.

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  • Death Cab for Cutie
    34

    This Washington-based group has captured hearts with their introspective lyrics and emotive soundscapes that showcase their impressive songwriting abilities. Their unique blend of indie rock, emo, and alternative influences has earned them legions of fans as well as critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve their sound while maintaining their indie roots, they've solidified their place in popular culture as one of the most inventive groups of the past decade.

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  • James Bay
    35

    James Bay

    68 votes

    This English singer-songwriter has won over fans worldwide with his emotive ballads and heartfelt lyrics that showcase his impressive storytelling abilities. His distinctive voice and guitar-driven sound have earned him critical acclaim for his ability to create memorable tunes that resonate with listeners across the globe. As he continues to evolve as an artist while maintaining his indie roots, he's poised to leave a lasting impact on the music industry.

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  • Bon Iver
    36

    Bon Iver

    376 votes

    This Grammy Award-winning project led by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon has captured hearts worldwide with its hauntingly beautiful soundscapes and introspective lyrics. Their unique blend of folk, electronic, and experimental influences showcases their exceptional musicianship while resonating with fans across the globe. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've established themselves as one of the most influential artists within the independent music scene.

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  • Passion Pit
    37

    Passion Pit

    349 votes

    This American electropop project led by singer-songwriter Michael Angelakos is known for its infectious hooks and emotionally charged lyrics that tackle themes such as mental health and self-discovery. Their innovative approach to electronic music has garnered them a dedicated fanbase as well as critical praise for their genre-defying sound. As they continue to push boundaries in the indie world, they're poised to leave a lasting impact on popular culture.

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  • The Decemberists
    38

    This Portland-based indie rock outfit is known for its evocative storytelling abilities and intricate arrangements that showcase their exceptional musicianship. Their genre-defying sound draws from various influences such as folk, baroque pop, and Americana, resonating with fans across the globe. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've established themselves as one of the most influential bands within the independent music scene.

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  • M83
    39

    M83

    364 votes

    This French electronic project led by Anthony Gonzalez has garnered a devoted following for its lush soundscapes that transport listeners to otherworldly realms. Their innovative approach to electronic music incorporates elements of shoegaze, ambient, and dream pop, earning them critical acclaim for their genre-defying sound. As they continue to push boundaries in the indie world, they're poised to make an indelible mark on popular culture.

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  • The Wombats
    40

    The Wombats

    322 votes

    This English indie rock trio has gained widespread recognition for their infectious melodies and witty lyrics that showcase their impressive songwriting abilities. Their unique blend of indie, pop-punk, and post-punk revival influences has earned them a dedicated fanbase as well as critical praise for their genre-defying sound. As they continue to push the envelope with each release, they remain at the forefront of innovative indie music.

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  • Walk the Moon
    41

    Walk the Moon

    412 votes

    This American group has taken the world by storm with their anthemic sound that combines elements of rock, pop, and electronic music into a unique sonic experience. Their infectious hooks and introspective lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide, earning them numerous awards and commercial success. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've solidified their place in popular culture as one of the most inventive groups of the past decade.

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  • The Kooks
    42

    The Kooks

    283 votes

    This English indie rock outfit has become synonymous with catchy tunes and energetic live performances that showcase their exceptional musicianship and knack for crafting memorable melodies. Their eclectic sound incorporates elements of rock, pop, and even reggae influences into a cohesive sonic experience that resonates with fans across the globe. With numerous accolades under their belt, they've established themselves as icons within the indie community.

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  • The Stone Roses
    43

    Emerging from the Manchester scene in the late '80s, this iconic group's jangly guitars and introspective lyrics left an indelible impact on indie music as a whole. Their unique blend of Madchester, Britpop, and psychedelic influences resonated with disaffected youth of the time, securing their place in popular culture history. Although their tenure was brief, their influence continues to be felt by countless bands that followed in their footsteps.

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  • Echosmith
    44

    Echosmith

    383 votes

    This American sibling quartet has captivated fans worldwide with their infectious hooks and heartfelt lyrics that showcase their impressive songwriting abilities. Their unique blend of indie pop, electronic, and alternative influences has earned them commercial success and critical acclaim. As they continue to evolve their sound while maintaining their indie roots, they're poised to make an indelible mark on the music industry.

  • Clairo
    45

    Clairo

    55 votes
    Claire Cottrill (born August 18, 1998), known professionally as Clairo, is an American recording artist from Carlisle, Massachusetts who wrote "Pretty Girl" (2017), a lo-fi-produced song that attracted over 26 million views on YouTube. She credited her sudden popularity to the website's algorithm system. After the popularity of "Pretty Girl", Clairo signed a record contract with the help of her family's connections with The Fader magazine and her presentation of herself as a "do-it-yourself" artist was questioned amid some online controversy. In 2018, she released her debut record Diary 001 on Fader Label.
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  • Billie Eilish
    46
    Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell (born December 18, 2001) is an American singer and songwriter. She first gained public attention in 2015 with her debut single "Ocean Eyes", written and produced by her brother Finneas O'Connell, with whom she collaborates on music and live shows. In 2017, she released her debut extended play (EP), Don't Smile at Me. Commercially successful, it reached the top 15 of record charts in numerous countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
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  • Grouplove
    47

    Grouplove

    351 votes

    This Los Angeles-based quintet has won over fans worldwide with their infectious hooks and energetic live shows that showcase their impressive musicianship and ability to create memorable tunes. Their eclectic sound draws from various genres such as indie rock, electronic, and pop music, resonating with fans across the globe. As they continue to push boundaries in the indie world, they're poised to make an indelible mark on popular culture.

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  • The xx
    48

    The xx

    584 votes

    This English trio has captivated listeners with their minimalist soundscapes and introspective lyrics that showcase their impressive songwriting abilities. Their unique blend of indie rock, electronic, and R&B influences has earned them legions of fans as well as critical acclaim for their genre-defying approach to music. As they continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their indie roots, they've established themselves as one of the most influential acts within the independent music scene.

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  • St. Vincent
    49

    St. Vincent

    290 votes

    This multi-talented singer-songwriter and guitarist has captured hearts with her genre-defying sound that blends elements of rock, pop, electronic, and even jazz influences. Her innovative approach to songwriting showcases her exceptional musicianship while her evocative storytelling abilities resonate with fans across the globe. As she continues to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, she's established herself as one of the most influential artists within the indie world.

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  • FUN.
    50

    FUN.

    347 votes

    This American indie pop trio gained widespread recognition for their infectious hooks and anthemic choruses that showcase their impressive songwriting abilities. Their unique blend of indie rock, pop, and theatrical influences has earned them a dedicated fanbase as well as critical praise for their genre-defying sound. As they continue to push the envelope with each release, they remain at the forefront of innovative indie music.

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  • girl in red
    51

    girl in red

    52 votes
    Marie Ulven Ringheim (born 16 February 1999), known professionally as Girl in Red (often stylized in all lowercase as girl in red), is a Norwegian indie pop singer-songwriter. Her single "I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend" has gained over 40 million streams on Spotify, and was listed at No. 9 on The New York Times list of "The 68 Best Songs of 2018". Since 2018, Ringheim has released two extended plays from her bedroom studio and has amassed over 3 million monthly streamers on Spotify.
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  • Placebo
    52

    Placebo

    189 votes
    Placebo are an English Brit-pop band formed in London in 1994. The group consists of vocalist/guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band were soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who left in 1996 due to conflicts with Molko and was replaced the same year by Steve Hewitt. Placebo gained exposure in 1997, after releasing "Nancy Boy", a song which Brian Molko described as "obscene". The band has sparked controversy at the beginning of their career because Molko wore dresses and make-up in public and talked openly about sexuality, mental health and drug use. Placebo collaborated with various artists over the years, including David Bowie, Justin Warfield, Michael Stipe and Alison Mosshart. Hewitt left Placebo in 2007, due to personal and musical differences. He was replaced the following year by Steve Forrest. Placebo released two albums with Forrest, who left in 2015 to pursue his own musical career. Since 2015, Placebo perform as a duo with four additional live musicians on stage. Placebo utilise androgynous images and lyrical content. To date, they have released seven studio albums, all of which have reached the top 20 in the United Kingdom, and have sold around 11 million records worldwide.
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  • Hayley Williams
    53
    Hayley Williams, born in Meridian, Mississippi in 1988, is an American singer and songwriter acclaimed for her eclectic style and vibrant energy. Best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Paramore, Williams's journey into the world of music began at a young age. Facing significant family struggles, she sought solace in songwriting and singing, which eventually led to her discovery by music industry veterans in her early teens. Williams, along with bandmates Josh and Zac Farro, formed Paramore in Franklin, Tennessee in 2004. Under the umbrella of Fueled by Ramen, the group quickly gained international recognition with their debut album All We Know Is Falling. Their subsequent albums, including Riot! and Brand New Eyes, achieved multi-platinum status and featured hits like "Misery Business" and "The Only Exception." With her fiery red hair and powerful vocals, Williams became an icon in the pop-punk world, inspiring countless young artists with her raw onstage performances and candid lyricism. Besides Paramore, Williams has also made her mark as a solo artist and entrepreneur. She released her first solo project, Petals for Armor, in 2020 to critical acclaim, showcasing her versatility beyond the punk genre. In addition to her musical pursuits, she co-founded Good Dye Young, a vibrant line of hair dye products, reflecting her own signature style. Hayley Williams, with her dynamic persona and unyielding spirit, continues to be a pivotal figure in the global music landscape.
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  • The Shins
    54

    The Shins

    453 votes
    The Shins are an American indie rock band formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1996. The band's current lineup consists of James Mercer (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, songwriter), Jon Sortland (drums), Mark Watrous (guitar, keyboards), Casey Foubert (guitar), Yuuki Matthews (bass, keyboards), and Patti King (keyboards). The band is based in Portland, Oregon. The band was formed by Mercer as a side project to Flake Music, who were active from 1992 to 1999. The band released two 7" singles and a full-length album When You Land Here It's Time to Return on Omnibus Records and were touring with Modest Mouse when they were signed to Sub Pop Records. The band's first two records, Oh, Inverted World (2001) and Chutes Too Narrow (2003) performed well commercially and received critical acclaim. The single "New Slang" brought the band mainstream attention when it was featured in the 2004 film Garden State. Consequently, the band's third album, Wincing the Night Away (2007), was a major success for the group, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 and earning a Grammy Award nomination. Following this, the Shins signed to Columbia Records and Mercer parted ways with the entire original lineup, deeming it "an aesthetic decision". Following a near five-year hiatus, Port of Morrow, the band's fourth studio album, was released in 2012. Their fifth album, Heartworms, was released in March 2017.
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  • The National
    55

    The National

    78 votes
    The National is an American rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in 1999. The band consists of Matt Berninger (vocals), Aaron Dessner (guitar, piano, keyboards), Bryce Dessner (guitar, piano, keyboards), Scott Devendorf (bass) and Bryan Devendorf (drums). Founded by Berninger, Aaron Dessner, and Scott and Bryan Devendorf, The National released their self-titled debut album, The National (2001), on Brassland Records, an independent record label founded by Dessner and his twin brother, Bryce Dessner. Bryce, who had assisted in recording the album, soon joined the band, participating as a full member in the recording of its follow-up, Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers (2003). Leaving behind their day jobs, the National signed with Beggars Banquet Records and released their third studio album, Alligator (2005), to widespread critical acclaim. The band's fourth and fifth studio albums, Boxer (2007) and High Violet (2010), increased their exposure significantly. In 2013, the band released its sixth studio album, Trouble Will Find Me, which was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2017 the band released the album Sleep Well Beast, which won the Grammy award for Best Alternative Music Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. Their eighth studio album, I Am Easy to Find, was released on May 17, 2019. Four of the band's albums were included on NME's 2013 list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
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  • The Postal Service
    56
    The Postal Service was an American indie band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2001. The band consisted of vocalist Ben Gibbard, producer Jimmy Tamborello, with Jenny Lewis on background vocals/keyboards & samplers during live performances. The band released their debut album, Give Up, in 2003 on Sub Pop Records, to mostly positive reviews. The album reached number 114 on the US Billboard 200 album chart, and received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. The Postal Service remained largely inactive from 2005 until 2013, when they reunited for a tour, and released a re-issue of Give Up to celebrate its tenth anniversary. Laura Burhenn joined the lineup throughout the tour to provide additional vocals and instruments, with Jen Wood filling in for a few shows. On August 3, 2013, Gibbard announced that the band would disband permanently after the last show of their reunion tour.
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  • Franz Ferdinand
    57
    Franz Ferdinand are a Scottish rock band formed in Glasgow in 2002. The band's original lineup was composed of Alex Kapranos (lead vocals and guitar, keyboard), Nick McCarthy (rhythm guitar, keyboards and backing vocals), Bob Hardy (bass guitar), and Paul Thomson (drums, percussion and backing vocals). Julian Corrie (keyboards, synthesiser, guitar and backing vocals) and Dino Bardot (guitar and backing vocals) joined the band in 2017 after McCarthy left during the previous year. The band has been notable for being one of the more popular post-punk revival bands, garnering multiple UK top 20 hits. They have been nominated for several Grammy Awards and have received two Brit Awards – winning one for Best British Group – as well as one NME Award. The band's first two singles, "Darts of Pleasure" and "Take Me Out", peaked within the top-50 on the UK Singles Chart. "Take Me Out" achieved global recognition by charting in several countries and went on to earn a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It has since been noted as the band's signature song as well. The band released their self-titled debut studio album on 9 February 2004 to critical acclaim. The album won the 2004 Mercury Prize and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Album. In 2005, the band released their second studio album, You Could Have It So Much Better, which was produced by Rich Costey. The album went on to earn acclaim from critics as well as a positive commercial performance, peaking within the top-ten in multiple countries. At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, the album earned a nomination for Best Alternative Album and one of the singles released from the album, "Do You Want To", earned a nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The band's third studio album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, was announced in late 2008 and released in January 2009. The album was notable for featuring a change in the band's musical style, as the band had shifted from a post-punk-focused sound, which was featured on their first two albums, to a more dance-oriented sound. The album gained a positive commercial performance as well as positive reviews from critics. A remix album of Tonight, titled Blood, was subsequently released in July 2009. Four years after the release of Tonight, the band released their fourth studio album, Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action, in August 2013. In 2015, Franz Ferdinand and American rock band Sparks formed the supergroup FFS and released a one-off self-titled album in June 2015. Following the departure of McCarthy, the band released their fifth studio album, Always Ascending, in February 2018.
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  • Snow Patrol
    58

    Snow Patrol

    301 votes
    Snow Patrol are an Irish-Scottish rock band from Northern Ireland and Scotland, formed in Dundee, Scotland in 1994, consisting of Gary Lightbody (vocals, guitar), Nathan Connolly (guitar, backing vocals), Paul Wilson (bass guitar, backing vocals), Jonny Quinn (drums), and Johnny McDaid (piano, guitar, backing vocals). Initially an indie rock band, the band rose to prominence in the early-mid 2000s as part of the post-Britpop movement. The band were founded at the University of Dundee in 1994 by Lightbody, Michael Morrison, and Mark McClelland as Shrug. After briefly using the name Polarbear, releasing the EP Starfighter Pilot (1997) and losing Morrison as a member, the band became Snow Patrol in 1997 and added Quinn to its line-up. Their first two studio albums, Songs for Polarbears (1998) and When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up (2001), were commercially unsuccessful and were released by the independent record label Jeepster Records. The band then signed to the major record label Polydor Records in 2002. Connolly joined Snow Patrol in 2002, and after their major-label debut album, Final Straw, the following year, the band rose to national fame. The album was certified 5× platinum in the UK and eventually sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Their next studio album, Eyes Open (2006), and its hit single, "Chasing Cars" – the most widely played song of the 21st century on UK radio – propelled the band to greater international fame. The album topped the UK Albums Chart and was the best-selling British album of the year, selling over 6 million copies worldwide. In 2008, the band released their fifth studio album, A Hundred Million Suns; then, in 2009, they released their first compilation album, Up to Now; and, in 2011, released their sixth studio album, Fallen Empires. The band released their seventh album, Wildness, on 25 May 2018. During the course of their career, Snow Patrol have won seven Meteor Ireland Music Awards and have been nominated for six Brit Awards. Since the release of Final Straw, the band have sold over 16 million records worldwide.
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  • Lykke Li
    59

    Lykke Li

    257 votes

    This Swedish singer-songwriter has captivated audiences with her ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of melancholic beauty. Her genre-defying approach to songwriting incorporates elements of pop, electronic, and even world music influences into a cohesive sonic experience that has garnered her critical acclaim. As she continues to evolve her sound while staying true to her indie roots, she's poised to make an indelible mark on popular culture.

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  • The Head and the Heart
    60
    The Head and The Heart is an indie folk band from Seattle, Washington. Formed in the summer of 2009 by Josiah Johnson and Jonathan Russell, the band also includes Charity Rose Thielen, Chris Zasche, Kenny Hensley, and Tyler Williams. The band is signed to Sub Pop Records and have released two albums thus far. The band has toured in both North America and Europe.
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