The Very Best Indie Pop Bands and Artists

Coley Reed

Updated June 1, 2024 199.9K views 110 items

Ranked By

44.3K 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.

1
Arctic Monkeys
1,009 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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2
Mitski
205 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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3
Lana Del Rey
940 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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4
The Smiths
716 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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5
Foster the People
808 votes
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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6
Weezer
141 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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7
The Lumineers
207 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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8
Tame Impala
177 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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9
MARINA
857 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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10
MGMT
625 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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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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12
Glass Animals
196 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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13
Two Door Cinema Club
696 votes
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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14
Vampire Weekend
693 votes
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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15
Coldplay
962 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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16
Twenty One Pilots
1,255 votes
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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17
Phoenix
407 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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18
Frank Ocean
241 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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19
Sufjan Stevens
352 votes
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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20
Lorde
111 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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21
Of Monsters and Men
663 votes
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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22
Mumford & Sons
422 votes
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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23
Imagine Dragons
911 votes
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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24
Red Hot Chili Peppers
421 votes
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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25
Young the Giant
204 votes
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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26
Florence + the Machine
800 votes
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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27
Passenger
361 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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28
OneRepublic
569 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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29
Chvrches
262 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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30
Arcade Fire
586 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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