I myself was born and raised just outside of Vancouver’s downtown music scene and have therefore developed a strong love for the indie-rock, alt-rock, folk/soft-rock, “whatever you want to call it” music scene.
In honour of this, I wanted to present to you my list of top-five favourite indie bands.
- The 1975.
Originating in 2002 while the members were all in high school together, the now Manchester based band has been playing together ever since. They are ranked slightly low on this list given their transition into more of a pop band, but their early work, mainly their debut album, was a work of genius. I saw these guys play live at UBC several years ago and it was a show I remember to this day.
- City and Color.
I only recently found an ear for Dallas Green’s music but once I did, I did not look back. I’ve said it live on Evolution Radio the record If I should go Before you does not leave my vinyl player. I still vary on which song is my favourite, but so far I’ve got to stick with my usual answer in Wasted Love.
(Youtube/ cityandcolourVIDEOS)
- The Killers
This group has a special place in my heart for one reason, on top of their great music. I was working late nights in a restaurant where my co-workers played Hot Fuss at least once a day. I loved the album and even knew most of the songs but I didn’t know the band’s name. When they finally told me I took the band, and the album to my best friend at the time, and HE knew every single word to almost every single song too. From there The Killers have been a mainstay on the aux.
- Young The Giant
This band really should be #1 on my list but I can’t put them there because I have not seen them live. If I had they would probably beat out my top spot. With that said, it’s safe to say Cough Syrup might just be my favourite song of all time, in any genre. And that’s not even the band’s consensus top song. Regardless, any time this band comes on I’m in the mood to listen and I can’t shut them off.
1.Ed Sheeran
Okay this might be cheating, hell it’s definitely cheating but I still consider this man more Folk/rock than I do pop or anything else. And this is my list and I make the rules. Unfortunately Sheeran has also made a transition over to the pop scene, but much like the Disney Star Wars movies, that work simply just doesn’t exist.
I saw Sheeran live and it was to date the best concert I have ever been to. I won’t even list my favourite songs here because I don’t want to discredit the ones I don’t mention. Ed Sheeran takes my top shot without question.
(Flickr/ Ludmila Joaquina Valentina Buyo)
What are your favourite bands or artists in the indie scene? Or any music scene? Let us know online at Evolution1079.com or on social media @ evolution1079.