Canadian country artist Julia Vos is excited to share the official music video for her current single, “I Only Kiss Cowboys,” which is available now on YouTube. Written by Julia Vos and Troy Kemp and produced by JUNO Award winner Bart McKay, “I Only Kiss Cowboys” is a high-energy, honky-tonk anthem with a playful, boot-stompin’ groove.
The new music video was produced and directed by Chris Doi and features the Edmonton, Alberta-based artist enthusiastically line-dancing and two-stepping along as she witnesses the transformation of a “suit man” into her ideal cowboy suitor.
The music video arrives after a warm reception for “I Only Kiss Cowboys,” which has included Spotify placements on the “All New Country“ and “Fresh Finds Canada” editorial playlists, regular spins on SiriusXM Top of the Country Radio, and an ambitious social media reel series coined “Reasons I Love Cowboys,” which earned 2 million Instagram views throughout July and August.
Bernie Leadon released his new song “Go On Down To Mobile” today ahead of his highly anticipated solo project, Too Late To Be Cool. “Go On Down To Mobile” is a tune about a man’s complicated love with a girl from Alabama.
“‘Go On Down to Mobile’ is about a clueless guy having a long-distance relationship. She’s down in Mobile, and he’s a ways away. He’s in denial about what she is really like. Something’s going on, and we generally know what it is. He pretends he doesn’t. He has an awakening in his near future. Late in the song the singer admits he’s talking about himself. ‘I’m addicted to you, my dear, wish you’d get out of my head.’ But not yet,” said Leadon.
Leadon wrote all of the songs on the project, with the full album being produced/engineered by 2025 GRAMMY Trustee winner, Glyn Johns. Leaning into his playful personality, Leadon shares his perspective on life’s journey and how he gracefully moves through the chaos.
Leadon is performing at City Winery Nashville this evening as a headliner of Nashville’s AMERICANAFEST. This marks his return to the stage, after a decades long hiatus from the spotlight. Since the announcement of his October 10 album, he is entering a new era of his esteemed music career.
Receiving praise from major media outlets including Rolling Stone, Variety and Parade, Leadon is ready to rock once again. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member teases additional live shows to come, planning to tour next year performing hits from his catalog, Eagles’ favorites, and the new album.
MadMaxx has already proven himself as one of the industry’s most versatile, up-and-coming producers. With credits that include Doja Cat, Kevin Gates, Nicki Minaj, Don Toliver, Miguel, Becky G, Wiz Khalifa, Kehlani (Grammy-nominated project), 2 Chainz, Jeremih, Juicy J, Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla $ign, and more, his work is consistently featured on some of the biggest artists in the industry. Maxx has also had his music has also been featured in major films like Crazy Rich Asians, The Other Woman, Rio 2, two Lonely Island comedies, and even the NBA Halftime Show.
The track begins with acclaimed artist and songwriter Lunchmoney Lewis (known widely for his work with Nikki Minaj, Doja Cat, Lil Wayne, Big Boi, among many, many others) and MadMaxx cooking up the beat and hook one summer afternoon at the legendary Conway Studios. The vibe was undeniable-so much so that Hip-Hop giants Juicy J and Rick Ross jumped on; and the result is a genuine heater, fueled by the energy of four uniquely talented forces coming together.
With “MONEYFLY,” Rick Ross, Juicy J, Lunchmoney Lewis, and MadMaxx prove that when legends and innovators collide, the result is nothing short of explosive.
A new heavyweight collaboration has just landed: Rick Ross + Juicy J + Lunchmoney Lewis + MadMaxx have released their brand-new single “MONEYFLY,” which is now available on all streaming platforms.
MadMaxx has already proven himself as one of the industry’s most versatile, up-and-coming producers. With credits that include Doja Cat, Kevin Gates, Nicki Minaj, Don Toliver, Miguel, Becky G, Wiz Khalifa, Kehlani (Grammy-nominated project), 2 Chainz, Jeremih, Juicy J, Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla $ign, and more, his work is consistently featured on some of the biggest artists in the industry. Maxx has also had his music has also been featured in major films like Crazy Rich Asians, The Other Woman, Rio 2, two Lonely Island comedies, and even the NBA Halftime Show.
The track begins with acclaimed artist and songwriter Lunchmoney Lewis (known widely for his work with Nikki Minaj, Doja Cat, Lil Wayne, Big Boi, among many, many others) and MadMaxx cooking up the beat and hook one summer afternoon at the legendary Conway Studios. The vibe was undeniable-so much so that Hip-Hop giants Juicy J and Rick Ross jumped on; and the result is a genuine heater, fueled by the energy of four uniquely talented forces coming together.
With “MONEYFLY,” Rick Ross, Juicy J, Lunchmoney Lewis, and MadMaxx prove that when legends and innovators collide, the result is nothing short of explosive.
Today, Tedeschi Trucks Band (TTB), the GRAMMY Award-winning band led by the dynamic duo of Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, has released their new album, Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (LIVE AT LOCKN’), with Leon Russell via Fantasy Records. The long-awaited release of Tedeschi Trucks Band and Leon Russell Present: Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (LIVE AT LOCKN’) marks the first time the iconic tribute performance has been available anywhere since the original concert 10 years ago. To celebrate today’s release, TTB has also released the official music video for “With A Little Help From My Friends” featuring Tedeschi on vocals along with special guests Chris Robinson, Dave Mason, and Doyle Bramhall II.
“It was a dream experience getting to work with Leon and all of the other amazing artists,” shares Susan Tedeschi.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (LIVE AT LOCKN’) is a vibrant tribute to one of the most iconic live rock collaborations in music history. Originally led by Joe Cocker and legendary keyboardist and bandleader Leon Russell in 1970, Mad Dogs & Englishmen was a raucous, soulful tour that brought together a massive ensemble of musicians. In September 2015, Tedeschi Trucks Band – helmed by guitar virtuoso Derek Trucks and powerhouse vocalist Susan Tedeschi – revived this landmark event, infusing it with their own blend of Southern soul, blues, and rock.
The historic, star-studded tribute concert took place at the Virginia-based LOCKN’ Festival 45 years after the original tour. That night, TTB’s 12-piece ensemble and Russell welcomed original Mad Dogs members, such as Rita Coolidge, Claudia Lennear, and Chris Stainton, along with a diverse group of special guests including Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, Warren Haynes, Anders Osborne, and Dave Mason. The stage often swelled to over 20 musicians, echoing the original tour’s grand, communal spirit. The setlist included memorable performances of such hits as “The Letter” featuring Tedeschi on lead vocals, “Feelin’ Alright” featuring Mason, who penned the hit, on lead vocals and Osborne on guitar, and “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window” featuring Haynes on lead vocals and guitar and Osborne on guitar as well as “The Weight,” “Delta Lady,” “Space Captain,” “The Ballad of Mad Dogs and Englishmen” and many more. Full track listing for Tedeschi Trucks Band and Leon Russell Present: Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (LIVE AT LOCKN’) below.
Tedeschi Trucks Band, known for their dynamic interplay and emotional depth, breathe fresh life into these classic songs. More than just nostalgia, TTB and Leon Russell’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen set at LOCKN’ shows how timeless this communal approach to music-making still is – vibrant, necessary, and alive. Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (LIVE AT LOCKN’) serves as the audio companion to TTB’s documentary Learning to Live Together: The Return of Mad Dogs & Englishmen (2021). The film, a unique retelling of the “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” tour as seen through the lens of Tedeschi Trucks Band, blends archival footage with new interviews and performance and rehearsal footage from the LOCKN’ tribute set.
Tedeschi Trucks Band’s expansive North American Live in ’25 Tour, produced by Live Nation, continues tonight (September 12th) in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Following a performance at Ohana Fest later this month, TTB will re-join longtime friends Gov’t Mule on October 11th in Macon, Georgia for their final co-headlining show together, following a five-date run which wrapped earlier this week. TTB remains on the road until October 25th traveling along the Eastern Seaboard. See below for all upcoming tour dates. Visit https://www.tedeschitrucksband.com/tour for more details and to purchase tickets.
Tedeschi Trucks Band and Leon Russell Present: Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (LIVE AT LOCKN’) Track Listing:
1. The Letter – ft. Susan Tedeschi
2. Darling Be Home Soon – ft. Susan Tedeschi & Doyle Bramhall II
3. Dixie Lullaby – ft. Doyle Bramhall II
4. Sticks and Stones – ft. Chris Robinson
5. Girl From the North Country – ft. Claudia Lennear
6. Let’s Go Get Stoned – ft. Susan Tedeschi
7. Feelin’ Alright – ft. Dave Mason & Anders Osborne
8. She Came in Through the Bathroom Window – ft. Warren Haynes & Anders Osborne
9. Bird On The Wire – ft. Rita Coolidge & Doyle Bramhall II
10. The Weight – ft. Rita Coolidge, Pamela Polland, Susan Tedeschi, Claudia Lennear & Doyle Bramhall II
11. Delta Lady – ft. John Bell
12. Space Captain – ft. Susan Tedeschi & Chris Robinson
13. With A Little Help From My Friends – ft. Chris Robinson, Susan Tedeschi, Dave Mason & Doyle Bramhall II
Fictitious heavy metal legends Spinal Tap release their new album The End Continues today for the mockumentary Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, to coincide with the film’s theatrical release.
The 13-track set includes nine brand new songs and four reinvented favorites featuring guests Paul McCartney, Elton John, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood. The End Continues is available now via Interscope Records. Listen here.
Earlier this week filmmaker Marty DiBergi, David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls from Spinal Tap stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live to talk about Spinal Tap II: The End Continues and perform “Big Bottom.” Watch the performance below.
Spinal Tap released the first single from The End Continues in July, teaming up with music icon Elton John for an epic re-recording of the band’s classic cut “Stonehenge.”
Destined to become an instant cult classic, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues picks up 41 years after the release of 1984’s groundbreaking This Is Spinal Tap, when now estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls (Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer) are forced to reunite for one final concert. Documentarian Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner) returns as well, to try to capture his favorite metal gods as they contemplate mortality. Joined by music royalty like McCartney and John, Spinal Tap wrestle with their checkered past to put on a concert that they hope will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock ‘n’ roll.
“Stonehenge” looms large in Tap lore thanks to a prop gaffe captured in the first movie, where the band ordered an 18-foot high version of the monument but instead received an 18-inch one. They’ve performed the song many times since, with rocks of various sizes, and Tufnel even appeared on NatGeo’s 2008 Stonehenge: Decoded special to share his theories about the mysterious megaliths. For the new recording of the song, John brings his most arena-sized vocals to the mix, lording over shredding guitar, swirling synths, pounding drums, shrill pan pipes, and a full-band medieval jam session. Tufnel still holds down the eerie spoken parts.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues opens in theaters and IMAX nationwide today, September 12, following a recent limited theatrical re-release of This Is Spinal Tap newly restored in 4K resolution. The original film – directed by Reiner and written/improvised/performed by McKean, Guest, and Shearer – released to critical acclaim and went on to become a cult classic that has directly inspired actual metal bands like Metallica, spawned the “turn it up to 11” idiom, and been referenced in pop culture ever since. In 2002, it was deemed “culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress, and was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry.
Meanwhile, Tap have played on, reuniting for various tours, charity gigs, festivals, and TV appearances (including SNL and The Simpsons); collaborating with the likes of John Mayer, Cher, Slash, Adam “MCA” Yauch, and members of Fleetwood Mac, Foo Fighters, and Metallica; and releasing three albums: 1984’s This Is Spinal Tap, 1992’s Break Like the Wind, and 2009’s Back from the Dead, which was nominated for a Best Comedy Album GRAMMY Award (all three charted on the Billboard 200).
After releasing a series of singles this summer, Nashville-based singer/songwriter Stephen Day has officially released Moonshine via Riser House Records, the companion EP to last year’s Gold Mine. Today, he shared the infectious new track “Moonshine,” which honors those summer nights where for just a brief moment, everything seems perfect.
Day also recently announced that he will support soul-pop band Couch on the road this November following dates with Icelandic blues rock band KALEO and a fall continuation of his Gold Mine Tour, playing for over 20,000 people over the remainder of the year.
Day first offered a preview of the EP with the previously-released “Sweet Iced Tea” featuring Allen Stone, which American Songwriter lauded as “a track perfect for summer” saying it “will quench your thirst for soul music.” He followed that up with “Old News,” which saw him step into the role of classic country crooner and garnered attention from CMT, Holler, Whiskey Riff and All Country News who said it “feels like Bob Dylan wandered into a Nashville bar and picked up a guitar.”
He kicked off this year with an extensive headline tour with a number of sold-out shows in cities like Nashville, San Francisco, Boston and at LA’s Troubadour which Atwood Magazine called “a 24-karat masterclass in the enduring power of the live show.” Ahead of his sold-out show in his adopted hometown of Nashville, The Tennessean covered Day extensively in a front-page feature preceding a special-guest-filled night with Theo Katzman (Vulfpeck) and Stephen Sanchez who joined him to sing “It Was You.” Day also performed at the Recording Academy’s 24th Annual Nashville Chapter Block Party alongside Jon Pardi, 2’Live Bre and MŌRIAH.
All of this follows a series of impressive support slots with Stephen Sanchez, Teddy Swims, Ben Rector and more, as well as appearances at Wanderland Festival in the Philippines and Jazz Around Festival in Poland. In addition to touring success, since debuting in 2016, the Georgia native has co-wrote with Teddy Swims, Stephen Sanchez and Myles Smith and garnered 170M cumulative on demand streams across two EPs and three full length albums.
Tour Dates September 20 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater * September 21 – Charleston, SC – The Refinery Charleston * September 23 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe * September 24 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre * September 26 – Fort Wayne, IN – Clyde Theatre * September 27 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee * September 29 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis * October 14 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club ^ October 15 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s ^ October 17 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall ^ October 18 – Waco, TX – Common Grounds ^ October 19 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge ^ October 21 – Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall ^ October 22 – Lexington, KY – The Burl ^ October 23 – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord Stage ^ November 6 – Detroit, MI – El Club # November 7 – Chicago, IL – Ramova Theatre # November 11 – Columbus, OH – A&R Music Bar ^ November 13 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel # November 14 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall # November 15 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club # November 18 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall ^ November 20 – Asbury Park, NJ – Wonder Bar ^ November 21 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer # November 22 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner #
WXPN’s Free At Noon concert series, a cornerstone of music discovery and community for two decades, will celebrate its 1000th show on September 26 with Philadelphia legends, The Hooters, in their first appearance on the Free At Noon stage. The Hooters will perform an “unplugged” set to a sold out audience at World Cafe Live. The concert will be broadcast live on 88.5 WXPN and will be streaming live on xpn.org giving listeners the ability to see and hear the show from anywhere.
“The fact that this show has lasted over 20 years and 1000 episodes on the air is the direct result of the hard work and belief in the concept by everyone at WXPN, and – of course – our listeners and members who have supported Free At Noon from the outset,” says Dan Reed, WXPN Music Director, on-air personality, and Free At Noon talent booker. “Here’s to a thousand more!”
“Playing the 1,000th Free At Noon at World Cafe Live is especially meaningful as we were also there for the Grand Opening of the venue over 20 years ago,” The Hooters shared in a statement. “And for some of us, we’ve been listening to and a part of the WXPN radio community for much longer than that. We are musical ‘lifers’ along with the listeners of this cherished radio station, with such strong ties and connections to the city of Philadelphia and to our friends and fans in West Philly in particular. The band is flattered and honored to be a part of this Free At Noon celebration – long may WXPN run, long may WXPN rock, and we’re excited to initiate the next thousand shows of new musical horizons.”
The yearlong celebration of Free At Noon’s 20th anniversary launched in February with two sold out events featuring Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory and The Lumineers. Both of the performances were live-streamed, making them accessible to audiences everywhere.
The first Free At Noon concert, held on February 11, 2005, featured Donavon Frankenreiter, marking the start of a tradition that has since showcased nearly 1,000 performances. That first year alone brought artists such as Old Crow Medicine Show, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Ben Folds, Richard Thompson, Hanson, Buddy Guy, and G. Love to the stage. Over the years, the series has introduced audiences to rising stars like Adele, Brandi Carlile, Michael Kiwanuka, and Amos Lee, while celebrating legends like Willie Nelson, Carly Simon, Joe Jackson, The Pretenders, and Brian Wilson.
Since its inception, Free At Noon has welcomed over 295,000 attendees to its intimate live shows, with broadcasts listened to over 5.2 million times by fans worldwide. These concerts embody the power of live music to bring people together and inspire connection.
Free At Noon’s unique midday format and free admission have made it a staple of Philadelphia’s music scene and a launchpad for countless artists. With the support of WXPN members and business partners like Xfinity and Rafferty Subaru, the series continues to thrive, bridging generations and musical tastes.
“When we moved into this facility 20 years ago, we challenged ourselves to create new ways to give back to our community,” says Roger LaMay, WXPN General Manager. “Free At Noon is one of the programs that grew from that challenge, and it remains a shining example of what’s possible when music and community come together.”
As they celebrate 25 years together, Greensky Bluegrass unveil a new take on their beloved song “Windshield,” now featuring longtime collaborator Holly Bowling. Listen to/share the song HERE.
“It’s hard to convey how important Holly is to our band,” says Paul Hoffman. “She fits right in musically, personally and spiritually. I absolutely adore making music with her. During Covid we played a show as a duo, and it was my first experience reconnecting with another musician in a while. We played ‘Windshield,’ and I didn’t even want to play. We’ve done it live a few times since. Most notably last year in the audience at Red Rocks. By far one of the most powerful performance moments of my life.”
“Windshield” is the latest preview from the band’s forthcoming album, XXV, due October 31 via Big Blue Zoo Records/Thirty Tigers—a special anniversary release landing on the exact date of the band’s formation. Pre-order the album HERE.
Ahead of the album, the band has shared re-imagined versions of fan-favorites “Reverend” featuring bluegrass superstar and Grammy-Award winner Billy Strings, “Old Barns” and “Can’t Stop Now” featuring Sam Bush.
Tomorrow, the band will take the stage for their 20th performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, alongside opener Margo Price.
“We’ve called on some dear friends to breathe a touch of new life into some classic Greensky songs for your listening pleasure,” says dobroist Anders Beck. “We’ve reinvented the sounds of some of our (dare I say) ‘hits’ because after a quarter century of Greensky Bluegrass, with plenty of new music on the horizon, we believe it’s worth celebrating what the five of us have created together… and we want you to have a damn good time listening to it.”
Greensky Bluegrass started at an impromptu show in 2000 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and have developed into a marquee live act and staple in the progressive bluegrass space. XXV brings together many friends and collaborators of the band throughout their 25-year run—Sam Bush, Billy Strings, Lindsay Lou, Nathaniel Rateliff, Aoife O’Donovan, Holly Bowling and more. Each of these special guests represent chapters of the band’s continued journey.
The group is on the road for a host of headline and festival dates across North America, continuing their landmark 25th year. Stops include Charlotte, Milwaukee, Miami Beach, Jacksonville and Madison, as well as two special hometown anniversary shows at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, MI on October 31 and November 1. See HERE for tickets and additional information.
For over two decades, progressive bluegrass band Greensky Bluegrass—Anders Beck (dobro), Michael Arlen Bont (banjo), Dave Bruzza (guitar), Mike Devol (upright bass), and Paul Hoffman (mandolin)—have become known for their dynamic live performances and extensive touring schedule. With music reflecting their own lives and collective experiences, their songwriting stays true to traditional bluegrass. The band’s die-hard fans travel in droves across the country and pack multiple-night show runs at iconic venues like Red Rocks and The Ryman.
XXV Track List
Can’t Stop Now (feat. Sam Bush)
In Control (feat. Lindsay Lou)
Reverend (feat. Billy Strings)
Broken Highways
Old Barns
Last Winter in the Copper Country (feat. Holly Bowling)
Past My Prime (feat. Nathaniel Rateliff)
33443
What You Need (feat. Jennifer Hartswick and Natalie Cressman)
Who is Frederico? (feat. Jason Hann)
Lose My Way (feat. Aoife O’Donovan and Ivan Neville)
Windshield (feat. Holly Bowling)
Drink Up and Go Home
Greensky Bluegrass Tour Dates September 13—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre* September 18—Utica, NY—Saranac Brewery September 19—North Adams, MA—FreshGrass Music Festival September 20—Annapolis, MD—Annapolis Baygrass Festival September 21—Camden, NJ—XPoNential Music Festival October 2—Harrisburg, PA—XL Live October 3—Raleigh, NC—Red Hat Amphitheater October 4—Aiken, SC—Southern Strings Festival October 5—Oxford, MS—Lyric Oxford October 7—Tuscaloosa, AL—Bama Theatre October 9—Eureka Springs, AR—Hillberry Music Festival October 10—St. Louis, MO—The Pageant October 11—St. Paul, MN—Palace Theatre October 12—Milwaukee, WI—Aurora Pavilion October 29—Des Moines, IA—Hoyt Sherman Place October 30—Madison, WI—The Sylvee October 31—Kalamazoo, MI—Wings Event Center November 1—Kalamazoo, MI—Wings Event Center November 4—Cleveland, OH—Globe Iron November 6—Roanoke, VA—Shaftman Performance Hall November 7—Charlotte, NC—The Fillmore November 8—Charleston, SC—Charleston Music Hall November 9—Jacksonville, FL—FIVE November 12—Cocoa, FL—Cocoa Riverfront Park November 13—Clearwater, FL—The BayCare Sound November 14—Jupiter, FL—The Abacoa Amphitheater November 15—Miami Beach, FL—Miami Beach Bandshell December 11—Puerto Morelos, QR—Strings & Sol *with Margo Price
Some artists dominate the charts, others dominate the conversation—but what about the ones who sit in that sweet, shadowy spot where they’re famous, yet still wildly underrated? These are the bands and singers who’ve earned hits, radio play, or cult followings but remain criminally overlooked when the “greatest ever” lists get written. Think of them like Hollywood A-listers who deserve way more Oscars, or cult TV shows that deserved way more seasons. Let’s roll out the red carpet for 20 well-known but still underrated artists.
Blind Melon Best remembered for “No Rain” and that bee-girl video, Blind Melon had way more in the tank. Shannon Hoon’s soulful wail and the band’s freewheeling jams made them a grunge-era standout with deep, emotional cuts that still hit.
Blue Öyster Cult Sure, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” is iconic (and yes, more cowbell), but BÖC’s catalog is stacked with prog-rock epics and under-the-radar gems. “Astronomy” alone proves these guys were cosmic explorers, not one-trick ponies.
Carly Rae Jepsen Once labeled the “Call Me Maybe” girl, CRJ reinvented herself with Emotion—a sparkling pop masterpiece beloved by critics and fellow artists. She’s the pop star your favorite pop stars rave about, even if she’s still waiting for her mainstream due.
Cheap Trick They wrote power-pop anthems that filled stadiums and inspired entire generations. “I Want You to Want Me” might be their calling card, but deep cuts show Robin Zander and co. have more hooks than a tackle box.
Clutch These heavy-rock road warriors have been grinding for 30+ years, with a cult fanbase that swears by their live shows. Think bluesy riffs, swaggering vocals, and lyrics that wander between philosophy and barroom banter.
Coheed and Cambria Known for “Welcome Home,” Coheed actually built an entire sci-fi universe across their albums. Prog-punk space operas? Check. Guitar theatrics? Check. Fans who cosplay their lyrics at shows? Double check.
Dido Her voice is pure silk, and though “Thank You” and “White Flag” made her a household name, her catalog runs deeper. Dido blends folk, pop, and electronica with a subtlety that still feels modern two decades on.
Echo & the Bunnymen “Lips Like Sugar” gets radio love, but this Liverpool band crafted lush, moody tracks that shaped post-punk. Ian McCulloch’s croon plus shimmering guitar lines made them a secret ingredient in ‘80s alt history.
Fountains of Wayne Forever tagged as the “Stacy’s Mom” guys, they’re actually pop-rock craftsmen with whip-smart lyrics. Welcome Interstate Managers is a front-to-back gem that deserves a spot next to Weezer’s blue album in the canon.
Genesis Phil Collins-era hits get love, but the Peter Gabriel years? Pure prog-rock genius. Albums like Selling England by the Pound still leave musicians slack-jawed, proving Genesis were more than arena-friendly ballads.
Jeff Buckley “Grace” gave the world that version of “Hallelujah,” but Buckley’s voice—ethereal, anguished, soaring—made every track a masterclass. His brief career left a legacy that artists from Radiohead to Coldplay have bowed to.
Loreena McKennitt Part mystic, part troubadour, McKennitt blends Celtic, Middle Eastern, and folk sounds into spellbinding songs. She had a radio moment in the ‘90s, but her catalog is pure enchantment waiting to be rediscovered.
Mountain Yes, “Mississippi Queen” rocks, but Mountain’s deep cuts reveal a blues-rock powerhouse. Guitarist Leslie West shredded with muscle and heart, while their live albums capture a band built for big stages.
Pixies Most know “Where Is My Mind?,” but the Pixies’ influence is written all over ‘90s rock. Their quiet-loud dynamics shaped Nirvana, Radiohead, and beyond. Black Francis and Kim Deal’s chemistry? Lightning in a bottle.
Rory Gallagher The Irish bluesman’s live solos were the stuff of legend, with passion pouring out of every riff. Clapton once said Gallagher was the best guitarist in the world—and anyone who’s heard “Shadow Play” live won’t argue.
Spoon Critics adore them, musicians admire them, but Spoon still feels like indie rock’s best-kept secret. Their discography is ridiculously consistent—every album a smart, cool groove machine built to age like fine wine.
Thin Lizzy “The Boys Are Back in Town” is immortal, but Phil Lynott’s storytelling and those twin guitar leads gave Lizzy a catalog rich with ballads, rockers, and live performances that rank among rock’s best.
Tori Amos A genius songwriter with a voice that soars from whisper to wail, Amos turned pianos into confessionals. Her fearless lyrics and theatrical performances deserve the same recognition as rock’s biggest icons.
Ween Ween are genre chameleons, veering from country to metal to yacht rock—sometimes on the same album. Quirky? Absolutely. Brilliant? Always. They’ve inspired cult devotion from fans who know weirdness is timeless.
XTC British art-pop darlings whose catalog is nearly flawless, yet they never got their due outside critic circles. Andy Partridge’s songwriting was Beatles-level sharp, and albums like Skylarking remain cult classics.
If you’ve ever wished you had a studio full of assistants, a marketing team on speed dial, and a business strategist whispering in your ear—without having to shell out superstar-level dollars—welcome to 2025. Because for indie artists, AI is like suddenly discovering you’ve got Beyoncé’s glam squad, Rick Rubin’s ear, and Kris Jenner’s business brain rolled into one handy little toolkit. And here’s the kicker: it’s not here to steal your spotlight, it’s here to hand you the mic and pump up the volume.
Think of AI as the creative co-pilot who never hogs the aux cord. You’re still the driver, blasting down the highway of inspiration, but now there’s someone in the passenger seat suggesting alternate routes and playing hype man when writer’s block sets in. Artists have been using AI apps to sketch lyric ideas, generate quirky melodies, or throw out sample beats. But just like Lady Gaga riffing on a piano until something sparks, the real genius is still human. Billie Eilish once said she and Finneas like to toy with tech until it sounds “wrong enough to be right,” and that’s exactly the sweet spot indie artists find with AI—letting the tool pitch wild ideas while the artist chooses what makes the final cut. The humanity in the voice, the gut punch of a lyric, the rawness of a guitar solo—those can’t be automated.
Where AI really flexes is in production. Mixing and mastering used to be the equivalent of needing a Michelin-star chef just to scramble eggs. Now, indie musicians can drop raw tracks into AI-powered tools that clean up the hiss, balance the bass, and even spit out multiple mastering styles for you to audition. Remember when Billie Joe Armstrong famously said Green Day’s early demos sounded like they were recorded in a garage because, well, they were? Today’s garage band can still record in a garage but sound like Abbey Road thanks to AI polish. It’s like having a veteran engineer tucked inside your laptop—ready to turn up the snare without rolling their eyes at you.
Of course, music isn’t just about what comes through the headphones—it’s also about how you get people to listen. Enter AI as the marketing magician. Think of Taylor Swift’s Easter eggs or Beyoncé’s surprise drops; they’ve mastered the art of fan engagement. Indie artists now have AI assistants helping to brainstorm post ideas, cut TikTok clips, or schedule campaigns that keep fans hooked without draining every ounce of creative energy. Imagine AI suggesting you post your rehearsal bloopers on Tuesday because your followers interact more mid-week, or automatically turning your lyrics into eye-catching graphics. It’s not doing the storytelling for you—it’s handing you the glitter glue and poster board so your story shines brighter.
AI is also stirring the pot in collaborations, becoming the ultimate matchmaker for musicians. Remember when Elton John teamed up with Dua Lipa and it felt like two galaxies colliding? Now indie artists can find their perfect creative partners with the help of AI platforms that analyze style, mood, and even social overlap. That kid uploading lo-fi beats from Tokyo might be the missing puzzle piece to your dream single, and AI can help make the connection faster than a DM sliding through. Suddenly, the world feels smaller and the indie scene feels like a global jam session, with AI as the one introducing everyone at the party.
And let’s not forget the business side, the part that usually makes indie artists groan louder than a Monday morning soundcheck. Here, AI acts like your personal music-business oracle. Data that used to be locked up in spreadsheets is now translated into bite-sized insights: which city is most obsessed with your latest single, what kind of merch is flying off virtual shelves, and which playlist curators are more likely to give you a spin. It’s basically Scooter Braun’s brain—but without the Hollywood power lunches. Indie artists can make sharper decisions, pivot quicker, and even predict trends before they explode. Want to know if your disco-pop experiment might resonate next summer? AI can give you the tea before you book the studio time.
The real beauty in all this? AI isn’t the star of the show. It doesn’t stand onstage, pour sweat into the mic, or stay up until 3 a.m. rewriting a verse that just won’t sit right. That’s still you. What it does is clear away the clutter so you can spend more time being the artist fans fell in love with in the first place. Prince once said, “Technology is cool, but you’ve got to use it as opposed to letting it use you.” That advice feels tailor-made for 2025. AI is here to amplify your artistry, not replace it, and for indie musicians trying to break through the noise, that might be the most empowering encore yet.
