With each passing year comes the never-ending onslaught of exciting new music, and 2024 is no exception. In the current sea of pop-girl superstars and pop country revival, alternative and indie rock continues to thrive.
In 2024, we covered many exciting new artists here at Music Mecca. While some dropped breakout debuts, some on this list made an enormous splash this year with their second or third releases. All of these artists bring something new to the table.
Here are 10 indie and alt-rock artists who made an impression that should be on your radar if they aren't already.
10. Saint Social
Hailing from the Gulf Coast, Saint Social was formed by lifelong friends Quinn Erwin, Bryan Bourque, and Justin Gollott. We had the opportunity to cover the trio's debut self-titled album back in August. Understanding the power that music holds over us, Saint Social aims to make music that is uplifting and lively. Their single "Swagger" is a booming blues rock track with a vibrant and romping chorus. For fans of groups like The Black Keys or Queens of the Stone Age, Saint Social might just be for you with this roaring debut.
9. Thee Marloes
Hailing from Indonesia, Thee Marloes deliver charming soul music with an edge. The trio's debut album, Perak, was released in August of this year. Tracks like "Not Today" and "Over" blend smooth and sophisticated funk and vocals with bold and resonating guitar, creating a sound that is ornate and refreshing. The group is inspired by early hip-hop and 90s alternative rock. Breaking genre lines and language barriers, Thee Marloes' effortless cool is exuded in their music that is both relaxing and exciting.
8. Wishy
On their debut album, Wishy showcases an exciting blend of shoegaze, pop punk, and emo that sounds magnificently retro. Triple Seven was released back in August, with 40 minutes of bright and jangly bangers. Influenced by artists ranging from Pale Saints to Jimmy Eat World, the Indianapolis-based group embrace all things moody. "Love on the Outside" is a pure emo-pop track, while "Triple Seven" is an intoxicating dream pop song. Wishy's sound is for those wanting to return to teenage melancholy with 2000s inspired jams.
7. Slung
Slung is bringing back gritty grunge with an introspective edge. After gaining a loyal following across the pond, the British alt-rock group released their debut single, "Neurotic," back in September, which we had the opportunity to cover. Frontwoman Katie Oldham is a vocal powerhouse amidst the wall of mesmerizing sound. Slung combines the thunderous noise rock of Sonic Youth with hazy shoegaze elements that will have you looking forward to what the band has up their sleeve next.
6. The Last Dinner Party
Inspired by glam rock and art pop, The Last Dinner Party released their explosive debut album Prelude to Ecstasy in February of this year. The British girl group is inspired by artists like David Bowie, Kate Bush, and the post-punk movement. Their lyrics delve into Biblical and mythological imagery, adding an elevated drama to their songs. Their breakout hit, "Nothing Matters," is theatrical, groovy, and incredibly catchy. The Last Dinner Party has enchanted their listeners with opulence and baroque-era stylings.
5. Friko
Composed of vocalist/guitarist Niko Kapetan and drummer Bailey Minzenberger, Friko captures the spirit of 2000s indie rock. With a sound that ranges from soaring and theatrical to light acoustics, the Chicago-based duo released their debut album, Where We've Been, Where We Go From Here in February. Each track is punchy, danceable, and at times, anthemic. With a wide range of influences, the band released a dreamy acoustic cover of My Bloody Valentine's "When You Sleep," as well as a cover of Radiohead's "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi." Friko delivers an intriguing blend of dance punk and indie, showing that they are a group to keep your eye on.
4. Keep for Cheap
Delivering a captivating blend of pop, folk, and indie, Keep for Cheap have deemed their own sound as "prairie rock." We had the opportunity to cover their new album, Big Grass, back in September. A thoughtful and dreamy look at young adulthood, Keep for Cheap shares their fears for the future and reflections on the past. The Minneapolis-based band explores the duality of emotions while going home on standout track "Lakehouse," as lead vocalist Autumn Vale feels both resentment and nostalgia looking back at her childhood. Keep for Cheap delivers introspective themes with a full, rich sound.
3. MK.gee
MK.gee (pronounced "McGee") released the explosive and bewitching Two Star & The Dream Police in February of this year. Born as Michael Gordon, the New Jersey native had the opportunity to perform on SNL along with a world tour, stopping at Marathon Music Works in Nashville back in September. With standout tracks like "Are You Looking Up," "Alesis," and new single "ROCKMAN," MK.Gee blends 80s electro-pop, R&B, and idiosyncratic production to create songs that are murky, mystifying, and uplifting. With a distinct and wistful sound, MK.gee is putting a retro spin on alternative rock.
2. Dummy
Dummy is a creatively restless band, constantly experimenting with new synths, vocal loops, and crossing genre lines. Their latest album, Free Energy, was released in September of this year. On this new project, the four-piece Los Angeles band wanted to create music that was psychedelic and danceable. Drenched in feedback and twinkling synths, Dummy's sound is an intoxicating blend of influences like My Bloody Valentine and Stereolab, and is sure to be a hit with fans of psych-rock and shoegaze.
1. MJ Lenderman
With a hypnotic blend of alternative and indie pop rock, Asheville native MJ Lenderman made waves in the music world with the release of his latest album, Manning Fireworks, in September. As a member of the acclaimed rock group Wednesday, Lenderman's newest album earned him Top 20 spots on the end-of-year lists from Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. Performing at AMERICANAFEST in Nashville along with two sold out shows at The Blue Room and The Basement East, Lenderman captivates the crowd with his blend of pedal steel twang and irreverent lyrics. Manning Fireworks is a cohesive masterwork full of country-fried earworms and profound humor. His sound is reminiscent of early alt-rock heroes like Jeff Tweedy and Stephen Malkmus, creating an irresistible atmosphere, thus earning the top slot.
Featured photo: MJ Lenderman
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