While many shun the blog-friendly indie scene as being overly hip/exclusive/offbeat, I find that the more I listen, the more I find acts that offer mainstream appeal. Given the changing landscape of the music industry discussed in Olivia Coléon’s article, The Return To The Stage, I believe that independent acts and smaller label-dwellers have the opportunity to shine in the national spotlight more than ever.
I am in no way claiming that the general music taste of the public has changed, merely that it’s far easier for an act to find their way to a listener’s ears and heart. One such example would be my pop radio loving older brother. He’s definitely not one to search diligently for new music on his own, but he has been receptive when I offer my suggestions.
The following picks are musicians that not only appeal to me, but also my friends and relatives who rely on centralized channels for new music. Comment below with a list of your own.
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1. Chiddy Bang
This indie-friendly hip hop duo may not be independent (signed to EMI), but their tracks have a huge appeal to indie scene bloggers everywhere. Their remix of MGMT’s “Kids”, entitled “The Opposite of Adults”, is filled with rap hooks and pop culture references that would make it an instant hit with a mainstream audience.
Truth – Chiddy Bang (Buy)
2. Florence and the Machine
This British phenom breathes fire in her debut album, Lungs, which has been well-received worldwide. She’s not only popular on blogs, but also the shunned television network known as MTV. With a dramatic flair that rivals GaGa, Florence and the Machine deserves the momentum she’s gained since being featured on the BBC.
3. Two Door Cinema Club
Here’s a band poised to break into the national spotlight here in the States. Though they’ve already gained widespread popularity and sold out some of the larger venues across the pond in the UK, they’re still playing the smaller stages in the US. With a major US tour planned, though, it’s my guess that in the next few months even Nickelback fans will know their radio-friendly hit “Undercover Martyn” and “Something Good Can Work”.
Undercover Martyn – Two Door Cinema Club Undercover Martyn – Two Door Cinema Club (Buy)
4. The Hood Internet
Generally not a mash-up lover, I’ve fallen in love with the magical compositions blended by the dudes known as The Hood Internet. They take well-known hits, inject some indie goodness, and present their listeners with perfectly constructed tracks. Some of my favorites include “The XX Gon’ Give It To Ya”, “Giving Up The Sunshowers”, and “Back That Sleepyhead Up”. You can download every single one of their mash-ups for free on their website. Prepare to grind to these at your next frat party. Word.
5. Wakey!Wakey!
Probably the gushiest of my picks, Wakey!Wakey! isn’t exactly an indie band, yet their involvement in the New York music scene nabs them the final spot on my list. They sing about heartbreak and falling in love, but their appeal is more about the composition and melody of their songs than the lyrics. Michael Grubbs’ smooth vocals are thoroughly enjoyable and very appealing to fans of alternative pop aka The Fray.
22 – Wakey!Wakey! 22 – Wakey!Wakey! (Buy)
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Photo courtesy of http://www.telegraph.co.uk
