If you know me than you know that whatever I'm doing I most likely have music on in the background. Although I have an extremely diverse taste in music I find that I mostly listen to alternative and indie music. I love discovering new music and I love sharing the music I love with my friends and even my family, so I figured here would be a good place to share some of my top picks. Being a person that plays music and listens to music, it is such huge part of my life, so I'm super excited to invite you into my daily playlist! I hope you discover some new music that you love, hate, or just plain can tolerate (hopefully mostly love though). Press play on my top six alternative artists of this year, in no particular order!
1. Declan Mckenna
This beautifully talented boy and is emerging in the music industry at only the age of eighteen. He came from the United Kingdom and his music has now spread into the United States. He has yet to release a full album, but has released two EPs and four singles from those EPs. Declan has a one of a kind style, with song like "Brazil" and "Isombard" that give you a light happy feeling. His music makes me want to drive down the shore with my windows rolled down, music blasting in the warm sun. Brazil is one of my all time favorite songs with its carefree feel.
2. Moose Blood
Moose Blood, oh Moose Blood. The band's name itself may turn some people off to giving them a listen, but this United Kingdom band is definitely worth throwing on shuffle. Though the music is a bit more on the punk, "emo" side of alternative, the songs are catchy and worth a listen for the lyrics. This is one of those bands that has stories imbedded within their lyrics and there are a variety of emotions exhibited in their music. Give "Knuckles", "Honey", and "Gum" a listen!
3. Bastille
You've probably heard of the band Bastille before, one of their better known songs being "Pompeii". Though this year they released a new album entitled "Wild World" and it has defied the odds that Bastille would be nothing but a one hit wonder. A group of men from Britain, Bastille has once again invaded America with their indie-pop sound. "Wild World" features a variety of songs from slower ballad like pieces to upbeat songs you can dance to. Different tracks on the album include voiceovers and noises giving the album a whole different vibe than ever before.
4. The 1975
Ah, the 1975. A band that's been around for quite a while now, originating from England released their second album this year entitled, "I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It". Personally I'm a sucker for long titles and I think that this album's is absolutely adorable. Fans of The 1975 weren't sure how the band would ever follow up their first self-titled record, but they definitely did it with this second album. With a bit of a change of tone The 1975 presents songs for all sorts of moods on this album from "Love Me" which makes you want to dance and jump around to "A Change of Heart", a slower song with a steady beat that could be your next break up song. Plus who doesn't love a good dose of Matty Healy, am I right?
5. The Hunna
The Hunna is an indie rock group also from England. They were featured on Sirius XM's Alt Nation's Advanced Placement Tour, which was a tour to essentially introduce and present newer alternative artists. The Hunna has a pounding rock sound that is fun and exhilarating. The Hunna will make you want to dance and just have a good time. Songs like "You & Me" and "Bonfire" are the types of songs that I'd want playing as part of the soundtrack I'd have if my life was a movie. These songs are just feel good songs that you'll want to turn the volume up on.
6. Catfish and The Bottlemen
With their creative name and all, straight out of the United Kingdom, Catfish and the Bottlemen have torn up the alternative music scene in the United States. Their an indie rock band with a definite sound and a definite attitude. Van McCann's ragged voice is so real it almost feels like you're listening to a boy you know, not a some famous singer of a rock band. Within the lyrics you find the stories of young adults shining through, things we can all relate to like that one night type of flirtation to that long-term type of relationship.
Happy Listening!