So much music, so little time.

What’s new in the world of indie music? Here are some newer Indie artists – along with Indie veterans – whose music merits more attention.

Sunny War 

Los Angeles blues-based guitarist Sunny War may just get a Grammy nomination this year.

Released this year, her new “Anarchist Bible” album is an impressive combination of spunk (“No Reason”), desperation (“I Got No Fight”), spite (“Baby Bitch”), and vulnerability (“New Day”).

Her guitar work is impeccable, and her vocals are soulful and deep. “Anarchist Bible” even boasts guest appearances by Allison Russell and Dave Rawlings.

Currently on our playlist, here’s “Whole”:

Look for Sunny War’s music on iTunes or on her website.

Nation of Language

American synth-pop Nation of Language are an Indie band to keep your eye on.

New track “Sole Obsession” is top-notch. It’s the first single they’ve released from their upcoming “Strange Disciple” album, which drops in September.

Based in Brooklyn, band members are Aidan Noéll (synth), Ian Devaney (vocals, synth and guitar) and Alex Mackay (bass).

Sole Obsession

The band is currently on tour, and play both Portland and Seattle next month.

The Hugs

Last year, Portland’s The Hugs returned with their 7th studio album. It’s a dandy.

Recorded in Portland between September 2020 and March 2021, it’s thirteen tracks of sonically rich indie pop-rock. At the helm is musician Danny Delgato still doing what he loves.

Deserving high praise is “Beautiful Rich.” And opening track “Singing Out My Window,” with its dreamy pop storytelling, is another highlight. “Singing Out My Window” was mixed by Gordon Raphael (The Strokes, Regina Spektor).

“It’s about the late actor River Phoenix, and from his point of view in the afterlife,” explains Delgato.

Have a listen!

The band just played Portland and Los Angeles with upcoming dates in Seattle and Astoria.

You can find The Hugs new album on Bandcamp.

Crystal Cities

Sidney’s Indie rock Crystal Cities have been releasing top-tier music for quite some time. New tracks like “The Strangest Dream”  and “I Should Have Known That This Was War” are exciting, compelling rock you’re sure to love.

I Should Have Known That This Was War

The Australian alt-rockers consist of Geoff Rana (vocals, guitar, keys), Jared King (bass, vocals) and Need Shukla (drums, percussion).

Find their music on bandcamp!

Alex Hall 

Indie rock virtuoso Alex Hall just concluded his second Glastonbury Festival appearance this year.

Based in the U.K., Hall is best known for his unique blend of cinematic meets-quirky British Indie-pop. Portland Radio Project has been playing Hall’s music for a while now.

I was first introduced to Alex Hall’s music by top-notch music journalist Tony Hardy (Best New Bands, Consequence of Sound).

Hardy is also one of the judges for Emerging Artists at the Glastonbury Festival!

Alex Hall is an adept multi-instrumentalist, expertly floating between synths, guitars, drums and trumpets. Look for his delightful, cleverly written “Still Hurts.”

This year, PRP has Hall’s silky-smooth “Take You Back” on our playlist. It even includes a trumpet solo!

Have a listen:

Take You Back

 

beabadoobee

Filipino-born singer-songwriter beabadoobee has been writing songs and playing guitar since she was 17.

She first broke into the music scene with daydreamy  “Coffee” in 2017. Later the upbeat samba of “Perfect Pair” from her “Beatopia” release earned her lots of new admirers.

Check out the fun pop-punk vibe of beabadoobee’s “Talk”:

Talk

beabadoobee (aka Beatrice Laus) received a nomination in the Brit Awards Rising Star category.

beabadoobee recently opened for Taylor Swift’s “Eras” Tour and is based in London.

Fruit Bats 

No strangers to Indie rock, the impeccable Fruit Bats merit seeking out. At the helm of Fruit Bats is ever-talented musician Eric Johnson.

Skillful soft-rock arrangements comprise their newest release, “A River Running to Your Heart.”

“River” is a playful collection of expertly crafted tracks. For example, we’re loving exuberant “Rushin’ River Valley,” uplifting “Waking Up in Los Angeles,” and sweet, nostalgic “We Used to Live Here.”

Rushin’ River Valley

Simply put, Fruit Bats continue to amaze.

Caroline Polachek

Alternative pop singer songwriter Caroline Polachek is an artist to watch. She released her innovative and noteworthy “Arcadia” debut in 2014 under the name Ramona Lisa.

She’s released four albums since. Her newest “Desire, I Want to Turn Into You,” is getting rave reviews.

Portland Radio Project has hit single “Bunny is a Rider” on our playlist.

“Sunset” is another winning track. Have a listen:

Sunset

Pitchfork ranked “Bunny Is a Rider” at the top of their “Best Songs of 2021” list.

Currently touring in Europe, Polachek has some California dates set for August.

That’s a wrap!

This is a good time to remind you, our loyal listeners, to support Portland Indie artists – and all musicians – by buying their music. 

We here at PRP support local music and Indie artists every day…show us some love!

Please consider making a donation today.

Cynthia Orlando
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