So some guy named "Tyler, the Creator" won Best New Artist at the VMA's last night. Now I know the VMA's are very, very, corporate. But here are some Indie Bands who should/could have claimed the award.
1) Foster the People
FtP were even listed on the nominations bill. Not a shocker since they have blown up in the last three months. Since releasing their EP in January, "Pumped Up Kicks" has blown up. In addition, their debut LP Torches (released back in May) is top to bottom a great bridge between the indie/pop markets. Below we've posted them performing the closer of their album, and our personal favorite, "Broken Jaw," live at SXSW.
2) The Naked and Famous
TNAF are a indie-pop group from a small town in New Zealand. Their debut record Passive Me, Aggressive you is chalk full of dance-type jams including their hit "Young Blood." Their LP topped the BBC Radio charts in New Zealand and Australia forcing them to embark on a world tour. Check out "Young Blood" below.
3) Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
Don't be scared away by the name. These guys have a very "bubble-gum indie" feel to them as well. In fact, one of the members of the band is even in the freecreditreport.com commercial (see below). Their album It's a Corporate World (which is even more hipster than their band name) is one of those records that makes you feel good beginning to end. They even have an associated band called Victorious Secret. Below we've posted the SoundCloud embed from their website.
It's A Corporate World by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
4) Grouplove
This band's self-titled debut EP shocked people when they first heard it and after gaining steam from a spectacular Lollapalooza show, they are set to blow up upon the release of their first LP on September 13th called Never Trust a Happy Song. Might be a bit early for these guys, but if they do blow up, expect them there next year. Below is their performance of "Colours" at Lolla.
5) WALK THE MOON
This band can best be described as "MGMT-lite." On their first LP i want! i want! from last November, they mix the guitar and synthesizer moods of MGMT perfectly. In doing so, they aren't poppy and 17 year old girl music, like Oracular Spectacular. Instead, they attract a much wider indie-pop audience. Even better, they give away free face paint at their live shows. Check out the music video for "Anna Sun" below.
6) Yuck
Another band from foreign shores, Yuck, and their self-titled debut, hail from England. Praised by similar artists around the country via Twitter, the band began to gain steam and recently announced a Fall Tour. Check out their opening song, "Get Away," below.
7) The Vaccines
Nothing more hipster than a debut album entitled What Did You Expect from the Vaccines? right? This London based band released their LP in March and garnished enough appeal to land them an opening day spot at Lollapalooza. Check out their slow building song "If You Wanna" at Lollapalooza below.
8) Fitz and the Tantrums
A neo-soul group who's debut LP Pickin' Up the Pieces came out August of last year. Named after their lead-singer/headman Michael Fitzpatrick, they are well-known for their hit single "Moneygrabber."Their live performances are very catered to the crowd's own enjoyment (see "Moneygrabber" live at Lollapalooza below) and they have performed on multiple late night T.V. shows.
9) The Joy Formidable
This three-piece band of childhood friends from England has been around since 2007 but released their first LP The Big Roar on January 24th. They were introduced to America last year when they opened two sold out shows for Passion Pit at New York City's Terminal 5. They recently played Lollapalooza this year. Their hit, "Whirring," has a pop-feel but then surprises you when it jams at the end. Check it out below at Lollapalooza.
10) Best Coast
So they released their debut EP in '09, but their LP was released in July of last year so wouldn't even qualify for the award last year. Although their album is a little whiny and boy crazy, it still has some good tunes on it to carry you through the summer. Below is their most depressing/whiny/surf rock boy crazy song "Boyfriend."
11) Washed Out
Take a look at the album artwork for this band's debut LP Within and Without from July and you just know it's good. Check out the first song, "Eyes Be Closed" below.
12) Cults
Another "bubble-gum indie" pick here. The self-titled LP and the two catchy songs "Go Outside" and "Bumper" land this indie-pop duo on the list. Below is their quick and fun hit "Bumper."
13) Young the Giant
Formed in 2004, Young the Giant never really took off until they toured with Minus the Bear in 2010. Once they released their self-titled debut in January, they gained attention and then played a set at Lollapalooza earlier this month. Check out their song, "My Body," below.
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