Alvvays

History: Alvvays is an indie pop group from Ontario, Canada. They currently have two albums; Alvvays (2014) and Antisocialites (2017). Their music has been described as Jangle Pop or Dream Pop. The band has had several live shows and are still touring around as of this post going up. It's also worth noting that Alvvays is pronounced "Always".

The Scoop: Alvvays is a very cool and unique band that I happened upon while randomly clicking through youtube suggested videos. The first song I found was Archie, Marry Me. I really enjoyed the feeling that the song brought with it. It was almost like going back in time. I purchased the song and listened to it for a couple weeks before seeking more from this group.  I was pleasantly surprised to find another song I really enjoyed titled Dreams Tonite. I only listened to this song for a couple days before going and purchasing Alvvays' full discography. There was only one song I didn't end up adding to my playlist after listening to both albums. This band has such a unique vibe that you really can't get anywhere else. I highly suggest listening to the tracks I've embedded below.

Spotify

Check out this Spotify playlist with all the songs from my posts and more!

Courtney Barnett

History: Courtney Barnett is an Australian singer/songwriter/musician that was born November 3rd, 1987. She has two albums and three EPs in her discography. Her album "Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit" won several awards at the ARIA music awards in 2015 and was nominated for eight categories.

The Scoop: Normally I'm not a huge fan of artists that practically talk during their songs but something about Courtney's style just gets me. The stories she tells through her songs are very relatable and I find them comforting to listen to. Not to mention her songs are extremely catchy and get stuck in my head constantly. It has a good classic indie/alternative vibe mixed with some very unique melodies that jive really well with each other. If you have the time go ahead and listen to the songs I've embedded below. You won't be disappointed!

The Crane Wives

History:
The Crane Wives are a folk band from Grand Rapids, Michigan that formed in 2010. They aren't currently signed to any record label but have been touring around Michigan and surrounding states.
The Scoop: 
I found out about The Crane Wives when I found out that they were performing a show near me. After a quick listen to their newest song I instantly fell in love with their unique folk style. I  purchased and downloaded their entire discography and have not been disappointed. Their composition and intense musical expression make a powerful combo that consistently blows me away. I'm not really sure how to describe their music so instead, I'll just link some of their work below. I highly recommend giving them a listen.

Hot Chip

History:
Hot Chip is an Indie Electronic band from London, England. They have six albums released from 2004-2015. Hot Chip has made appearances at many festivals such as Coachella and Ultra Music Festival.
The Scoop:
If you are looking for a fun Indie Electronic band with weird music videos, then look no further. This band is a delight to listen to and they have a very cool and interesting groove. I only listen to a handful of their songs on a regular basis but they are fantastic. I highly suggest listening to some of the tracks linked below.

Sarah Jaffe

History:
Sarah Jaffe is an indie artist from Red Oak, Texas. Her first EP Even Born Again was released in 2008 and gained recognition from both Rolling Stone magazine and the Dallas Observer. She has continued to release albums since then and has another one called Bad Baby that has just recently released.
The Scoop:
I genuinely enjoy both Sarah's first and second albums. The first one was a little underproduced due to budget but had a lot of heart. Her second album Suburban Nature is my favorite. It has a nice acoustic vibe with added violin for some really powerful moments. This is produced well, has good sound quality, and a lot of meaning put into it. After these two albums it kind of falls of in my opinion. Sarah Jaffe's music got more electric and "synthy" if that makes any sense. Her more recent albums sound like mainstream pop instead of the lyrical indie music I enjoyed listening to in her first two albums. I have listened to her full discography and the albums titled The Body Wins, Don't Disconnect,  Bad Baby, and Visions are very dissimilar from her early work, so much so that you can hardly tell it's the same artist.

I have linked the full Suburban Nature album below.

EDIT: I believe Sarah's record label removed the video I linked due to copyright violation after they saw my post. My point still stands though please look up the songs individually if you have to. It's good stuff!

Eluveitie

I'll be honest. I've been listening to Eluveitie for a while now. I decided they deserved a post though, regardless of when I started listening to them. Eluveitie is a Celtic/Folk Metal band that combines some very interesting instruments into a hard and heavy hitting sound that leaves you wanting more. Many of their songs are not in English although the ones I listen to are. Eluveitie was founded in 2002 by Chrigel Glanzmann. Since then they have put out 8 albums including their demo album. They have plans to release a new album in 2018 titled Rebirth. The best way for me to describe this band is as a strange mix between Paramore and the Dropkick Murphys. If you have to time I recommend listening to the tracks I've linked below.