30 Favourite Indie Songs from 2022, So Far
Indie Rock, Indie Folk, Indietronica and everything in between - Songs You Should Be Listening To.
Hi Pal,
Welcome to another Rapid Recommendations Newsletter where I share some artists, bands or albums that I feel deserve some attention on your listening queue. But first a little housekeeping…
I recently transitioned into creating paid content and although most of my other content is free, I will be creating new content for paid subscribers. Rapid Recommendations is remaining in the free section, but still, if you’re willing to support the work I’m doing here, please consider it.
I had something different planned for this episode, but this is an itch that I’ve needed to scratch for a little while now. We all have our music listening habits and trends; and if you ask me, I’m an album guy. I have a weakness for ignoring singles, even from artists I love, because I am ‘waiting’ for a full-length project.
Writing this newsletter has helped me with this as I have been compelled to check out new singles/EPs and found some unique gems. Keeping the focus on Indie, in no particular order, here are some fantastic tunes you should be listening to.
Also, I did my best to feature a band/artist just once.
1— Love Like Yours by Ben Trip, Christian Singleton
Christian Singleton is so talented that I believe she can create anything. Everything about Ben Trip’s sound reflects a vibrant indie soul. Together, they are a match I would love to hear again and again.
2- Born Again by Jess Ray
Jess Ray’s two new singles are great. Born Again is a song that blends heartland rock and indie pop sensibilities.
3- I’m The Weakest Link by Half-Handed Cloud
Half-Handed Cloud’s Flutterama is currently my favourite experimental indie album of the year. This song embodies everything brilliant about this masterpiece.
4- 1:11 by RIDERS
RIDERS is hands down one of the best indie pop groups out there. Their infectious, energetic sound and their unique vocals make them a must for every indie playlist.
5- Sparrow Eyes by Former Ruins
Former Ruins is something special and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for an album this year. His blend of atmospheric folk rock and post-punk undertones pairs nicely with his baritone vocals. It’s just great!
6- Dark Night Of The Soul by Wild Earth
Objectively, there are probably better songs on this album. But there is something about the moody synths on this track that get me every time.
7- So Sure by Colorvault, Young Oceans, Alex Taylor
Colorvault is the only group that can drop one of the best art-pop/electro-pop worship albums I’ve ever listened to and months later, drop a single that becomes my new favourite from them.
8- Dawning by THEM PARENTS
This couple dropped an indie folk gem earlier this year, and that’s all there is to it. Beautiful stuff!
9- Meet With You by Ethan Nathaniel, Taylor Armstrong
This is one collaboration I didn’t know I needed, but I’m sure glad that it exists.
10- Temple by James David William
James David William making a post-punk revival worship song is still one of the most fascinating listening experiences of my year.
11- Unforced Rhythms by Allswell
I’ve lost count of the number of playlists I’ve created with this song and I have no intention of stopping. It’s so deserving of all the attention it gets.
12- En Gedi by Atlas Rhoads
If this song is any indication of the direction of this band’s next album, I may have to prepare myself for one of the most emotional listening experiences I’ve had in some time.
13- Year of The Drought by Muntjac
One of my favourite artists in what I like to call ‘storyteller indie’, I can’t wait for his next album.
14- Searching For by ISLY
ISLY is on my list of exciting indie-pop/electro-pop bands to look out for. This tune gives you an idea of why.
15- Home by John Mark Pantana
Right now, I feel like JMP just drops a few singles in the year and disappears. I hope we get that album/EP soon.
16- By What Standard? by Zambroa
Standing as my favourite indie pop EP of the year yet, Zambroa’s knack for mixing up different sounds while still maintaining that indie core is near genius.
17- Tired by Liv Douglas
This song is from what I’d describe as my favourite indie folk album of the year, so far. I’m blown away by Liv Douglas’ vulnerability on every track of this project.
18- Branch & Vine by BELOVED
I need more BELOVED in my life. Beautiful and soothing indie worship will always bless my ears as long as this project exists.
19- Temple by Cether, Dâmares Gomes
Two days ago, I knew nothing about Cether and now I’m their biggest fan. This is such a beautiful indie rock/pop tune.
20- The Blind Man by Bec Armour
Bec Armour has one of the most soothing voices in Christian Alternative music and this song reflects this.
21- Norah by Josiah
Another wonderful addition to my ‘storyteller’ indie list. I look forward to more songs from Josiah.
22- Psalm 89 by The Jonah Project
Indie rock, folk punk and emo pop — to name a few — these guys can do whatever they want.
23- Only One by Fyr Fytr, Chris Miller
This dropped a little earlier in the year, and it still sounds fresh every time I listen.
24- Babylon by Rob Ray, Wade Walker
Another collaboration on this list from two of my favourites. Folk at its finest.
25- Haunted Halls by Jonathan Allen Wright
JAW’s versatility is what makes him stand out every single time.
26- goandtell by Hannah Honey
It’s rare for a debut single to sound this great and yet, here we are. I expect great things from Hannah Honey.
27- Even So Come by Maximilian
Maximillan’s album is a story for another day. However, I may not have given it a chance if this song did not exist.
28- For You by Civilized Creature
I’m not sure I know anyone that does chaotic experimental indietronica/electronica like this man. The hip-hop infusion is only a bonus.
29- Those Who Love by WYLD
WYLD is another artist that bridges the indie and electronic soundscapes seamlessly.
30- Hallowed by The Substant
The EP that this song is from falls under the ‘happy accidents’ category. I have no regrets.
Check out the playlist below for a collection of these amazing songs. I also plan to update the playlist as more indie songs are released this year.
That’s it for today.
Until next time.
Keep listening!