Indie. The antithesis of pop. Or is it? In 2025, indie music dipped into all genres. Slow and melodic to fast and driving, the indie music scene has something for everyone. Here are the best of 2025.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
The Crux by DJO
Joe Keery. Actor, singer, songwriter. What can’t he do?
Known as “DJO” (pronounced “Joe”) by his fans, he has been releasing music since 2000 and has been gaining a following ever since. His unique blend of styles seems to have something for everyone. From the Beatles-esque “Charlie’s Garden” to the sister-love anthem “Back on You,” DJO has unlocked something special with The Crux.
Do yourself a favor and give this album a listen from start to finish. I guarantee you will find something that tugs at your heartstrings.
Streaming music? You may be interested in how a VPN affects your internet connection.
Portal by Balu Brigada
This is the first album released by New Zealander duo Balu Brigada, and it did not disappoint. This indie rock sound is the adrenaline-soaked soundtrack of memories. The duo walks us through their album, song by song, revealing their inspirations. The intentional choices and toe tapping good beats have us sat for another album.
This is another album worth listening to, top to bottom. Preferably with sunglasses on.
If you’re a music lover, you may also like this article on the 5 best Bose computer speakers for better audio.
EARWORM by LAUNDRY DAY
The four-piece band from New York was officially formed in 2016 when the members were all in high school. By graduation, they had already released 3 albums and toured around the country! They’ve set high expectations, and they have yet to let us down.
Indeed, this album is full of earworms! Laundry Day are known for their storytelling albums. This one starts with an early 2000s club vibe (“R U READY?”) that transforms into a yearning love song.
By utilizing a synthesizer, clever lyrics, and fresh sounds that just don’t quit, we can’t seem to get enough. They remind me of if the Backstreet Boys were a 2025 indie band.
Moneyball by Dutch Interior
Dutch interior gives listeners a slow, alternative sound that entices you to lean in closer. Incorporating subtle Western elements, the band lovingly refers to their sound as “Freak Americana.” This album is downright melancholy, conjuring visions of a lone cowboy pausing to watch the sunset.
Created by six friends from Southern California, this album takes listeners on a rich journey. You’ll know the emotion is ramping up by the addition of the driving guitar. This album is good for a long drive.
Having trouble with Spotify? Here’s how to get it back if it suddenly disappeared from your computer.
Super Pedestrian by Annie DiRusso
Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, this indie rock album is Annie DiRusso’s debut. She started releasing singles in 2017 and had a song blow up on TikTok in 2021. She opened for well-known musicians like Declan McKenna and Peach Pit, but only released her first album this year.
This album is a true representation of who Annie is. It is made for those who tend to give just a little too much of themselves away in relationships, but have learned to pick up the pieces. The songs are full of whimsy and longing with an overarching self-awareness. Knowing you’re making the wrong decision and making it anyway.
This song is perfect to listen to in your room, headphones on.
Looking to discover even more underground music? You may be interested in Soulseek.
“Indie” is becoming harder to define, these days. You are often better off choosing a further broken-down subgenre, such as indie rock, alt indie, etc. These articles aim to cover a variety of authentic albums from old and new artists alike. Happy listening!
—
Author: Jayne Turner is a freelance writer from Orange, California. She has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with an emphasis on language and cognition. She has ten years of musical theatre experience and a lifelong love of reading. Utterly excited by the brain, she brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the topics that intrigue us most.
