Read time: 2 min 28 secs
Beach Fossils – “May 1st”
Fuck what your calendar says, May 1st is the official start of summer in the book of the common man. Jangly riffs, a tasty bassline, airy harmonies, and a shot of optimism help make this a seasonal staple
The Strokes – “Eternal Summer”
This is not your older brother’s Strokes CD. Breezy guitar work and a falsetto-laden Julian Casablancas turn this into an indie pop anthem, but the punch of grit in the chorus reminds you it’s still rock at heart
Alex G – “Runner”
Car’s packed, tank’s full, snacks and drinks grabbed. This is the song you wanna queue up to kick off the road trip
Mk.gee – “Roll With The Punches”
If you first heard Mk.gee on his 2024 album, let me introduce you to a new artist… 2018 Mk.gee. Before he carved out his dark and twisted indie-alt niche, he was making funky pop with warbled synths and anthemic hooks
Love Seats – “through”
This might sound crazy to Brooklyn and LA, but some of the best indie music right now is coming out of Oklahoma City. Consider this Example A
okaywill – “Tomorrow”
This track walks the line between chilled-out indie and indie banger, and owns beachfront real estate on my Spotify Wrapped. The perfect soundtrack for patio hangs
Jermango Dreaming – “Breeze”
You know that moment when someone says “Can you play some music?” You know your mix will eventually fade into background noise, but you still spend what feels like forever scrolling for the perfect first track to set the tone. This is one of the best “first song on the aux” songs ever
Kowloon – “Life in Japan”
It’s hard to feel even a hint of negativity when this is playing. From the moment that opening guitar riff explodes in your ears, the energy is infectious
Babe Rainbow – “LONG LIVE THE WILDERNESS”
My favorite rip off their April album Slipper Imp and Shakearator. It has this loose energy like a bunch of friends are hanging in the studio and everyone gets a chance to hop on the mic and sing along
Bay Ledges – “sunsunsun”
One of the all-time feel-good hooks sandwiched between short verses that let it shine. A masterclass in vibe construction
Jaguar Sun – “Boris”
I usually turn to Jaguar Sun for rainy day introspection but this one feels tailor-made for a sunny afternoon, preferably by a body of water
Chastity Belt – “I-90 Bridge”
It hooks you with surfy guitar work but the lyrics are sharper than your typical summer vibes track. Extra credit for the cover art
Münechild – “Someday”
Once this becomes your new warm weather addiction, don’t stress over the lack of releases or the dead-end social links… He didn’t disappear, just rebranded to Gemini Cove
Dante Elephante – “Las Vegas”
A sundae of disco and soul sounds with a retro drizzle; the ‘first night of vacation’-like optimism it evokes is the cherry on top
LEISURE – “Sundown”
Their latest offering goes full-on summer anthem without losing the swanky jazz lounge vibe that makes them so damn cool
Durand Jones & The Indications – “Flower Moon”
Another one hot off the presses. Aaron Frazer’s velvety vocals float like a runaway balloon on this song that hits just right during a morning stroll
Knox Fortune – “Lil Thing”
Genre-bending yet effortlessly cool, this one’s been on repeat since the pandemic days. Added bonus that he dropped a new song in April after a lengthy solo hiatus
Emmett Kai and Nick Monaco – “Summer Wine”
Has all the makings of a chart-topper, but the understated delivery and production give it a relaxed air like this is what the cool kids are listening to
French Cassettes – “Santa Cruz Tomorrow”
Makes you feel like you’re tagging along on a joyride down the Pacific Coast Highway. Air guitar’s definitely out during that solo
Eldar Kedem – “Walking Around”
Reminiscent of the upbeat, jangly guitar riffs of bands like Real Estate and Local Natives that have been summer staples for years
NEIL FRANCES – “Took a While”
Anchored by a big drumbeat and groovy bassline, this summer anthem channels the spirit of peak Tame Impala
Myd – “The Sun”
Undeniable indie banger for when the day party hits a late afternoon lull and needs a little pick me up
Teilz – “Type of Girl”
Some modern disco energy to keep people moving and singing along, even if it’s their first time hearing the song
Husbands – “She’s a Betty”
More support for my previous claims about Oklahoma City. Husbands hits like a modern spin on The Beach Boys; fun and surfy but with a little more edge
Jo Hill – “HONEYMOON”
Approachable, but with unique production and vocal delivery to help it carve out its own lane in the groovy pop landscape
DOPE LEMON – “Rose Pink Cadillac”
He has always intrigued me with a unique blend of indie rock, pop, soul and folk. His distinctive voice, cadence and imagery on this song draw unexpected comparisons to Bob Dylan for me
tomy wyne – “Know You Better”
A little more upbeat and sun soaked than some of their more popular tracks while keeping their laid-back energy in tact
Jeff Lamb – “Moe The Dog”
His first single of the year landed at the ideal time, bringing park hang vibes just as the weather started heating up on the East Coast
url – “yellow pack”
I heard this song for the first time while riding the Pacific Surfliner train from San Diego to LA and it almost convinced me to extend my Cali stay
Sweet and Lonely – “Crawling Home When the Morning Comes”
A pleasant balance of breezy indie pop and modern folk with little splashes of psychedelic electronics to keep you on your toes. Endlessly replayable and the perfect backdrop for a crisp summer night
Mk.gee – “You”
I saw another blog refer to his early releases as “watered-down Tame Impala” which is lazy and reductive. You could also argue it’s lazy to include another 2018 Mk.gee song but this is essential summer music
Goth Babe – “As She Dreams”
You could pick a Goth Babe song out of a hat and drop it on this playlist without turning any heads, but this one’s a personal favorite
Snakehips feat. Anna of the North – “Summer Fade – Channel Tres Remix”
This vibey EDM dish is best served on a rooftop as the sun dips below the skyline
part of the indiewave collection
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