Tag: alternative

March 15, 2024

Song of the Day: Michael Knott - Jail

As you’ve undoubtedly already read elsewhere, and seen all over the chrindie corner of the internet, Michael Knott died earlier this week. Much has been written about the man, the music, the iconic artist, so I don’t intend to re-tread any of that ground here. This is a Song of the Day post after all. Nonetheless it does seem fitting to use this week’s SOTD column to feature more of Knott’s work. He wrote and recorded so many incredible albums from the 1980s through the 2020s that it’s hard to pick a “best” or even a “favorite.”… Continued →

February 9, 2024

Song of the Day: Windy Lyre - Drink

Blonde bombshell Windy Lyre appeared seemingly out of nowhere in 1991 with her self-titled debut on Blonde Vinyl Records. Truth be told her connections to alternative Christian music ran deep, but on a personal level, which is not appropriate to go into here. The album was a refreshing display of acoustic alternative, which hinted at folk rock, jangle pop, and in a way preceded the dream pop/alt country craze that swept the middle part of the 1990s and beyond. Lyrics and music were all written by label owner Michael Knott (LSU, Lifesavers, Aunt Bettys, etc.)… Continued →

February 5, 2024

Song of the Day: HandsXFeet vs Man Ov God - Judas' Suicide Note vs Church in the Dark

There is really such a thing as a heavy trap subgenre. Artists which have elements include Autumnboy, Man Ov God aka Brook from Impending Doom, Bella Futuro (members of MewithoutYou & The Operation) and Arizona artist HandsXFeet. Check out these thought provoking lyrics from HandsXFeet. Oh my God What have I done what have I done Oh my God I killed Your son, killed Your son The devil he entered my body All of that money it got me Our time spent it meant nothing An army of demons surround me I betrayed who set me free It should be me up on that tree Weight’s too much, fall to my knees Kiss of death was on my breath Take it back, I don’t want it All this blood money is haunted I just let the devil taunt me Shut your ears to sins confessed Broke that bread, passed that cup Flesh torn apart, You gave that up No salvation, out of luck Innocence now laid to rest [MAN OV GOD:] Lost, can’t believe I forgot Lost, can’t believe I forgot All alone in my sin Betrayed the Son of Man Guillotine, that’s the plan Hanging from a tree Flesh, the heart of man Save me from my grave My soul is strong, but my flesh is weak    … Continued →

November 4, 2023

Names Without Numbers Release "Running Marathons / Chasing Ambulances" for 20th Anniversary on Vinyl

Names Without Numbers are excited to announce that they will be releasing a very special 20th anniversary edition of their album “Running Marathons / Chasing Ambulances” on White Vinyl (limited to 100 copies)! The album has been completely remastered and new reimagined artwork by Matt Traxler (Steadfast Records/Brandtson). The Vinyl drops officially on November 24th but you can pre-order now over on their bandcamp page. This is the album that featured the song “Waking From The Coma” which appeared on a compilation I put together called “I’m Your Biggest Fan Vol.Continued →

September 20, 2023

Fighting From The Ground Up Vol. 3 Compilation Cover Reveal

I am proud to present the brand new cover art for “Fighting From The Ground Up Vol. 3”, our newest free compilation that will see a release on October 13th 2023. The very fine artwork was designed by Nate Parrish for Black Pastel. Make sure to visit Nate’s design page here and hit him up to design your next project. We will host a listening party for the compilation on October 11th around 5pm PST so make sure to set those reminders. You’ll have to visit the Indie Vision Music bandcamp page to get your listen on that date/time.… Continued →

September 12, 2023

Wedding Party have reunited--new Album announced!

90s goth rock band Wedding Party have recently announced their re-formation. A new album is coming out this month! Pre-orders and digital downloads for the album, entitled “White Horse”, are available now. Fans can purchase at the band’s website here: https://weddingpartyofficial.com or through their official Bandcamp page here: https://weddingpartyofficial.bandcamp.com/album/white-horse Physical orders will start shipping out September 28th, 2023, limited to the USA only at this time.… Continued →

August 18, 2023

Song of the Day: My Friend Stephanie - Flavor of the Month

I was listening to my old Live at the Strand CD recently. It’s a compilation of artists who played at the legendary Strand Theater in downtown Marietta, GA, just outside of Atlanta. It had been years since I heard the CD and only remembered a few of the tracks on there, and then this absolute banger came on! I looked through all of their albums to see which one it came from, so I could find the studio version to feature here, but I couldn’t find it.… Continued →

July 14, 2023

Leigh Nash and Matt Slocum of Sixpence None The Richer Join 10,000 Maniacs

It was just announced that 2 legends from the long running alt-rock band known as Sixpence None The Richer will now join the long running and highly influential band – 10,000 Maniacs! That’s right, Leigh Nash who fronted Sixpence and has gone to make great solo music under her name will join 10,000 Maniacs as their new touring vocalist and Matt Slocum who was also a legendary songwriter and guitarist/multi-instrumentalist for Sixpence will join the band as touring guitarist. Follow 10,000 Maniacs here for further info.… Continued →

June 16, 2023

May 17, 2023

Names Without Numbers "Winter Wars" May 19th

Names Without Numbers are releasing another new song and this one is titled “Winter Wars”. Song drops this Friday May 19th on all digital networks and streaming sites. Is there a reason you haven’t listening to NWN yet? Yeah I’m talking to you, the person reading this post right now. Drop what you’re doing and head over to your favorite streaming network or youtube and give these songs by one of our scene’s best kept secrets, a listen right now! “Winter Wars” out this Friday.… Continued →

March 26, 2023

The Choir Release New Songs

If there was ever a band to perfectly represent the depths to where “Christian Music” can go in regards to talent, songwriting, and even with longevity, that band would be The Choir. The band themselves have been together in one form or another for nearly 4 decades now, and making creatively connecting music for almost the same amount of time. The band is still working on NEW music and just recently put their “Patreon Sessions” collection of recent songs up on all digital networks. There is also a brand new cover of The Psychedelic Furs classic – “Heaven”.… Continued →

March 24, 2023

Song of the Day: Elim Hall - Hypothermia

Elim Hall was ahead of their time in so many ways. It’s a real shame that they are just a blip on the radar screen of indie rock nowadays, as their preeminence is hard to over state. One of the earliest alternative rock bands to be signed to a major label in the CCM market, their only label release was snappy, melodic, memorable, and well-produced (somewhat surprisingly by Gary Chapman, along with veteran Jesus rocker Tim Marsh). This Canadian band wrote incredibly catchy, somewhat complex (for pop music) songs that were primarily in the power pop realm, but infused with touches of new wave and at times a punk-like urgency.… Continued →

February 3, 2023

Song of the Day: 3 Car Pile-Up - Dweeb

90s alternative. People either love it or hate it. Despite the excesses of the genre, or the just plain slackness of it, I still love it. 3 Car Pile-Up was never going to win any awards for their musical contributions–unless it was maybe the high school talent show. Their one and only album is raw, somewhat sloppy, and even kind of juvenile in its approach to both music and lyrics. However, that is exactly what I love about it. If you can’t relate to the lyrics of “Dweeb” then I’m not sure you actually lived through American Christianity in the 80s/90s: When I was in grade school, my friends made fun of me They used to call me stupid names, like “Jesus Boy” or “Freak” But I knew come Sunday, that I’d be number one ‘Cuz I knew all my verses, and I would get some gum I’m a dweeb!Continued →

December 25, 2022

Indie Vision Music Most Wanted Band Reunions of 2023

Merry Christmas, Friends! I’m going to type up some thoughts on bands that should most definitely reunite in 2023 to 1) Play an anniversary set, 2) Re-Release a classic album on either vinyl, tape, or cd with bonus features (and band commentary) and 3) Throw some new and/or unreleased tracks at us that we most definitely need to hear. Thoughts and ideas can be found below…. Oh, and Tim Taber if you’re reading this, I hope you’ll consider the words below and incorporate them into future plans with Transparent Productions here in Orange County and Southern California in general.… Continued →

October 23, 2022

Morella's Forest Super Deluxe Vinyl Re-Release Shipping in November

All you early Tooth & Nail and indie rock fans who were alive in that thriving musical era of the 90’s, will be stoked to hear that Morella’s Forest debut album “Super Deluxe” is getting the vinyl treatment and available in two different beautiful color variants. You can buy the vinyl release through Lost In Ohio right here. These ship in November. This label has put out quite a few amazing re-releases including Fluffy and Sixpence None The Richer among several others. I’m holding out hope that some other 90’s era indie releases will get the vinyl treatment as well.… Continued →

September 20, 2022

Fluffy - My Love (Official Video + Vinyl Pre-Order)

Lost In Ohio are re-releasing the long lost 3rd album from Fluffy, “Sugar Pistol”, and you can pre-order on Vinyl right here. Check out a fun song video created for the track “My Love” right here at Indie Vision Music (click below this message). The video stars Steve Hindalong who you might recognize from dozens of indie acts of the past several decades (The Choir, Lost Dogs, Lifesavers Underground, The Normals, Dead Artist Syndrome) as well as being a well known producer in his own right.… Continued →

September 10, 2022

August 11, 2022

The Prayer Chain "Mercury" Now on All Digital Networks + Live in 2023

One of our music scene’s best kept secrets is the band The Prayer Chain. They released their final full length in 1995 to much critical acclaim but at the time I’m sure it slipped under everyone’s radars. Well that now “classic” album “Mercury”, is available once again via all digital networks and streaming sites. I’ll be streaming it myself from Spotify today! The band have also announced possible new shows in 2023 and a possible “Live” Vinyl release next year as well. More news as it happens.… Continued →

July 30, 2022

Introducing: The Rocky Valentines (Ft. C. Martin of Starflyer 59)

I am going to take a moment and introduce you all to a brand new band featuring C. Martin who is the son of Jason Martin (and also a current member) of Starflyer 59. The new band is called “The Rocky Valentines”. The debut single “Off & On” will debut on August 19th via Velvet Blue Music with the full Self Titled EP out on September 2nd 2022. From the sounds of the preview video below, it is both classic and modern, alluring and full of melodies and sounds that his father I’m sure must be super proud of.… Continued →

New Feel Good Anthems Spotify Playlist

So Indie Vision Music is on a roll with new Spotify playlists. For those that use Spotify, we are using this as an opportunity to spread the word about new music and artists we think you should be listening to. A mix of indie and larger artists as well as everything in between. All styles represented throughout these various playlists. This new one I just created is called “New Feel Good Anthems” and it is just that. Perfect for those summer drives and introspective quiet moments.… Continued →

Anberlin - Two Graves (Official Music Video)

Anberlin just dropped their new EP and first new music in 8 years, yesterday. The EP is titled “Silverline” and another one of the songs has a music video for it. Check out the official music video for “Two Graves”, below. What are your thoughts on this new Anberlin music and the EP in general? “Silverline” is out now via Equal Vision Records, now!… Continued →

May 27, 2022

Song of the Day: Sincerely Paul - Nineteen Years

One of my all-time favorite record labels of the indie Christian scene was Blonde Vinyl. Run by Michael Knott (LSU/Lifesavers, and about a dozen others), it was one of the first truly indie, truly alternative record labels focusing on Christian artists. Knott never got rich off of the sales. (A few years later, Brandon Ebel would show us how to make a Christian indie label financially profitable.) Furthermore, not all of the releases on Blonde Vinyl were even that great–I won’t name any names–but all of them were charming in some way.… Continued →

May 10, 2022

Caedmon's Call Announce New Kickstarter Campaign

An alternative pop-rock band by the name of “Caedmon’s Call” that got their start in the 90’s has returned for this special kickstarter campaign to fund the re-recording of their “Self Titled” debut record, make a film about it, and play a special show in Nashville. There are several stretch goals that have already been met and the final one at $300k will be to add a 3rd show on the West Coast (2nd one will be in Texas). They are already well past their goal which they reached within a week of it going live.… Continued →

April 22, 2022

Song of the Day: Sixpence None the Richer - Love, Salvation, the Fear of Death

I first heard Sixpence None the Richer while listening to a cassette demo in the Christian bookstore in 1993. They had me from the opening acoustic guitar riffs on “Field of Flowers,” the opening track from The Fatherless and the Widow. That album was fantastic, but even so, it was only a foretaste of what was to come. While the band are largely known for their romantic pop radio hit, “Kiss Me,” from their self-titled third album, many fans and critics alike are drawn to their sophomore album, This Beautiful Mess.… Continued →

March 25, 2022

Watashi Return From Hiatus and Drop Two New Singles

You might recall a couple posts over the past few months about the return of Watashi Wa and I’m excited to finally share the fruits of their (reunion) labor. The band is back and have just released 2 new singles through Tooth & Nail Records with a full length “People Like People” due this spring/summer through the label. The two new singles feature some mighty guest spots (and I hear the album will have even more!). First single is “Let Me Prepare You” and features Gasoline Heart.… Continued →

March 14, 2022

March 5, 2022

February 27, 2022

You Can't "Erase" Zahna

You certainly can’t “Erase” Zahna or her music. Well except in the case that she actually did release a hard hitting new song titled “Erase” and the lyric video for said song can be found below. It’s one of her best and so well done. Check out the lyric video for the song, below.… Continued →