Tag: indie

This is my 30th anniversary tribute to albums that released during the year of 1996 (and/or presumed to have released during this particular year). It was a monumental year in underground, indie music and one that was ignited by artists sharing a similar Christian Faith (not all the below listed albums are "Christian" releases but they are some of my favorites from that year). While the rest of the world was consuming their Michael W Smith, or Newsboys***, Audio Adrenaline, DC Talk***, Amy Grant, Rebecca St. James, Jars of Clay, becoming panheads, or even that guy who wrote the Butterfly Kisses song, we on the indie circuit side of things were rejoicing with a newfound optimism. Our passions ran deep and our association with Christianity was nearly unshakeable. This year, that decade, was a fire starter, a year of immense joy and unforeseen challenges. Without diving too deep into the undercurrent of what was and what may have been, let's just take a look back on some of my favorites. These are some of the songs blasted from the comfort of the old Teal green Camaro in 1996 (or that Blue Chevy truck). (***These artists haven't aged the greatest, sorry, not sorry).

Indie Vision Music to release Vol. 5 in the "Fighting From The Ground Up" series on October 23rd 2026. This digital compilation will be available through all digital networks as well as on Bandcamp. Featuring a varied cast of talent and characters sure to bring a smile to any face with plenty of finger points to the stage, solo room moshing, and unforgettable bed stage diving. Expect new and recent music from Brave Days, Protect Your Heart, Light The Way, Pipe Bomb, Too Bad Eugene, Splitcast, Chase Tremaine, Gametime, Sower, Nobody's Uncle, Dire, Feeble Attempt, bloke., Sam's The Hero, Humble Kings, The Caballerials, Cold Streets, XIII Minutes, and so many more plus a special unreleased Slow Coming Day song. Will you join with us? Let's make this the biggest FREE IVM Compilation release ever! Send a song link, YouTube link, etc to: compilation @ indievisionmusic.com All our band friends, if you are reading this and you have a new song to contribute, send us an email!

This unique father and son duo known collectively as "Willis & Son", just released their debut self titled album back at the end of May. The project features Glenn Wiley Willis of October Bird of Death, 2Minute Minor, xRedlinex, and The Blamed alongside his father Mike Willis. Other family members and friends contributed to the recording and recording/production was handled by the very talented Captive Portal Studio. The album is a very low key, laid back collection of songs that serves up a sunny disposition and hopeful yearning. It's like the perfect soundtrack for summer and those nightly campfires set up upon a sandy, beachside locale. There is plenty to enjoy in these simple yet profound songs. Stories about love, hope, understanding, and seeking answers in the dark with a certain youthful exuberance not broken by the daily cynicism that takes hold of our little music scene at times. The joining of two generations through the road weary eyes of two like minded travelers seeking truth in a world gone dark. If you find yourself alone on a Friday night pondering life's many mysteries, looking for a little cheer to brighten your day, then kick on the debut record of Willis & Son and just smile. Download and listen: https://willisandson.bandcamp.com/

Sam's The Hero have just dropped their incredible brand new song titled "In The Absence of Applause" through Small Step Records and it's available through all digital networks. This song is filled with big choruses, loads of those classic pop-punk harmonies the scene has become world renowned for, and some of the most uplifting lyrics I've heard recently. It's really exciting to find a band like Sam's The Hero still carrying the flag of Christian pop punk, proudly presenting honest, hopeful, and outstanding songs in the midst of such profound darkness in our world. These guys are the perfect combination of classic sounds found in groups like Fenix Tx, Home Grown, Blink-182, Autopilot Off, Yellowcard, Olivia The Band, Sick of Change and the lyrical output of individuals and groups like Reese Roper (Five Iron Frenzy/Brave Saint Saturn), Josh Kemble (Dogwood), Ghoti Hook, Hangnail, Slick Shoes, Watashi Wa, early Plankeye etc. Just a plain great summer jam with a deep heart tugging anthem of nostalgia and grace. Highly recommended and a solid 5 out of 5 from Brandon Jones/IVM.

The progressive-metal-math-sludge band UNTEACHERS who escape all conventional descriptions and standard genre labeling (except for my own labeling I slapped on for the purpose of this article and to give a hint of what you'll find upon listening). This band goes hard but not in the traditional metal approach with shrieking screaming and guttural bellowing bordering on the barf inducing, stomach churning variety. This is a no holds barred, face ripping, thick low end and beefy bass attack which adds this layered approach that brings together balance and fullness in sound. The vocals are on the higher end similar as to a Rush or Coheed and Cambria but not so much so that it becomes a distraction or a mimicked copy cat. This is super legit and the song is absolutely stunning from start to finish. It's like Rush, Coheed, and Failure joined together to form this somewhat rag tag assortment of superheroes maybe more akin to antiheroes? Anyway, they are joined together and birthed a creation (in a lab people) in kindred spirits with Deftones, Hum, Finch, Saosin, Roadside Monument, and the mighty Hands to form the most complete experimental sounding band of all time and who surely won't be riding the coattails of anyone else like all the star players of today (you know who you are cough Milli Vanilli cough cough). Ok in all seriousness, you need to listen to UNTEACHERS and you need you press play on their song "Households of a Cosmic War" today because Brandon gives his two thumbs up and 5 star approval (out of 5), the highest rating reserved only for the best of the best, the numero uno, champions of absolute music perfection. So drop your plans for the day, swipe off what you're doing, put the hot latte on the table and pull up your favorite digital network then push your finger hard on that play button and blast it out of whatever speakers God blessed you with to let the world feel the pure power of UNTEACHERS. The band will release their brand new album titled "Under Bright Sadness" on October 16th 2026 via Rottweiler Records. I personally extend my own Indie Vision Music mark of approval upon this song and hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do. *All expressed opinions and wording within this article are the explicit opinions of Brandon Jones alone and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of anyone else. This was written without A.i. and all grammatical errors are Brandon's proud mistakes of his own making. To hell with the devil! To each his own. Party on Wayne. Put your knee in the dirt and bow to the God that holds your blood red destiny in the palm of his awesome hands..it's..your..choice! That is all. Carry on with the countdown.

A new band on the rise by the name of Natural State just dropped their killer new single titled "Losing It" featuring Disciple and it's so dang catchy that I find myself streaming it over and over again. It's a great song and if you've never heard the band before, a perfect introduction. Check out the music video and song, below ​👇🏻

KingdomCore Presents the No Hope In Hell Tour featuring Heal The Hurt, Magdalene Rose, and Unbroken Reign. ​The tour spans 15 dates and is being put on by KingdomCore which will be the brand's very first tour they are putting together as "KingdomCore Presents". Read more below.

Light The Way return with a new song today titled "Steez Machines" and it's everything you love about this band and so much more! Go listen on your favorite digital network and check out the music video right here on our website, below! It has real heart, tongue in cheek humor, anthemic choruses, and the hope this band has been conveying since day 1. It's the perfect tasty morsel of pop punk fun built for the summer of 26'. Instead of growing cynical with age these guys get brighter, more passionate, and as bold as ever proving that age is more than just a number. So hop on that skateboard, ditch the time stamp, and ride off into the sunset because pop-punk and Light The Way will never die!! Light The Way 2026.

Pop punk powerhouse, Brave Days, have returned with a brand new 6 song EP titled ​"Crisis" and it's out now! Check out the title track below and be sure to these guys a solid listen.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. -Isaiah 53:5

JCHC FEST 2026 is shaping up to be one heck of a huge live festival force in hardcore, punk, metal, and a little Pop-Punk as well. Something for everyone! My boys in Light The Way were just added to the lineup so this is a show you don’t want to miss! I’m sure there will be more surprises to come. While I rarely surface in the wild, think more of a Sasquatch, I do come alive with just the right moonlight. Ha! I do want to go though.… Continued →

Grace Graber has been rolling out a very solid amount of worship/ccm covers in her unique pop-punk stylings over the past few months. Today we get her cover of “Oceans” which a few years ago was literally EVERYWHERE but now Grace Graber has unleashed this now dated worship jingle from the depths of the sea and given it a pop-punk feel. The awesome new cover is available now wherever you find your music or by listening below.… Continued →

Protect Your Heart are on a literal roll with fantastic new material already this year! We’ve gotten “Losing My Mind” and “Run” so far in 2026 and now today they drop “Kings Rd”, an absolute fantastic, road tripping, an endearing so cal adoring new single. This perfect tribute to their beginnings and all that sums up their hometown appeal in the form of an easycore springtime anthem. Check out the music video for “Kings Rd” right here on IVM, below.… Continued →

Static Ultra have just returned after a short break to drop their comeback indie jam “Tie The Rope” which has that old school emo/pop-punk flavor blended with some post-hardcore sensibilities. This is the perfect song for spring time and the coming heat (for those of us on the West Coast, we’re feeling the HEAT right now!). Put on those headphones and jam this at full volume, you won’t be sorry you did! Check out “Tie The Rope” right here below.… Continued →

25 Years of Indie Vision Music: Blood, Sweat, Tears, and Perseverance I began this write up back in June of this year and it has taken me more than half the year to finish it. It has been a crazy and chaotic year with everything that has taken place in my personal life. Much of it was good and surprising and some other parts have been well, rather stressful. Now as we approach Christmas I am met with my home in escrow, another home to move into, planning a wedding in April 2026, and the passing of my late grandmother on December 23rd.… Continued →

Chainstay are dropping their brand new single “The Art of Becoming a Ghost” on November 14th! I’m super pumped for this and you should be too. Head to their socials for a link to pre-save/pre-add the single to your favorite digital service.… Continued →

Everyone's favorite pop-punk heroes - LIGHT THE WAY, are issuing their 2022 album "Long Story Short" on vinyl for the very first time! One of the most underrated and relatively unknown by many, this band has been making catchy, addictive, supercharged and passionate punk rock with a strong sense wittiness and tongue in cheek hunor since 2016 or so. The band has recently been gaining even more momentum with the release of their latest album "Expel" almost one year ago. "Long Story Short" will be available on red splatter vinyl, limited to just 100 copies and all hand numbered. The band have released a new lyric video for the song "Chameleon Eyes" from this record in celebration and can be watched below. Pre-Order your copy today via the bands own bandcamp page.

The indie greats - Names Without Numbers, just released their cover of the Tears For Fears classic "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" and have an accompanying music video to go along with it. Check out the video below and make give the song a listen on your favorite digital network now.​

Grace Graber has been grabbing headlines lately with her spirited take on pop-punk and mid 00’s emo tunes that bring a fresh look at nostalgic yearning toward yesteryear. She has a unique take on pop music and a voice built perfect for her guitar centric sound. Mix that up with a spiritually focused and Christ centered lyrical output and any Grace Graber song will be on my radar. The fact that she got the guys in Audiophile to join her on the Hawk Nelson cover of “Everything You Ever Wanted” (hence the EP title), my friends you’ve encountered a future chart topping hit maker at hand.… Continued →

Liverpool-based The Free Zone duo met in a Christian Union at Liverpool University in 1982, bonding over post-punk and especially Londoners, The Clash. Initially called Cross Purposes, The Free Zone wanted to take the energy, urgency, and excitement of punk rock without the music sounding too primitive. The Free Zone was officially born in 1984. The band comprised drummer/sequencer Peter Scarlett and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Tim Thwaites, and played mostly secular venues around their home city, even opening for NW England stalwarts The La’s. They also played a handful of gigs with fellow Liverpudlians, neo-folksters Revolutionary Army of the Infant Jesus.… Continued →

Another example for how 2025 musically just keeps getting better and better. This favorite band of mine NAMES WITHOUT NUMBERS are channeling their inner 80’s child and have covered the classic Tears for Fears staple, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and have released it on all streaming platforms. It’s a tasteful cover and showcases the band’s unforgettable sound and penchant for tackling heartwarming emotional subject matter mixed with heavy nostalgia to create an unforgettable cover track. Once you’re done giving this track a listen please go back and give all their other recent songs a stream/spin/play.… Continued →

I have some exciting news to share with you all today. A throwback pop-punk band I’ve been following from Hawaii just joined forces with up and coming indie/pop-punk/emo/ska label, Small Step Records. This is definitely a band to keep your eyes and ears on. Small Step Records adds Hawaii-based 4-piece Christian pop punk band, The Caballerials, to the growing roster of independent, faith-inspired artists dedicated to authentic, purpose-filled music. The Caballerials’ style is reminiscent of the classic pop punk of the 2000, laced with nostalgia and lyrics filled with faith and hope; for fans of MxPx, Homegrown, Olivia The Band, The Cootees, and Piebald.… Continued →

Rising indie artist Coqui will release a killer new EP titled “Living 2 Die” on September 5th via Dream Records. Check out the amazing new song “Only Idol” in music video format below this post.… Continued →

Allison Eide released “For The King” back at the end of May and now will release her new song “IDK” on July 18th (next week). If you want to catch up on the last song released, check it out below. This is an artist definitely on the verge of breaking out so hop in line and get ready!… Continued →

I have some exciting news. Two different labels are releasing Watashi Wa and Lakes vinyl. Lakes if you were unaware, was the band that continued on the Watashi Wa legacy after they first broke up including lead vocalist Seth Roberts. Lakes released an EP in 2005 called “Photographs” that dropped in The Militia Group originally. The re-release is being put out by Sing Along Records right here (while you’re there make sure to check out the Long Since Forgotten vinyl). In addition the label Lost In Ohio are releasing the much loved and critically acclaimed Watashi Wa album “The Love of Life” on vinyl for the first time and you can preorder here.… Continued →

There has been an ongoing silence on the latest happenings in the Christian music realm and it’s not by accident, it’s pure engineering. So much so that we’ve decided (well me actually) to amp up the fun by diving head first into the world of “Reels” and short streaming clips as evidenced by some recent posts on Instagram and Facebook. While not as cutting edge and China-centric as say TikTok or as private as a Snap (not that kind of private and also, do people still use this app?),… Continued →

Beloved Southern California indie rock legends – The Prayer Chain, have announced 3 reunion shows along with a kickstarter to fund a re-release of the original “Mercury” recording which will be titled “Communion”. This is the 30th anniversary of that ground breaking final album they released all the way back in 1995. They will also be filming these live shows along with the bands playing it like Mortal and Poor Old Lu. Tons of great options so check out that kickstarter here… Continued →

Adam Nigh who is the lead front-man/bassist/songwriter for Too Bad Eugene and a current (and past) member of Craig’s Brother, has been releasing a steady stream of new acoustic “solo” songs with plenty of guest contributors. Not only are there some new songs but also new acoustic versions of classic (and newer) Too Bad Eugene tracks. These are all available via Bandcamp here and also on your favorite digital networks! What’s the old adage about (music) aging like fine wine? Well, give it a listen and you’ll agree.… Continued →

Shepherd Bridge is a project I found last year sometime through Instagram while browsing and it just struck me, the music and message that is. They just released a brand new song today titled “Daylight”. Like the first single “Armor” which dropped late last year, the music takes you on a ride with its driving guitars, raw but soaring vocals that crescendo all at once with a steady blast of melody and unfiltered emotion. Give this track and “Armor” a listen today. New single can be found below or on your favorite digital networks.… Continued →

A local Southern California singer-songwriter with an incredible & eclectic sound, recently dropped a new single which is a hit in the making, titled “Sunnyside Up”. I’ve known David Di Maria a long time and his music continues to get better and his artistry grows with each subsequent release. Give the song a listen, below.… Continued →