ThisIsTheMusic

After a year of incredible music, I’m thrilled to unveil the ThisIsTheMusic Top 30 Tracks of the Year by unsigned artists who’ve proven that great music doesn’t need a big label to shine. 

Have a read below and hopefully you might find an artist that you’ve not come across before. As always continue to support the independent scene, share their music and catch them at a gig if you can and maybe buy some merch or a physical copy of their music too!

Concrete Club – Riverswimmin’

Riverswimmin’ provided the foundation for Manchester’s Concrete Club to have a magnificent 2024. The song explores themes of longing and self-reflection, with layered melodies, memorable hooks that shine throughout and a chorus that lingers in the mind long after the song ends.

Redwood City – Ashtray

A top draw rocknroll anthem from the Welsh 4-piece who have staked a claim as being of Wales’ most exciting bands. This song is driven by an electrifying yet gripping guitar riff (sounding like a cross between Fade-In Out by Oasis and Elephant Song by The Enemy) and the instrumentals build layers of complexity, transitioning seamlessly between quieter verses and an anthemic explosive chorus. The chorus swells with intensity, showcasing the band’s knack for blending melody with raw power and it just feels like a song that is perfect for stadiums.

Quaint – Trip Inside

With over 45k Spotify streams, Trip Inside is Scottish band Quaint’s biggest single yet. It’s an immersive dive into a kaleidoscope of sounds that blends psychedelic textures with indie rock sensibilities. The track is both hypnotic and dynamic, with swirling guitar riffs, and a vocal delivery that feels introspective yet anthemic. Just marvellous.

Shambolics – Universal Credit

Blending sharp social commentary, this is one of several highlights on the Shams’ debut album. Powered by a brilliant video, that’s influenced by the cult film, Trainspotting, this soaring indie anthem captures the bleakness and cruelty of the universal credit system and how various people in authority have shown a lack of understanding towards musicians. The dynamic shifts between a spoken-word style and a rousing, anthemic hook make it both a reflective and infectious track.

The Rafters – Glow

A track that packs a punch from the first note to the last and sees the Blackburn band continue their happy knack of creating a sonic landscape, built around layered guitar riffs, brilliant instrumentals and an unrivalled energy.

The Denabys – Talk Of The Town

2024 has been a great year for the Doncaster 4-piece, from supporting The Reytons to headlining the main room at The Leadmill and the release of 3 singles. This rip roaring single is the best of the lot, packed full of energetic guitar riffs, that provide a punk edge and is expertly supported by pounding drums and biting bass lines, that will awaken every hair on the back of your neck. 

Sahaji – Future In The Sky

The Japanese Liam and Noel crashed into the official UK singles charts debuting at number 8, with their debut single, a song that’s packed with a lush indie rock soundscape marked by soaring guitar riffs.

The Social Club – Rita

You can always rely on bands from Manchester to deliver superb debut singles, and Rita definitely continues that trend. Evoking memories of britpop with its explosive and electrifying sound, this track has an infectious groove and spirit and a chorus to match.

Crook On The Wall – Final Fall

The Manchester 4-piece started off the year in fine style with their second release, a track full of swagger, captivating guitar riffs and a majestic, powerful vocal. But just when you think this is another standard indie anthem, there’s changes in tempo and drumming patterns, which displays the quality of musicianship within the band, before building into a stunning climax.

Abbey Moon – Classics

London 4-piece came crashing on the indie scene with their debut single, which is erm a classic. Full of great guitar riffs, a chorus that you’ll be singing along to long after the song has finished and has a real anthemic vibe to it.

Yon Mon – Shine On

Having built up a loyal following in The Shed Project with two brilliant albums, it made sense for Roy Fletcher to carry on when the Bolton band went on a hiatus late last year. Shine On is a real statement of intent, thanks to its euphoric guitar hooks and melodic bass lines that seamlessly blend between indie rock, pop and dance. The best is yet to come.

Cian Downing – Untouchable

Untouchable is a striking showcase of modern mod revival with a timeless edge. The jangly guitars are great which combined with the pulsating rhythms and Cian’s vocal creates a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. With a debut album on the way in 2025 Cian will prove to be untouchable in the mod genre.

Siracuse – Simple Pleasures

Hypnotic, swaggering single, with a riff sounding like the stones and beats like the roses. This track is simply sublime and has an anthemic vibe that will have you pressing repeat.

Emergency Break – Everything I Make You Break

A band that has made a huge impact this year, blowing roofs off of every venue that they’ve played. A blend of high-energy post-punk and melodic indie rock, the track captures the chaos of fractured connections and emotional turmoil. The vocals are striking and the gritty guitar hooks has a passing resemblance to Zeppelin.

Tuesday Night Whites – Lost Control

A high octane banger that channels unrelenting energy with powerful vocals, infectious riffs, and a driving rhythm that demands attention. A song that is built for festival stages, which is undoubtedly where this band are heading.

Rolla – We Owe Nothing

Bold, powerful high-energy rocknroll that’s packed with plenty of swagger and shows why the Manchester 4-piece are ready to become the new kings of rocknroll.

Oceanless – This Feeling

This track is relentless from start to finish, combining high energy indie rock with melodic Britpop vibes that’s a juggernaut of a song packed full of soaring guitar riffs and a huge singalong chorus.

Billobuckers – Quiet Lie

The Leicester 4-piece continue to go from strength to strength with each release. This single is a stomping and electrifying indie rock anthem, full of thoughtful lyricism and powerful instrumentals.

Spangled – Crank Up The Splendour

A compelling and vibrant song, with an anthemic chorus that is the bands trademark. Blending jangly guitar hooks, charismatic vocals and a rhythm section that will keep you captivated and dancing.

The Avelons – Chit Chat

A floor filling indie anthem from one of the north east’s most exciting bands. A track driven by the crispy guitar riffs and catchy drumming and basslines, this song has an infectious energy making this a snappy and dynamic track that captures the essence of modern indie rock whilst nodding to classic influences.

Hannah Mazey – Little Boys

Blending indie pop and indie rock sensibilities with sharp lyrics, this a powerful track that captures the frustrations and realisation of past toxic relationships. The honesty in the lyrics is refreshing and cutting in equal measure and shows why Hannah is set for a big 2025.

Payola – Born Out Of Frustration

Forming at the start of the 2024, London 5-piece have a made a huge impact with their first two singles. I described this song selection (and their debut) release as one of the best debuts of the year and it’s easy to see why. It’s a track full of swagger, driven by pounding bass lines, infectious guitar hooks and a striking vocal. Debut gig in London in January and the promise of more on the way!

Hazy Sundays – Get Some

2024 has been a big year for Glasgow’s Hazy Sundays. First London gig and a debut EP in the bag. This standalone single is full of raw magnetic energy, with infectious guitar riffs, that captures the spirit of youthful rebellion. there’s a garage rock vibe about the track, not to dissimilar too early Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes. The chorus alone demands a repeat listen and conveys an attitude not just a song,

LOCK-IN – Red Stripe Remedy

A compelling slice of indie rock brilliance, thanks to its unrivalled energy, punchy guitar riffs and a brilliant rhythm section that really drives the song along. The band continue their happy knack of delivering infectious anthems, with relatable lyrics and a sound that demand attention.

The Rolling People – The Thief

An explosive and high octane rocket that really captures what the Manchester 4-piece are all about. The song is driven by gritty guitars and powerful, pounding drums and lyrically is mark of defiance at the establishment.

Fiona Lennon – The Final Part

The Liverpool songstress, masterfully blends raw emotion and high class musicianship, on this country inspired single. The piano playing is fantastic and gradually builds into a stunning display of strings and atmospheric layers. Fiona’s vocal really shines and the emotion of the song really grabs you as the delivery feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. I’ve said this before and I’ll keep on saying it: Fiona Lennon is a superstar in the making.

Megan Wyn – Are You Bored Yet?

With a hugely successful first UK headline tour under her belt 2024 has been a fantastic year for the Welsh solo artist. Are You Bored Yet is a a stunning indie pop anthem, packed full of melodic brilliance and infectious rhythms that instantly grab your attention. Megan’s emotive vocal delivery, creates a soundscape that’s both introspective and universally relatable.

Grace Calver – Hotter Than The Sun

A vibrant and upbeat song that captures the joy of being in love. It’s a heartwarming dreamy indie pop song with sun kissed melodies, funky bass lines and lyrics that are instantly relatable and the emotion in Grace’s vocal at finding her happy ending can be heard in every lyric.

Callum Codd – Better Days

Better Days is the second single from the former Racket frontman, and it’s 3 minutes of sublime 60s cosmic pop, with a highly infectious melody, covering themes of hope and perseverance delivered through Callum’s emotive and intimate vocal.

Subterrania – Knows Me Too Well

Built on a lush instrumental foundation, the track weaves around the hypnotic guitar tones, warm basslines, and a groovy drumbeat that provides a mesmerizing soundscape. The song’s layers of shoegazing guitars and hypnotic rhythms are both anthemic and effortlessly cool, whilst the vocal is a heartfelt performance, with a voice that carries both fragility and strength.

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