The National performing live with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon
The luxuries of a major label have swayed a few of the most prominent indie acts into their territory. For instance, Florence + the Machine was snatched up by Island Records just after the release of her debut EP. Even indie rock’s most arguably prevalent act, Arcade Fire, has ties to a major label. Major labels have countless benefits like a bigger payday and more resources for promotion. The seven following acts, all with successful indie careers, have yet to give into major label pressure.
1. The National
The National released their self-titled debut album in 2001, and released their sixth album Trouble Will Find Me in 2013. The latter earned the indie-rock powerhouse a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Album. Each of The National’s six critically acclaimed albums has been released by an independent label, and the group is widely considered one of the best indie rock currently has to offer.
2. Bon Iver
Bon Iver announced its hiatus in 2012, but came back to include a single, “Heavenly Father,” in Zach Braff’s Wish I Was Here film soundtrack. Bon Iver released just two albums and an EP, but their 2011 sophomore album, Bon Iver, garnered Justin Vernon and co. wild success. They took home the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2012, and their album took home Best Alternative Music Album the same year. Vernon has collaborated with mainstream successes like Kanye West, but still releases music independently.
3. Beirut
Beirut has released three albums independently, and ring leader Zach Condon is a frequent collaborator who has worked with other indie acts like Sharon Van Etten and The New Pornographers. Condon even created his own label, Pompeii Records, in order to give himself full control over the music he and his group puts out. Beirut is critically acclaimed for mixing indie folk and world music.
4. Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Bear is an indie rock darling, having released four independent albums since their first, Horn of Plenty, in 2004. In addition to their four independent albums, Grizzly Bear composed the score for Blue Valentine (2010), which starred Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. Even after serving as the opening act for Radiohead in 2008, Grizzly Bear has kept its ties in tact with the independent music industry.
5. The xx
Though The xx hasn’t been active for even 10 years yet, they surged to indie popularity after the release of their debut album, xx, in 2009. They are unlike any of their contemporaries, but have remained on an independent label for the duration of their career thus far. Though their music has been described as “club music,” their influences suggest that rock has played a hand in their development. Some of their influences are Joy Division and The Cure.
6. Minus the Bear
Since 2002, Minus the Bear has released five albums, each under an independent label. Their music mixes electronics and guitars with a signature time composition. Their songs are each very calculated, suggesting that each is crafted with distinct precision. Members of the group have worked to produce some of their albums, proving that artistic integrity and control are at the forefront of their minds.
7. Los Campesinos!
Los Campesinos! are different – that’s the most effective way to describe the six piece indie act. In the span of five years alone, the group released five impressive albums, and they continue to rise in popularity following each release. Each member of the group refers to their surname as “Campesinos!,” and the group is like a mini family. Their music is clever and full of unmistakable energy; they are really an indie powerhouse.
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