American Music

Edgy New American Music

In recent history, American music has been at the forefront of new music. In the past couple of years, a wave of indie rock bands from the states have placed themselves at the cutting edge of new American music. Their innovation and creativity has been admired around the globe and even by some unlikely celebrities.


Not too long a go there was a lull in the American rock scene, especially in the indie scene. Believe it or not, many considered the All American Rejects music as “indie.” Well, it seems the pendulum has swung and with bands like Fleet Foxes, Beach House and Grizzly Bear, the states have once again taken up the mantle of good indie rock.

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Fleet Foxes are a group that is very close to earth. There are steeped in the tradition of American music songs and have even used Native American music to define their sound. Their vocals bring rich country and folk harmonies back to a rock scene that had all but forgotten them.

Another band from the unsuspecting city of Baltimore has made a big splash this year: “Beach House.” Typically, any band with the word “beach” in their name would instantly be considered All American music, but Beach House’s style is anything but derivative. It is sweet and haunting with layer upon layer of organ and electric guitar.

Making one of the most-acclaimed albums of 2009, Grizzly Bear, from Brooklyn, cemented their status as an indie rock force. Through the clever use of online music as a way to spread their songs, they were able to achieve a top ten album in the US, a feat which is rarely accomplished by independent rock bands. They managed to draw over 10,000 people to see them play an unannounced concert in which even Jay-Z and Beyonce appeared to see what the buzz was all about.

Perhaps a rise in these bands is a testament to the overwhelming amount of MP3 musiccirculating the web these days. Without giant record labels being able to dictate what the public should listen to, fans from around the world have sought out and supported interesting new bands as opposed to the same old stale music. Let’s hope this trend continues. As of now, it shows no signs of slowing down.