Florence and the Machine

Florence and the Machine is an English band made up of lead vocalist Florence Welch, and a collaboration of other artists as back-up. Florence and the Machine can be described as a bit of a mix between rock and soul. The band's debut album, Lungs, was released on 6 July 2009, and held the number-two position for its first five weeks in the UK Albums Chart. You can check Florence and the Machine’s updates on their official website here.

Florence and the Machine performed at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards with Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride and Yolanda Adam, singing in a tribute to Aretha Frankline, blowing the crowd away. The ba

nd was nominated for Best New Artist at the 53rd Grammy Awards, gaining recognition and popularity, rightfully so. For all you “Gleeks”, Florence’s Dog Days Are Over was performed in the show. This band is gaining recognition for that song, in particular, but they have many other songs that deserve just as much praise. Some of them are Kiss With a Fist and You’ve Got the Love.

Mumford and Sons

Here is band that is finally gaining recognition for their talent: Mumford and Sons. This band is originally from London, and formed in 2007. They toured for years, playing original songs they wrote and composed. In October of 2009, Mumford and Sons released their first album in the United Kingdom. Their debut, Sigh No More, hit the United States in February of 2010 and the band is now said to be one of the best new bands to the indie world. Members Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane perform using vocals, drums, keyboard, accordion, mandolin, bass, and guitar. This unique mix of instruments makes for a sound that can’t be mistaken for another group. Their album’s name comes from one of their great songs. Listen to Sigh No More and see for yourself the talent that is Mumford and Sons. Check out their website here.

Said the Whale

Said the Whale is a Vancouver-based rock band started by Ben Worcester and Tyler Bancroft. They currently have two albums, Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia, which was released in June of 2008, and Islands Disappear, released in October of 2009.


The music itself has an original sound that just forces you to sing along. and once you start singing along, you realize the meaning behind music. Their lyrics are thought-provoking and inspirational. It's music that isn't centered around sex, drugs, and alcohol, like most popular music on the radio today.

You can check them out here with album updates, tour information, and more. Here is my personal favorite song, Love is Art/Sleep Through Fire. Don't stop short with only enjoying the instrumental aspects of the song, but really listen to the lyrics. Who couldn't love a band with this much musical talent and creativity?

The Search for Meaningful Music

New music isn't particularly difficult to find. All you have to do is turn on the radio and you are bombarded with the newest pop, hip-hop, or country music. But good music- that is a little bit harder to find. If you are anything like me, you may enjoy bopping your head and singing along to the new Ke$ha song while speeding down the highway, but when it comes down to it, our culture's pop music just doesn't cut it for you.

I often find myself frustrated with popular music, so I have started to turn to the slowly rising popularity of Indie music. Some can be pretty out there, way beyond my taste and comprehension. However, I have found various new and not so new artists that have given me a reason to charge my iPod every morning.

Here are some links to blogs with great music:

Audio Muffin

Indie Rock Cafe

Gorilla Vs. Bear