BY: Alexis Eichelberger

The frontmen of rock bands are always important. But in indie rock, there are a few really who stand out. They are the face of the group and often transcend them. They can lead them into experimental phases and propel them toward mainstream fame. To fans, they are icons.

Here are seven who stand above the rest in indie rock:

 

Kevin Parker of Tame Impala

Kevin Parker is a one-man show. The Australian artist began performing under the name Tame Impala in 2007 and is now one of the most symbolic figures in alt-rock, despite being described as a recluse. Though he tours with a full ensemble of independent musicians, Parker alone is responsible for writing, recording, and producing all of Tame Impala’s recorded music.

This year, Tame Impala released its fourth studio album, The Slow Rush, to widespread acclaim. The album has earned three ARIA Award nominations, including one for album of the year. It is expected to collect a Grammy nomination or two when the ARIA list is revealed in late November.

 

 

Julian Casablancas of The Strokes

Julian Casablancas fronts one of the most beloved alt-rock groups of the 21st century, The Strokes. As the band’s lead singer and songwriter, he’s released six albums, along with one solo project. He also started his record label in 2009 and formed another experimental rock group called The Voidz. It’s released two albums so far.

The Strokes released its first album in seven years in April 2020. Fans were elated to discover that the Strokes and the Casablancas they knew and loved had returned true to form with The New Abnormal. The group also performed on Saturday Night Live for the first time in October.

 

 

Alex Turner of The Arctic Monkeys

The Arctic Monkeys gave us one of the most memorable indie-rock albums of the 2010s when it released AM. It received a plethora of awards and made Rolling Stone’s most recent edition of “The 500 Best Albums of All Time.” It couldn’t have been done without frontman Alex Turner.

Turner led the Arctic Monkeys to international fame and was instrumental in creating its discography full of everything from deep, sultry rock to silky smooth jazz tracks. He’s also dabbled in several side projects and recorded a few solos. Turner and the Arctic Monkeys will finish 2020 with a live album and donating the proceeds to charity.

 

 

Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie

Ben Gibbard knows how to get you in your feels, and that’s what makes Death Cab for Cutie so great. The band was initially Gibbard’s solo project, but he expanded it to include a full lineup of musicians upon realizing its potential. The group now has nine albums and earned eight Grammy nominations.

This year, Gibbard took it upon himself to provide us with some much-needed entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic by performing via live stream. He also announced that his other project, the duo The Postal Service, will release a live album in early December.

 

Brandon Flowers of The Killers

Few bands inspire us to dance like The Killers. Frontman Brandon Flowers has guided the group upward and onward since its wildly successful debut of Hot Fuss in 2004. In addition to being the lead vocalist and keyboardist, Flowers has also recorded two solo albums.

The Killers dropped its sixth studio album Imploding the Mirage in August 2020. At the same time the album was released, Flowers announced that more music would follow. According to his timeline, we should expect another album in mid-2021.

 

 

Jack Antonoff of Bleachers

Bleachers is the stage name for the artist known as Jack Antonoff. Maybe you’ve heard of him. Offstage, he’s a prominent producer and frequent collaborator with Taylor Swift, Lorde, St. Vincent, Lana Del Rey, and more. He has four Grammy Awards and counting for his producing work.

As Bleachers, Antonoff released two albums, and a third is reportedly on the way. This year, he released a track under his stage name for the first time in two years. He’s also a featured artist on Carly Rae Jepsen’s latest album. In November, Bleachers dropped two new singles, and one featured Bruce Springsteen.

 

 

James Mercer of The Shins

The Shins were an early 2000s staple for fans of indie rock. The group’s lead singer and guitarist James Mercer is now the sole remaining member of the band’s original lineup. He’s been holding it down and writing most of The Shin’s music since the beginning. Mercer continues to be an essential figure in the alt-rock genre.

The Shins haven’t released an album since it reimagined its 2017 album Heartworms in 2018 and released The Worm’s Heart. Mercer is sporadically involved in film soundtracking and has released a few singles in recent years. Most recently, the Shins dropped “The Great Divide” in September 2020.