MusicMusic Commentary

Indiecast

Amazon Music

Indiecast is a weekly show from Amazon Music hosted by music critics Steven Hyden and Ian Cohen. Every week, Hyden and Cohen discuss the biggest news and names in modern indie, as well as look back to moments that established the indie rock canon.

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27 episodes
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Avg 58 min
English

Episodes 27

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#305
Friday · 57 min
New Music By The War On Drugs and This Is Lorelei, and Looking Back at 9/11 Albums
Steven and Ian begin by paying tribute to a shuttered Scottish music publication that was a big part of the fantasy album draft (1:35) before discussing Geese finally commenting on the Chaotic Good scandal (5:35). After that they talk about the new War On Drugs single and whether a new album is coming (16:43), and then transition to a conversation about memorable albums released 25 years ago on 9/11 (24:05). After touching on some new releases by Bloc Party, Brian Fallon and Sylvan Esso (39:40), they review the new album by This Is Lorelei (44:39). Finally, in Recommendation Corner Ian talks about No Joy and Baths and Steven talks about The Tubs (52:52). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#304
Thursday · 48 min
Special Bonus Episode: An Interview with Nate Amos of This Is Lorelei
Ahead of the release of his great new album "The Singer In My Band," Nate Amos of This Is Lorelei sat down with Steven Hyden for this special bonus episode interview. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#303
September 4 · 51 min
Coachella 2027 Rumors, The Banality of AI Music, and The Properties of Lyft Music
Steven is in LA this week, so the city comes up a lot in this episode, starting with a quick Sportscast on the LA Clippers (1:38) and a discussion of Lyft music (5:02) and the Tupac murder case (14:10). After plugs for Steven's book and Andrew Sacher's "Emo Revival" (18:33) and short revie of the week's scant new releases (25:18), the guys address rumors about headliners at Coachella 2027 (27:55) and a new lawsuit filed by musicians led by Jason Isbell against an AI company (33:33). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Clippers and Steven recommends The Bures Band (47:28). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#302
August 28 · 1 hr 3 min
Big Thief Plays 29 New Songs In Nashville, A Cameron Winter Live Album and Film, and Reviews of Alabama Shakes, Interpol and Mike D
Steven and Ian begin by paying tribute to the late, great Dolly Parton (1:18) and looking back at the Columbia House record club, which incredibly just shut down after a long period of irrelevance (11:43). Then they discuss Big Thief debuting a triple album's worth of new songs in Nashville, and whether hearing so much unknown material at once live is a good thing (24:24). They also talk about the new Cameron Winter live album and concert film (34:21) before discussing new albums by Alabama Shakes, Interpol and Mike D (40:14). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends World Record and Steven recommends Dogwood Tales (57:15). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#300
August 21 · 1 hr 3 min
Reviews of New Albums by Brandon Flowers, Weezer and Wild Pink
Steven and Ian begin by paying tribute to Frank Beard of ZZ Top, who passed away this week at age 77 (1:40). Then they talk about a recent backlash to Audrey Hobert and whether it's related to the aesthetics of NPR's Tiny Desk Concert (10:21). After that they discuss new songs by Fontaines DC and Gang of Youths (22:54) before reviewing new albums by Brandon Flowers (33:08), Weezer (42:48) and Wild Pink (49:45). In Recommendation Corner, ian talks about Sueter7 and Steven talks about Westside Cowboy and Brennan Wedl (58:00). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#298
August 14 · 1 hr
Reviews of New Albums by Phoebe Bridgers, L'Rain and Hovvdy
Steven and Ian start with an extended riff on "Alt-Rock Is Dead" albums from 1996, including classics by Pearl Jam and Weezer as well as way too much conversation about Crash Test Dummies (1:35). Then they do their first fantasy album draft update in a long time (17:58), which eventually leads to discussion about new albums by Phoebe Bridgers (25:51), L'Rain (39:56), and Hovvdy (45:42). In Recommendation Corner (55:50), Ian recommends Hana Streetton and Steven recommends Sam & Louise Sullivan. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#297
August 7 · 57 min
RIP Brooklyn Vegan (And Online Music Media), Plus: We Answer Listener Emails (Finally!)
Steven and Ian open with a conversation about Brooklyn Vegan, the long-running music site that faced heavy layoffs this week, and what that says about the rapidly evolving state of online media (:50). Then they talk about the week's new releases, including albums by Ceremony, Citizen, and the Mountain Goats. (24:45). Then they (finally) open up the mailbag, and discuss listener questions about musical revisionism, yay or nay (33:43) and whether it's a good idea to check the setlist online before a show (46:48). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Now It's Overhead and Steven recommends Kiwi Jr. (53:10). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#296
July 31 · 56 min
Our Backlash Against The "Reality Awaits" Backlash
After a Sportscast about LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers and speculation about his taste in Philly indie rock (:40) and a quick discussion about old clips of The B-52's going viral this week (6:53), Steven and Ian pay tribute to the late Glen Hansard and Kavinsky, two very different musicians who passed away this week but who made their mark on the indie world in similar ways (9:39). After that, they discuss two high-profile albums they finally got to hear this week: Charli XCX's “Music, Fashion, Film” (20:59) and The Strokes' “Reality Awaits” (31:05). Then they talk about new releases by Arca and Shearwater, among other acts (45:43). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Aeiou and Steven recommends Frank Hurricane (50:50). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#295
July 24 · 53 min
New Albums by The Strokes, Charli XCX and ... Pat McAfee?
Steven and Ian open with a conversation about a new Jimothy, one of the most lasting characters in the Indiecast universe (1:01). After that, they talk about a possible "worst album of the year" candidate from ESPN personality Pat McAfee (7:47) and some gross happenings occurring at Noah Kahan shows (17:33). Then they discuss new releases from The Strokes, Charli XCX, Pete Yorn, and others (27:22). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Citrus Jr. and Steven recommends Miles Hewitt (49:12). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#294
July 17 · 1 hr
Assessing the Legacies of Beck and Jack White
Steven and Ian start by talking about great Canadian bands (0:36) and Steve's road trip this week to see Rush and The Strokes (not together) (4:11). Then they discuss the new Beck album announcement and revisit his overall work and where his legacy currently stands (13:24), followed by a similar conversation about Jack White and his new LP (31:12). Then they update the Fantasy Albums Draft (40:58) and discuss the week's new releases (42:27). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Snag and Steven recommends Twisted Teens (54:40). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#292
July 10 · 1 hr 2 min
Is Nirosta Steel The "Underdog" Indie Phenom Of 2026? Plus: The Fantasy Albums Draft for Q3
The guys begin with Steven questioning Ian over whether his Belgian wife is to blame for the U.S. losing the World Cup match to Belgium, the most controversial Sportscast yet (1:06). Then they discuss the buzzed-about album "My Skyscraper" by Nirosta Steel, an unlikely critical hit by a 69-year-old former collaborator of the late, great Arthur Russell (11:36). After they talk about the week's new releases, including albums by Jack White and Panda Bear & Sonic Boom (32:55), followed by the latest Fantasy Albums Draft (41:34), featuring upcoming releases from Phoebe Bridgers, Gilla Band, L'Rain, Empress Of, and Julia Jacklin (41:34). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about Proun and Steven talks about Tracey Nelson (58:50). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#291
July 3 · 57 min
The Best American Indie Bands Of All Time
After a quick Sportscast about a big recent trade affecting Ian's favorite NBA team, Steven and Ian settle in to talk about America's 250th birthday — or the lack of talk about America's 250th birthday. Then they get some festivities going of their own with a conversation about the best American indie bands, focusing on four categories — the best of the 20th century, the best of the 21st century, the best of the last 10 years, and the best to never sign to a major label. In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends The Ritornello Form and Steven goes for SML. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#290
June 26 · 1 hr 1 min
New Music From Phoebe Bridgers + This Is Lorelei, Plus: An Old Deftones Album Leaks and The Most "Relevant" Music Critic Ever Is ...
The conversation begins with speculation about the leak of the historic "lost" Deftones album "Eros" (1:27), as well as a brief Sportscast on Giannis leaving Steve's one-time home of Milwaukee (7:17). After a quick Fantasy Album Draft update (16:37), the guys talk about new album announcements from Phoebe Bridgers and This Is Lorelei and how they feel about their respective prospects this year (19:22). Then they look at the week's new releases, including albums (33:40) before reviewing an online controversy this week involving Anthony Fantano (39:49). Finally, in Recommendation Corner Ian recommends the latest from Chanel Beads and Steven recommends the English band Swim Deep (56:08). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#289
June 19 · 1 hr 11 min
Our Favorite Albums of 2016
After a brief tangent on Steve's experience this week recording an audiobook and a review of the week's scant slate of new releases, the guys get into a deep conversation about the music of 2016, a fascinating year of transition in a tumultuous time. Steven and Ian talk about the year, what it meant for the future, and share their top five albums lists. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#288
June 12 · 1 hr 3 min
Our Favorite Albums Of 2026 So Far
The guys begin with a quick Sportscast about the NBA Finals (2:02) before diving into the "no phone" discourse about Phoebe Bridgers' upcoming tour (9:22). Then they talk about Ian's interview with Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie that's now up on Amazon Music (19:43) and the week's big new releases (24:28). Finally, they discuss their favorite albums of the year so far (33:43). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#286
June 5 · 58 min
Has 2026 Been A Good Year For Music? Plus: New Albums by Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, and Deer Tick
This week's conversation begins with Steven telling a story about a very mean email he got from a publicist this week (2:00), followed by Ian talking about his trip to an historic studio down south (9:30). After that, they do an update of the fantasy albums draft (17:56) before assessing the state of music in 2026 so far, ahead of revealing their mid-year lists next week (23:09). Then they run down the week's new releases, including new releases by Modest Mouse, Converge, Deer Tick and Lizzo (31:05). They also discuss the new record by Death Cab for Cutie (41:06). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Greg Mendez and Steven recommends Futurebirds (50:48). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#282
May 29 · 56 min
New Albums By Kurt Vile and Guided By Voices, the Return of Wild Pink, and "Indie Rock" Electronic Albums
The guys open with a Sportscast about the NBA playoffs, including talk about SGA flopping and the New York Knicks dominating (1:56). They then talk about a new album announcement by one of the show's "mascot" bands, Wild Pink (13:57). They also discuss the new Guided By Voices album, and Steven's recent ranking of all the band's many members (21:20). Then they delve deeper into the week's new releases, including albums by Iceage, Paul McCartney, and Turnover. (28:49). They also touch on the new Boards of Canada release, and subsequently discuss indie-adjacent electronic music (47:23). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Crash Of Rhinos and Steven recommends a new archival John Prine live album (52:16). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#279
May 22 · 57 min
Car Seat Headrest Re-Records "Teens Of Denial," Ed O'Brien Goes Solo (Again), and We Assess a "Greatest Punk Albums" List
The guys start by talking about the newly announced anniversary tour for "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness," with Steven quizzing Ian on how many times "We Only Come Out At Night" has been played live (2:43). They then talk about Car Seat Headrest re-recording their 2016 indie classic "Teens Of Denial," for dubious reasons (10:50). Then they review the week's new releases, including new albums by Bleachers, Ed O'Brien of Radiohead and Future Islands (24:24). After that, they discuss a recent "Greatest Punk Albums" list, giving their own takes on the choices (38:01). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about The Field and Steven discusses Thomas Dollbaum (52:14). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#278
May 15 · 54 min
Phoebe Bridgers Returns! Tame Impala Has A Real Pop Hit! This Is Lorelei Signs Big!
This week's conversation begins with some recent discourse about whether rock is dead and whether it was killed by the CIA or liberal poptimists (2:34). The guys also briefly discuss the backlash against a "New York Times" video where the pop critics defended their recent greatest living American songwriters list (17:27). Then they look at a relatively light week for new releases, including albums by Kevin Morby, Rostam and Spencer Krug (22:41). After they pivot to news hinting at an apparent new Phoebe Bridgers album and her prospects for a comeback (29:03). They also discuss the recent Top 10 hit by Tame Impala from their critically panned 2025 album (39:27), and Nate Amos of This Is Lorelei signing to Matador (44:22). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about the electronic act Jump Scare and Steve talks about the L.A. band Gun Outfit (50:59). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#277
May 8 · 1 hr 2 min
Broken Social Scene Returns, Greta Van Fleet Breaks Up (Almost), Ween vs. Tenacious D, and The Greatest Guitar Solos Of All Time
The guys open with Greta Van Fleet, who is not an indie band, possibly teasing their own breakup or possible new music this week (1:20). Then they offer an update on the Fantasy Albums Draft, discussing recent albums by Aldous Harding and Kneecap (8:15). This leads to a wider conversation about the week's new releases, including Broken Social Scene, Basement, Cola, Social Distortion, The Lemon Twigs, and more (19:24). After that they consider a recent list of the greatest guitar solos of all time, and offer up their picks (33:44). In the first mailbag of the Amazon era, they revisit Ian's negative album reviews for Pitchfork (43:23) and rule on whether Tenacious D ripped off Ween (48:32). In Recommendation Corner, Ian with indie EDM artist Ninajirachi and Steven goes with a recent book on heartland rock by Erin Osmon (56:44). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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