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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35 episodes
weekly
Avg 58 min
English

Episodes 35

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#315
Friday · 57 min
New Music From Twisted Teens, Atlas Sound, Oso Oso and Kings Of Leon, Plus A Sufjan Stevens Christmas LP
Steven and Ian start with a quick Politics-cast and whether we can achieve the perfect formula of woke (0:58) before talking about a new song by Atlas Sound (8:03) and a new Sufjan Stevens Christmas album (15:00). After checking in with the Fantasy Album Draft (23:33) they talk about new albums by Twisted Teens, Oso Oso, and Kings Of Leon (30:10), followed by Recommendation Corner (52:37). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#314
October 30 · 1 hr 1 min
A New Queens Of The Stone Age Album + The Greatest Rock Songs Of The 21st Century
Steven and Ian open with a quick Sportscast about the Milwaukee Brewers winning the World Series (0:43) before talking about Turnstile playing a huge free benefit concert in Washington D.C. (6:20). Then they talk about Rolling Stone's recent list of the 200 greatest rock songs of the 21st century (10:56). After a quick Fantasy Albums Draft update (32:49), they discuss new albums out today by DIIV, Clinic and 2nd Grade (35:57) before a deeper conversation about Queens Of The Stone Age and their new album "Perfecth" (44:00). In Recommendation Corner, they discuss albums by Loidis and Rainbow Body (56:10). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#313
October 23 · 1 hr 2 min
The Legacy Of Elephant 6 and The Rise Of Laptop Twee
In this episode Steven and Ian talk about new albums by The Olivia Tremor Control and Worldpeace DMT, and also sports and Jay-Z at the Super Bowl. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#312
October 16 · 55 min
A Big New Fontaines DC Album + The 200 Greatest Emo Albums
Steven and Ian do a quick Sportscast about Steve's book tour coinciding with the Brewers' magical playoffs run (2:29) before pivoting to a conversation about allegations against Geordie Greep and how the story broke (9:41). After that, they discuss a recent list of emo albums and what Ian thought about it (24:50). Then they talk about the week's big indie releases, including albums by Dummy, Eels, Geologist, and The Avalanches (32:20) before focusing on the latest by Fontaines D.C. and what it means for their overall standing (38:39). In Recommendation Corner, they discuss new albums by Juno Togiak and Animal Piss, It's Everywhere (50:14). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#311
October 9 · 1 hr
Cameron Winter's New Live Album + Turnstile's "SNL" Fallout
Steven and Ian begin with a quick Sportscast on the Brewers vs. Padres playoffs series (2:27) before discussing the legendary "Indiecast bump" that possibly caused reunions for the braintrusts of Deerhunter and Drive-By Truckers (11:21). Then they discuss Turnstile's appearance on "SNL" and some of the stranger reactions on social media (22:20). After that they cover new releases by Jess Williamson, Teenage Fanclub, and The Tallest Man on Earth (35:20) before discussing Cameron Winter's new live album recorded at Carnegie Hall (44:39). In Recommendation Corner they discuss new albums by Margo Cilker and 300SkullsAndCounting / Jenny Sparks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#310
October 2 · 57 min
Hoping For A Bradford Cox Comeback + Most Anticipated Albums of 2026's Q4
After a quick Sportscast on the bad fortunes of their respective NFL teams (1:56), Steven and Ian discuss the recent re-emergence of Bradford Cox and whether he might mount a serious comeback (13:40). They also discuss the state of the Q3 fantasy albums draft (25:57) before talking about the albums coming up this fall drafted in the Q4 draft (35:56). In Recommendation Corner they talk about Holidays In The United States, Greg Freeman, and Wishy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#307
September 25 · 58 min
Gilla Band Has Made The Car Stereo Album Of 2026 and Angine de Poitrine Wins The Polaris Prize
Steven and Ian begin with a Sportscast about injured QBs and terrible NFL watches (0:49) before paying tribute to 90s soft-rock god Duncan Sheik (11:15). After that they discuss Angine De Poitrine winning the Polaris Prize and whether their rise should be a bigger story (19:15) as well as new releases by Blondshell, Julia Jacklin, M83, and Protomartyr (31:28). They also review the great new album by Gilla Band (48:26) before wrapping with Recommendation Corner on Curbside Lambsear and The Drin. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#306
September 18 · 58 min
New Albums by Beck, Beabadoobee, Boy Harsher, and more
The guys begin with a Sportscast on the sorry state of their football teams (0:50) before looking at the recent free speech controversy involving the objectively hilarious stadium-pop pairing of Ed Sheeran and Macklemore (8:15). After that they discuss a big slate of new albums out this week headlined by Beck (25:30). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Butter Sugar Toast and Steven recommends Lily Seabird (52:32). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#305
September 11 · 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
September 10 · 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.

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