From folk to rock to hip-hop, Indianapolis is a city defined by its array of authentic sounds, with local acts regularly packing out venues large and small.
To help you discover your next favorite artist from “the Nap,” Indy music journalist Seth Johnson put together this list of 15 songs from Indianapolis musicians you should be listening to right now.
1.
4200 Kory: “4N2DW”
One of many promising young voices in the burgeoning Indianapolis hip-hop scene, 4200 Kory derives his stage moniker from the Eastside block on which he grew up: 42nd Street and Post Road. Featuring spoken word contributions from Anthony Murdock, “4N2DW” is the title track for Kory’s 2023 album “4 Naptown 2 Da World,” his ode to Indianapolis.
2.
81355: “Capstone”
A project many years in the making, 81355 (pronounced “bless”) started out as a collaboration among Oreo Jones, Sirius Blvck and David “Moose” Adamson before blossoming into a full-fledged band. Having played all over the U.S., 81355 released an eye-popping music video for “Capstone” in 2021, in which members are literally buried alive.
3.
Dana Skully and the Tiger Sharks: “Toaster”
Longtime Indianapolis singer-songwriter Dana Skully heads this high-spirited pop-punk trio, who now have two full-length albums under their belts. Featured on 2019’s “Burn Trailer Down, I Am Not Coming Back,” “Toaster” gives the listener a bite-sized taste of Skully’s often-playful style.
4.
Double A: “U LIKE”
When he’s not busy stocking the racks at Naptown Thrift, Aaron “Double A” Marshall occupies his time with spitting some of the coldest bars Indy has to offer. “U LIKE,” one of many standouts from his impressive 2023 album “What They Don’t See,” is anchored by a breezy soul sample and also features guest contributions from Baby Ebony and Foxd’legend respectively.
5.
Drayco McCoy and Sirius Blvck: “Bloody Knuckles”
Two of Indy’s most esteemed emcees, Drayco McCoy and Sirius Blvck teamed up for their first-ever collaborative project in 2023, and the final product did not disappoint. As the EP’s title track, “Bloody Knuckles” features the pair of Naptown rappers on top of their game.
6.
Fern Murphy: “Go for It”
This Indianapolis band makes shimmering dream pop and has shared bills with the likes of Beach House, DIIV, and more, No strangers to Indy’s premier stages, Fern Murphy’s celestial sound is on full display on “Go for It.”
7.
Jennasen: “Scared Rabbit”
Formerly a part of the now-defunct Indianapolis band Manners Please, Jennasen Snyder has now branched out to make catchy synth-pop tunes under her own name. Having released a collection of singles over the past few years, “Scared Rabbit” serves as a great example of her effervescent sound.
8.
Midwxst: “pretty girls”
Since they were signed to the internationally acclaimed Geffen Records, this 20-year-old artist from Carmel has amassed a large following, racking up over 1.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify. After releasing several EPs with his shape-shifting pop sound over the early part of his career, Midwxst dropped his debut full-length in September 2023 — an album that’s highlighted by this standout single.
9.
Living Dream: “Kokomo Rodeo”
Purveyors of Midwest peculiarity, Living Dream channels the DIY genius of those who came before them and make it their own on “Kokomo Rodeo.” A wiry ode to Howard County’s finest town, the song is one of many reverb-drenched standouts from the band’s self-titled debut album, which came out in January 2023.
10.
Pat and the Pissers: “Grow”
Indianapolis punk has been on a roll as of late, and this fiery four-piece has certainly been at the forefront. Headed up by Alex Beckman and his off-the-wall stage antics, the band released its aptly titled “Growth” EP in April 2023, which reaches its peak with this standout banger.
11.
The Palace: “Disco James”
Winners of the inaugural Battle of the Bands competition presented by the Hi-Fi, this electrifying Indy group introduced the world to their spirited soul sound in June 2023 with the release of debut album, “Rainbow Shades.” A band that’s sure to put a pep in your step, the Palace’s grooves are on full display with “Disco James.”
12.
Public Universal Friend: “Jesus, Pt. 1”
A self-described “queer goth Americana matriarch,” Jody Galadriel Friend reclaims the Appalachian sound of her upbringing as a gay trans woman on 2023 album “Chrysalis.” As the album’s lead single, “Jesus, Pt. 1” specifically confronts the culture of bigoted religiosity often cast on queer individuals in Appalachian America. In the song, Friend leans in and whispers, “Then I guess I’ll see you all in hell.”
13.
Sadie Johnson: “Natural Distractions”
Sadie Johnson heard the soulful guitar of Eric Clapton as a teenager and hasn’t looked back. Released on Nov. 30, 2023, her debut album “Natural Distractions” serves as a proper introduction to the Indy artist’s six-string prowess.
14.
S.M. Wolf: “Good Vibration (Not That One…)”
S.M. Wolf recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary with the release of a special collection of EPs, singles, and B-sides spanning from 2013 to 2023. Fronted by Adam Gross and his unmistakable howl, the band specializes in making exuberant, rock ’n’ roll ear worms like the one spotlighted here.
15.
Wishy: “Too True”
Formerly a part of the locally based indie rock band Hoops, Kevin Krauter returns in this new shoegaze-centric project co-led by fellow singer-songwriter Nina Pitchkites. With a debut EP out on Dec. 15, the five-piece band toured out west earlier this year in support of fellow artist-on-the-rise Tanukichan.
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