There’s no time like autumn in Indianapolis.
As the leaves fall and temperatures turn a little crisper, you’ll need a playlist of songs by Indianapolis artists for your next bonfire.
From psych rock to hip-hop, there’s a little bit of something for everybody, so be sure to give the full thing a listen — and show your favorites some support at an upcoming show.
“Just Friends” by Mina & the Wondrous Flying Machine
When she’s not playing keys or accordion, or singing backing vocals for songwriters like Kara Cole, Sarah Grain and Teresa Reynolds, Indy musician Mina Keohane stays busy fronting this progressive pop band.
Mina & the Wondrous Flying Machine released its latest album, “Quiet Little Wreckonings,” in October 2024. In “Just Friends,” Keohane and company exemplify their unique songcraft on this tender track. Want to see them live? The band plays at Chatterbox Jazz Club every third Thursday of the month.
“Fire Over Me” by 81355
Headed up by Sean “Oreo” Jones, Sedcairn (David “Moose” Adamson) and Sirius Blvck (Niq Askren), 81355 celebrated the release of “Bad Dogs” in July via local record label Joyful Noise Recordings. On the song “Fire Over Me,” Blvck and Jones take turns rapping over an eerie instrumental track that sounds like it could be featured in “Stranger Things.”
“CHAUNEY MANE” by 4200Kory
Chauncey Kory Graham grew up in the 4200 block of Indianapolis, at 42nd Street and Post Road. He isn’t afraid to wear where he’s from on his sleeve, as evidenced in this track from his debut album “Cobra Son.” Reflecting on his upbringing and his experiences with overcoming poverty, 4200Kory delivers one of his patented autobiographical onslaughts with “CHAUNEY MANE.”
“Circle” by Flacoisbored
A veteran of the Indianapolis hip-hop community, Flacoisbored showcases his eccentric lyrical delivery on this standout 2025 track. Delivering spastic bars over a pulsating beat, Flacoisbored exemplifies why he’s always been such an entertaining lyricist, making mention of “beef like Fogo de Chão” among other things.
“Overflow” by Pat and the Pissers
Having toured out to the West Coast and back multiple times this calendar year, these rip-roaring punk rockers have been on a roll. A standout track from their 2025 album, “How It’s Done,” “Overflow” features frontman Alex Beckman delivering fiery reflections. “Seething down the same street, I cannot focus on anything,” he yells. “The more I learn, the less I know. Of this catastrophic overflow.”
“Worm” by Cairo Jag
Longtime purveyors of Midwest psych rock, this raucous three-piece took their talents to Europe last summer for dates in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland. As evidenced in this side-winding shredder from 2024, Cairo Jag straight up knows how to rock, plain and simple.
“Ruthless” by Wife Patrol
The trio Wife Patrol showcases its versatility across the spectrum of rock and roll — from punk rock to power-pop — on 2025’s full-length “NOPLACE.” On this upbeat selection from the album, Nicole O’Neal sings, “There’s a thread that passes through. Every hero and villain it’s true. Same thread passing right through you. You know it, I know it.”
“Tapped IN” by Clint Breeze featuring Double A and Maxie
On the 2024 solo album “Ring Ring, Money Calling,” Carrington Clinton, who makes music under the moniker of Clint Breeze, again showed his versatility as an artist.
His singing and crafting of all the music on the record brings together some of the city’s finest — this Indy-centric track in particular brings the talents of two of Naptown’s most talented emcees: Double A and Maxie. Double A and Maxie also run their own clothing businesses, Double A with Naptown Thrift and Maxie with Nap or Nothing.
“Coffin Club” by Joshua Powell
A longtime staple of Indy’s singer-songwriter community, Joshua Powell is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit with this eerie piece of indie rock. It goes especially hard about three-fourths of the way through. For more spooky, be sure to also check out recent singles “Trench the Ghost” and “Tune the Harp.”
“Fly” by Wishy
This breezy indie rock band, headed by Kevin Krauter and Nina Pitchkites on vocals, has been touring through clubs all across the United States and beyond. “Fly,” the opening track from their 2025 EP, “Project Popstar,” makes for a perfect song to listen to while sitting outside and watching the world go by.
“The Place You Fell” by Hyper Tensions
Originally from Evansville, these psych rock shredders relocated to Indianapolis in 2019 and have been making noise ever since. Fronted by the two-headed monster of bassist/vocalist Jarry Snyder and guitarist/vocalist Ryan Dunn, the band showcases its raw power in this track from its 2024 EP bearing the same name.
“Bad Impression” by Wet Denim
This no-frills rock and roll band has gained a following in recent years by regularly performing at local venues, like the Melody Inn and State Street Pub, and by venturing outside of the Hoosier state. They are known for writing short-but-sweet songs. This 2024 track gives listeners a good taste of what Wet Denim is all about.
“Mona 2” by Fern Murphy
With “Mona 2,” Fern Murphy gives listeners a soothing taste of their wavy ways. And there’s more to come — there’s a second album in the works. Having opened up for bands like Beach House, DIIV and more, this Indianapolis band has shown it belongs amongst the upper echelon of dream-pop.
“I Know” by Everything, Now!
Esteemed Indianapolis rock and roll veterans, Everything, Now!, made its triumphant return in 2024 with the release of its first album in 13 years. Fronted by Jon Rogers and his effervescent delivery, the band showcases its songwriting prowess with this shimmering single.
“Twilight’s End” by Adam Graahs and Pan Am
Adam Graahs has led several noteworthy projects over the years, including Amo Joy and S.M. Wolf. Despite being more mild-mannered than previous works, this latest project showcases Graahs’ sharp songcraft. This wistful tune features Kara Tucker on flute and makes for the perfect listen on an autumn walk through the woods.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Seth Johnson is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach him at seth.johnson4291@gmail.com.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
