December 14, 2018

There’s enough good music videos in this list to keep you going for another 12 months.

What is ‘indie’ music? It was used to refer to any music on independent labels in the UK back in the day, then it kind of became a ‘sound’, and now it really refers to any combination of the aforementioned traits. Arguably, you can be an ‘indie’ band and be signed to a major label, and any music (as long as the artist isn’t with a major label) can be called ‘indie’. It’s hard to define these days, but let’s just say if you know, you know.

But what is a video… Just jokes, we don’t need a lecture on that. Here’s some our favourite videos made by what we consider to be indie artists. There’s no shortage of DIY work, (presumably) stretched budgets, and most importantly, imagination – so check it out their videos here, then get out there and support these ‘indie’ bands:

1. Crocodylus – ‘My Baby’

To be honest the Crocs video for ‘My Love’ could have easily topped this list too. The lads and their longtime collaborator Jamieson Kerr sure know how to suck us right in with some choreographed movement. I wonder how many hours were spent rehearing this one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6696JfbvPfI

2. Boydos – ‘Plans’

It’s nice to see an artist deliver a heartstrung tune with silly clip – a great debut from the Sydney rising talent. Also, no video on this list features more spaghetti, which is something we think is worth noting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpTq9wbTc1M

3. Nice Biscuit – ‘Digital Mountain Sparrow’

Easily one of our favourite clips, for the colours if nothing else. If you were able to enter the mind of a rainbow paddle pop this is what we reckon you would be seeing on the inside; colourful swirls and sweet sweet music. Fun fact: rainbow paddle pops are actually caramel flavoured.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg7R–_XOCY

4. Switch Doctor – ‘Strange Insides’

We premiered this one a few months, back but only recently found out that the entire clip was shot on iPhone, which goes to show what you don’t need much more than a great idea and a little inventiveness to make a cool video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAkJgSpuTZM

5. Teenage Dads – ‘Sunburnt’

If there were a dance move of the year, these guys and their pointy fingers would take it out. Put this video on if you ever need to smile, there’s something that’s just so warm and wholesome about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGLSGk880KM

6. Leroy Francis – ‘Intoxicated Dreams’

Not only was this easily one of the standout tunes of 2018, but the clip is a perfectly suited collage of visuals. We were looking for flights to Japan nearly instantly after watching this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTDbtwkznco

7. Flight To Dubai – ‘Graduation’

Even though the tune is pretty bloody heavy (and catchy AF), you’d have to think that a lot of laughs were had when filing this one. The slow motion shot at Central at about 01:30 is the nicest scene from any clip on this list.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R7GnbYZ2Vg

8. Baby Beef – ‘Better Yet’

Probably the best part about this one from Baby Beef is the fact that not much really happens. A single (but very cool) shot, minimal movement, and no wild editing means that we can focus all of our attention on the music – which is incredible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHqJIUcToJY

9. Georgia June – ‘Pressure’

Having seen them deliver some wild shows of the past year, it’s pretty hard to imagine the GJ crew working office jobs – though it’s easy to imagine it would bore the fuck out of them. A stellar performance from Georgia and her mustachioed sidekicks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhIPWqdHqig

10. Velvet Trip – ‘Take Control’

You probably won’t see a video or hear a tune that encapsulates the swingin’ 60’s better than this one. Part Austin Powers, part Hendrix, it looks like this was shot in some warehouse back in the days of free love, maaaaaaaan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEucrrRUoFA

11. The Cinema Wristys – ‘Cinema Wristys’

So all it took to make this clip was a couple of Ikea lamps, a printer and a camera. It cost under $100, so you don’t really have any excuse to not be making a video yourself… Unless your band doesn’t have $100…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOQfQ81cZfU

12. Sunscreen – ‘Tide’

Shot in an sharehouse in the Inner West, the use of blues and whites in this fittingly melancholic clip gives it that cold feeling that really draws the eyes in. It’s another great example of what can be created with a clear vision and some cool (no pun intended) performances. Was anyone else kinda wondering what all the guys were playing on the Nintendo?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRK-d_uBtfI

13. Demi Mitchell – ‘Medicine Woman’

Shot entirely on Super 8 film, this clip looks like it could have been filmed on the French coastline in the 60’s, though it was actually shot in Newcastle. It’s the perfect accompaniment to Mitchell’s smokey and alluring vocals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBrSllq7Ih4

14. Straight Arrows – ‘21st Century’

Thank god Straight Arrows are back! It seems like ages since we’ve heard from them and it’s nice to see they haven’t lost their ability to laugh at themselves or their ability to write super catchy tunes. This one somehow made junkyards and trash look cool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIICkZJ9WzM

15. Nicholas Connors – ‘Sick Love Song’

If you’ve seen Nicholas Connors live, you’ll know that he love to put on show, which is exactly what he does in this video. Exuding more steeze than The Fonz and more cool than Johnny Cash, it’s worth watching this one just to see the bluesman stretch his face like it’s made out of Play-Doh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPsSexg20TU

16. Luke Spook – ‘Isobella’

This clip is a pretty accurate representation of what the world looks like to someone who’s just taken some acid; the colours are popping, everything is amazing, and there’s a patterns anywhere you look. We don’t condone drug use, but we do condone Luke Spook.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcC6q6a-tWQ

17. Bored Shorts – ‘Day & Age’

This just looks like it would have been a fun afternoon in the park; a little bit of music, a picturesque sunset and a couple of beers. Only thing that is missing is a couple of doggos running around for entertainment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUg_aldLEBM

18. Big White – ‘How Did You Find Out’

What is the big secret? Has anyone else been wondering that since this one came out at the start of 2018? It’s also just nice to go back and listen to this tune – there’s something about the VHS effect makes everything about it feel really nostalgic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0pR3TzA6eQ

19. Bland – ‘The Great Divide’

We premiered this tune a few weeks back and were stoke to see that Bland did it justice with the clip. There’s a lovely (and perfectly timed) Australiana summer vibe going on here that suits the the track superbly. Also points for the energetic performance from frontman Ollie Ellis.

20. Kimono Drag Queens – ‘Zenniah’

Getting it done on a budget – apparently this video is made of free stock footage from a canadian educational program in the 60’s. It certainly suits the space darkness of the tune down to the ground (you get that one?).