Local bands you should know in Indianapolis

Public Universal Friend performing on stage at The Vogue

Public Universal Friend performing on stage at The Vogue | Photo via @tarynlmason

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It’s no secret that Indy is home to a lot of talent — like rapper MidWxst, who was recently signed onto a major label — but have you heard about these other locals?

Gif of Wayne's World "Bohemian Rhapsody" scene

Ready to jam out to local music? | Gif via Giphy

🎶 Joshua Powell

Now touring his latest album “Skeleton Party” nationwide, Joshua Powell has made a name for himself in the Indy music community and beyond with tracks like “Sad Boy at the Skeleton Party” + “Coral Castle.” The psychedelic rocker has been playing music around Indy full-time for the past five years. Listeners who appreciate the sounds of Tame Impala will like his style.

🎶 Public Universal Friend

“Perennials” is the debut album of this rock band from the Circle City — which NPR Music said “served as a coming out for the group’s vocalist and songwriter Jody Friend, who used the project’s release to publicly acknowledge her identity as a trans woman.” Self-dubbed as an “earthy brand of art rock” those who like Pete Yorn will vibe with PUF.

🎶 81355 (pronounced “bless”)

This year, well-known local hip-hop artists Oreo Jones, Sirius Blvck + Sedcairn Archives banded together to form supergroup 81355. The trio’s album “This Time I’ll Be of Use” was reviewed on Pitchfork in June + has been well-received enough to be signed onto popular label 37d03d, founded by members of Bon Iver + The National. If you like Frank Ocean, you’ll dig this group.

Screenshot of Spotify playlist

Shuffle up your daily routine with this local playlist | Screenshot via INDYtoday team

In addition to being Indy-based performers, these groups have another thing in common — they’ve all performed on an IndyGo bus as part of Square Cat Vinyl’sMusic in Transit” series.

Want to start listening today? We’ve made it super easy for you by compiling our favorite local songs into a Spotify playlist. You’re welcome.

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