Indiecast

Our Favorite Albums Of 2026 So Far 12.06.2026 1godz 3min

The guys begin with a quick Sportscast about the NBA Finals (2:02) before diving into the "no phone" discourse about Phoebe Bridgers' upcoming tour (9:22). Then they talk about Ian's interview with Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie that's now up on Amazon Music (19:43) and the week's big new releases (24:28). Finally, they discuss their favorite albums of the year so far (33:43). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Has 2026 Been A Good Year For Music? Plus: New Albums by Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, and Deer Tick 05.06.2026 58min

This week's conversation begins with Steven telling a story about a very mean email he got from a publicist this week (2:00), followed by Ian talking about his trip to an historic studio down south (9:30). After that, they do an update of the fantasy albums draft (17:56) before assessing the state of music in 2026 so far, ahead of revealing their mid-year lists next week (23:09). Then they run down the week's new releases, including new releases by Modest Mouse, Converge, Deer Tick and Lizzo (31:05). They also discuss the new record by Death Cab for Cutie (41:06). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Greg Mendez and Steven recommends Futurebirds (50:48). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New Albums By Kurt Vile and Guided By Voices, the Return of Wild Pink, and "Indie Rock" Electronic Albums 29.05.2026 56min

The guys open with a Sportscast about the NBA playoffs, including talk about SGA flopping and the New York Knicks dominating (1:56). They then talk about a new album announcement by one of the show's "mascot" bands, Wild Pink (13:57). They also discuss the new Guided By Voices album, and Steven's recent ranking of all the band's many members (21:20). Then they delve deeper into the week's new releases, including albums by Iceage, Paul McCartney, and Turnover. (28:49). They also touch on the new Boards of Canada release, and subsequently discuss indie-adjacent electronic music (47:23). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Crash Of Rhinos and Steven recommends a new archival John Prine live album (52:16). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Car Seat Headrest Re-Records "Teens Of Denial," Ed O'Brien Goes Solo (Again), and We Assess a "Greatest Punk Albums" List 22.05.2026 57min

The guys start by talking about the newly announced anniversary tour for "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness," with Steven quizzing Ian on how many times "We Only Come Out At Night" has been played live (2:43). They then talk about Car Seat Headrest re-recording their 2016 indie classic "Teens Of Denial," for dubious reasons (10:50). Then they review the week's new releases, including new albums by Bleachers, Ed O'Brien of Radiohead and Future Islands (24:24). After that, they discuss a recent "Greatest Punk Albums" list, giving their own takes on the choices (38:01). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about The Field and Steven discusses Thomas Dollbaum (52:14). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Phoebe Bridgers Returns! Tame Impala Has A Real Pop Hit! This Is Lorelei Signs Big! 15.05.2026 54min

This week's conversation begins with some recent discourse about whether rock is dead and whether it was killed by the CIA or liberal poptimists (2:34). The guys also briefly discuss the backlash against a "New York Times" video where the pop critics defended their recent greatest living American songwriters list (17:27). Then they look at a relatively light week for new releases, including albums by Kevin Morby, Rostam and Spencer Krug (22:41). After they pivot to news hinting at an apparent new Phoebe Bridgers album and her prospects for a comeback (29:03). They also discuss the recent Top 10 hit by Tame Impala from their critically panned 2025 album (39:27), and Nate Amos of This Is Lorelei signing to Matador (44:22). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about the electronic act Jump Scare and Steve talks about the L.A. band Gun Outfit (50:59). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Broken Social Scene Returns, Greta Van Fleet Breaks Up (Almost), Ween vs. Tenacious D, and The Greatest Guitar Solos Of All Time 08.05.2026 1godz 2min

The guys open with Greta Van Fleet, who is not an indie band, possibly teasing their own breakup or possible new music this week (1:20). Then they offer an update on the Fantasy Albums Draft, discussing recent albums by Aldous Harding and Kneecap (8:15). This leads to a wider conversation about the week's new releases, including Broken Social Scene, Basement, Cola, Social Distortion, The Lemon Twigs, and more (19:24). After that they consider a recent list of the greatest guitar solos of all time, and offer up their picks (33:44). In the first mailbag of the Amazon era, they revisit Ian's negative album reviews for Pitchfork (43:23) and rule on whether Tenacious D ripped off Ween (48:32). In Recommendation Corner, Ian with indie EDM artist Ninajirachi and Steven goes with a recent book on heartland rock by Erin Osmon (56:44). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Thrill Of American Football and The Agony Of "Michael" 01.05.2026 1godz

Steven and Ian start with a Moviecast about the new Michael Jackson biopic, a huge blockbuster that Steven saw and Ian probably won't (3:16). From there they talk about the pros and cons of concert tourism (17:55) and Ian's recent experience seeing the cult emo band Everyone Asked About You (23:26). Then they talk about some of the week's new releases, including albums by Hiss Golden Messenger, Lip Critic, The Black Keys, and Tori Amos (32:15) before landing on an extended conversation about the band American Football and their new self-titled LP (41:58). Finally, in Recommendation Corner Ian discusses the band You're An Angel and Steven stumps for Mildred (56:26). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Rom-Com About An Indie Music Critic? Plus: New Albums By Nine Inch Noize and Friko 24.04.2026 1godz

This week's episode opens with the first-ever Sportscast of the Amazon era (01:38) followed by a conversation about the week's new releases, touching on Foo Fighters, Failure, Metric, Noah Kahan and more (05:51). After that, the guys check in on the Fantasy Albums Draft (16:47), and then discuss new albums by the Chicago band Friko (21:38) and the Trent Reznor/Boys Noize collaboration Nine Inch Noize (28:54). Then they talk about the new romantic comedy "Mile End Kicks," a period piece about a young indie music critic living in Montreal in 2011 (35:32). Finally, they wrap with Ian recommending the latest New Pornographers album and Steven talking about the big essay in his newsletter on 2020s alt-country, with special shout-outs to recent albums by Brown Horse and Florry (54:34). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Geese Scandal? Plus: Live Nation Monopoly, Coachella, Angine De Poitrine, and My New Band Believe 17.04.2026 1godz 2min

A hashing-heavy episode opens with news of a big recent court ruling against Live Nation (1:15) and whether it might lead to cheaper concert tickets. The guys then talk about a digital marketing company linked to Geese and many other indie acts that pumps up social-media chatter (8:32). After that, they discuss their favorite highlights of the ongoing Coachella festival (28:00), do a "yay or nay" on the viral math-rock band Angine De Poitrine (37:45) and review the new album by My New Band Believe (45:59). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about the band Garden Ants while Steven stumps for The Delines (56:22). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New Music From The Strokes and WU LYF, plus: The 2026 Q2 Fantasy Albums Draft 10.04.2026 1godz 13min

Our first episode since December of 2025 opens with a quick conversation about "Mad Men" star Christina Hendricks' viral indie-music DJ set in San Diego (1:09). The guys then talk about the return of the show (5:00) and muse on topics they missed while they were away (12:13). After that, they discuss the announcement of the first new Strokes album in six years (24:31) and review the first WU LYF record in 15 years (33:42). From there, they conduct a Fantasy Albums Draft for the year's Q2 (44:46). Finally, in Recommendation Corner they discuss new music from Underscores and Wendy Eisenberg (1:09:20). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiecast Is Back! Starting Friday April 10! 06.04.2026 2min

Hello and welcome back to Indiecast! We are pleased to announce that the podcast we started back in 2020 and co-hosted through December of 2025 — when we were temporarily put on hold by our former producing partner — will return on Friday April 10. Same show, same day of the week, and even the same podcast feed. What’s different is our logo, which is a slightly different color. Also, we are now working with Amazon Music, who we are sure you have heard of. Otherwise, we’re picking up pretty much where we left off. And … just in time for a new WU LYF album? Seriously? Did Ian engineer this? While Amazon Music is helping out with the show, Indiecast will remain on all the platforms where you used to hear it. And it will be free. However, there will be special “bonus” content in the weeks and months ahead, including artist interviews, available exclusively on Amazon Music’s streaming service. We’ll have more to share on that very soon, but for now, the most important news is this: We’re back. And we’re ready to hash out some trends. If you want to learn more about how this happened, and what else lies ahead, please visit Steven's Substack. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 2025 Indiecasties + A Note About The Show's Future 19.12.2025 1godz 5min

Steven and Ian begin with a quick Sportscast about the disastrous turn for Steven's beloved Green Bay Packers (0:34). They also do some clarifications on last week's year-end albums lists (5:59). After that, they discuss the future of the show and reveal that there won't be any new episodes for the foreseeable future (9:44). Finally, they commence with the annual awarding of the Indiecasties (22:17). Listen to Episode 270 here and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can submit questions for Steve and Ian at indiecastmailbag@gmail.com, and make sure to follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for all the latest news. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiecast's Favorite Albums Of 2025 12.12.2025 1godz 2min

Steven and Ian begin this special episode with a quick rundown of the new Charli XCX mockumentary and whether it potentially represents the end of millennial cultural dominance (0:56). They also do a quick Sportscast after the recent Packers win and Eagles loss (11:11). After that, they discuss the latest album from This Is Lorelei, a kind of greatest hits release for the promising singer-songwriter's Bandcamp era (19:30). Then they discuss their favorite albums of 2025 (30:59). New episodes of Indiecast drop every Friday. Listen to Episode 269 here and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can submit questions for Steve and Ian at indiecastmailbag@gmail.com, and make sure to follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for all the latest news. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What Do Year-End Lists Say About The Music Trends Of 2025? 05.12.2025 58min

Steven and Ian begin with a quick tangent about the intersection of conservative newspaper columnists and music podcasts, and whether it will ever happen on Indiecast (1:52). They also do a Sportscast on the failing Philadelphia Eagles and Steven's revived hatred of the Chicago Bears (7:53). Then they pivot to a conversation about year-end albums lists, and what they say about the prevailing trends of 2025 (16:48). After that, they check out the just-announced Bonnaroo lineup (39:40) and do a "yay or nay" on Nick Cave (50:00) In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about LA indie-sleazers The Hellp and Steven stumps for the Australian improv trio The Necks (53:51). New episodes of Indiecast drop every Friday. Listen to Episode 266 here and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can submit questions for Steve and Ian at indiecastmailbag@gmail.com, and make sure to follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for all the latest news. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We (Finally) Answer Some Listener Emails 28.11.2025 59min

Steven and Ian open this week with an extended dialogue about an ongoing war at concerts, especially ones featuring aging artists -- the "sit down!" people vs. the "I'm not gonna sit down!" people (0:55). Who is right, and how can this be resolved? This also do a "yay or nay" on The Lemonheads, whose frontman Evan Dando has a new memoir out (11:44). Then they answer listener emails about college radio (19:12), the proper set length time (31:22), the preponderance of "deluxe" editions for recent indie releases (40:35), and the first "great" indie album (48:05). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about the band Some Images Of Paradise and Steven reflects on the 1977 British documentary All You Need Is Love: The Story Of Popular Music (53:44). New episodes of Indiecast drop every Friday. Listen to Episode 265 here and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can submit questions for Steve and Ian at indiecastmailbag@gmail.com, and make sure to follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for all the latest news. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Which Albums Are Critics Going To Put On Their Year-End Lists? 21.11.2025 1godz

Steven and Ian begin with a quick rundown of Thanksgiving fixins, and ultimately disagree on the utility of turkey (0:55). After that, they briefly assess the fantasy albums draft, which already seems like a wrap (10:51). Then they talk about gearing up to make their year-end albums lists (13:14), after which they make some educated guesses about what they think critics are going to rate highly this year (28:44). In the "yay or nay" segment, they discuss the new comeback album by Tobias Jesso Jr. (49:52). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about the emo band Ben Quad and Steven discusses the late singer-songwriter Todd Snider, who died last week (54:01). New episodes of Indiecast drop every Friday. Listen to Episode 265 here and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can submit questions for Steve and Ian at indiecastmailbag@gmail.com, and make sure to follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for all the latest news. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What Does Radiohead Mean In 2025? 14.11.2025 57min

Steven and Ian kick off with an announcement about an old favorite/punchline. They also discuss the recent Indiecast Bowl between the Packers and Eagles, the least watchable football game ever (3:41). From there, they have an extended conversation about Radiohead's current European tour, and what the band's standing currently is in the culture (9:59). Then they check in on the recent Grammy nominations, and critique the always unusual nominations in the rock categories (32:33). Then they do a "yay or nay" on The Neighbourhood (46:46). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about the Australian dream pop singer Hatchie and Steven weighs in on emo/folk/heartland rock artist Petey USA (51:41). New episodes of Indiecast drop every Friday. Listen to Episode 265 here and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can submit questions for Steve and Ian at indiecastmailbag@gmail.com, and make sure to follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for all the latest news. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A New Waxahatchee/MJ Lenderman Supergroup + The Return Of The 1975 Discourse 07.11.2025 58min

Steven and Ian open with a review of Ian's recent run of concerts, including Geese's Halloween show in San Diego (0:45). They also do a Sportscast on the upcoming Packers vs. Eagles game, aka The Indeicast Bowl (6:56), and a Newscast on the recent Zohran Mamdani victory in New York City and the surprising reaction from (of all people) Ryan Adams (11:57). Then they check in on the Fantasy Album Draft, which is stacked this week with albums from Rosalía, Armand Hammer, Brandi Carlile, Florence + The Machine, and Mavis Staples (21:23). From there, they discuss the new supergroup Snocaps composed of Katie and Allison Crutchfield, MJ Lenderman, and Brad Cook (25:29), as well as The 1975 removing a song from one of their albums (34:17) and a new music project from punk icons Ian MacKaye and Henry Rollins (44:56). In the weekly "yay or nay" segment, they discuss The Mountain Goats (50:48). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about scrappy rock band Tape Trash and Steven talks about British soft-rock singer-songwriter Westerman (54:37). New episodes of Indiecast drop every Friday. Listen to Episode 264 here and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can submit questions for Steve and Ian at indiecastmailbag@gmail.com, and make sure to follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for all the latest news. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lily Allen's Gossipy New Album + The Best Halloween Songs 31.10.2025 55min

Steven and Ian open with a conversation about a memorable Halloween from 10 years ago (0:56). Then they do a Sportscast on the World Series (5:59), and Steven's belief that he's spiritually Canadian. From there, they pivot to the gossipy reception to Lily Allen's new album, and her legacy as a blog-friendly indie-pop phenom from the 2000s (12:25). They also talk about a list of notable Halloween songs that aren't actually about Halloween (19:41) and the prospect for musician biopics after the relative box-office failure of the Bruce Springsteen movie.(29:01). After a quick check-in on the Fantasy Album Draft (42:53), they do a "yay or nay" on whether Feels is Animal Collective's best album (46:36). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about Berlin ambient artist Ben Bondy and Steven goes with Chicago indie legend Sam Prekop (50:44). New episodes of Indiecast drop every Friday. Listen to Episode 263 here and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can submit questions for Steve and Ian at indiecastmailbag@gmail.com, and make sure to follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for all the latest news. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Geese's Amazing Live Show + Tame Impala's Weak New Album 24.10.2025 55min

Steven and Ian open with a quick conversation about online comment sections and how websites are trying to monetize the opinions of online lunatics (1:00). Then they pivot to a Cinema-cast about the new Springsteen biopic, Deliver Me From Nowhere (6:30), and the recent documentary Mr. Scorsese (14:11). They also check in on the Fantasy Albums Draft, where Steven finally does a re-draft (19:16). From there, they discuss Steven's recent experience seeing Geese on tour, and why they are the most exciting young indie band going (24:55). They also review the new Tame Impala record Deadbeat, which is getting killed by critics (32:44). Finally, they do a "yay or nay" segment on the British buzz band Bar Italia (46:35). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about the post-punk band Just Mustard and talks about the Indianapolis jangle-pop group Good Flying Birds (51:06). New episodes of Indiecast drop every Friday. Listen to Episode 262 here and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can submit questions for Steve and Ian at indiecastmailbag@gmail.com, and make sure to follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for all the latest news. We also recently launched a visualizer for our favorite Indiecast moments. Check those out here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.