Indiecast

Episódios

• 
  RIP Brooklyn Vegan (And Online Music Media), Plus: We Answer Listener Emails (Finally!) 07.08.2026 57min

  Steven and Ian open with a conversation about Brooklyn Vegan, the long-running music site that faced heavy layoffs this week, and what that says about the rapidly evolving state of online media (:50). Then they talk about the week's new releases, including albums by Ceremony, Citizen, and the Mountain Goats. (24:45). Then they (finally) open up the mailbag, and discuss listener questions about musical revisionism, yay or nay (33:43) and whether it's a good idea to check the setlist online before a show (46:48). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Now It's Overhead and Steven recommends Kiwi Jr. (53:10). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  Our Backlash Against The "Reality Awaits" Backlash 31.07.2026 56min

  After a Sportscast about LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers and speculation about his taste in Philly indie rock (:40) and a quick discussion about old clips of The B-52's going viral this week (6:53), Steven and Ian pay tribute to the late Glen Hansard and Kavinsky, two very different musicians who passed away this week but who made their mark on the indie world in similar ways (9:39). After that, they discuss two high-profile albums they finally got to hear this week: Charli XCX's “Music, Fashion, Film” (20:59) and The Strokes' “Reality Awaits” (31:05). Then they talk about new releases by Arca and Shearwater, among other acts (45:43). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Aeiou and Steven recommends Frank Hurricane (50:50). 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 The Strokes, Charli XCX and ... Pat McAfee? 24.07.2026 53min

  Steven and Ian open with a conversation about a new Jimothy, one of the most lasting characters in the Indiecast universe (1:01). After that, they talk about a possible "worst album of the year" candidate from ESPN personality Pat McAfee (7:47) and some gross happenings occurring at Noah Kahan shows (17:33). Then they discuss new releases from The Strokes, Charli XCX, Pete Yorn, and others (27:22). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Citrus Jr. and Steven recommends Miles Hewitt (49:12). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  Assessing the Legacies of Beck and Jack White 17.07.2026 1h

  Steven and Ian start by talking about great Canadian bands (0:36) and Steve's road trip this week to see Rush and The Strokes (not together) (4:11). Then they discuss the new Beck album announcement and revisit his overall work and where his legacy currently stands (13:24), followed by a similar conversation about Jack White and his new LP (31:12). Then they update the Fantasy Albums Draft (40:58) and discuss the week's new releases (42:27). In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends Snag and Steven recommends Twisted Teens (54:40). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  Is Nirosta Steel The "Underdog" Indie Phenom Of 2026? Plus: The Fantasy Albums Draft for Q3 10.07.2026 1h 2min

  The guys begin with Steven questioning Ian over whether his Belgian wife is to blame for the U.S. losing the World Cup match to Belgium, the most controversial Sportscast yet (1:06). Then they discuss the buzzed-about album "My Skyscraper" by Nirosta Steel, an unlikely critical hit by a 69-year-old former collaborator of the late, great Arthur Russell (11:36). After they talk about the week's new releases, including albums by Jack White and Panda Bear & Sonic Boom (32:55), followed by the latest Fantasy Albums Draft (41:34), featuring upcoming releases from Phoebe Bridgers, Gilla Band, L'Rain, Empress Of, and Julia Jacklin (41:34). In Recommendation Corner, Ian talks about Proun and Steven talks about Tracey Nelson (58:50). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  The Best American Indie Bands Of All Time 03.07.2026 57min

  After a quick Sportscast about a big recent trade affecting Ian's favorite NBA team, Steven and Ian settle in to talk about America's 250th birthday — or the lack of talk about America's 250th birthday. Then they get some festivities going of their own with a conversation about the best American indie bands, focusing on four categories — the best of the 20th century, the best of the 21st century, the best of the last 10 years, and the best to never sign to a major label. In Recommendation Corner, Ian recommends The Ritornello Form and Steven goes for SML. 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 Phoebe Bridgers + This Is Lorelei, Plus: An Old Deftones Album Leaks and The Most "Relevant" Music Critic Ever Is ... 26.06.2026 1h 1min

  The conversation begins with speculation about the leak of the historic "lost" Deftones album "Eros" (1:27), as well as a brief Sportscast on Giannis leaving Steve's one-time home of Milwaukee (7:17). After a quick Fantasy Album Draft update (16:37), the guys talk about new album announcements from Phoebe Bridgers and This Is Lorelei and how they feel about their respective prospects this year (19:22). Then they look at the week's new releases, including albums (33:40) before reviewing an online controversy this week involving Anthony Fantano (39:49). Finally, in Recommendation Corner Ian recommends the latest from Chanel Beads and Steven recommends the English band Swim Deep (56:08). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  Our Favorite Albums of 2016 19.06.2026 1h 11min

  After a brief tangent on Steve's experience this week recording an audiobook and a review of the week's scant slate of new releases, the guys get into a deep conversation about the music of 2016, a fascinating year of transition in a tumultuous time. Steven and Ian talk about the year, what it meant for the future, and share their top five albums lists. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  Our Favorite Albums Of 2026 So Far 12.06.2026 1h 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 1h 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 1h

  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 1h

  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 1h 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 1h 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 1h 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.