CTRL+ALT+REPEAT 2025: Best Indie Songs
We’re kicking off OTR’s annual music recap with an homage to the music industry’s favorite contentious genre classification: indie songs.
Your Next Listen, Based on Your Favorite Movies
For all you cinephiles, the Off the Record staff has compiled a list of albums we’re recommending based on your favorite movies.
Press Play on the Essential Fall Soundtrack
Looking for the perfect soundtrack to autumn? Here’s a mix of classic and niche albums that define fall listening.
Fancy Some Medieval Fantasy?
Wouldst thou lend thine ear to my curated selection of melodies?
Real or Fake?: The Fascinating Origins of Amazon’s Newest TV Indie Rock Band
Spoiler alert: the band is real, and they’re hitting the road this fall.
Your Favorite Artist Has a Side Piece
Peel back the many creative layers behind some of your favorite artists with this playlist featuring side projects, supergroups, and early bands.
Off The Record, Across The World
Travel the world—no visa required—with this playlist of tracks from beyond the United States.
Covers That Are Better Than The Original
From Harry Styles to the Glee Cast and everything in between, the Off The Record Press staff weighed in on the covers we believe surpass the original.
How Can We Even Find 2025’s “Song of the Summer?”
It seems as though every day users online are questioning where 2025’s “song of the summer” is. Here’s why.
The Soundtracks of Summers Past
Warning: this playlist may elicit strong feelings of nostalgia, a craving for the scent of sunscreen, and the urge to lay by the pool.
Albums to Keep on Your Radar the Rest of 2025
Mark your calendars for some sure-to-please albums dropping as we head into the second half of the year.
Dive Deep, Float Free
If you need a break from summer fun, dive into your thoughts and let the current of this atmospheric playlist sweep you away.
The Best Albums of 2025, So Far
Reaching the halfway point of the year, here are the standouts from January to June.
Lollapalooza 2025 is having an indie-alt takeover
Lollapalooza presents a mixed bag of indie alt acts among their otherwise mainstream lineup.
Skip the Flight This Summer and Check Out These Local-ish Music Festivals
While some fans are willing to pay the price to witness the trendiest stars at the most iconic festivals, attending smaller, more local music events can not only spare your wallet the pain, but also introduce you to your new favorite acts. Photo by Nico Beauchamp.
Austin Acts You Should Be Paying Attention To
As a city busting out of the seams with music, it’s no secret that Austin has produced some incredible acts over the years. Read here to add a few to your rotation this spring.
The “Stranger Things” Stars are Back Behind the Mic
You might be able to find Stranger Things cast members Maya Hawke, Joe Keery, and Finn Wolfhard in one of your Spotify playlists. When not on set, the actors are in the studio as musicians, and some of the most brilliant at that.
Ain’t I a Woman
Join us as we celebrate Black women with this star-studded playlist featuring Santigold, Orion Sun, and more.
Spring Is Here With A Strawberry In The Mouth
It’s the first day of spring, and we’re stepping into the new season with a playlist that reminds us of budding flowers, brighter evenings, and what’s to come.
A 2025 Indie Girl Spring is in Bloom
This spring, the forecast appears to be an outpouring of exceptional female-led indie releases.
Graphic by Parker Hurkman.
The Queens of San Fernando Valley
The Haim sisters need no introduction. With roots in the San Fernando Valley of California, Este, Alana, and Danielle make up the rock ‘n roll trio that has taken over the city’s hearts.
Three Incredible Artists with Roots in Oregon
Over the years, Oregon has become a more popular spot to move to and settle. But, there’s a handful of artists that had their roots there far before it was ever “trendy” to choose Oregon over another state.
The Perfect Indie Rom-Com Soundtrack
Songs to soundtrack your real-life indie rom-com moments.