Our Independent 2024 Wrapped
Hello Independent Readers! 2024 has been a big year for us all, and it’s no different for us here at the Independent. Although our content normally focuses on movies, our staff has been working hard to expand our coverage to art all across the independent space, regardless of medium. In the spirit of the annual Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay, we’ve decided to share some of our favorite tracks that we think embody the independent space and are worth checking out.
Staff Editor Francisco Viana’s pick: “Doctor Whomst” by Origami Angel
I was introduced to Origami Angel through their semi-viral song “The Title Track,” and they quickly rose the ranks to be the top artist on my Wrapped– and one of my favorite artists overall. “Doctor Whomst” is a perfect example of what makes this band so amazing, with impeccable rock-fusion rhythms, fresh and nerdy lyrics, and open and honest themes of optimism in the face of despair.
Staff Writer Nate Ruttenbergs’ pick: “Sadness As A Gift” by Adrienne Lenker
I became interested in Lenker’s music after a friend introduced me to her band, Big Thief. While I am a big fan of the band, Lenker’s solo work has always spoken to me on a more personal level. The release of her album “Bright Future” earlier this year, along with the fact that I was able to see her in concert last month, made Lenker the artist of the year for me.
Head Copyeditor Sophie Hartsteins’s pick: “Anika” by massie99
I found massie99 the way I find most of my music, through the “Discover Weekly” feature on Spotify. I was immediately entranced by this song, and it ended up being my #2 song on wrapped! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to support small female punk bands!
Editor-In-Chief Hannah Hughes’s pick: “Outta Here” by Peach Pit
2024 was a big year for the Canadian band Peach Pit, who released their newest album “Magpie” in late October. After seeing the band in concert a few years ago, and being an avid follower of their music, I can say that “Magpie” still upholds their unique sound, with whining guitar, gentle vocals and meaningful lyrics. “Outta Here” just happens to be one of my favorites!
Staff Writer & Editor Hannah Brueske’s pick: “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell
Though definitely not a new artist, 2024 was a big year for 81 year old folk singer Joni Mitchell. Mitchell rose to fame in the early ’70s due to her unique musical voice and performance style, combined with her raw poetic lyricism, which was informed by the heartbreaks and triumphs of her life. Mitchell’s life has been far from easy, she’s had to learn to walk three times in her life — once as a toddler, then as a post-polio-struck 9 year old and once more after a nearly deadly brain aneurysm in 2015 — still, Mitchell’s hopeful spirit prevailed. She’s long been an activist, using her music as a tool to advocate for anti-war causes and environmental issues amongst others. Mitchell’s music returned to Spotify in March, after she took it off of the platform in 2022 to protest Spotify’s deal with Joe Rogan and his podcast. This February she performed “Both Sides Now” at the 66th Grammy Awards, her first ever performance at the ceremony and one of very few performances since her aneurysm.
In the song she sings:
“Well, something’s lost, but something’s gained
In living every day
I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life at all”