Top 7 NYC Indie Music Blogs

There’s something undeniably magical about stumbling upon a new artist whose music moves you—someone whose voice, lyrics, or sound feels like it was made just for you. In a city as expansive and bustling as New York, that magic is everywhere, waiting to be discovered.

Luckily, NYC is also home to some incredible music bloggers who keep us up-to-date on the hottest new acts, concert reviews, and industry news. Whether you're into indie rock, underground hip-hop, or anything in between, these five NYC-based indie music bloggers are the ones to follow for fresh insights and exciting new music.

NYCTaper

NYCTaper is a unique, non-commercial, and non-profit platform dedicated to capturing the magic of live performances in the New York City area. With the permission of artists, NYCTaper records these performances and makes them available to fans, ensuring that these unforgettable moments can be revisited in pristine, lossless CD-quality formats. Unlike typical blogs or fan sites, NYCTaper is managed by a professional live recording engineer, who personally records the concerts and offers the recordings for free download or, if you're feeling generous, you can pay any amount you wish.

Committed to supporting the artists, all funds collected from digital album purchases on NYCTaper’s Bandcamp page are transferred to the artists, minus the necessary fees. This model of artist-first and technical precision makes NYCTaper a pioneering platform in the world of live music. More than just a music blog, NYCTaper is a living archive where fans can access high-quality recordings and feel connected to the vibrant live music scene in New York.

Mad Indie Media

Started in New Jersey in 2020, Mad Indie Media is more than just a collective—it's a movement, driven by an unwavering passion for independent music and the artists who pour their hearts into every song. This platform was built to champion the voices often overlooked, the unsigned talents and DIY creators who are carving their own path in an industry dominated by the mainstream. With a deep love for underground music, Mad Indie Media has become a sanctuary for those who live and breathe indie rock, punk, and the countless sub-genres that fuel the underground scene.

One of the most special aspects of Mad Indie Media is its carefully curated monthly playlists, designed to showcase new music. Whether it’s the raw, unapologetic energy of The Grunge Garage, catering to lovers of punk, metal, and doom, or the soulful, introspective vibe of The Indie Attic with its mix of indie, folk, pop, and hip-hop, these playlists are crafted to connect listeners with artists who may otherwise go unnoticed. They’re a lifeline for emerging talents and a gateway for fans eager to discover music that speaks to the soul.

Mad Indie Media is more than just a blog—it’s a home for a community of creators and music lovers who believe in the power of diversity, inclusion, and the transformative energy of independent music. With a fierce commitment to uplifting those who dare to be different, Mad Indie Media has become a beacon for anyone seeking to be part of the next wave of underground sound. It’s a space where creativity thrives, where passion meets purpose, and where the future of music is being shaped, one track at a time.

Power Popaholic

If melodic rock with catchy guitar riffs and soul-stirring vocal harmonies lights up your world, then Power Popaholic is your ultimate destination. This blog is more than just a space for music lovers—it’s a vibrant celebration of everything power pop stands for, offering true enthusiasts everything they crave. From in-depth album reviews to live show coverage, exclusive interviews, and even MP3 downloads, Power Popaholic is your gateway to discovering the freshest sounds in the power pop universe.

Over the years Power Popaholic has become a cornerstone of the power pop community. Its influence stretches far, recognized by major publications like John Borack’s "Shake Some Action: The Ultimate Power Pop Guide" Big Stir Magazine, and even The Christian Science Monitor and The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. This widespread recognition is a testament to the blog’s unwavering dedication and the trust it has earned from fans and artists alike.

But what truly sets Power Popaholic apart is its heart—the passion that flows through every review, every article, every connection it helps create between fans and the artists who craft the music we love. It’s more than a blog; it’s a community that brings together the latest releases, hidden gems, and electrifying live performances, shining a light on the very best of melodic rock. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the genre, Power Popaholic offers a welcoming space to dive deep into the music that moves you.

In short, if you’re looking for a place that fuels your love for power pop with expert reviews, lively discussions, and exclusive content, Power Popaholic is a must-visit. It’s the perfect blend of passion, knowledge, and celebration—an essential stop for anyone who cherishes the irresistible energy of power pop.

Post-Trash

Post-Trash stands as a bastion of truly independent music reviews, with a focus on punk and its many evolving forms. What began as a humble blog has grown into one of the music industry’s most respected platforms for discovering independent artists. Known for its honest reviews and authentic contributions from writers across the globe, Post-Trash has become a go-to source for those who crave genuine, unfiltered takes on the music scene. Their dedication to independent music shines through in every post, providing a space where emerging artists can be celebrated and heard.

Each week, Post-Trash shares its favorite releases in the form of albums, singles, and music videos, while also featuring a "further listening" section that highlights new and notable tracks. This consistent and thoughtful curation allows readers to stay up-to-date with the latest in the underground music world, offering a platform for discovery that goes beyond the mainstream.

With a guiding belief that "music should be weird," Post-Trash embraces the experimental and the unconventional. It is a place where music fans can discover something new, free from industry bias, and where the heart of punk and independent music continues to beat strong.

Stereogum

Stereogum is more than just a daily music publication—it’s a pulse on the ever-changing world of music, a space where passion for the art form meets thoughtful commentary, reviews, and news. Founded in January 2002 by Scott Lapatine, Stereogum has grown into a beloved hub for music lovers seeking both depth and discovery. What started as one of the first MP3 blogs has now become a trusted source for insight and celebration across genres, providing fans with a place to connect and share their love for music.

Over the years, Stereogum has hosted performances from the likes of Mitski, St. Vincent, and Japanese Breakfast, becoming a platform for artists at pivotal moments in their careers. Even notable musicians like Rivers Cuomo and Father John Misty have joined in on Stereogum’s lively discussions, creating a community that extends far beyond the articles.

In a triumphant return to its independent roots, Stereogum became independently owned again in 2020 when Scott Lapatine repurchased the site from the Hollywood Reporter-Billboard Media Group. This moment marked a renewal of the site’s original spirit, bringing it back to the hands of the people who believe in its mission the most. With its rich history, influential presence, and unshakeable connection to the music community, Stereogum continues to be a space where music is celebrated, challenged, and embraced by those who live for it.

The Deli

Once a beloved print magazine, The Deli is now a thriving music blog focused on showcasing emerging local bands in cities like New York and Chicago. Originally launched in 2004 by Paolo De Gregorio, The Deli grew out of an earlier local fanzine founded by Charles Newman, a music producer and studio owner in New York City. Although its print publication ceased in 2019, The Deli continues to thrive online, driven by its commitment to highlighting independent artists across various scenes, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. With Jason Lee and Jason Behrends at the helm, The Deli remains a cornerstone for discovering new talent in the indie music world.

Since 2005, The Deli has been more than just a blog. It has featured daily updates with music reviews, polls, charts, and live event listings, making it a go-to resource for music fans looking to stay connected with the local scene. Known for its creative touches—like using quirky food icons to represent different music genres—The Deli brings a unique flavor to music journalism. Additionally, it has made its mark with live events like The Deli's Best of NYC Fest, which showcases the city's top emerging acts and is preceded by its yearly Best of NYC Poll, judged by an expert panel of New York's booking agents, bloggers, and influencers.

Through its blend of dedicated coverage and creative presentation, The Deli continues to be a vital force for independent music, offering a platform for new artists to be heard and celebrated. Despite the changing media landscape, its mission to support emerging musicians remains as strong as ever.

We All Want Someone To Shout For

Founded by Will Oliver in the summer of 2008,We All Want Someone To Shout For  is a New York-based music blog that has grown from humble beginnings to become a respected voice in the city's vibrant music scene. Initially created as a platform for Oliver to share his favorite tracks with friends, the blog has since evolved into a fully-fledged website offering a mix of new music discovery, concert reviews, and exclusive interviews with artists. With a passion for music and writing, Oliver has transformed the site into a go-to source for anyone looking to stay updated on New York's live music scene, covering everything from underground acts to major performances.

In January 2020, We All Want Someone To Shout For expanded its content by merging with Monday Morning Matinee, a film-focused blog. This partnership added movie reviews and industry news to the site's offerings, broadening its scope beyond music so visitors could enjoy a mix of both music and film content.

A notable feature of the blog is its dedication to live music coverage. Oliver regularly attends and reviews concerts throughout New York City, providing readers with firsthand accounts of both large-scale events and smaller, intimate performances. The site’s extensive festival coverage, along with its role in co-hosting live concerts, solidifies its standing as a media presence within the local music community.

Conclusion

These bloggers remind us that music is about more than just the next big hit—it’s about the artists who pour their souls into every note, the fans who champion their favorite sounds, and the community that forms in the spaces between. They are a beacon for those of us who seek more than the mainstream, guiding us toward the sounds that stir our souls and challenge our minds.

In a city that never sleeps, the music never stops—and thanks to these incredible bloggers, we’ll always have a front-row seat to the magic. Keep these blogs on your radar, and enjoy a more enriched musical experience!