"Get ready for a life changer"

I logged onto my facebook the other day to find a message from a friend saying, "Let me know when your ready for another life changer" This coming from the man who introduced me to the greater half of all my favorite Indie bands I knew I was in for a treat.

Here they are not for the first time... Local Natives

Who Knows, Who Cares

11:11

All I Hear is your Echo

The now defunked Voxhaul Broadcast was a Silver Lake, Los Angeles based indie rock band formed in 2006. Here is a selection for you to enjoy.

Leaving on the 5th

If I Run

Echo

Evil Friends

High light tracks from Portugal the Man's new album Evil Friends

Modern Jesus

Sea of Air

Pay it Forward

Wonderful (The Way I Feel)

Introducing Southern California's Best Indie Rock Band

Hailing from Irvine, California; Young The Giant introduced themselves to the world in 2011 with their self titled studio debut. With a constant explosion of indie artist they have gone rather unknown. After the first track ended I knew I was in love. The lead vocals harmonize flawlessly with the instrumental. Quick rhythmic drums keep your attention, and a faint baseline satisfies. It's now your turn to decide... Album of the Year?

Young The Giant  

Hello my Old Heart

Hello my Old Heart

A beautiful song by the Oh Hellos

Saint Motel honors Benny Goodman

Benny Goodman

This is Rock band Saint Motel's song Benny Goodman

Benny Goodman

Midwest Skies

Explosions in the Sky is an American post-rock band from Texas. The band has garnered popularity beyond the post-rock scene for their elaborately developed guitar work, narrative styled instrumentals, what they refer to as "cathartic mini-symphonies," and their enthusiastic and emotional live shows.This is my favorite album by the group.

Lay back relax and enjoy these Explosions in the Sky

Explosions in the Sky

Pandora Profile

Pandora Radio is where I do most of my music discovery. I have done you all a favor and provided the master list of my Pandora Stations and likes. Please follow me on Pandora if you like my stations so I can enjoy yours!

Mike Siegel's Pandora Profile

1,2,3

1,2,3

St Walker

St Walker Young the Giant

+Young The Giant

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No need for your "Swagger"

Why? The Vowels, Pt 2

Evil Eyes

Evil Eyes Playing with Matches

"In a room full of dynamite playing with matches"

The Okavango

Hey readers! If you enjoy my blog then join my new music community titled The Okavango. Here is the link, feel free to share on the Inbox section! Thanks for all the supports, every reader matters.

Come Join Me

In a world so dry of great honest music the Okavango is an oasis.

Junip

Junip is a Swedish band featuring most popular José González. They released Black Refuge EP at the end of 2005. After a five year hiatus, the band released Fields on September 14, 20. Here are a couple of my favorite tracks for you to decide.

Without You

To the Grain

Enjoy and share!

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Billy Cobham Stratus

This is Jazz at its finest. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did

Billy Cobham Stratus 

Mahavishnu Orchestra

The Mahavishnu Orchestra was the name of two jazz-fusion groups led by John McLaughlin, in 1971–1976 and 1984–1987.

Video of the Decade

Pyro done by Kings of Leon

Grand Archives

A sample track from indie rock band Grand Archives

Grand Archives Torn Blue Foam Couch

Bluebird Special

Jacques Bruna aka Bleubird is an American indie rapper from Florida. He has gained much notoriety from working with producer Ben Cooper, Radical Face.

Here is a track I selected to give you an intro

Bleubird Time 4real (produced by Radical Face)

Dont Wake Me Im Sleeping In

Half Moon Run- Call Me in the Afternoon

Imagine Greatness

Hailing from Las Vegas Imagine Dragons are a American rock band exploding into the music scene with all the intangibles to be the great thing. Here is a EP they put out titled The Archive. The album is best summed with the song Selene. Enjoy and share.

Imagine Dragons The Archive EP

Breathe Music into my Soul

Alt_J

Choir of Young Believer

For my sleepyheads

Orchestral Pop for anyone? Check out the song Hollow Talk by Choir of Young Believer. One of Denmark's premier bands.

Choir of Young Believers Hollow Talk

King of Spain?

So I couldnt really find any information on this artist but they are great.

King of Spain

King of Spain

Enjoy King of Spain brought to you by SoundCloud

Vampire Weekends Self Titled Album

Vampire Weekend is an American Indie Rock Band from New York that formed in 2006. They released their first album in 2008, named dirrectly after the band. This instant classic is lined with gems. Some personal favorites would be: Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, M79, and Walcott. The signature tracks include: Oxford Comma, A- Punk, and Kids Dont Stand A Chance

 Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

M79 

Kids Dont Stand A Chance 

 

Vampire Weekend Self Titled 

Gems (playlist)

Enjoy!

Doves- Eleven Miles Out

Imagine Dragons- Salene

My Morning Jacket- Circuital

Cherub- Doses and Mimosas

Black Light Dinner Party- We are Golden

Cub Scouts- Told You So

The Shins- A Comet Appears

Monsters of Folk- Dear God

Pacific Air- Float

1,2,3- Work

A.C. Newman- I'm Not Talking

Vacationer - Good As New

Gorillaz- Tomorrow Comes Today

Band of Horses- Blue Beard

Tanlines- All of Me

Monsters of Folk

Monsters of Folk is an American supergroup, consisting of Jim James from My Morning Jacket, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis from Bright Eyes. Here is the link to one of their feature tracks.

Monsters of Folk Dear God

What a Great Band of Horses

Band of Horses, originally known for a brief period as Horses, is an American rock band formed in 2004 in Seattle.

Band of Horses Blue Beard

Band of Horses On My Way Back Home

Band of Horses Infinite Arms

New Slang Acoustic by James Mercer

James Mercer is the front man for super star Indie group the Shins. Here is Mercer performing solo New Slang the Garden State instant classic. I hope you enjoy the acoustic version as much.

New Slang by James Mercer Acoustic

Band of Horses Mirage Rock

It's your favorite Indie Rock band back with another gem. Mirage Rock is the fourth studio album for the Horses and it hits the spot everytime; like most albums it sells itself. Here's for you to decide.

Band of Horses Mirage Rock

Ex-Chili Peppers

Ataxia is alternative rock group started by guitarist John Frusciante and fellow ex-pepper  Josh Klinghoffer. It is just one of Frusciante many accomplishments. Here is one of my favorite tracks by this group. 

Ataxia The Sides

Be Carefull with this One

Kendrick Lamar is a recording Hip Hop/Rap artist from Compton, CA

He really needs no introduction except this...

Kendrick Lamar Backseat Freestyle

Pinback

I previously introduced you to Pinback with probably their best album produced. So I was hesitant in finding an album I trust my readers will be able to listen to beginning to end. After a few hours of contemplation I was able to find one. Offcell is an EP that Pinback released in the summer 2003. Just like Information Retrieved Offcell is a complete masterpiece. Enjoy.

Pinback Offcell

For my Hip-Hop Heads

AVETALK presents DJ Seanski

This is strictly for my real Hip-Hop heads

Thom Yorke is Music

Thom Yorke more commonly known as the leader, heart and soul of the international super star rock band Radiohead. Yorke simply is not from this planet, he proves time and time again that he is the best to ever walk this planet. It all has culminated recently with the creation of super group Atoms for Peace. Here is Thom at work again with "Packed like Sardines in a Crushed Tin Can".

Radiohead Packt like Sardines in a Crushed Tin Can

Coconut Records

One of my favorite songs coupled with one of the best Brit skate videos. Give these guys the feel good award.

Coconut Records West Coast

Meet Pacific Air

Pacific Air is a project from SoCal brothers Ryan and Taylor Lawhon. (Previously known as KO KO) This is one of their signature tracks titled Float. If you enjoy follow them on SoundCloud at https://soundcloud.com/pacificairmusic. 

Pacific Air Float 

Late Night Snacks

"Late Night Snacks"

(Indie Music)

Late Night Snacks

Can You Explain

"Can you explain why i lay next to you but i still feel alone?
Can you explain why those who promise are those who never make it home?
Can you explain to me why those who i love just come and go?
There is no need to explain I already know...Love, You past 24hrs ago..."

- HeadFake

Dan Reynolds Solo

Dan Reynolds is the lead singer for American Rock group Imagine Dragons. Just as expected Reynolds has great solo work, this track is from a duo he does with his wife titled Egyptian. I hope you enjoy.

Dan Reynolds Egyptian 

Band Horses

Band of Horses, originally known for a brief period as Horses, is an American rock band formed in 2004 in Seattle. Cease To Begin is the second Band Of Horses album they have  released in 2007. This band of horses and their slight country accent complimented by great instrumentals this one is strictly for my sleepy_heads.

Band of Horse Cease to Begin

Who Does it Better

Brandon E Williams

VS

Kanye West ft Lupe Fiasco

Who Does it better over the XX instrumental "The Intro"

The XX

The xx are an English indie band, formed in London Wandsworth in 2005. The group released their debut album, self titled. XX is my go to Brit pop group. You must watch this live performance of them on KEXP radio. Two words describe this... absolutely incredible.

The xx Live Performance KEXP 

Mercer is God

James Mercer is the heart and soul of Indie rock band the Shins. Check out all three of these videos of Mercer doing Mercer.

The Shins Port of Morrow (From the Basement)

The Shins Comet Appears

The Shins Simple Song

Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes are an Indie Folk band that formed in Seattle, Washington. This Emerald City gem has all the credentials as Indie Folks poster child. Rolling drums and twanging guitar are musts in any great folk band and no one does it better than the Foxes. Without a doubt they are my #1. Here is their latest album. As expected they deliver a powerful performance highlighted by the lullaby beautifully titled Winter Hymnal.

Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues

Press "play all" and enjoy

Soundtrack to My Life

Hey guys check this out soundtrack to my life. Check back in everyday for new adds to the playlist. Leave a comment if you enjoy it or a single song.

The Empyrean

Well The Empyrean has been live for 4 days now. I have a total of 523 page views, and I can see people like my posts. Next goal lets get some followers! Followers are what powers the blog, The Empyrean needs you. If you visit and find something you enjoy let me know with a comment or follow me. Be the first to follow! Thanks for your supports.

Our Future is Primitive

Here is the second part of my Indie music playlist. Enjoy

Wake Up Feelin Indie 2

Press "play all" and enjoy

Wake Up Feelin Indie

I felt like everyone was in need of a great Indie music morning time playlist. So with the help of Grooveshark I have put together this one. Its the first of three I will be posting, leave comments with any songs you would like to hear on the next one. (Only comments on blog page will be considered).

I hope this puts the sunshine in your morning.

Indie Music Playlist Part 1

Press "play all" and enjoy

James Mercer is the Shins

James Mercer is the founder, lead singer-songwriter and sole remaining original member of the indie rock group The Shins. Originally name Flake Music in 1997 when Mercer started the group they released a group of singles and one studio album. In 2001 the first songs under the name "The Shins" began, with classic single New Slang featured in the movie Garden State. Mercer is the The Shins, you can feel his passion with ever wavering line. They have perfected the Indie Pop sound and thrown their own feel of folk and sometimes soft rock influences. I have provided a link to one of my favorite albums. I hope you enjoy Mercer and The Shins as much as I do.

The Shins Wincing the Night Away

Press "play all" and enjoy

Passion Pit

Passion Pit is an indie rock band from Cambridge, MA formed in 2007 behind the piano and voice of Michael Angelakos. In 2009 they released their first studio album Manners. From the starting moments to the closing seconds the album is timeless. Absolutely no one can top it. You decide!

Passion Pit Manners

Press "play all" and enjoy

Phil Selway By Some Miracle Video

Might be a contender for the greatest video of all time. Not only is the video great but the song is just a classic from a Radiohead great. Enjoy.

Phil Selway's By Some Miracle Video

Broken Bells

Broken Bells is an american indie rock band started by The Shins James Mercer and the multi talented Brain Burton aka Danger Mouse. Founded in 2009 just a year later they released their self titled debut album. Their rhythmic meledoies and charming vocals have just to the touch to be great. Here is thier debut album. Enjoy.

Broken Bells "Self Title"

Press "play all" and enjoy

The Empyrean

Check out my new Google + community named after my music blog!

Google+ community

Pinback

Pinback is an Indie rock band from San Diego, CA. The band was started in 1998 by Armistead Burwell Smith IV and Rob Crow. Since their exception they have lived the life of a great indie rock band. Unnoticed and unappreciated.  After my first experience with Pinback my life was forever changed. Currently sits at #2 on my favorite bands list behind the GOAT (greatest of all time) Pink Floyd. I have attached a link for you to enjoy. Pinback newest album Information Retrieved, just one of many outstanding works they have produced.

Pinback Information Retrieved

King of New York

Christopher George Latore Wallace <May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997> More commonly known as American rapper and revolutionary hip hop artist Biggie Smalls. He released his debut album Ready to Die under this name in 1994. The newly transformed hip hop king and Don of New York lived a rather short career but revolutionized the way that hip hop/rap music was viewed in America. On March 9, 1997 he was killed in a drive by shooting. Wallace was noted for his smooth dark style and his uncanny ability to tell a story with his unique rhymes and loose flowing lyrics. Internationally missed and regarded as one of the greatest hip/hop artist to ever live. Here is a little playlist I put together to commemorate smalls. RIP Biggie you will always be remembered.  

RIP Biggie Smalls 

Press "play all" and enjoy 

Its all Mathematics

My third smokers Only playlist for ya'll containing some of my favorite underground hip hop tracks. Press "play all" and enjoy.

Smokers Only Part 3

Back to the Basics

Press "Play All" and take it back to the basics

Basics

Album Artwork

Great albums covers are every where but indie music is most famous or their creativity.

Indie Album Artwork

I thought that this website had a great collection and very interactive presentation. Comment and share if you enjoy.

No papers, so we rollin blunts

Here's my newest playlist for my smokers!

Press "play all" and enjoy

For my smokers Part 2

For all my Smokers

"This right here is for all my smokers"

Press "play all" and enjoi

420 Friendly

Doses and Mimosas

Indie Pop Reverb

Cherub might be a quite leader in a ever changing indie pop world. Vibe with me, then leave your opinion.

John Frusciante's Empyrean Album

John Frusciante's Empyrean Album

The Empryean cover is based on the Greek term Empryean which describes the highest area of heaven which is believed to be solely on fire or bathed in intense light.  The cover of the album I believe depicts Frusciantes life, as the indicates his life before his fall into heavy heroine abuse which almost ended in him dying in a house fire whilst intoxicated and is now badly scarred from injection points which caused abscesses along his arms, this collision course is shown by the image below that which is a collage of pictures of him falling dressed as an angel. The bottom being the 'hole' he was stuck in until he reformed; causing a large spiritual shift in Frusciantes logic, and is seemingly on a path of correction and enlightenment towards the castle high above the clouds in the image. The whole piece is a collage of images used to create a landscape of his life.

∆ Alt-J

Hit "play all" and enjoy Alt-J's Awesome Wave album. Noted as one of the best Indie Rock Albums of 2012

Alt-J Awesome Wave Live

Meet Brandon E. Williams

Meet Brandon E. Williams

Static Dial

Static Dial SoundCloud