Hey there, indie music lovers! James here, and I’m thrilled to bring you a special end-of-year feature as we close out 2024. As you might know, I’m all about authenticity, no nepotism, no popularity contests, just my genuine, raw feelings about the music that has touched me. This year, I dove deep into the indie scene, reviewing over 500 songs, but today, I’m sharing with you 24 songs that resonated with me, at that perfect moment. These 24 tracks earn my very own Golden Duck award. It was a tough choice, and I know some of my friends might feel a bit left out, but this is all about what spoke to my soul. So, let’s dive into this musical journey together!
The Golden Duck Award – My Top 24 Indie Songs of 2024 (In a random order)
Bicycle Day – Ugggy
This song takes you on a journey through your own mind, a psychedelic adventure that’s both introspective and expansive. It’s a track that encapsulates the essence of indie exploration.
Tank – WZRD Gundlach, DOC, Lowkea, Spark Da Philly
Tank was one of the most requested songs on our streams, but that’s not the only reason I love it. It’s the beat from one of my favorite producers, bringing together a community to create something truly special. It’s a celebration of unity in music.
WZRD Gundlach
DOC Did It
Lowkea
Spark Da Philly
Asylum Muzik – O. Smith
Asylum Muzik has this raw energy that’s hard to ignore. It’s gritty, real, and speaks volumes about the struggles we face, wrapped in a sound that’s both haunting and beautiful.
Hellraiser – Madi Jade
Madi Jade’s vocal make me feel things, I do not feel. Im not an awkward young person looking for love, Im a weird guy that has the confidence of being closer to the end than the beginning… except when I hit play on Hellraiser.
Guilt Trip – Robert Bungalow, KARMAAA
A compelling narrative of guilt and redemption, this track by Robert Bungalow and KARMAA hits hard with its lyrical depth and atmospheric soundscape.
Robert Bungalow
KARMAAA
Rebellion – Above The Snow Line
Rebellion is a call to arms for the spirit, a song that ignites the fire of resistance in anyone who listens, making you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
If I Go Away… – Knowitall, Barto100When
If I ever have to go against insurmountable odds, this is the song I want playing. Knowitall from the opening, makes you feel powerful, and if you aren’t in god mode by the end, this fight was already over. Run it back for round 2. No beat, your opponent is the drum.
Knowitall
Barto100
I Can’t Help – SpDoubleOG
The first time I heard this track, it brought tears to my eyes. There’s an indescribable beauty in “I Can’t Help…” that fills the soul, making me a huge fan of SP.
Runaway Brain – Light and Shade
A track that captures the chaotic beauty of mental landscapes, “Runaway Brain” by Light and Shade is a journey through the highs and lows of the mind.
Tomorrow Today – Loop City Slums
As I was getting to know LoopCitySlums, this video hit me like a ton of bricks, moving me to tears with its raw honesty and emotional depth.
Reticent – bigbaldben
I think this one will come as a surprise. I mean, obviously I love a ton of bigbaldbenmusic songs, but who knew, it would be “Reticent” as my favorite? It has all the things my heart needs though, and a blazing guitar solo from his son… awwwwww!!!
The River Flows – X Techno
The last song from my friend Yuki Sayanora. I always loved Yuki’s music. There are songs I like more, but none moved me like this one.
Celebrate – Forest Blue
I listened to Forest Blue for months before he started coming to the streams, so he missed out on how much I love this song. Celebrate was featured on many of the earlier episodes, and is still featured in my home!.
Laugh With Me – Charles Connolly
Picking one song by Charles Connolly is a task I dont want to take on again. Nah, there are worse problems than listening to a bunch of bangers over and over again. Check out “Laugh With Me”, enjoy the musical journey:)
Matador – Western Jaguar
Matador was a tough choice over other tracks like Repossess and Victim, but it hits all the right notes for me. It’s a song that resonates with passion and intensity, capturing the essence of indie rock with a personal touch. Listen here.
Please – Cheyanne Summer
Just sitting there one day, feeling those doldrums. And then this comes on. It’s a sad and desperate tale, that rips my heart out every time Cheyanne sings Please. Such a beautiful song
I Love – Fat Betty
This song is an exploration of love in its rawest form, with a sound that’s both tender and bold. It’s a track that speaks to the universal experience of love, with a unique indie twist.
Wolf – Hubris Music
Wolf is fierce and primal, embodying the spirit of the wild with its powerful instrumentation and evocative lyrics. It’s a song that reminds us of our inner strength and resilience.
Close the Coffin – Megg Jacobs
This song is best played loud, while you are angry. If this song is behind ya, youre already dead! Megg Jacobs unleashes those melodic vocals, so when she screams ya know ya deserved it!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Anti-Hero – ChillKid
I feel like I have mentioned ChillKids song Anti-hero a ton lately, but if you remember the bird massacre, you should know this song got me through it. My flock is my family, and no matter how you view it, this song is about protecting that which you love.
Anxious Lullaby – Sugar Ransom
Anxious Lullaby encapsulates the struggle with anxiety in a beautifully packaged song. It’s a track that I woke up to for a month, and it’s about finding peace within the chaos of one’s mind. Listen and sing along here.
Sysiphus – The Bedlam Furnaces
I don’t know The Bedlam Furnaces personality, but if their music is a reflection of their soul, holy shit. This song and Worlds Apart both took me by surprise, and I look forward to hearing more ART from this project.
Enemy – Father Of Peace
This song gets me going every time. So much energy in their sound, when they arent singing, the music is just so alive. I cant listen to this song just once, this banger is by Father of Peace
I Pull Up – InsomniWuka
If you fly with me, you shoulda seen this one coming. I created a whole new show because of this project. Onwuka and INSMNC are InsomniWuka, and featuring lowkea. It’s “I Pull Up”, the track I want in my personal fight scene. Pure energy, LFG!
Conclusion
So there you have it, my top 24 indie songs of 2024, each one a Golden Duck award winner. These tracks have not only defined my year but have also provided a soundtrack to my life’s ups and downs. I encourage you all to listen, share, and let these songs resonate with you as they did with me. Remember, music is personal, and these selections are my genuine, heartfelt picks. Let’s keep supporting indie artists and discovering the music that speaks to our souls. Until next time, keep making art, and LFG!!!!!
