1. >> cultural scenes
  2. >> music genres
  3. >> alt/indie


Alternative & Indie Music in Atlanta

 

About the Atlanta Alternative & Indie Scene

Atlanta’s alternative and indie music scene has long thrived on originality, experimentation, and a DIY spirit. From gritty venues in East Atlanta to eclectic lineups at local festivals, the city offers a steady stream of independent bands, touring acts, and underground showcases. Whether you're into post-punk, dream pop, garage rock, or genre-defying hybrids, Atlanta’s stages and backrooms are constantly spotlighting new voices. Use this guide to explore upcoming concerts, discover homegrown talent, and dive deeper into one of Atlanta’s most vibrant music communities.

Critic’s Picks for Upcoming Shows

See our list of all concert picks or the full list of CL critic's recommendations

Dear Silas

07/17/2025 9:00 PM
Aisle 5

CRITIC’S PICK:
Thurs., July 17
Dear Silas, Cam the Artisan, Kennedy Ryon, Aisle 5 — Singer,...

Upcoming Alternative & Indie Concerts

See the full concert and live music listings on our Alterrnative Music Events Calendar

FRND CRCL Album Release with Cheer Up Dusty / P...

07/09/2025 8:00 PM
Smith's Olde Bar
Event Description


One of South Jersey’s notable pop punk bands, FRND CRCL are coined "key players in the new wave of pop punk on the s...

Gus Glasser

07/11/2025 8:00 PM
Aisle 5
Gus Glasser

Jombi with support from Shake Awake, Superjaw, ...

07/16/2025 8:00 PM
Smith's Olde Bar
Event Description


Formed at the beginning of the post-pandemic social boom, Memphis psychedelic rock outfit Jombi are students of musi...

Dear Silas

07/17/2025 9:00 PM
Aisle 5

CRITIC’S PICK:
Thurs., July 17
Dear Silas, Cam the Artisan, Kennedy Ryon, Aisle 5 — Singer,...

Michael Seyer

07/31/2025 8:00 PM
Aisle 5
Michael Seyer

Erin Kinsey

08/09/2025 8:00 PM
Aisle 5
Erin Kinsey

Alternative & Indie Bands from Atlanta

For the full Atlanta directory, see the band and musician directory.

15,000 Guns

welcome to the 8th layer of hell

4th Ward Afro-Klezmer Orchestra

Cornet player Roger Ruzow leads the eight-piece jazz ensemble 4th Ward Afro-Klezmer Orchestra through performances of original compositions and arrang...

After Care

Bio Formed in the summer of 2016, After Care leave their listeners in a dreamlike daze with their unique blend of shoegaze, dream pop and punk. Thro...

Alex Hassell

Atlanta, GA based session musician, singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Graduated from Georgia State University School of Music w...

Alli Cat

No description provided

Anna Field

Anna field is an emerging songstress with a knack for combining alternative pop with electronic influences, Her signature style is driven by a mix of ...

Aphantasia

Local Atlanta band making dreamy music

ARI Collective

Ari Collective is a performing group and artist-focused record label based in Atlanta, Georgia, founded by guitarist and songwriter Joel Hoffman. Orig...

Atria

Atria is a four piece indie rock band with infusions of experimental and psychedelic rock. SaVana Cameron started Atria as a solo project in 2012. Upo...

Bank on Famous

2023 has been our best year so far! From playing our first shows to recording our upcoming EP, we're so excited for what '24 has in store. We'll see y...

Benjamin Dean

Veda, the debut album from Benjamin Dean, derives its title from the Turkish word for farewell. Ben spent a large portion fo his life in the European ...

Blis

Blis.

Aaron Gossett - vocals/guitar
Luke Jones - guitar
Nick Beaty - bass
Jimi Ingman - drums

Few groups creating indie rock in the post-emo context...

Blood on the Harp

Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Blood On the Harp bills themselves as simply Songs about Death. This macabre musical outfit creates a sound that harkens to ...

Brandon Sanders

No description provided

Broke

No description provided

Bummer Hill

Based-Atlanta DIY Emo RockPre-order a "Far Removed" Cassette here:

linktr.ee/bummerhill

Venues Known for Alternative & Indie Music

For our full music venue directory see our list of music venues

529 Bar

In the central East Atlanta spot formerly occupied by retro soul bar the Village, you'll find 529 — a tiny, smoky space that oozes cool. Despite being...

Drunken Unicorn

The literally underground club features plenty of figuratively underground punk, electro, and hip-hop acts. Although connected to MJQ Concourse, it ha...

Eyedrum Art and Music Gallery

UPDATE: The location is Permanently Closed; the Eyedrum organization is still active. - Since its inception in 1998, Eyedrum has been a diverse venue ...

Smith's Olde Bar

Floor to ceiling renovations! With live music from the likes of Zack Brown, Butch Walker, Blackberry Smoke, and John Mayer plus past performances from...

The Earl

East Atlanta staple for local and up-and-coming rock bands, as well as nationally established indie acts, and grub for the hipster-PBR set.

The Loft

One of three music venues at the Center Stage Theater. The Loft is located on the second floor. It offers full bar service and a view of the Midtown s...

The Masquerade

Tucked away in the Kenny's Alley section of Underground Atlanta, the Masquerade is Downtown Atlanta’s most revered music venue. Over the last 30 years...

Vinyl

One of three music venues that make up Center Stage Theater that opened in 2003. Offers an intimate setting with 300 capacity and billiards.

CL Alt & Indie Features

G. LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE: Ten questions, more or less, with Garrett Dutton

02/05/2024 9:57 AM
Genre-blending artist to perform two shows in Atlanta

UPCHUCK: Escape by any means

11/05/2021 12:11 PM
Unless ‘Hamilton’ is more your thing

Red Hot Chili Peppers to play Atlanta

10/07/2021 11:03 AM
Their 2022 global stadium tour brings RHCP to Truist Park; early tickets buy on sale Oct. 8, 'general public' tix available Oct. 15

NEW ATLANTA MUSIC: Wieuca release 'Llycra'

09/24/2021 10:00 AM
Local foursome release precurser to upcoming LP set for October

NEW ATLANTA MUSIC: 'Inside' released by Cement Scabies

09/07/2021 4:24 PM
Kendall Keeling's latest project with Laurie Segars Morrison

NEW ATLANTA MUSIC: Rare Birds release 'Wire' today

10/23/2020 3:01 PM
Video created and animated by Brazilian artist Alexandre Barcelos

Explore More Atlanta Music Genres

See our list of all atlanta music genres for the comprehensive list of our coverage. Here's some links for other genres you might like to check out.

Alternative Indie Music Atlanta

Explore Atlanta’s alternative and indie music scene—from underground shows to genre-bending local bands, this guide highlights the venues, artists, an...

Americana Folk Music Atlanta

Explore artist profiles, upcoming shows, venues, and features covering Atlanta’s Americana and folk music scene.

Blues Music In Atlanta

Discover where to hear live blues, find local and touring acts, and explore articles and reviews tied to Atlanta’s blues culture.

Best Classical Music In Atlanta

Get listings for upcoming classical performances, artist spotlights, and venue recommendations for symphonies, quartets, and more.

Country Music Atlanta

See which artists are performing, learn about country-friendly venues, and explore CL’s coverage of Atlanta’s country scene.

Edm And Electronic Music In Atlanta

Check out the DJs, venues, and festivals fueling Atlanta’s electronic music landscape, with updated show listings and previews.

Gospel Music Atlanta

Browse upcoming performances, local gospel talent, and features highlighting the spiritual and musical roots of gospel in Atlanta.

Content:_:An Atlanta Hip-Hop Cipher

Explore key hip-hop venues, artist bios, concert picks, and critic coverage of Atlanta’s most defining music genre.

Jazz Music Atlanta

See what’s on stage at local jazz clubs, browse artist features, and catch our critic’s picks for upcoming jazz events.

Metal Music Atlanta

Get the latest on Atlanta’s metal shows, featured artists, and the venues known for hosting heavy and underground acts.

Punk Scene In Atlanta

Find out where punk is alive in Atlanta, with concert picks, band spotlights, and articles covering the city’s DIY punk community.



Bands
Bars & Clubs
Concerts

Live Music
Stories
Festivals